How to Become a Certified Electrician in 2025
Becoming an electrician is a stable and rewarding career path that offers high demand and excellent earning potential. With the rapid growth of industries that require electrical work and maintenance, skilled electricians are more essential than ever.
This article will explore the journey to becoming an electrician, including:
- The necessary education and training.
- Apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on experience.
- The licensing requirements to work as a journeyman electrician.
- The career prospects and earning potential in the field.
Whether you are just starting or considering a career change, understanding the steps to becoming an electrician will help you navigate the process and make informed decisions.
Interested in becoming an electrician in a specific state? check out our dedicated free guides for becoming an electrician in California, Texas, Michigan, Florida, and New York.
Path to Becoming an Electrician
A. Education Requirements
To start a career as an electrician, you’ll need at least a high school diploma or GED. This is the basic educational requirement. From there, you have two main paths to follow:
- Trade School or Vocational Program (Optional): While not mandatory, attending a trade school can provide a solid foundation in electrical theory, safety protocols, and local building codes. These programs typically last anywhere from 9 months to 2 years, offering valuable classroom instruction before you start an apprenticeship.
B. Apprenticeship
Once you have the necessary educational background, the next step is to enter an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships are the core of electrician training, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Here’s what to expect:
- Duration: Apprenticeships typically last around 4 to 5 years, equating to 6,000-10,000 hours of combined work and training.
- Training: During your apprenticeship, you'll learn essential skills such as reading blueprints, math for electrical systems, and safety protocols.
- Supervision: You'll work under the supervision of experienced electricians, gaining hands-on experience in real-world settings.
- Finding an Apprenticeship: These programs can be found through local unions, trade associations, or directly with employers. Many electricians start with a program from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) or similar organizations.
C. Licensing
After completing your apprenticeship, you’re eligible to apply for your journeyman electrician license. This usually involves passing a licensing exam that tests your knowledge of:
- Electrical theory
- Safety protocols
- National and local building codes
It's important to note that licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your local licensing authority to ensure you meet the specific criteria in your area.
Additional Training and Certifications
A. Trade School (Optional)
Although not required, some aspiring electricians choose to attend trade school for additional training before entering an apprenticeship. Trade school can provide:
- In-depth knowledge of electrical theory, workplace safety, and building codes.
- Hands-on experience with electrical systems, tools, and safety protocols.
These programs usually last between 9 months to 2 years, offering a concentrated, structured path to the trade. While attending trade school can be an upfront investment, it gives you a strong foundation for the apprenticeship and can help you start your career more confidently.
B. Other Certifications
In addition to a journeyman license, you may also pursue specialized certifications that can enhance your qualifications. Some electricians choose to gain expertise in areas like:
- Commercial or industrial electrical work
- Solar panel installation
- Energy efficiency systems
These certifications can boost your job prospects and earning potential, as employers often seek electricians with specific expertise in specialized areas.
Starting Out as an Electrician
A. Finding Work with No Experience
For those just starting, it’s common to seek work through an apprenticeship. There are two primary options for beginners:
- Union Apprenticeships: Organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offer formal programs with structured training.
- Non-Union Apprenticeships: Many non-union electrical contractors also provide apprenticeship programs, offering a similar blend of on-the-job experience and classroom learning.
To find an apprenticeship, you can:
- Reach out to local IBEW offices or electrical contractors directly.
- Look for job listings on platforms like Indeed or local job boards.
B. Entry-Level Job Options
Starting as an electrician means gaining valuable hands-on experience, often under the supervision of a more experienced technician. Even with no formal experience, you may start in roles such as:
- Apprentice Electrician
- Electrician Helper
- Electrician Trainee
While entry-level positions may pay less initially, they are a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed journeyman. As you gain more experience and qualifications, you can move up in the field, earning more and taking on more responsibility.
Networking is also critical. Connecting with local companies and technicians can open doors to apprenticeship programs or job opportunities.
Career Prospects and Growth
A. Stability and Demand in the Field
The demand for electricians is consistently high, and this trend is expected to continue due to ongoing construction projects, infrastructure upgrades, and the increasing need for skilled professionals in areas like renewable energy and smart homes.
