Electricians provide a vital skill necessary for the efficient functioning of modern life. The technical knowledge required and the risks involved in this profession make extensive training and strict qualifications necessary. This article explains what an electrician is and details the steps needed to become a licensed electrician.

What does an electrician do?

Electricians are skilled professionals trained to handle a wide range of electrical issues. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment of all types. Depending on an electrician’s experience and licensing, they can fall into one of these three categories:

Apprentice Electrician

An apprentice electrician is an entry-level position in the profession. They have undergone an apprenticeship program and become a licensed electrician. An apprentice electrician can work independently but cannot offer training to apprentices, lead a worksite, or obtain permits for electrical work.

Master Electrician

An apprentice electrician can apply to become a master electrician after gaining around two years of experience. Specific requirements vary from state to state but generally include passing an exam. Master electricians can lead work teams, offer training to apprentices, and oversee electrical projects.

Independent Electrical Contractor

Independent electrical contractors are small business owners. They hire teams of electricians to complete jobs. Therefore, independent electrical contractors must possess a certain level of insurance and either be master electricians themselves or have one on their team.

Within the trade, electricians have the option to generalize their work or specialize in one of these areas:

• Residential Electrician: Residential electricians focus on installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems and wiring in homes and small apartment buildings.
• Commercial Electrician: Commercial electricians specialize in handling electrical issues in commercial buildings. Commercial buildings use slightly different types of electricity than residential ones, so commercial electricians must complete a certain amount of training in this environment during their apprenticeship.
• Industrial Electrician: Industrial electricians perform electrical work in large facilities that use heavy machinery and equipment. Examples can include manufacturing plants, power plants, and chemical plants. These industrial buildings typically have more significant electrical needs than their residential and commercial counterparts.

Industrial electricians must train under the supervision of a licensed industrial electrician, either as an apprentice or journeyman. Becoming an Electrician To become a licensed electrician, follow these steps:

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent

Before pursuing a career as an electrician, you need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. While much of the work relies on industry-specific skills, there are many academic concepts that electricians use regularly. Some high school subjects that provide valuable skills for this career include:

• Algebra and trigonometry: Electricians need mathematical skills to determine wire lengths, calculate electrical current strength, and measure circuit angles.
• Physics: Basic scientific concepts are essential for electricians to carry out their work effectively.
• English: This profession often requires technicians to read technical documents.
• Technical and mechanical drawing classes can help teach electricians how to design electrical systems in buildings and other structures.

Attend a trade or technical school

While attending a trade or technical school is not mandatory to become an electrician, it can offer valuable training and help students in the certification process and job placement. Whether you attend a four-year university for electrical technology or obtain a career diploma through a trade school, the experience will provide comprehensive classroom and hands-on training.

In most states and licensing regions, students can often replace some of the hours spent during formal education with the practical experience required for an apprentice electrician license. Typically, one year of formal education equals 1,000 hours of hands-on experience. Students can replace up to two years of training or 2,000 hours. Depending on the trade or technical school, they may offer a complete apprentice electrician program designed to meet local licensing requirements. Most of these programs provide around 4,000 hours of practical experience, roughly half of what’s needed to become a licensed apprentice electrician.

Apply for an apprenticeship

Whether you choose to attend a trade school for your training or not, completing an apprenticeship is a requirement to become a licensed electrician. You can find an internship in several ways, including:

• Through a trade school: Trade schools often offer apprenticeship opportunities and job placement services.
• Through a union: The Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATC) has locations in nearly every major city in the United States. The JATC will place you with a local union employer and likely facilitate and host any technical classroom and lab training at their facility.

It’s important to note that participating in a union apprenticeship will require you to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

• Through a non-union program: The decision to join a union or not is a choice each apprentice must make for themselves. Two leading organizations offer non-union electrical contractor apprenticeship placement:
  a. Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) b. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) Both organizations have locations in most major cities. When applying for an apprenticeship, you may be required to complete an aptitude test that assesses reading comprehension and mathematical skills. Additionally, you will likely undergo a job interview and drug testing and meet specific physical requirements.
• Register as an electrical apprentice:

In some states, electrical apprentices must register before being allowed to work on job sites. Research your state’s requirements before beginning work.

Complete your apprenticeship

Your apprenticeship will be the core of your training to become an electrician. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, guidance, and supervision from a master electrician. Most states require you to complete at least four years of apprenticeship before taking the exam. The apprenticeship will cover topics such as:

• Reading technical diagrams and construction plans for electrical projects
• Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and distribution equipment
• Ensuring all work is done in compliance with national, state, and local regulations
• Using specialized devices to test and inspect electrical systems for issues. Regardless of the region, requirements for an electrician license typically include:
• 576 to 1,000 classroom hours
• 8,000 to 10,000 hours (four to five years) of practical experience

Obtain a license or certification

Licensing and certification requirements vary from state to state and even from city to city, so be sure to research what qualifications are needed to work in your area. If your region requires a license, you may also need to pass an electrical exam. This exam will test your understanding of the National Electrical Code, safety protocols, electrical concepts, and building codes. You will also need to provide proof of completing your apprenticeship.