Virginia — electrical code & licensing
Verified
The code
| Edition in force | 2020 NEC (NFPA 70) as referenced in the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC / Virginia Construction Code, 13VAC5-63) |
| Edition structure | One statewide edition |
| Effective date | 2024-01-18 |
| Date as recorded | 2024-01-18 (2021 Virginia Codes effective date) |
| Adopted by | Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development (codes promulgated/administered through DHCD) |
| Adoption source | https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/codes |
| State amendments | Amendments ride in the adoption document itself — https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/codes |
Licensing
| Model | State licensing: DPOR Board for Contractors licenses contractors and, through the Tradesmen Program, certifies/licences individual tradesmen (journeyman and master electricians) |
| Authority | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors - Tradesmen Program |
| Licensing source | https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen/ |
| License classes | https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen/ |
Permits & inspections
USBC enforcement is the responsibility of the local government's building inspections department (DHCD USBC page); the State sets the code, localities enforce it and charge enforcement fees.
How this record was verified
| Adoption | Verified |
| Amendments | Verified |
| Licensing | Verified |
| Permits & inspections | Verified |
Working notes
Verified on DHCD's official Codes page: 'Effective January 18, 2024, Virginia adopted the 2021 I-codes as referenced in the Virginia Construction Part 1 and the 2021 Statewide Fire Prevention Code; and the 2020 National Electrical Code.' Virginia amendments ride inside the USBC regulation itself (13VAC5-63), so the DHCD codes page serves as both adoption and amendments reference. Tradesmen licensing: the DPOR Tradesmen page confirms journeyman and master electrical designations (e.g., continuing education of 3 hours on the NEC for electrical tradesmen). The 2024 code development cycle (next USBC edition) is in process at DHCD - not adopted, not recorded.
Reference only. Compiled from the cited official sources as of the date shown; adoptions and rules change. Confirm with the authority having jurisdiction before designing or permitting work.