Electricians can enjoy a competitive salary and expect excellent career growth. While other states have onerous training and education requirements, Texas makes the process of becoming an electrician fairly easy.
In general, you can get started in the industry by being hired through an apprenticeship program. Then, you can work as an apprentice until you have gained 8,000 hours of experience. Once you reach this milestone, you can take an exam to become a journeyman electrician.
If you’re considering a career as an electrician, you probably want to know – how long will it take before I’m fully qualified and working in the field? The timeline varies based on factors like your education path and location.
This guide covers key details on the typical duration of electrician training programs and licensing requirements. Read on to learn what to expect as you embark on this rewarding skilled trade career.
Apprenticeship Route
One of the most common ways to become an electrician is to complete an apprenticeship program. This involves paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction.
A typical electrician apprenticeship lasts 4-5 years During this time, you’ll gain broad experience in areas like
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Installation and maintenance
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Reading blueprints
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Safety protocols
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Tools and equipment
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Electrical theory and calculations
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Codes and regulations
Apprenticeships provide well-rounded training to equip you for any electrical project. The extensive hands-on learning also helps develop your skills and confidence.
Upon completing an apprenticeship, you’ll qualify to take the journeyman electrician exam. Passing this allows you to work independently.
Some apprentices choose to continue on to become master electricians. This requires 2-4 more years of experience before taking the master electrician license exam.
Vocational Program Route
Another option is enrolling in a vocational electrical program at a trade school or technical college. The length of these programs can vary:
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Certificate – Basic electrical certificates can be earned in 4-12 months. They provide introductory hands-on training but don’t qualify you to work as an electrician.
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Diploma – More comprehensive diploma programs take about 1 year of full-time coursework. The added training prepares you for apprenticeships and entry-level electrical positions.
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Associate degree – For the most extensive classroom foundation, consider a 2-year associate degree in electrical technology. Programs include general education alongside electrical courses.
Once completing a diploma or degree, you’ll still need to enter a 1-2 year apprenticeship to gain your journeyman license and broad field experience. Vocational programs combined with an apprenticeship generally take 2-4 years total.
On-the-Job Training Route
In some areas, it’s possible to learn the trade by working under the direction of a licensed journeyman electrician or master electrician directly without formal apprenticeship enrollment.
Training occurs as you complete electrical tasks on actual job sites. This learning-by-doing approach can take 3-5 years before you gain adequate skills to pass licensing exams.
To provide evidence of your training hours, keep detailed records of the types of electrical jobs you assist with and skills attained. Documenting your experience is crucial for qualifying to take the electrician tests later.
Earning Your Electrician License
All states require electricians to obtain a license demonstrating their qualifications. To become a licensed journeyman electrician after finishing your apprenticeship or training, you’ll need to:
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Have 2-5 years of working experience in electrical maintenance, construction and installation. This is verified through apprenticeship records or letters from your supervising electricians.
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Pass the journeyman electrician exam covering electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, safety protocols, circuits, wiring and other topics. Exams are administered at designated testing centers.
The journeyman license allows you to independently take on electrical jobs and supervise apprentices. Renewing your license periodically (every 1-3 years) through continuing education demonstrates you’re up-to-date on the latest codes and best practices.
With determination and commitment, the process of becoming a qualified electrician can be completed in as little as 2 years or may take up to 5 years depending on your chosen education and training path. The hands-on experience you gain is invaluable in preparing you for a rewarding career installing, maintaining and troubleshooting complex electrical systems.
Essential Steps to Becoming an Electrician
Here is a helpful summary of the key steps involved in starting your electrician career:
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Choose an education path: apprenticeship, vocational program, or on-the-job training
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Apply to and enroll in the program
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For apprenticeships, gain employment with an electrical contractor to sponsor your apprenticeship
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For vocational programs, register for electrical technology classes
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For on-the-job training, get hired as an electrical helper/assistant under licensed electricians
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Complete classroom and/or hands-on training over 2-5 years
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Track hours/experience assisting with installations, construction, maintenance, etc.
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Study electrical theory, codes, and safety to prepare for licensing exams
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Take and pass the journeyman electrician license exam
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Continue learning and working under supervision to gain allowed experience
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Eventually take the master electrician exam if desired
The timeline varies, but diligently working through the steps can have you working as a qualified electrician within just a couple years. With hard work and determination, an exciting career awaits building and maintaining electrical systems that power our world.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Electrician in Texas?
You can become an apprentice electrician right away by turning in this online application and paying a $20 fee. If you want to become a journeyman electrician or a master electrician, it will take much longer.
To become a journeyman electrician, you have to complete 8,000 hours of training. If you work 40 hours a week, this will take about four years.
Because you must finish 12,000 hours of training to become a master electrician, it can take up to six years to finish your training.
How to Become an Electrician in Texas
With each progression, there are guidelines you need to follow to become an electrician. The goal of each progression is to give an electrician the safety training and experience they need to perform at a high level, day in and day out.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Electrician
How do I become a journeyman electrician?
Becoming a journeyman electrician might be easier than you realize. The path into this reliable trade often looks like this: First, get a basic education, including optional pre-apprenticeship training at a trade school. Then, complete a paid, multi-year apprenticeship. Finally, get licensed or certified (if required).
How long does electrician training take?
Electrician training at an electrician trade school can be conducted online or in person. For example, Ashworth College offers an online program that consists of 14 lessons and takes four months to complete. Most of the schools that offer electrician training are community colleges.
How long does an electrician license last?
Like many other trade licenses, electrician licenses last for only a few years at a time. To keep your certification current, you have to renew it regularly, typically every three years. In many cases, you have to complete continuing education credits to renew.
How do I become an electrician apprentice?
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get there: 1. Get your high school diploma or GED (approximately four years) In order to begin work as an electrician apprentice, you need a high school diploma or GED. It takes most students four years to earn a high school diploma or GED. 2. Attend trade school (nine months to two years)
