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AB 1707

Electricians: certification application, examination, and renewal.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Laurie Davies

AB 1707 allows electronic certification, examination, and renewal for electricians, while preserving exemptions and speeding retakes after failed exams.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (July 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
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Bill Summary · AB 1707

Summary of AB 1707 (2025-2026) — Electricians: certification application, examination, and renewal

Purpose and intent

AB 1707 seeks to update California labor code provisions governing electrician certification. The bill aims to:
- modernize process administration by allowing electronic applications for certification and examination, and electronic renewal of certifications.
- streamline opportunities to retake the certification exam for those who fail, enabling immediate re-registration and retake at the next available appointment.
- clarify and maintain the existing framework for which workers must be certified to perform electrical work and under which licenses, while preserving protections against uncertified work.

Key provisions and changes

  • Electronic submissions and renewals:
    • The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (within the Department of Industrial Relations) would be required to permit electronic submission of:
    • applications for certification and examination.
    • renewal of electrician certifications (i.e., electronic renewal).
  • Certification categories:
    • The division shall maintain separate certifications for:
    • general electrician
    • fire/life safety technician
    • residential electrician
    • voice data video technician
    • nonresidential lighting technician
  • Examination process for applicants who fail:
    • A person who fails the electrician certification examination may reregister for certification and retake the examination immediately at the next available appointment.
  • Apprentices and certain exemptions:
    • Certification remains not required for registered apprentices working under approved apprenticeship programs, with a pathway for apprentices within one year of completion to take the exam and be certified immediately upon program completion.
    • Certification is not required for certain workers (e.g., those employed under specific sections or engaged in work under federal/state apprenticeship programs) when aligned with existing statutory exemptions.
  • Scope of required certification:
    • Certification is required for electricians working for contractors licensed as class C-10 electrical contractors under the Contractors’ State License Board.
    • Certification is not required for work performed by certain license classes (e.g., C-7 low voltage systems or C-45 electric sign contractors) if work falls within their licensed scope.
    • Certification is not required for high-voltage transmission/distribution work performed for certain utilities and under certain employers.
  • Enforcement and disciplinary grounds:
    • The bill retains and clarifies disciplinary provisions connected with uncertified electrician work and supervisory responsibilities.
    • It preserves the Labor Commissioner’s role in referring cases to the Contractors’ State License Board and outlines investigative and disciplinary processes with timelines (e.g., disciplinary action within 60 days of referral).
  • Employment history documentation:
    • Certification applications would include an employment history report from the Social Security Administration, with the option to redact the SSN from the submitted report.

Who is affected

  • Electricians seeking certification or renewal (the process would shift to electronic submissions).
  • Employers and contractors licensed as class C-10 electrical contractors, and those governed by other classification codes (C-7 and C-45) where exemptions apply.
  • Apprentices and apprenticeship programs, which would retain existing exemptions and pathways to quick certification upon program completion.
  • The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Contractors’ State License Board, and related regulatory bodies responsible for certification administration, enforcement, and discipline.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative history indicates a standard California bill path:
    • Introduced: February 4, 2026
    • Referred to committees, with hearings and amendments as part of the regular process
    • Passed committee(s) with recommendations (Do Pass) and moved through second and third readings
  • Implementation would occur consistent with the statute’s effective date after enactment, with regulations and administrative guidance to operationalize electronic filings and renewal processes.

Practical impact

  • Modernized workflow and potential administrative efficiency gains from electronic processing.
  • Faster access to certification for candidates who fail examinations, reducing cooldown periods between attempts.
  • Continued alignment with license classifications and exemptions to avoid unnecessary certification requirements for certain job roles or contractors.
  • Enhanced oversight by the Labor Commissioner and Board on compliance, with structured pathways for disciplinary action when uncertified work is performed.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current law versus AB 1707 language, or a brief impact assessment for affected industries and regulatory agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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