How to Become a Certified Electrician

Electrician is a great job. Most electricians work in either new constructions(installing electric lines in new homes and businesses) or in maintenance (fixing and upgrading existing systems). They tend to work 40 hour workweeks, though the work can be strenuous. They may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the individual job. Employment should increase 12% through 2018.

In order to become a certified electrician, you must first go through an apprenticeship program. You will likely need a GED or high school diploma before starting this, so make sure you have one! An apprenticeship is a combination of schooling and on-the-job training that usually lasts four years. At the end of the training, you can apply to become a certified electrician. In some states, you are also required to take a test in order to become certified.

The first thing that you should do is try to find an apprenticeship. Without this you are going nowhere in the electrician’s world. Two of the best places to check out when looking for an electrician apprenticeship are National Electrician Contractors Association and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. These are the two largest electrician training organizations in the United States. They teach commercial, residential, and outdoor electricians. They also offer programs for electricians already certified, looking to learn more, often called continuing education programs.

Once you have found an apprenticeship, you will be able to begin taking classes. These classes are offered at vocational centers across the country and also at community colleges. You will have to take 144 hours of classroom instruction and perform 2000 hours worth of work each year for four years prior to being eligible for certification.

After you have completed all of your hours, you will be ready to apply for certification. You will need to do this through your state’s labor office. Generally there is an application and a fee, though sometimes there may be a test you need to pass as well. However, if you have been paying attention these past four years, the test should be a cinch!

Now you will need to decide how you wish to work. 79% of certified electricians are either self-employed, or work in construction. These are both great options for you, but also remember that 21% of electricians are doing something different! If you wish to be self-employed, then you will need to apply for a business license. You will also want to get some great references, so people have a reason to hire you over anyone else. If you choose to work in construction, for a contractor, then check out the jobs at the National Electrical Contractors Association.