- Job Stability: With so many industries relying on electrical systems, the need for electricians is strong across both residential and commercial sectors. This ensures long-term job security for skilled professionals.
- Advancement Opportunities: As an electrician gains experience, there are ample opportunities for career growth. You could move into roles such as electrical supervisor, project manager, or even open your own electrical contracting business.
B. Salary Expectations
Electricians can earn a substantial income, especially with experience and specialization.
- Hourly Rates: On average, electricians can earn between $50 to $75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and sector.
- Commercial Electricians: Those specializing in commercial or industrial work may earn higher rates, ranging from $100 to $150 per hour.
- Specializations: Electricians who focus on areas like solar energy or high-voltage systems often command higher rates, with some experienced professionals earning up to $100 an hour or more.
With the right mix of experience and certifications, an electrician can enjoy a highly lucrative career with opportunities for further financial growth.
Becoming an electrician is a rewarding and stable career choice with a clear path to success. By following the necessary steps—obtaining a high school diploma, completing an apprenticeship, and obtaining a license—individuals can enter a field with high demand and excellent earning potential.
Whether you choose to attend trade school or jump straight into an apprenticeship, the opportunities for advancement and specialization are abundant. With a solid foundation and ongoing experience, electricians can enjoy long-term job security, competitive pay, and the satisfaction of contributing to essential work in both residential and commercial sectors.
If you're considering a career as an electrician, the time to start is now. The demand for skilled professionals is strong, and the growth potential is vast.
FAQs
To become a certified electrician:
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED.
Enroll in an electrician trade school or apprenticeship program to gain hands-on training.
After completing your training and apprenticeship, apply for your electrician's license.
Before starting work, you may need to pass an aptitude test, such as the IBEW test, which assesses math and reading comprehension skills.
The best course for becoming an electrician depends on your career goals and the type of electrician you aspire to be. To become an electrician, you typically need to obtain a high school diploma or GED, enroll in a trade or vocational-technical school, complete an apprenticeship, pass an aptitude test like the IBEW test, and obtain a license. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and classroom instruction, teaching various skills under the guidance of a master electrician. Finally, getting licensed is crucial to demonstrate qualifications and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The first step to becoming an electrician is understanding the different types of electricians and their training requirements. Typically, this involves progressing through three stages: apprentice, journeyman, and master. You'll need a high school diploma or GED, then enroll in a trade school or vocational program.
After that, you can apply for an apprenticeship involving on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Some apprenticeships, like those offered by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), require passing an aptitude test. Once you complete your apprenticeship and gain enough experience, you can take the licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician and, with more experience, a master electrician. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so research the regulations in your area.
Becoming an electrician is a time-consuming process that begins with getting a high school diploma or GED. Then, aspiring electricians usually enroll in a trade or vocational-technical school for foundational knowledge.
Following this, they secure a four-year apprenticeship to become journeyman electricians. After gaining experience, they can aim for a master electrician license, which takes about 5-9 years in total. Certificate programs last 4 months to a year, while associate programs take about 2 years.
Apprenticeships typically last 3-5 years, possibly shorter for those who attended trade school.
To become an electrician's apprentice, you'll need to follow several steps:
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
- Consider enrolling in a trade or vocational-technical school to gain foundational training in electrical principles, although it's not mandatory. Afterward, apply for an apprenticeship program, which typically lasts about four years and combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. Apprenticeships can be found through trade schools, unions like the IBEW, or non-union organizations such as the IEC or ABC.
- You may need to pass an aptitude test, like the IBEW test, to assess your reading comprehension and math skills.
- Sign up as an apprentice electrician and complete your apprenticeship, which includes gaining 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and passing any necessary licensing exams.
The most common type of electrician is the journeyman electrician. This qualification is achieved after completing an apprenticeship and obtaining an electrician license. Journeyman electricians can work independently but cannot train apprentices, lead projects, or obtain permits for electrical work.
Electricians progress through different levels of licensing, starting as apprentices and advancing to journeymen and master electricians. These levels allow for increasing independence and responsibility, with each requiring passing exams and gaining specific experience. While most electricians don't pursue a college degree, the majority hold a high school diploma (32%), with only 30% earning an associate degree.
