Thinking about becoming an electrician? This career offers strong job security, good pay, and the chance to work with your hands in a growing U.S. trade field. But how do you actually get started?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the path to becoming an electrician, from education through licensing.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Before anything else, you’ll need a high school education or equivalent. Core subjects that help later include:
- 🔹 Algebra and basic math
- 🔹 Physics or general science
- 🔹 Shop, construction, or technical classes
Without this foundation, you won’t qualify for trade school or most apprenticeships.
2. Consider Trade School or Technical College
Not every electrician takes this step, but enrolling in a program can give you a head start. Trade schools typically last 6 months to 2 years and provide:
- Electrical theory and safety training
- Hands-on labs and simulations
- Credits that sometimes count toward apprenticeship requirements
This step isn’t required, but it can make you more competitive when applying for apprenticeships.
👉 If you’re more focused on how long this process takes, check out our guide on how long it takes to become an electrician.
3. Apply for an Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is where real training begins. You’ll learn on the job while earning wages. There are two main paths:
- Union apprenticeships through the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)
- Non-union apprenticeships through groups like IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) or ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors)
You’ll usually need to pass an entrance exam (math, reading comprehension) and an interview to qualify.
4. Complete Your Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship typically lasts 4 to 5 years, including:
- 8,000+ hours of supervised, paid training
- 500–1,000 classroom hours in code, safety, and theory
During this time, your pay increases as you progress. By the end, you’ll have both hands-on skills and technical knowledge.
5. Pass the Journeyman Exam
After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll be eligible for the journeyman electrician exam. This test covers:
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Local/state regulations
- Electrical theory and safety
Passing the exam earns you a journeyman license, allowing you to work independently under state law.
6. Advance to Master Electrician (Optional)
Once you’ve worked as a journeyman for a few years, you can apply to become a master electrician. This step usually requires:
- 2,000+ additional work hours
- A state-specific master exam
Master electricians often earn higher pay, can pull permits, and may run their own contracting businesses.
👉 Curious about pay differences? Check out our guide on master electrician salary for a breakdown of earnings at the top level.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an electrician takes dedication, but the rewards are strong: paid training, steady demand, and the ability to build a long-term career. Whether you choose trade school first or jump straight into an apprenticeship, each step builds toward licensing and beyond.
If you’re ready, start by exploring apprenticeship programs in your area — it’s the fastest way to get your career wired for success.
