How to Become a Certified Electrician: the Ultimate Guide

For modern-day life to function effortlessly, electricians are a very important part of our society. Thai occupation provides us with a crucial skill set, the importance of which we may not always be aware. Do you want to become an electrician? This article will help you gain all the information you will need to start your career?.

Electricians must possess extensive knowledge of technical stuff and be aware of the risk factors in this job. We will learn all about becoming a certified electrician in this article.

Let’s go through the steps you would have to follow, the certifications you would need, and salary expectations in detail?.

Who is an electrician?

An electrician is trained to handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of all domestic and industrial electrical systems. From our houses to commercial buildings, industries, and outdoor areas, their work exists in every range imaginable. ⚡️

They have specializations in dealing with various complicated electrical systems and their components, for example, wiring, switches, outlets, and circuits.

Only a trained electrician can ensure that all electrical systems in a building will function safely and efficiently at all times. They use blueprints and technical knowledge to plan and carry out electrical installations with their intricate knowledge of local codes and security regulations.

Let us have a look at the possible income of an electrician?.

How much can an electrician earn??

As of recent statistics, an electrician earns $60,000 per year on average. The highest-paid ones make around $78,000, while the lowest-paid ones even make a good sum of about $45,000.

These metropolitan areas are the best places for an electrician to make a good fortune.?

San Francisco, California- $93,900
San Jose, California- $91,090
Chicago, Illinois- $86,600
Trenton, New Jersey- $86,350
New York, New York- $85,070

How to Become An Electrician? (Tips)

What are the steps you must go through to become a certified electrician? Let’s understand:

Get your high school diploma or an equivalent of it

Before becoming an electrician. You must possess a high school diploma or something equivalent for it. Although a major part of the work is mostly based on a specific skill set according to the industry, certain academic aspects must be thoroughly studied and understood by prospective electricians. Some basic subjects related to this job sector are:

Mathematics

Electricians require mathematical skills, especially algebra, and trigonometry, to find out wiring lengths, electrical current and force calculations, circuit angle measurements, etc.

Physics

Basic concepts of science, especially those of current electricity, must be studied well if you want to become a skilled electrician.

English

Electricians have to read technical information and product details, mostly written in English. So, a basic understanding of the knowledge is required,

Mechanical drawings

If electrical engineers have to design electrical circuits for office buildings or other facilities, they must be familiar with mechanical drawing.

Attend a trade or vocational-technical school

This step is not mandatory, but if you do concede it, you will be attaining important training and understanding of the job. This will eventually make the process of getting certified easier.

You can study electrical science at a university for four years or get your career diploma from a trade school. In both cases, you will have comprehensive laboratory and classroom training experience. ⚡️

You will be introduced to the basic principle of electricity and given foundational instruments. Therefore, when you apply for internships, you have an edge.

Apply for internships

Even if you don’t go to trade school to finish your training, you will have to complete an apprenticeship to get your license as an electrical engineer. There are several ways to get an internship:

Through the trade schools

Trade schools generally provide their students with apprenticeships and placement scopes.

Through unions

The JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees)is located in almost all cities in the U.S. They provide classroom and laboratory-oriented training at their facility. Remember that it is mandatory that you join the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) to participate in a union apprenticeship.

Through non-unions

The IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) and the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors), also located in all major cities, offer internship opportunities with non-union electrical contractors.

While applying for an apprenticeship, students may have to pass an aptitude test that examines their reading, comprehensive, and mathematical skills. Also, a personal interview, a drug test, and a physical examination will follow.

Register as an electrician intern

Certain states consider it mandatory to get electrical apprentices registered before they get permission to work on sites. Therefore, before starting work, conduct proper research on your state’s regulation requisites. ⚡️

Finish your apprenticeship

An apprenticeship lies at the base of your electrician training process. It includes aspects like classroom knowledge, on-site training, along with guidance and surveillance from a professional electrician. Major states require students to finish at least 3-4 years of apprenticeship before applying for the final examination. Internships train them on matters like:

Deciding technical images and blueprints of construction for electrical planning.
Taking care of installation, maintenance, and repair of wiring and distribution equipment.
Making sure that all electrical planning and execution is done following the national, state, and local directives.
Knowing how to use electrical testing devices to inspect any critical issues.

Get all important licenses or certifications.

As already mentioned, certifications vary from state to state. So, you have to individually research the essential criteria in your area. If a license is mandatory, you would have to apply for an electrical examination.

Through this exam, your understanding of the National Electrical Code, safety regulations, electrical principles, and building codes. You would also need to testify about your finished apprenticeships✅.

Education Requirements To Be An Electrician

Electricians rarely require academic degrees from colleges or universities. But, they must have a high school diploma, or something of the same level, for example, a GED. This basic degree ensures they have a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and social interaction which are important aspects of electrician study and training. ????

Mostly, employers look out for candidates who have a satisfactory certification, have finished an apprenticeship, and have a contractor license to qualify as a professional electrician, even if they lack a college degree.

However, certain employers do demand professional electricians to pursue a degree in electrical technology. This ensures they have an advanced understanding of the subject and, therefore, makes it easier to finish apprenticeships✅.

