So you’re thinking about becoming an electrician. Good choice. It’s one of the few careers that’s always in demand, pays well, and doesn’t require a mountain of student debt. In fact, theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady 11% job growth for electricians through 2033, making it a stable and secure path.
But how do you actually become one? It’s not as simple as picking up some tools and watching a few YouTube videos. There’s a clear process, one that takes time, hands-on experience, and a real commitment to safety and skill.
Here are 10 detailed steps on how to become an electrician, with everything you need to know from start to license.
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
Before anything else, make sure you’re eligible. Most apprenticeship programs and licensing boards require that you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Can pass a basic algebra test
- Are physically fit enough for demanding work (climbing ladders, working in tight spaces)
- Can pass a drug screening and background check
- Have reliable transportation to job sites
These are the non-negotiables. If you can check these boxes, you’re ready to move to the next phase of your electrician career.
2. Get Your High School Diploma or GED
This is the educational baseline for all future electricians. If you don’t have a high school diploma, a GED is perfectly acceptable. What matters is that you understand key subjects like:
- Math, especially algebra
- Physics, for understanding electricity flow and circuits
- English, since reading blueprints and technical manuals is part of the job
Some high schools offer pre-apprenticeship or technical programs, so if you’re still in school, take advantage of any shop, electronics, or trade-related courses available. It’s a smart way to prep early for training to become an electrician.
3. Decide Between Trade School or Direct Apprenticeship
This is where your path can split. You can either:
A. Attend a trade school or community college
These programs usually take 9–24 months and give you a solid foundation in:
- Electrical theory
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Safety procedures
- Hands-on lab work
Completing one makes you more competitive when applying for apprenticeships. It also helps you understand the basics before stepping onto a job site.
B. Apply directly for an apprenticeship
If you’re confident in your academic background and ready to start working, you can apply directly to an apprenticeship program without going to trade school first. Just be prepared for more on-the-job learning and less classroom time.
Both routes work. Just pick the one that fits your learning style and timeline.
4. Apply for an Apprenticeship Program
Apprenticeships are at the heart of how to become an electrician. They combine paid work with structured education.
Programs are offered by:
- Unions, like the IBEW through JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees)
- Non-union groups, such as IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) or ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors)
- Private employers or contractors, who take on apprentices directly
Your apprenticeship will typically last 4 to 5 years. During that time, you’ll:
- Work around 8,000 hours on the job
- Complete 500–1,000 hours of classroom instruction
This step is essential to meet the requirements to become an electrician in most states. And yes, you get paid while you learn.
5. Learn the Job, Hands-On and in the Classroom
Once you’re accepted, the real work starts. You’ll spend most of your time in the field, working under experienced electricians. Expect to:
- Install and repair wiring
- Run conduit and connect circuit breakers
- Troubleshoot electrical issues
- Follow detailed blueprints and diagrams
- Learn local and national electrical codes
In the classroom, you’ll cover electrical theory, math applications, code compliance, and safety standards.
This mix of theory and hands-on work is the core of your training to become an electrician. Each week builds your skills, and your confidence.
6. Take and Pass the Licensing Exam
After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to take the journeyman electrician exam in your state or municipality. This is the final step that confirms you’ve met all the electrician qualifications and are ready to work on your own.
The exam typically includes:
- National Electrical Code (NEC) questions
- State or local code questions
- Practical electrical theory and math
- Safety standards and troubleshooting scenarios
Some states may also require a certain number of supervised hours logged before you can take the test. Once you pass, you’ll be issued your journeyman license, allowing you to take on jobs independently and legally.
7. Choose a Specialty (Optional, But Smart)
As a licensed journeyman, you’ll have options. While general electrical work is always in demand, many electricians specialize over time. Your choice depends on your interests and work environment preference.
Some common specialties:
- A residential electrician works on homes, apartments, and other small-scale buildings, focusing on wiring, lighting, and basic electrical systems.
- A commercial electrician handles larger properties like office buildings, retail spaces, and public infrastructure, often dealing with more complex systems.
- An industrial electrician manages electrical systems in factories and manufacturing plants, including heavy machinery and high-voltage equipment.
- A maintenance electrician performs routine inspections and electrical repairs to keep systems running smoothly in business or industrial settings.
- A lineman installs and repairs outdoor utility lines and transformers; the work is physically demanding and risky but offers high pay.
- A solar and renewable energy technician specializes in solar panel systems and other green technologies, a fast-growing area in the electrical field.
Picking a specialty helps you deepen your skills and can make you more valuable (and better paid) in your electrician career.
8. Keep Up with Continuing Education
Electricity doesn’t stand still, and neither do the codes. Once you’re licensed, most states require continuing education hours to keep your license valid. This might include:
- Code updates (NEC revisions happen every 3 years)
- New safety regulations
- Green energy systems like solar or EV charging
- Smart home wiring and automation
Staying current isn’t just about following the law. It helps you offer better service, take on higher-paying jobs, and stay competitive in a changing industry.
9. Build Real Experience and Reputation
Now that you’re fully licensed, it’s all about building your name. Most electricians start by working for an electrical contractor, but some eventually branch out into freelance or business ownership.
The key here? Do quality work and show up when you say you will. Clients and general contractors remember reliability, clear communication, and clean results.
Whether you’re doing a house rewire or handling a commercial install, every job is a chance to learn and grow your reputation.
10. Level Up to Become a Master Electrician
This step is optional but worth considering. Once you’ve gained enough experience, usually 2 to 5 years as a journeyman, you can apply to become a master electrician.
Requirements vary by state but typically include:
- Documented work hours
- A written or practical exam
- Possibly submitting job logs or project documentation
Why bother? Master electricians can:
- Pull permits
- Supervise teams
- Start their own companies
- Work on larger commercial or public projects
- Command significantly higher rates
If you want full control over your work and career, this is the level to aim for.
This Career Powers More Than Just Homes, It Powers Your Future
Becoming an electrician isn’t only about learning how to wire buildings or fix breakers. It’s about choosing a profession where your work directly affects people’s daily lives, keeping things running, safe, and reliable. Not many careers give you that kind of hands-on purpose, real-world impact, and long-term stability.
The journey takes commitment, but that effort turns into skill, and that skill opens doors. Whether you go on to specialize in solar, lead your own projects, or branch out into your own business, it all starts with learning the craft and taking it seriously.
Electricians aren’t just tradespeople, they’re problem solvers, protectors, and essential to how everything functions. If that sounds like a future you’re ready to work for, you’re already on the right track.