Virginia journeyman and master electricians renew every 3 years with DPOR, the state licensing agency. Each renewal needs 3 hours of approved continuing education on the current NEC, from a provider on DPOR's approved list. Finish the class before the expiration date on your license, then pay the $160 renewal fee. More than 30 days late, it becomes a $210 reinstatement.
| Quick facts | Virginia electrician renewal |
|---|---|
| Who renews | Journeyman and master electricians (tradesman license, electrical designation) |
| Renewal cycle | Every 3 years, from the last day of the month the license was issued |
| CE hours | 3 hours per renewal, from a DPOR-approved provider. Hold both master and journeyman? One course covers you. |
| CE topic | The current National Electrical Code, including code changes |
| Renewal fee | $160, plus any technology fee (added July 1, 2026) |
| Grace period | 30 days after expiration at the regular fee |
| Reinstatement | $210, available up to 24 months after expiration |
Virginia electrician CE requirements: who takes them
Every journeyman and master electrician licensed by the Virginia Board for Contractors needs CE to renew. The Board is within DPOR, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (18VAC50-30-120).
- Master and journeyman on one license: one 3-hour electrical course.
- More than one trade: 3 hours for each. Electrical plus plumbing means 6 hours.
- Reinstating: the same 3 hours apply.
Need your 3 hours? JCR CE classes are approved by Virginia DPOR. Sit in JCR's Raleigh classroom or join live on Zoom. Each 8-hour class costs $230 and comes with a bonus 8-hour video CE course.
What the 3 hours must cover
Electrical CE must cover the current National Electrical Code, including its changes (18VAC50-30-220 and § 54.1-1133).
The course itself must also be Board-approved, even when the provider is.
Approved providers and online CE
On DPOR's approved tradesman CE provider list (updated October 6, 2026), ELE next to a name means approved for electricians. The list also marks each provider as classroom, correspondence or online.
Distance courses must include a test that verifies you finished (18VAC50-30-210).
JCR CE classes are approved by Virginia DPOR. The list shows JCR Productions as provider 2730-000093, approved for ELE, and all JCR CE courses count toward Virginia electrician CE.
Virginia electrical license renewal: deadline, fee and steps
- Find your expiration date on your license or in DPOR's License Lookup, which also shows the CE hours you still need.
- Take a 3-hour approved electrical course before that date. Register with the full name on your license and your license number.
- Allow about 2 weeks for it to post. Providers must report completions within 7 days (18VAC50-30-230).
- Pay the $160 renewal fee with the renewal notice DPOR mails you.
No notice? Send a copy of your license with the fee within 30 days of expiration. DPOR goes by the date it receives your fee, not the mail date.
Since July 1, 2026, DPOR adds a technology fee of $7.25 per year to certain fees. Check your renewal notice for the total.
Late renewal and reinstatement
- Within 30 days of expiration: renew at the regular $160 fee, with CE done.
- After 30 days: reinstate instead, for $210 including the renewal fee (18VAC50-30-130).
- Up to 24 months: reinstatement stays open. Your new expiration is 3 years from the old one, and the license counts as never lapsed.
- Past 24 months: apply for a new license under current rules. You can sit for the exam in your old category.
Work done after your license expires may count as unlicensed activity, so don't work on an expired card.
Contractor license vs. tradesman license renewal
- Tradesman license (you): renews every 3 years for $160 and needs 3 hours of CE.
- Contractor license (your company): Class A, B or C renews every 2 years with no CE (18VAC50-22-110). The fee is $220, $260 or $270, plus a $30 Recovery Fund assessment. It isn't valid during its 30-day grace period (18VAC50-22-130).
- The link: an electrical (ELE) contractor needs a master electrician as its qualified individual.
Not licensed yet? See JCR's Virginia license guide, Virginia reciprocity and state-by-state requirements.
Virginia electrical license continuing education FAQ
How many CE hours does a Virginia journeyman electrician need?
Three hours per 3-year renewal, on the current NEC, from a Board-approved provider. Finish it before your license expires.
Does a Virginia master electrician need more CE than a journeyman?
No. Both need 3 hours per renewal, and one course covers you if you hold both. Other trades, such as plumbing or HVAC, need their own hours.
Can I take Virginia electrical continuing education online?
Yes, if the provider is approved for that format. DPOR's list marks each provider as classroom, correspondence or online. JCR's live Zoom classes count for Virginia CE.
Do I have to send DPOR my CE certificate?
No. Approved providers report it, and it posts in about 2 weeks. Keep your certificate in case DPOR asks.
Take Virginia-approved CE with JCR
JCR CE classes are approved by Virginia DPOR. Choose a Raleigh class date or a live Zoom session.
Each $230 class includes a bonus 8-hour video CE course.
More Virginia guides
Sources JCR checked
- 18VAC50-30-120: Renewal
- 18VAC50-30-130: Reinstatement
- 18VAC50-30-140: Status before reinstatement
- 18VAC50-30-210: CE providers
- 18VAC50-30-220: CE courses
- 18VAC50-30-230: Reporting completion
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1133
- DPOR: Tradesmen
- DPOR approved tradesman CE providers (Oct. 6, 2026)
- 18VAC50-22-110: Contractor renewal
- 18VAC50-22-130: Contractor renewal rules
- 18VAC50-22-140: Contractor renewal fees
- 18VAC50-22-61: Qualified individuals
JCR checked these hours, fees and deadlines against the Virginia Administrative Code and DPOR's website on October 14, 2026. Fees can change, so confirm the amount on your DPOR renewal notice before you pay.