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DLCP

Department of Licensing
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Board of Industrial Trades

 


Effective July 18, 2022, candidates seeking an Occupational or Professional license in the categories below can now test first by contacting PSI directly to schedule examinations. The test first process will allow for faster scheduling and testing.


The license categories allowing test first are listed below:
  • Electricians
  • Steam and Operating Engineers
  • Plumbers and Gasfitters
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
While the examinations can first be scheduled with PSI, passing an examination does not mean automatic licensure or that a license will be issued. Candidates passing examinations must still apply for a license, by submitting an application, together with credentialing documentation, and payment, to be considered for eligibility and approval by the board, commission or program.


Examination Scheduling Instructions

Exams may be scheduled online, by visiting psiexams.com. New users should:

Once the account is created and the candidate is registered, select Schedule an examination, and then proceed to the next steps:
  1. Select Government/State Licensing Agencies
  2. Select District of Columbia exams
  3. Select Account for the type of licensing exam that you are seeking
Candidates may also schedule examinations by calling 1 (855) 557-0616.
 

General Information

The District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades was established to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the District by ensuring that individuals engaged in these trades have the specialized skills and training required to perform such services for the public.

The Board license law, which governs asbestos workers, plumbers, electricians, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, steam and operating engineers, and those in the elevator trades (with the exception of District of Columbia and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority employees). The Board may establish bonding and insurance requirements, subcategories of licensure, education, and experience requirements for licensure, and other requirements.

The Board is comprised of 15 tradespersons, who are appointed by the Mayor and licensed in the District: three plumbers; two electricians; two refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics; two steam engineers; two asbestos workers; one elevator mechanic; one elevator inspector; one elevator contractor; and one consumer member. Eight members of the Board constitute a quorum.

The Board meets on the third Tuesday each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection located at 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024.

Board meeting minutes are available at www.open-dc.gov.

Applicant

Apply for license

Click to apply for a license.

 

Items Needed for Application

All Applicants

  • One 2”x2” passport-style photo (.jpeg format)
  • Government-issued identification card (e.g., driver’s license)
  • Debit or credit card to pay application, exam or license fees

Asbestos Workers

  • Certificate of completion of an EPA/OSHA-certified asbestos course or
  • Valid Asbestos Worker/Supervisor license

Electricians

  • Employment verification letters, letter of good standing, NASCLA accreditation
  • Valid state-issued electrician license

Elevators

  • Certificate of completion or employment verification letter or valid state license
  • QEI Certificate (Inspectors ONLY)

Operating Engineers

  • Employment verification letter or proof of apprenticeship school enrollment
  • Valid NCCCO card (Class 7C and 7D ONLY)

Plumbing/Gasfitting

  • Certificate of completion
  • Employment Verification Letter

Refrigeration

  • Certificate of completion
  • CFC Certification (Master ONLY)
  • Employment Verification Letter

Steam Engineers

  • Employment Verification Letter

Trade Contractors

 

Examination

Exams may be scheduled online or by phone.

To schedule online, visit psiexams.com. New users will need to create an account and register prior to scheduling an exam. Once registered, select “Schedule and examination” and then:

  1. Select Government/State Licensing Agencies
  2. Select District of Columbia exams
  3. Select Account for the type of licensing exam that you are seeking

Applicants may also schedule by phone at 1 (855) 557-0616.

 

Reciprocity

Master Electricians (licensed in Maryland) and Electrician Journeymen and Master Electricians (licensed in Virginia) are eligible to become licensed in the District of Columbia through reciprocity, thereby eliminating the need for examination and streamlining the process for licensure. This makes it easier for electricians to work in DC, but also benefits customers by increasing competition and the supply of electricians from which customers may choose.

  • To be eligible, licensees submitting reciprocity applications for DC licensure must have received their license by examination from Maryland or Virginia, (i.e., They must have taken a test, and must hold a current active license in good standing).

  • To request a letter of good standing or verification of Maryland or Virginia license, applicants should visit their state’s board website. Once obtained, applicants will need to upload the certification with their DC application.

  • Reciprocity license applications are not being accepted for Electrician Journeymen licenses issued in Maryland as they are issued by counties and we do not have reciprocity agreements with individual counties.

Submit a license application through reciprocity.

