Licensed, or master,
electricians are highly trained technicians whose responsibilities
include everything from replacing an electrical outlet to wiring a
newly constructed house or building. This article provides
information on the work of an electrician, the educational and
training requirements for becoming an electrician, and how to get
your license and becoming an electrical contractor.
What is an Electrical Contractor?
An electrical contractor or engineer designs, develops, tests
and installs electrical hardware, systems and equipment. They work
in a variety of settings, including commercial and residential
structures. To become an electrical contractor, you have to receive
extensive training and obtain a license according to the local
regulatory guidelines and standards which apply to your state or
country.
Steps to Become a Certified Electrical Contractor
Prepare to Become an Electrician
1. Understand what
the job entails. Electricians work in a variety of
settings, including homes, businesses, schools, hospitals - any
type of facility that needs electricity to function. Electricians
may find themselves working in extremes of heat and cold, indoors
and out any time of year. Electricians may also perform electrical
work on trains, airplanes, ships and vehicles. Electricians' work
includes the following:
- Reading blueprints, or technical diagrams of a work site's
electrical wiring.
- Connecting wires, circuit breakers, and outlets, and replacing
or adding wires, circuit breakers, connections, and fuses.
- Using specialized equipment, including oscilloscopes, ammeters,
ohmmeters and voltmeters, to perform their work.
- Working as part of a team in coordination with the construction
project manager, homeowner, or building manager of a work
site.
- Knowing and following building codes and regulations to ensure
buildings are wired safely.
2.
Have an aptitude for electrical work. Electricians
are adept at diagnosing problems and using good judgement and the
right techniques to solve them. Electricians have the following
traits:
- They are detail-oriented. Electricians know that glossing over
details in a wiring project could at best result in non-functioning
wiring, and at worst create a dangerous situation.
- They have strong manual dexterity. Electricians work with small
tools and parts that must be handled with care and precision. They
often have to climb ladders or enter crawl spaces to perform their
jobs.
- They are flexible. Electricians are comfortable working at many
different sites, under a variety of conditions. They are able to
effectively communicate with managers and members of construction
teams.
3. Talk to
electricians. If you're serious about becoming a
licensed technician, contact electricians in your area and set up
informational interviews.
- Ask if you can shadow them or help out on a project to
experience a day in the life of a technician.
- Seek a master or licensed electrician willing to take you on as
a longer-term helper. This will give you the opportunity to gain
some knowledge and experience in the field.
- Ask for recommendations on trade schools and certification
programs in your area.
Fulfill the Educational Requirements
1. Obtain a high school diploma
or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Most
electrician trade schools and apprenticeship programs require this
level of education.
2. Attend a
trade school or vocational school. The courses
offered at trade and vocational schools provide important
preparation for entering an electrician apprenticeship program.
- You'll learn about electrical theory, circuitry, mathematics,
wiring, motor controls and other knowledge important to the
trade.
- Consider taking electrical engineering courses online as
an alternative to taking them at a local college or
university.
- Some electrician programs include an apprenticeship program.
You will have to complete an apprenticeship program in order to get
certified, so a combined coursework/apprenticeship program might be
a convenient option.
3. Enter an electrician
apprentice program. Most states require at least two
years, and in most cases up to four years, of apprenticeship with a
master or licensed electrician before one can take the examination
to become a licensed electrician. During an apprenticeship, one
earns the title of journeyman electrician. Many
apprenticeships combine hands-on experience with classroom
instruction. Some organizations that sponsor or provide apprentice
programs through local chapters include:
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- National Electrical Contractors Association
- Independent Electrical Contractors Association
- Associated Builders and Contractors
4. Study the National
Electrical Code. In order to get licensed to work
as an electrician in most states, you will have to demonstrate
knowledge of the National Electrical Code, which lays out laws,
regulations and other information about safe practices.
- After you receive your license, most states will require
continued study of the National Electrical Code. You may have to
attend seminars or classes addressing updates to the Code.
Become a Master Electrician
1. Get a state
license. Most states require that you get a state
license in order to practice as an electrician. The license is
granted after taking an exam to demonstrate knowledge of the
National Electrical Code and local electrical and building codes.
In order to take the exam,
- Candidates must show proof of working as an electrician and
having completed an apprenticeship program. State requirements
typically call for four to seven years' experience in the trade
prior to taking this test.
- You must complete an examination application and submit
appropriate fees before taking the exam.
2. Find a
job. Now that you have your state license, you are
free to work as an electrical contractor in your state. Choose to
work with a company of contractors or operate independently.
- Job search websites have comprehensive job listings in the
field of electrical work.
- Go to job fairs to talk with companies hiring
electricians.
- Get as much experience as you can
3. Get
certified. Choose from a variety of specialized
certifications to enhance your career. Certifications vary by state
and will help you pursue work as an electrical administrator, a
telecommunications contractor, or a specialist in an area like
instrumentation.
- Conduct research to determine what certificates may be
beneficial to your career as an electrician.
- To obtain certification, you will have to demonstrate
experience and proficiency in the area you choose by taking an
examination.
- Get as much education in business and finance as you can.
Start Electrical Contracting Business (Optional)
Electrical contractors with enough experience under their belt
can also consider starting an electrical contracting business of
their own. By starting your own business, you can increase your
earnings from your work. Not to mention, you will have increased
scheduling flexibility, which means you can employ other
electricians electrical estimating to work
under you and dispatch them to work on projects offered by
clients.
And with that, we come to the end! As you can see, this article
covers all you need to know to become a certified electrical
contractor. Hopefully, now, you will have a better understanding
about the requirements and duties the career entails.
Paul Akins| Chief Estimator | Charter Estimating
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