Oregon and Washington Create Reciprocity Agreement for General Electricians

SALEM/TUMWATER – The Oregon Building Codes Division and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) have signed a reciprocal agreement allowing general journey level electricians who have obtained a license in one state to apply for a license in the other state without having to take an examination for the reciprocal license under certain conditions.

With this agreement, qualified applicants would fill out a form, provide documentation of required qualifications, and pay a fee in order to be eligible to work in the neighboring state.

“One of the lessons we have learned from COVID-19 is that having efficient systems and flexibility is an asset that allows us to better serve people,” said Lori Graham, interim administrator of the Oregon Building Codes Division, which is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

“With more than 400 miles of shared border, this agreement just makes sense for both states.”

The agreement went into effect Aug. 17, and continues until the states terminate it.

“We are proud to partner with the State of Oregon and the Washington Electrical Board to ensure public safety and to help economic recovery during and after the pandemic,” said Annette Taylor, deputy assistant director for Field Services and Public Safety with L&I. “We are excited to simplify and streamline the process for general journey-level electricians.”

Details of the agreement

Here are some of the specifics:

Oregon reciprocal licenses are generally available to those who obtained Washington (01) general journey level electrician certificates after completing an 8,000-hour apprenticeship and making a passing score on their Washington exams. Anyone having a Washington master (01) general journey level electrician certificate is also eligible. Oregon has amended their rules to allow passing exam scores from other states when stipulated in a reciprocal agreement, which this agreement stipulates. Get more information about reciprocity and apply here.

Those who need licensing verification from the state of Washington need to include the verification document with a Request for a Letter of Good Standing (F500-128-000) and fee of $26.40. Mail everything to the address shown in the top left corner of the letter of good standing form.

Washington reciprocal certificates are generally available to those electricians who obtained their Oregon general journeyman electrician (J) licenses after completing an 8,000-hour apprenticeship and passing their Oregon exams. Anyone having an Oregon General Supervising Electrician (S) license obtained by Oregon examination is also eligible. To apply, submit an Application for a Reciprocal 01 General Journey Level Electrician Certificate (F500-148-000).

No other reciprocal agreements exist covering any other electrical specialties. See L&I’s website for more information about reciprocity.