 

Fees*

Asbestos

  • Application: $65.00
  • License:    
    • Asbestos Worker: $110.00
    • Supervisor: $110.00
  • Renewal: $110.00
  • Late Renewal Fee: $50.00
  • Examination/Re-examination: See § 3500.3
  • Reinstated License: $110.00
  • Inactive Status: $110.00
  • Duplicate License: $30.00
  • Verification of Records: $30.00

Electricians

  • Application: $65.00     
  • Temporary License (Journeyman): $110.00 (up to 60 days)
  • License:              
    • Apprentice: $110.00 (up to 2 years)    
    • Journeyman (All types): $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Master (All types): $120.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Contractor (All types): $120.00 (up to 2 years)
  • Renewal:               
    • Apprentice: $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Journeyman (All types): $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Master (All types): $155.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Contractor (All types): $180.00 (up to 2 years)
  • Late Renewal Fee: $50.00     
  • Examination/Re-examination: See §3500.3         
  • Reinstated License:              
    • Apprentice: $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Electrician (All types): $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Master (All types): $155.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Contractor (All types): $180.00     
  • Inactive Status:               
    • Journeyman (All types): $110.00     
    • Master (All types): $155.00     
  • Duplicate License: $30.00     
  • Verification of Records: $30.00

Plumbers/Gasfitters

  • Application: $65.00    
  • License:        
    • Apprentice: $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Journeyman (All types): $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Master (All types): $120.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Contractor: $120.00 (up to 2 years)
  • Renewal:            
    • Apprentice: $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Journeyman (All types): $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Master (All types): $155.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Contractor: $180.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Late Renewal Fee: $50.00    
    • Examination/Re-examination: See § 3500.3    
  • Reinstated License:        
    • Apprentice: $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Journeyman: $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Master: $155.00    
    • Contractor: $180.00    
  • Inactive Status:        
    • Apprentice: $110.00    
    • Journeyman: $110.00    
    • Master: $155.00    
    • Duplicate License: $30.00    
    • Verification of Records: $30.00

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics

  • Application: $65.00     
  • License:          
    • Mechanic: $110.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Contractor: $120.00 (up to 2 years)
  • Renewal:          
    • Mechanic: $155.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Contractor: $180.00 (up to 2 years)
    • Late Renewal Fee: $50.00     
    • Examination/Re-examination: See §3500.3     
  • Reinstated License:          
    • Mechanic: $155.00     
    • Contractor: $180.00     
  • Inactive Status:          
    • Mechanic: $155.00     
    • Contractor: $180.00     
    • Duplicate License: $30.00     
    • Verification of Records: $30.00

Steam and Other Operating Engineers

  • Application: $65.00         
  • License: $110.00 (up to 2 years)    
  • Renewal: $110.00 (up to 2 years)    
  • Late Renewal Fee: $50.00         
  • Examination/Re-examination: See §3500.3         
  • Reinstated License: $110.00 (up to 2 years)    
  • Inactive Status: $110.00 (up to 2 years)    
  • Duplicate License: $30.00         
  • Verification of Records: $30.00

Elevator Contractor, Elevator Mechanic, Elevator Inspector

  • Application: $65.00
  • License (D.C. Official Code § 47-2853.99): $260.00
* Please note that according to D.C. Code § 47-2853.10, application fees for initial licensing, certification, registration, renewal and reinstatement shall not be refundable, even if the applicant withdraws his or her application for licensure, certification or registration, or is found to be not qualified.

 

Licensee

 

License Renewal


Asbestos Worker
Expiration Date: July 31; Renewal Year: Odd
    
Electrician
Expiration Date: November 30; Renewal Year: Odd
    
Elevator Maintenance

Expiration Date: November 30; Renewal Year: Odd
    
Plumbers and Gasfitters
Expiration Date: March 31; Renewal Year: Even
    
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Expiration Date: September 30; Renewal Year: Even
    
Steam and Other Operating Engineers

Expiration Date: September 30; Renewal Year: Even

Renew
 
Letter of Certification/License Verification
Request a Letter of License Certification
 
Transfer
 
Reinstate
 
 

Calendar

Meeting Dates  

Please contact the Board to confirm meeting dates/times/locations.

  • January (RECESS)
  • February (RECESS)
  • Tuesday, March 19, 2024
  • April (RECESS)
  • May (RECESS)
  • Tuesday, June 18, 2024
  • July (RECESS)
  • August (RECESS)
  • Tuesday, September 20, 2024
  • October (RECESS)
  • November (RECESS)
  • Tuesday, December 20, 2024
 

 

Contact Us

Board Members

Brian Cooper, Chair – Elevator Contractor
Petrick Washington – Elevator Mechanic
Michael Johnson – Master Plumber/Gasfitter
Garth Grannum – Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Alvin Venson, Sr. – Master Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Alex Lemu – Class 1, Steam Engineer
Shawn Ellis – Class 1, Steam Engineer
Tanya Lewis – Master Electrician
Lavonne Woods – Master Electrician
Two (2) Vacancies – Asbestos
One (1) Vacancy – Consumer Member
One (1) Vacancy – Elevator Inspector
Two (2) Vacancies – Master Plumber/Gasfitter
 
 
Board Staff
Nicole McClendon – Program Coordinator
Chanda Kearney – Board Administrator
 
For more information, please contact Occupational and Professional Licensing (OPL) using our online inquiry form, via email at [email protected], or by phone at (202) 442-4320.
 
Address: 1100 4th Street, SW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20024
Direct Email: [email protected]
 
An electrician checking circuits