How to Become an Electrician?

What Are the Different Types of Electricians? 

Let’s start with the basics: there is more than one type of electrician, and each type requires a different kind of training and licensing.

Electricians must obtain a license in nearly every state before working on electrical projects. However, some states, such as Arizona and New York, delegate licensing to county and city governments rather than having a state-level license.

The process of electrician licensing typically involves a progression based on education, experience, and passing exams. Most states have three main stages of licensing: apprentice, journeyman, and master:

Electrician Apprentice

Apprenticeships for becoming electricians generally involve both classroom instruction and significant on-the-job training. While only a few states mandate electrician apprentices to hold a license, there are prerequisites before candidates are considered for apprenticeships. Typically, candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, pass an aptitude test like the IBEW, and undergo an interview process. Once you obtain an apprentice license or are accepted into an apprentice program, you can perform limited duties under the supervision of a journeyman or master electrician.

Journeyman Electrician

A journeyman electrician is the basic level of an electrician. You receive this qualification after you finish your apprenticeship and obtain your electrician license. As a journeyman electrician, you can work independently but can't train apprentices, lead projects, or get permits for electrical work.

Master Electrician

After two years of experience as a journeyman electrician, you can apply to become a master electrician, although specific requirements vary by state.

Typically, to become a master electrician, you will need to pass a licensing exam. With this qualification, you gain the authority to lead projects, train apprentices, and manage teams. You can also become independent electrical contractors, run your own small businesses, and be required to carry a certain level of insurance.

Being a master electrician or having one on staff is necessary for electrical contractors. As a master electrician, you can choose to either generalize your skills or specialize in areas such as residential, commercial, or industrial electrical work –

• Residential electrician specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining wiring and electrical systems in homes and small apartment buildings.
• Commercial electrician specializes in wiring and installing equipment in hospitals, warehouses, factories, and manufacturing plants, often dealing with high-voltage needs. You will be trained to tackle electrical issues unique to commercial buildings, which can differ from residential ones regarding power requirements. During your apprenticeship, you undergo specific training tailored to commercial settings.
• Industrial electrician specializes in large facilities with extensive machinery and equipment, such as manufacturing plants, power plants, and chemical plants. These buildings have substantial electrical needs compared to residential and commercial properties. To become an industrial electrician, you will need to train under a licensed industrial electrician, either as an apprentice or a journeyman.
• Low-voltage technician specializes in security systems, data networks, and telecommunication systems.
• Linemen specialize in working on high-voltage transmission lines.

 How to Become an Electrician?

To become a licensed electrician, you will need to follow these steps:

Step 1 – Obtain a High School Diploma or Ged

Before embarking on the way to becoming an electrician, you will need to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). While hands-on skills are central to the job, there are key academic concepts vital to the profession.

Subjects like algebra and trigonometry are critical for calculating wiring lengths, current forces, and circuit angles. Basic physics knowledge is also necessary. Proficiency in English is essential for comprehending technical documents, and shop and mechanical drawing classes can aid in learning to design electrical systems. Therefore, it's advisable to have a foundation in math, science, and practical courses such as electronics.

Step 2 – Enroll in a Trade or Vocational-Technical School

While attending an electrician trade school or vocational-technical school isn't mandatory to become an electrician, it can provide valuable training and greatly assist in obtaining your certification and finding employment. Whether you choose a four-year university program in electrical technology or pursue a career diploma at a trade school, you'll gain comprehensive training in labs and classrooms.

This experience equips you with foundational tools and introduces you to basic electrical principles, giving you an advantage when seeking apprenticeships. Additionally, many states and licensing regions allow students to substitute some formal education hours for the on-the-job experience required for journeyman licensing. Typically, one year of education equals 1,000 hours of experience, with a maximum of two years or 2,000 hours. Some vocational-technical schools offer complete journeyman programs tailored to local licensing requirements, providing around 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, approximately half of what's needed to become a licensed journeyman.

Step 3 –Apply for an Apprenticeship

Whether you choose trade school training or not, completing an apprenticeship is mandatory to becoming a licensed electrician. Apprenticeships can be found through various avenues: trade schools often offer apprenticeship programs and job placement services; unions like the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATC) place apprentices with local union employers and provide technical training. Joining a union apprenticeship requires membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); or non-union options such as the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC), both offering apprenticeship placements with non-union electrical contractors.

Unlike careers requiring extensive schooling, electricians learn on the job during apprenticeships, immediately earning a wage. Apprenticeships typically last about four years, comprising 8,000 hours of hands-on and classroom learning, without incurring student loan debt.

Step 4 – Take an Aptitude Test

When applying to become an apprentice, you may need to undergo an aptitude assessment, like the IBEW test, to evaluate your reading comprehension and mathematics skills. Additionally, you will probably have to attend a job interview, undergo a drug test, and meet specific physical requirements.

 Step 5 – Sign up as an Apprentice Electrician

Before starting work as an electrician, research the registration requirements for electrical apprentices in your state. Some states mandate registration before working on job sites.

Step 6 – Complete Your Apprenticeship

Your apprenticeship serves as the cornerstone of your electrician training, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience under the guidance of a master electrician.

Most states mandate at least four years of apprenticeship before you can take the exam and become an electrician. During your apprenticeship, you will learn various skills, including math, electrical codes, interpreting technical diagrams and blueprints, installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety practices. You will also get additional training in soldering, communications, fire alarms, and elevators.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will learn to conduct tests and inspections and ensure all work meets the National Electrical Code and state and local regulations. Licensure requirements for electricians typically include 576 to 1,000 hours of classroom time and 8,000 to 10,000 hours (approximately four to five years) of on-the-job training.

Step 7 – Obtain Your License

Licensing and certification requirements vary by state and even city, so make sure to research the qualifications needed for working in your area. If your area requires a license, you may also need to pass an electrical exam. This exam assesses your understanding of the National Electric Code, safety protocols, electrical concepts, and building codes. Additionally, you'll need to provide proof of completing your apprenticeship.

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