Years of Experience Required To Be An Electrician

It takes around 4-5 years to become a professional, certified electrician. As already discussed, most candidates are thoroughly trained for the job in an apprenticeship program. These factors govern the length of an internship:

If you have previous military or construction work experience
If you have an associate degree or technical experience relevant to this field.
If you have worked in an electric contractor training initiative and have been approved✅.

Responsibilities of An Electrician

What are the responsibilities that you would have to take up when you become a certified, professional electrician? Let’s make a list?:

You will be in charge of repairing and replacing the wiring system.
You will be reading blueprints and schematics of circuit planning.
You will be documenting all repairs and changes being made, especially in office or industrial buildings.
You will be managing and guiding intern electricians.
You will interact with architects, contractors, and customers about the electrical connections.
You will be diagnosing and dealing with functionality and security concerns if reported.
You will design and execute indoor and outdoor electrical control, wiring, and lighting systems.
You will monitor and test electrical systems, fuses, and transformers.
You will stay up-to-date with all revisions made to the NEC (National Electric Code) and other related regulations, buildings, and safety codes.

Tips to Improve Your Career As An Electrician

In this section, we will focus on the important skills you must work on so that you can improve yourself as a professional electrician:

Technical understanding

Certain hard skills are very crucial for electricians, especially for job-specific duties. Students generally develop these skills during vocational learning or apprenticeships.

Electricians must possess enough technical understanding and training to be able to install, manage, and repair electrical infrastructure elements efficiently. Also, it helps if they have experience working with hand tools and current equipment✅.

Problem-solving skills

Electricians can’t function without problem-solving skills. They have to detect issues in the electoral systems and instantly come up with solutions and implement them.

They must possess the ability to assess schematic figures, identify possible issues, and identify risks before implementing a specific process. You can only hope to excel at this job when you are up-to-date with all technical development✅.

Physical fitness

Since an electrician has to do diverse physical work, they must focus on fitness. Good stamina, core strength, flexibility, and clear vision are very important criteria for a good electrician.

Carrying and lifting large objects, standing for hours on end, climbing high structures, and working in adverse outdoor climates and situations would be impossible if an electrician is not concerned about their physical well-being✅.

Interpersonal skills

Electricians have to communicate with clients, contractors, co-workers, and laborers regularly. So, if you want to maintain good relationships at the workplace, you have to work on your interpersonal skills. Knowing how to communicate with your client to provide them with the service they want.

You must be able to understand their instructions clearly and explain your way of implementation accurately to them. This way, you will learn to maintain extreme professionalism with a friendly outlook in all your communications✅.

Top Schools For Electricians in the United States

If you want to become an electrician, what schools can you opt for to receive the formal education you require? Here are a few options:

Ivy Tech Community College

Located in Indianapolis, IN, this college secures a good rank of 340 out of 2241 schools all over the nation. Around 800 electrician students graduate with a degree every year.

Mitchell Technical College

Located in Mitchell, SD, this public college secures a good rank of 793 out of 2241 schools all over the nation. Around 45 electrician students graduate with a degree every year.

Lansing Community College

Located in Lansing. MI, this public college secures a good rank of 25 out of 57 premium schools in Michigan. Around 16 electrician students graduate with a degree every year.

State Technical College of Missouri

Located in Linn, MO, this public college secures a good rank of 765 out of 2241 schools across the nation. Around 54 electrician students graduate with a degree every year.

Metropolitan Community College

Located in Omaha, NE, this public college secures a good rank of 603 out of 2241 schools across the nation. Around 35 electrician students graduate with a degree every year.

Top Online Courses To Become An Electrician in the United States

Let us have a glance at the top online courses that aspiring electricians can avail of?:

Ashworth College’s Online Electrician Course

This course is completed in about four months and is divided into 14 comprehensive chapters. All lessons are in compliance with the NEC so that students learn everything as they will find it at the workplace.

The training course prepares all students for jobs in public service, electrical construction and maintenance, and television or telephone installation. The course costs around $859✅.

Penn Foster Career School’s Electrician Training Online

This course is completed in about seven months and is completely mobile-friendly so that students can study even when they are not at home. They also have a Success Center where you can talk to coaches and instructors for any help you need.

They help students with setting goals and track their progress so that they can finish the course at ease but within time. The course costs around $799✅.

360 Training Basic Electrical Training

People already working in this sector-electricians, electrical engineers, or maintenance supervisors can avail of the course to refresh their skills and understanding of the subject.

They offer different programs within their Basic Electrical Training, including electromagnetism, circuits laws and regulations, resistors, etc✅.

Where to find an electrician job opportunity online?

These are some of the common online platforms where you can easily find jobs after you’ve become a professionally trained and certified electrician?.:

Rigzone

Rigzone is a great site to look out for electrician jobs. Companies in Houston and Jackson put up ads for electrician requirements, and candidates can easily apply from here.

Randstad USA

With thousands of job opportunities, Randstad USA makes it easier for aspiring electricians to find jobs based on their personal location and salary preferences.

LinkedIn continues to be one of the best options available online, where you can search for jobs, no matter what your profession. Electricians have a prospective career as well.

Key Takeaways

To sum up, even if you don’t have formal education or a degree, you can become a certified professional electrician through rigorous training and continuous apprenticeships. With extensive electrical knowledge, proper hand-eye coordination, physical fitness, and security awareness, you will be ready to work as an electrician in household or industrial projects✅.

Wish you all the best in this journey you are about to take!?.