Continuing Education Last updated or reviewed on March 20, 2026 The City of Asheville’s Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Classes have been canceled at this time. The City still offers the Journeyman Electrician exam and Homeowner Electrical exam. Please check the calendar here or contact Misty Lipe at mlipe@ashevillenc.gov with questions. Did you know that the Development Services Department offers classes to help you grow in your career? Click here to see upcoming classes and application deadlines. Class topics include: National Electrical Code (NEC) Class for Contractors: $80 Electrical Journeyman Test: $50 Journeyman Electrician’s License A Journeyman License is the second step in becoming a master electrician. In Asheville, you must have this license to work on your own under a licensed North Carolina electrical contractor per UDO Chapter 9 – Article 6. How to Qualify Work Experience: You must work as an apprentice for at least 8,000 hours. You will need documents to prove your work hours. Renewals: You must renew your license every 3 years. Rules for Working Once you have your license, you can supervise up to two helpers or apprentices at a job site. A “helper” or “apprentice” is anyone who uses or touches any tools or electrical materials on the job. More Information Read the Rules: Click below to view the official Electrician’s Code of Ordinances. Amercican Legal Publishing - Asheville How to Apply for the Journeyman Exam To start the process, you must submit an application and pay a fee. You can do this online or in person. Option 1: Apply Online Fill out the form: Click here to complete the online application.. Pay the fee: Follow the instructions at the bottom of the form to pay the fee. Option 2: Apply in Person Print the form: Print the application from our website. Visit our office: Bring the Journeyman Exam application form and your payment to the Development Services Department (DSD) at 161 S. Charlotte St. What Happens Next? Review: The Board of Electrical Examiners will check your application. Approval: If you qualify, you will be signed up for the Electrical Journeyman Test automatically. The Letter: You will receive a letter from the city with the exact time and place of your test. Deadlines: Click here for the calendar of application deadlines and testing dates. About the Test The exam will test your knowledge of local rules and the National Electrical Code (NEC). It covers how to safely install electrical wiring and equipment. Passing Score: You must get a 75 or higher to pass. Your License: Once you pass, you will be licensed as a Class I Journeyman Electrician. How to Renew Your License Your license lasts for three years. It always expires on June 30. When to Renew You can renew your license up to 30 days before it expires. What You Need To renew, go to the Development Services Department (DSD) in person. Bring these three things: Your Current License: It must not be expired yet. The Renewal Fee: The cost is currently $30. Proof of Classes: You must show you finished 8 hours of approved continuing education classes. These classes must be approved by the NCBEEC. What If You Are Late? If you wait more than one year after your license expires to renew it: You will have to pay a late fee. You will have to take the full exam again. Contact Us If you have questions about the Class I Journeyman License, please call us at (828) 259-5658. Homeowner’s Electrical Exam If you own your home, you can do your own electrical work without a professional license. To do this, you must follow these rules: Requirements Pass the Test: You must pass an electrical exam given by the Building Safety Department. Get a Permit: You must get an Electrical Permit before you start the work. Get an Inspection: A city inspector must check your work when you are finished. Stay in the Home: You must live in the house for at least 12 months after the work is done. Ready to Start? Sign Up: Click here to register for the homeowner electrical exam.
