West Virginia Master Electrician License: Requirements and the State Fire Marshal Exam
How to get a West Virginia master electrician license: 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience, the State Fire Marshal's 50-question exam on the 2023 NEC, fees, renewal, reciprocity and the separate contractor license.
Contents
West Virginia Master Electrician License: Requirements and the Exam
The West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office licenses master electricians under W. Va. Code 29-3B and 103CSR5. A master electrician may supervise journeymen and helpers, and the rule expects a master to read plans and calculate demand loads under the NEC. You earn the license by passing the State Fire Marshal's Master Electrician exam.
Who can sit the exam
You must be at least 18 with 2 years (24 months) or 4,000 hours of hands-on electrical work experience. Vocational training does not count toward the master's experience. You do not need to hold a journeyman license first.
Temporary license. If you completed a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship and have 2 years of experience, you can get a one-time, 90-day temporary master license for $50 while you wait for an exam date.
The exam in brief
| Item | West Virginia Master Electrician |
|---|---|
| Given by | West Virginia State Fire Marshal, on paper |
| Questions | 50 multiple choice, 2 points each |
| Time | 4 hours |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Code | 2023 NEC (since January 1, 2026) |
| Format | Open book; calculations are built into the multiple choice |
| Fee | $25, non-refundable |
The exam is NEC-only: there is no law or business section.
Fees and renewal
- Exam application review fee: $25.
- License: $50 a year. Every license expires June 30; renew for one to three years at a time.
- Late renewal in the same license year: $50 plus a $50 penalty. Within five years of the last renewal, a lapsed license can be renewed without retesting at double the fee.
Licensed in another state?
The State Fire Marshal has recognized master licenses from other states and local jurisdictions with a letter of good standing, provided you meet West Virginia's minimum of 2 years or 4,000 hours. New West Virginia residents can also apply under the universal license recognition provisions in 103CSR5 §6.3.
The contractor license is separate
A master license does not license a business. To contract electrical work over the state's threshold, the business needs a license from the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor), which uses Prov's WV Electrical Contractor exam and the Contractor Licensing Act exam.
Practice for the exam
Our West Virginia Master Electrician practice test is on the 2023 NEC, with extra weight on calculations, and every question cites its section. See what is on the exam and exam day.
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