Maintaining Your Electrician Trainee Card (California)

An Electrician Trainee card allows individuals to work in the electrical trade while enrolled in a state-approved training program, such as the IBEW Local 569 / ETI Electrician Trainee or Apprenticeship Program.

If you are working in the field and are not yet a certified electrician, this card is required by the State of California.

You must be actively enrolled in a DIR-approved electrical training program, such as the Electrical Training Institute (ETI) affiliated with IBEW Local 569.

If you are not enrolled in an approved program, your trainee card is not valid, even if you are working.

The State of California requires Electrician Trainees to complete a minimum number of classroom hours (150) each year to remain eligible for renewal.

At ETI:

• Classroom hours are tracked by the training center
• Hours must be completed before your trainee card expires
• Incomplete hours may prevent renewal

Important: Working hours alone do not keep your trainee card active — classroom instruction is mandatory. It is YOUR responsibility to maintain your ET card.

Electrician Trainee cards must be renewed every year through the California DIR.

You are responsible for:

• Monitoring your expiration date
• Submitting your renewal on time
• Paying the required state renewal fee

Your employer does not renew this for you.
It is the trainee’s responsibility to maintain a current card.

• Letting a trainee card expire
• Falling short of required classroom hours
• Waiting too long to renew
• Assuming someone else is handling the process

Any of these can delay your entry into the apprenticeship or interrupt your ability to work.