how long is electrician course

by Mr. Nathanial Russel 4 min read

Schooling for electricians can be done through a college or trade school. Certificate programs can be completed in a year or less, while an associate's degree will take about 2 years.

Full Answer

How long does it take to become an electrician?

When installing or repairing wiring systems, you might work closely with engineers or other specialists. How long does it take to become an electrician? On average, it takes four to five years to become an electrician. Many aspiring electricians get all the training they need through an apprenticeship program.

What education is required to become an electrician?

How to Become an Electrician:

  1. Educate Yourself. Before you get started on your endeavor to become a certified electrician, make sure you take the time to learn about all the different type of electricians, ...
  2. Search and Discover. Find an apprenticeship that will suit your needs. ...
  3. Get Employed. ...
  4. Test Your Skills

What does it take to become an electrician?

To work as an electrician, you have to complete these requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • About 100 hours of classroom training and education.
  • 8,000 hours of work experience via an apprenticeship with IBEW, IEC or ABC.
  • Journeyman exam, which you can take after completing an apprenticeship.
  • Electrician license, which generally lasts for three years and requires renewals.

How to become a master electrician?

This will help you become a problem-solver and trusted advisor ... includes one of the best investments you can make — yourself. Harold De Loach, a master electrician and electrical trainer/instructor, is the founder of The Academy of Industrial Arts ...

How long does it take to become an electrician?

Apprenticeship Program Lengths. In general: Electrician apprenticeship programs take four years to complete, with 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year of your apprenticeship.

What are the different types of apprenticeships?

There are four different types of apprenticeship programs to consider, with the focus on specialization: 1 Outside lineman 2 Inside wireman 3 Telecommunication tech 4 Residential wireman

How long does it take to get an electrical tech degree?

Some schools do offer shorter accelerated programs. An associate degree in electrical technology takes up to two years to earn.

How long does it take to become an electrician?

A daytime training program may be completed in as little as one year.

How long does an electrician apprenticeship last?

Apprenticeships are paid and last approximately 4-6 years, depending on your location.

What does an electrician do?

Electricians operate in a variety of contexts, including residential, commercial, and industrial, installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical equipment. Typically, they are in charge of electricity, lighting, and communication systems.

On average, how long does it take to become an electrician?

On average, four to five years are required to become an electrician. Numerous prospective electricians receive all of their training through apprenticeship programs. However, the length of time required to become an electrician varies according to the path taken and the objectives sought.

Common questions

Questions from job seekers pursuing their electrical career and apprenticeship program.

What does an electrician do?

An electrician is a trained professional who works with electrical systems and equipment. Electricians can work within residential homes and commercial businesses, on businesses' electrical equipment and machinery and sometimes even on voice and data systems.

What are the benefits of being an electrician?

Electricians are an in-demand type of skilled professional who earn good wages at every phase of their career. To work as a licensed electrician, you will need to follow the requirements of your municipality and state, but once you obtain your license, your pay will generally be higher than unlicensed apprentice electricians.

How long does it take to become an electrician?

You can begin working as an electrician under supervision in as few as nine months through a trade school. Here are the steps you'll need to take to get there:

What Does an Electrician Do?

In general, electricians handle the electrical, lighting, and power systems in your home, offices, businesses, and more. They install wiring and equipment, inspect systems and circuit breakers, read blueprints and diagrams, and make sure everything in a building is following both the National Electric Code and any state regulations.

How Do You Get Licensed as an Electrician?

Once you graduate from an accredited electrician program, your next step is working as an apprentice electrician in order to get qualified to sit for your electrician certification or licensure.

How Much Does an Apprentice Electrician Make?

Electrician wages and salary often depend on experience — the more you have, the higher your pay. Apprentice electricians general get paid by the hour, and according to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for an apprentice electrician in California is around $21, plus any overtime bonuses you might get for clocking over 40 hours in a week.

What Is a Journeyman Electrician?

A journeyman electrician is someone who is qualified to do many of the tasks electricians are needed for on a day-to-day basis, like installing, repairing, and inspecting wiring, circuitry, and control systems in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.

How long does it take to become an electrician?

It's important to understand the answer to 'How long does it take to become an electrician?' because the length of time it takes depends on the type of electrician you want to become and the route you decide to take.

What is an electrician?

An electrician is a qualified tradesperson who deals with a variety of issues with electricity. They're responsible for maintaining, installing and repairing electrical systems. Electricians are also usually responsible for lighting, power and communication systems and for fixing and servicing electrical gear and appliances.

The different types of electricians

There are different types of electricians within the trade, and each requires specific qualifications and experience. Electricians can work or specialise in one of the following fields:

Skills required to become an electrician

Whichever training route you decide to choose, electricians usually possess a distinct skill set that enables them to carry out the essential duties that are involved with this profession in a safe manner. To have a successful career as an electrician, you typically require the following skills:

Time Required for Electrician Trade School Programs

Unlike a two or four-year college degree, many trade school programs can be completed in less than two years and the electrician trade school program is no exception. That means you’ll spend less time in the classroom and be able to start working on your electrical career sooner.

Finding an Electrician Trade School or Apprenticeship

Now, you may be wondering, “is there an electrician trade school or apprenticeship near me?” If you live near San Jose or Soledad, the answer is yes! CET offers our comprehensive Electrician (Residential & General) job training program at our campuses in both of those cities.

Cost of Attending an Electrician Trade School Program

Once you answer the question, “should I go to trade school for electrician work?” and find the right school and program for you, it’s time to think about the associated cost. As mentioned earlier, trade school programs are faster and thus cheaper than college degrees. There are still tuition costs to consider, though.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Electrician

Compared to other trades, being an electrician isn’t overly hard on your body. Some electricians may experience discomfort in their backs or knees after being in the business for a while. This is because being an electrician often requires bending and kneeling to gain access to electrical wires.

How long does it take to become an electrician?

Although it varies, depending on the contract, the average apprenticeship lasts between 3 and 5 years.

What are the jobs that electricians do?

Tasks that you will perform include hauling materials, running wire through walls and floors, installing breakers, outlets, lighting fixtures and a number of other jobs. All of these jobs, even when they don’t seem so glamorous, will mold you into a true and successful electrician.

image