how to become an electrician

Becoming an electrician typically requires aspiring professionals to be 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

If you’re looking into how to become an electrician apprentice, the quickest way is by completing an electrical pre-apprenticeship training program. Graduating from a trade school like Skilled Trades USA shows employers that you have a solid foundation of classroom education and hands-on experience to perform electrical work at a basic level. 

This 12-week “fast track” electrician course covers electrical theory, safety procedures and certifications (OSHA 10), building codes, wiring methods, blueprint reading, and more, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed day one. 

As an apprentice electrician, you “earn while you learn.” In order to complete an apprenticeship program, you’ll need to complete roughly 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training alongside 500-1,000 hours of classroom instruction. This stage is designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application, ensuring you can navigate a job site safely and effectively.

After completing an apprenticeship program, the next step is earning your journeyman license. To reach this level, you must pass a rigorous state or local competency exam that tests your mastery of the NEC and safety procedures. Licensing requirements vary, and are handled at either the local or state level. Check with your state’s licensing boards to determine exact requirements.

As a licensed journeyman electrician, you can:

With several more years of experience (typically 7-10 years total), you can test for your Master license. Representing the pinnacle of the trade, this status requires a deeper understanding of electrical concepts and engineering, as well as business law. It is the ultimate goal for those looking for maximum earning potential and professional autonomy.

As a master electrician, you gain the legal authority to: