Frequently asked questions

1. Who is required to be certified by deadlines set forth in the CAC December meeting?

3099 (3)(b)

Certification is required only for those persons who perform work as electricians for contractors licensed as Class C-10 electrical contractors under the Contractors' State License Board Rules and Regulations. Certification is not required for persons performing work for contractors licensed as Class C-7 low voltage systems or Class C-45 electric sign contractors as long as the work performed is within the scope of the Class C-7 or Class-45 license, including incidental and supplemental work as defined in Section 7059 of the Business and Professions Code, and regardless of whether the same contractor is also licensed as a Class C-10 contractor.

3099.2 (6)(c)

As used in this section, "electricians" includes all persons who engage in the connection of electrical devices for electrical contractors licensed pursuant to Section 7058 of the Business and Professions Code, specifically, contractors classified as electrical contractors in the Contractors' State License Board Rules and Regulations. This section does not apply to electrical connections under 100 volt-amperes. This section does not apply to persons performing work to which Section 7042.5 of the Business and Professions Code is applicable, or to electrical work ordinarily and customarily performed by stationary engineers. This section does not apply to electrical work in connection with the installation, operation, or maintenance of temporary or portable electrical equipment performed by technicians in the theatrical, motion picture production, television, hotel, exhibition, or trade show industries.

2. I have a C-10 license; do I have to be certified?

If you are the holder of a valid C-10 license and are working under that license, certification is not required. However, if you are performing covered electrical work not under your own valid license - for example, if your license is not in effect for some reason, or you are working under someone else's C-10 license - certification is required.

3. I am a foreman for a contractor and sometimes I work with the tools for that work. Do I have to be certified?

Yes.

4. What are the qualifications to apply for certification?

Please refer to Title 8 section 291.1 Eligibility for Certification

5. What is the deadline to be certified?

The California Apprenticeship Council took action at its Dec. 8, 2005 meeting concerning the deadline for certification requirements in California as follows:

1. The deadline for general electrician, residential electrician, and fire-life-safety and monolingual Spanish speaking candidates remains at January 1, 2006.
2. The test deadline for two additional classifications, voice-data-video technician and non-residential lighting technician remains as January 1, 2007.
3. The CAC made special provisions extending the deadline for certification for those who have submitted an application for certification postmarked by Dec. 30, 2005 but have not completed the certification process. (details)
4. The CAC made special provisions for those attempting to register as a trainee. (details)

6. Where are the testing sites located?

There are currently eight test sites. Please refer to www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/DAS_maps.pdf for maps and locations.

7. How many classifications are there for certification and testing?

There are three classifications with corresponding exams: General Electrician; Residential Electrician; and Fire/Life Safety Technician.

8. How many questions are on the test?

There are 100 questions on the General Electrician test and you have 4 hours to complete the test. There are 75 questions on the Residential Electrician exam and you have 3 hours to complete the exam. There are 50 questions on the Fire/Life Safety Technician Exam and you have 2 hours to complete the exam.

9. What is the content of the exam?

For examination content outline, please refer to Examination Content outline page.

10. Is the test true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, or essay?

All questions are multiple choice.

11. How do I apply for the certification?

You may download an application from the following address https://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/elecert/EleCertApps3.asp. Please refer to Title 8 section 291.1 Eligibility for Certification

12. Is the test a written exam?

No, the test is on a computer. Little to no experience is needed to operate the computer. A short practice lesson is given prior to the test. For more information on preparing for the test go to http://www.experioronline.com/caconstruction.htm.

13. What is the cost for the application and test?

A fee of $75 per application and a fee of $100 for to sit for an examination is required and must accompany the application. A check or money order MUST accompany the application, payable to: DIR-Electrician Certification Fund.

14. How often do I have to be re-certified or tested?

You only have to be tested once so long as you do not let your certification expire. The certification must be renewed every three (3) years. To be eligible for renewal you must provide proof under penalty of perjury of 32 hours further electrical education relevant to the type of certification, and must certify under penalty of perjury that you have worked in the industry for 2000 hours within the previous three (3) years. An individual who allows certification to lapse will be required to re-take the certification exam.

15. If I have a license from another state, do I have to be tested and certified?

Yes, there is no reciprocity between states. However, where an applicant holds a license as an electrician in another state and it is determined by the Chief of the DAS that the requirements for experience to hold a license in that state are comparable to California's experience requirements to sit for the exam, the Chief may deem the applicant to have the required experience.

16. When will I receive my certification card?

A temporary statement will be issued to you at the exam site upon completion of the exam if you pass. A plastic card will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks after the test.

17. I am a certified electrician but my certification expiration date is near. When do I have to renew my electrician certification?

“California Labor Code 3099.2 (a) (3) For purposes of any continuing education or recertification requirement, individuals who become certified prior to the deadline for certification shall be treated as having become certified on the first anniversary of their certification date that falls after the certification deadline.”

Examples:
Passed exam on: 12-17-2002
Certification expires: 12-17-2005
First anniversary that falls after the (1-1-2006) deadline: 12-17-2006
Extended expiration date: 12-17-2009

Passed exam on: 3-1-2003
Certification expires: 3-1-2006
First anniversary that falls after the (1-1-2006) deadline: 3-1-2006
Extended expiration date: 3-1-2009

Note – New certification cards will not be issued. The existing card along with this text will serve to verify the extended expiration date, which will also appear on the revised listing of California Certified Electricians on the DAS-Electrician Certification Program web site.

18. I missed the December 30, 2005 deadline to submit my application, can I still be certified?

Yes. You should act promptly. Fill out an application form and mail it along with the necessary payment to the address that is on the form. Applications are processed in the order that they are received.

19. What was the advantage to having an application in before December 30th?

If the application was in by the December 30 th deadline it, in effect, qualifies the applicant for a grace period until June 1, 2006 to take and pass the certification exam.

20. An individual wants proof that DAS has received my application by the December 30 th deadline. What can I tell them?

Due to the current backlog of applications received in the past weeks we cannot give proof of receipt at this time. We are working as fast as we can at this time and are processing the applications’ in the order that they were received and we will be posting the names of those who submitted timely applications on our website http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/ElectCert/ElectCertSearch.asp

We also intend to respond to each certification applicant or trainee registration applicant in writing.

21. What work can I perform if I am not certified and didn’t apply by December 30th?

Under Labor code section 3099.2 uncertified persons may not perform work for which certification is required. Labor Code section 3099 and 3099.2 set out some specifics as to the work for which certification is required along with exceptions. For example, generally the connection of electrical devises of 100 volt amperes or higher is work for which certification is required. There are some specific exceptions, for example for temporary power in the motion picture industry. Please see the statute for complete details. In addition the certification deadline has been extended to 1/1/2007 for voice data video installation and for lighting technician work