How to Become an Electrician in California: A Comprehensive 2024 Guide

Electrical work is hard and can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is why it’s so important to have extensive training and experience working under a licensed contractor before you can work independently.

Why Choose a Career as an Electrician?

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand the potential benefits of this career path:

• High Demand: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electricians is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, which may be faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electricians
• Competitive Salary: In May 2021, the median annual wage for electricians was $60,040, with the top 10% earning more than $99,800. Individual salaries may vary based on factors like experience, location, and specialization.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electricians Pay
• Job Opportunities: As society increasingly relies on electrical systems and renewable energy, electricians could play a key role in modern infrastructure.
• Diverse Opportunities: Electricians can potentially specialize in areas such as residential, commercial, industrial, or renewable energy sectors, broadening their employment options.

1.  Confirm That This Is the Right Career for You

   
   Electrical work is both physically and mentally demanding. Before committing, consider the following:
   
   • Interest in Technical Work: Do you enjoy problem-solving and working with your hands?
   • Physical Fitness: The job often requires lifting equipment, climbing ladders, and working in various environments.
   • Willingness to Learn: The electrical field evolves with new technologies and codes.
   
   Action Steps:
   
   • Shadow a Professional: Spend time with a licensed electrician to get firsthand experience.
   • Research: Learn more about the trade and watch videos about daily responsibilities.
   

2. Ensure You Meet the Basic Qualifications

   
   Before starting formal training, you need to meet certain prerequisites:
   
   • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
   • Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
   • Physical Condition: Good health and physical fitness.
   • Transportation: Reliable means to get to classes and job sites.
   • Skills: Ability to work independently or as part of a team, follow instructions, and have good hand-eye coordination.
   
   Depending on your state, there may be other requirements you need to meet before starting your electrician journey. This article will provide information on how to become licensed in California.

3. Choose Between Trade School and Apprenticeship

   
   Your next to becoming an electrician is to apply for your training. You have two options: trade school or apprenticeship.
   
   
   Option A: Trade School
   
   Attending a state-approved trade school provides structured classroom instruction combined with hands-on training in labs.
   
   • Benefits:
   • Structured Learning Environment: Ideal for those who prefer formal education settings.
   • Networking Opportunities: Connect with instructors and peers in the industry.
   • Considerations:
   • Accreditation: Ensure the school is approved by the California Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) and offers Electrical Trainee (ET) cards upon enrollment.
   • Example: California Department of Industrial Relations – Approved Schools
   • Financial Aid: Explore scholarships, grants, and financial aid options, if qualified.
   
   
   Option B: Apprenticeship
   
   An apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction over several years.
   
   • Benefits:
   • Earn While You Learn: You may earn a wage while gaining experience.
   • Direct Industry Exposure: Work alongside experienced electricians.
   • Considerations:
   • Competitive Entry: Apprenticeships can be competitive due to high demand.
   • Action Steps:
   • Apply to Programs: Organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offer apprenticeships.
   • IBEW Local Unions in California: IBEW Local Union Directory
   • Prepare for Entrance Exams: Some programs require aptitude tests or interviews.
   • Apprenticeship Information: California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association
   
   Apprenticeships are more difficult to get accepted since the programs include a combination of training and work experience and take years to complete. (Read more about IBEW and apprenticeship here)
   

4. Accumulate Required Work Experience and Education

   
   Regardless of your path, you must complete a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training to meet California’s requirements for becoming an electrician.
   
   Trade School Students:
   • Complete Coursework: Finish all required classes and lab work provided by the trade school.
   • Gain Work Experience After Graduation: Trade school programs provide structured education. After graduating, you will need to find employment as an Electrical Trainee (ET) under the supervision of a licensed electrician to accumulate the necessary work hours. The exact number of hours required will depend on your specialization and the experience gained on the job.
   Many trade schools will teach you the national code while you are in school so that you begin studying what is required for your licensure test even before graduation. Some opt to go straight to taking the test after completion of trade school training but still need to accumulate verified work experience to get licensed.
   
   Apprenticeship Participants:
   • On-the-Job Training: Apprenticeships include the full 8,000 hours of OJT (typically completed over four to five years) while working as a paid apprentice. This requirement is built into the apprenticeship, so you’ll complete both classroom instruction and hands-on training simultaneously.
   • Source: California Department of Industrial Relations – Electrician Certification Program
   • Classroom Instruction: Alongside OJT, apprentices must also complete about 720 hours of classroom instruction.
   • Source: California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association

5. Obtain Your Electrician License

   
   After studying thoroughly, you can now take and (hopefully) pass the state electrician exam. In order to be certified in California, you will also need to accumulate paid work experience in order to become a licensed electrician.
   But, you may work with your “T-Card” while accumulating your hours. Once you are licensed, you can start working as an electrician unsupervised.
   
   
   Once you have the required education and experience, you’re ready to take the next step to becoming licensed.
   
   
   • Prepare for the State Exam:
   • Study the National Electrical Code (NEC): The foundation for the exam.
   • Access the NEC: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
   • Use Study Guides: Consider exam prep books and online resources.
   • Apply for the Exam:
   • Submit Application: Provide proof of education and work experience to the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).
   • Application Forms: DIR Electrician Certification Forms
   • Pay Fees: Application and examination fees apply.
   • Take and Pass the Exam:
   • Exam Content: Covers electrical theory, codes, and practical applications.
   • Passing Score: Typically, a score of at least 70% is required.
   • Exam Information: DIR Electrician Certification Program
   • Receive Your License:
   • Certification: After passing the exam, you will receive an electrician certification card.
   • Renewal: Electrician licenses must be renewed every three years, with continuing education requirements.
   • Renewal Information: DIR Electrician Certification Renewal