What To Do To Become A Licensed Electrician

An electrician is responsible for the installation of new electrical infrastructure, as well as maintaining the equipment and wiring in existing power grids and buildings. The steps set out below will provide potential candidates with a general overview of the basic process for obtaining a Journeyman Electrician License in the United States, but bear in mind that specific requirements may vary by state.

Step 1 – Meet the Basic Requirements

A career in the electrical industry requires appropriate training in order to learn about the construction processes and technical aspects of the profession, including gaining an awareness of the special risks it involves. However, before undertaking the learning process the following requirements have to be met:

– Minimum age of 18 years
– A High School Diploma
– Pass an Aptitude Test
– Pass a substance abuse test

Step 2 �” Undergo Training as an Electrician Apprentice

Once you have met all the initial requirements you will start your training which will take from four to five years to complete. Generally there are 2 training paths to choose from:

1. An Apprenticeship Program by the Government or an Electrician Trade Union

These programs are usually managed by the government or an electrician’s trade union and you will be training under the supervision of one of their licensed electricians.

2. Trade Schools

Trade Schools place a higher focus on learning in a classroom situation with a minimum required number of work-hours specified by the state you are working in. Many electricians start their training in trade schools before entering apprenticeship programs to complete the required number of work hours.

There are several sub-fields available in the electrical field and working on distribution lines is very different to working with residential electrical installations. If, for example, you are interested in specializing in a specific area, you may want to complete your apprenticeship with a company in that specializes in that particular sector.

Step 3 �” Take the Journeyman Electrician Test

Whether you attended Trade School or entered an apprenticeship program with a government or trade union, you will progress to the stage where you can take the Journeyman electrician contractor Test. The minimum requirement is the completion of an apprenticeship or a combination of a trade school and a work-hour quota program. Upon passing the test you will be a licensed Journeyman Electrician.

A Journeyman Electrician is qualified to legally work in any residential, industrial, commercial or utility setting, either as an independent electrical technician, or a contractor’s employee.

The next step after becoming a Journeyman Electrician is a Master Electrician’s License. Obtaining this higher qualification will broaden the prospects of your professional field and you will move into a higher income bracket.