The Short Answer: 32 Hours Every 3 Years
Every electrician who holds a California Electrician Certification must complete 32 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) every three years to renew that certification. The requirement is set by the California Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) and applies to every certified electrician, regardless of specialty or employer.
The hours must be earned through a state-approved provider. CET is a DIR-approved provider offering continuing education for electricians — all 32 hours, 100% online, in English or Spanish.
What the 32 Hours Must Cover
To count toward your renewal, continuing education must be relevant to the electrical trade and delivered by a DIR-approved provider. Approved topics include:
- National Electrical Code (NEC) updates
- Electrical safety and workplace standards
- Wiring methods, grounding, and bonding
- California-specific electrical regulations
You can mix and match approved courses to reach your 32 hours. Browse the full catalog of California electrician CEU courses to see which topics fit your renewal.
When Your CEU Hours Are Due
California electricians renew their certification on a three-year cycle. All 32 hours must be completed before your certification expiration date so your renewal can be processed without a gap.
We recommend starting your hours 3–6 months before your expiration date. That leaves room to finish comfortably, receive your completion documentation, and submit your renewal to the DIR on time. When your hours are done, our certification renewal guide walks you through submitting the paperwork.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
If your 32 hours are not complete before your certification expires, you cannot legally work as a certified electrician in California until the requirement is met. Working without a valid certification can create fines and legal exposure for both the electrician and the employer.
To get back in good standing, you'll need to complete the outstanding continuing education hours and pay any applicable late fees before your certification can be renewed. Because CET's courses are self-paced and online, you can finish quickly and get your documentation the same day you complete each course.
How to Complete Your 32 Hours Online
California lets you satisfy your entire continuing education requirement online, so you never have to interrupt your work week. CET delivers electrician continuing education on demand and at your own pace — courses start at $75, count toward your 32-hour renewal, and are available in both English and Spanish.
Ready to start? Explore CET's online continuing education courses and complete your California electrician CEU requirement from anywhere.