How to Become a Certified Electrician: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Electrician?

A certified electrician is an individual who has attained their state certification. This is an additional qualification that comes after state licensing. Gaining an electrician certification is often an essential part of someone’s training journey when beginning a career as an electrician.

Certification gives individuals the ability to work independently and run their own companies. It also provides visible proof that they have the knowledge and expertise required to complete electrical work safely and to the standards their state requires. 

In comparison, in states where uncertified electricians are allowed to operate, this must be done under supervision. They are also often restricted to more basic tasks such as the installation of outlets and light fittings, while certified electricians complete more challenging work.

The exact requirements for certification will vary depending on the state you are planning to operate within. Because of this, it’s essential to check your chosen state's requirements.

In this article, you will learn all the requirements for a licensed electrician, including the requirements and necessary work experience. You will also learn how to get your journeyman electrician license, which is essential to work independently on smaller projects. 

How Do You Become a Certified Electrician?

Here, you find the answer to the question, ‘What does it take to become a licensed electrician?’

Step 1 – Meet the Basic Requirements

How do you become a certified electrician? Well, the first step on your certification journey will be to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements to train as an electrician.

In most cases, this means that you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to be physically capable of carrying out the requirements of the job.

Some states will also require individuals to have completed pre-apprenticeship or vocational training before becoming eligible to apply for an electrician apprenticeship. 

Because of the different requirements in individual states, it’s important to check the rules for the state you wish to train or work in. 

Step 2 – Complete an Electrician Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity to learn on-the-job while also studying, as your time will be split between classroom learning and a paid work placement.

For most states, completing an electrician apprenticeship is a requirement for anyone looking to gain their electrician certification.

How to get an electrical apprentice license 

There are a number of ways to get your electrical apprentice license, with vocational colleges and trade schools among some of the more popular choices.

Others choose to join a union apprenticeship program like the IBEW or work as an apprentice with someone who is already a licensed electrical contractor. Some states will offer more options than others so it’s a good idea to check what’s available in your area.

A typical apprenticeship will last between four and five years, after which you will be considered qualified and able to progress to journeyman level. 

Step 3 – Get Your Journeyman Electrician Certification

In this section, you will learn how to get your journeyman electrician license.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you need to pass an exam before becoming a licensed journeyman electrician. This license will allow you to work independently on smaller projects.

The journeyman exam will typically cover content like the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, and safety regulations, and state-specific licensing requirements.

You should have learned everything you need to know through the course of your apprenticeship training and education, but it’s a good idea to practice for this exam ahead of time so that you can achieve the best possible score on the day.

Some states will also require that electrician apprentices complete a specific number of work hours before taking the journeyman exam, so it’s vital to check the requirements of your state before applying. 

Step 4 – Gain Work Experience as a Journeyman

Individuals with a journeyman licence can work independently, but cannot pull permits and are unable to train apprentices. They may also find that there are limits to the work they’re able to undertake, with some states limiting journeymen to specific types of work.

To progress, you will need to complete several years of work experience as a journeyman. Then, you can apply for your Master Electrician certification. The exact number of years of experience you’ll require will vary depending on the regulations of your state, but it’s typically between one and five years.

Step 5 – Become a Master Electrician (Optional)

This is an optional extra that is often chosen by electricians who wish to run their own businesses. Master electricians are able to pull permits, run their own businesses, and supervise apprentice electricians. They are considered to be the most experienced and knowledgeable. 

Once you have completed several years working as a journeyman, you will become eligible to take the Master Electrician Exam. The exact number of years of experience required will vary from state to state, but it is typically at least five years.

Once you have completed the experience requirements, you will need to take and pass the Master Electricians Exam. There is usually a cost to take the exam, and failing more than twice will require individuals to take additional master electricians training courses. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Electrician?

Typically, it will take between four and 10 years to complete your journey to becoming a certified electrician. This will vary depending on the level of certification you pursue and the state requirements in your area.

By breaking the process down into each stage, it’s easier to understand each step.

In most cases, an apprenticeship will last between four and five years. This is the first step for the majority of people, as most states will require the successful completion of an apprenticeship program.

Once you have completed the apprenticeship, your state may require you to complete additional working hours. If this isn’t a requirement, you’ll be eligible to apply for your journeyman licensing exam and begin working as a journeyman. 

Once you have your journeyman licensing, you don’t have to apply for further certification unless you want to. Some people choose to spend their entire electrician career at journeyman level. 

However, if you want to be able to run your own business, work independently on larger jobs, or train apprentices, you will need to gain Master Electrician certification.

To qualify as a Master Electrician, you will typically need to complete between one and five years of work experience as a journeyman before taking the Master Electrician Exam. 

Electrician Certification Requirements by State (US)

Each US state has its own rules regarding electrician certification. This means that the exact requirements that you’ll need to adhere to will vary from state to state.

Some states will require a minimum number of years of work experience, while others look for applicants to have completed specific courses. 

To be sure of the requirements in the state where you want to work, it’s best to check with the certification board in that state. This will give you the state-specific information you need to plan your certification journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a certified electrician?

The requirements for a licensed electrician include being over 18 and having a GED, typically, as well as completing an apprenticeship, passing an exam, and gaining lots of work experience. 

How to get an electrical apprentice license?

This process will vary depending on local regulations. Typically, you will apply through a trade school, union, or employer, but it’s a good idea to check the requirements where you live before making any applications. 

Do I need a college degree to become an electrician?

No, there is no need to attend college. However, a trade school or apprenticeship is usually a requirement.

How much does it cost to become a certified electrician?

The total cost varies based on your location and the chosen route. Generally, expenses range from $1,000 to $10,000 to fulfil training and licensing obligations. 

How long does it take to become a master electrician?

Depending on the amount of work experience needed and your individual state’s requirements, it will usually take six to 10 years to fully train to become a certified electrician. 

How long does it take to become a licensed electrician?

It can take anywhere from four to 10 years, depending on the level of certification you pursue and the state requirements in your area.

Can I work as an electrician without a license?

Generally, no. There are some states that allow unlicensed electricians to work under supervision, but a license is always required for independent work. This is why gaining certification is seen as an essential step for most people looking to work as electricians. 

Final Thoughts

The process of becoming a fully certified electrician may seem long and arduous, but, when broken down into each step, it’s a clear career path. 

In the majority of cases, it all starts with a high school diploma and an apprenticeship. Being able to secure a good apprenticeship program will make the rest of the journey a lot easier, as you will have strong foundations to build on.

From the early days as an apprentice learning the ropes, through work experience as a journeyman and finally qualifying as a Master Electrician, you will be continuously learning and building on your knowledge.

Because the exact requirements can vary from one state to the next, it’s vital to check the rules and regulations in your area before beginning your certification journey. This way, you will know exactly what to expect and the steps you’ll need to take.