2 answers
Jackson
Student
Toledo, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
189 views
What certifications do you need to be an electrician? What are the levels to becoming an electrician?
I'm a 10th grader in high school, and I am interested in going into the trades after graduating. How many years did you spend at each level?
Login to comment
2 answers
David Harris
Electrician
9
Answers
Golden Valley, Arizona
Updated
David’s Answer
Stay with your basic math, algebra and geometry. You Will need it. Basic math and algebra to figure your amps, volts, watts etc and geometry if you are going to bending conduit. You can contact your nearest IBEC (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) union and the can guide you. They can help you decide the area of electrical work. .. residential, commercial, heavy industrial, lineman. Learn all the safety you can. Electrical is a great paying career, but it is dangerous. Electricity is not prejudice who it hurts and not forgiving. Good luck
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
574
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Jackson,
What an interesting question you've got here! Becoming an electrician typically involves progressing through several levels, starting with training and moving into more advanced roles. Here's a breakdown of the process and certifications:
1. Education & Training
- High School: Continue to focus on math (especially algebra), physics, and shop classes if available. Some schools offer pre-apprenticeship programs or technical training in electrical work.
- Vocational or Trade School (optional but recommended): Some aspiring electricians start with an electrical program after high school, which can take about a year or two.
2. Apprentice Electrician
- Apprenticeship: After high school, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship, which usually lasts 4–5 years. During this period, you’ll get paid while you learn on the job from licensed electricians, and you’ll also take some classroom instruction.
- License Requirement: Many states require you to register as an electrical apprentice before you begin working. You’ll work under a journeyman or master electrician.
- Certifications: You may need to pass a state exam to advance to the next level.
3. Journeyman Electrician
- Experience Requirement: After completing your apprenticeship (usually around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training), you can take an exam to become a journeyman electrician.
- License: A journeyman license allows you to work independently and even supervise apprentices.
- Duration: It typically takes 4–5 years to reach this level.
4. Master Electrician
- Experience Requirement: After working as a journeyman for 1–2 years, you can qualify to take the master electrician exam.
- License: A master electrician license allows you to own your own electrical business, work on more complex systems, and supervise journeymen and apprentices.
- Certifications: Some states require continuing education to maintain your license as a master electrician.
5. Specializations
- Depending on your interest, you can specialize in areas like residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance electrical work, each requiring additional certifications or training.
In total, becoming a fully licensed master electrician can take about 6–8 years, including your apprenticeship and journeyman experience.
If you want to start preparing now, look into trade-specific courses and programs that might give you a head start during high school!
Best wishes!
What an interesting question you've got here! Becoming an electrician typically involves progressing through several levels, starting with training and moving into more advanced roles. Here's a breakdown of the process and certifications:
1. Education & Training
- High School: Continue to focus on math (especially algebra), physics, and shop classes if available. Some schools offer pre-apprenticeship programs or technical training in electrical work.
- Vocational or Trade School (optional but recommended): Some aspiring electricians start with an electrical program after high school, which can take about a year or two.
2. Apprentice Electrician
- Apprenticeship: After high school, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship, which usually lasts 4–5 years. During this period, you’ll get paid while you learn on the job from licensed electricians, and you’ll also take some classroom instruction.
- License Requirement: Many states require you to register as an electrical apprentice before you begin working. You’ll work under a journeyman or master electrician.
- Certifications: You may need to pass a state exam to advance to the next level.
3. Journeyman Electrician
- Experience Requirement: After completing your apprenticeship (usually around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training), you can take an exam to become a journeyman electrician.
- License: A journeyman license allows you to work independently and even supervise apprentices.
- Duration: It typically takes 4–5 years to reach this level.
4. Master Electrician
- Experience Requirement: After working as a journeyman for 1–2 years, you can qualify to take the master electrician exam.
- License: A master electrician license allows you to own your own electrical business, work on more complex systems, and supervise journeymen and apprentices.
- Certifications: Some states require continuing education to maintain your license as a master electrician.
5. Specializations
- Depending on your interest, you can specialize in areas like residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance electrical work, each requiring additional certifications or training.
In total, becoming a fully licensed master electrician can take about 6–8 years, including your apprenticeship and journeyman experience.
If you want to start preparing now, look into trade-specific courses and programs that might give you a head start during high school!
Best wishes!