How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Electrician?
A career as an electrician offers stability, excellent pay, and long-term growth opportunities, but how long does it take to become licensed? The timeline varies depending on state regulations, the type of electrician you want to be, and the amount of hands-on experience you acquire.
On average, it takes four to six years to become a fully licensed electrician. This includes time spent in an apprenticeship program and completing the necessary coursework. However, the process can be shorter or longer depending on your starting point and the type of electrical work you pursue.
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Electrician
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED (Duration: 4 years or less)
Before starting an electrician training program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Electricians need strong math, physics, and problem-solving skills, so taking courses in algebra, geometry, physics, and shop classes can be helpful.
✔ Alternative: Some vocational high schools offer electrical training programs, allowing students to start their career path early.
Step 2: Enroll in an Electrician Apprenticeship Program (Duration: 4-5 years)
Most electricians begin their careers as apprentices. An apprenticeship is a paid, on-the-job training program where you’ll work under the supervision of experienced journeyman and master electricians.
✔ Types of Apprenticeships:
Union Apprenticeships – Offered through organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Non-Union Apprenticeships – Available through trade schools, independent contractors, or local businesses.
✔ What You’ll Learn in an Apprenticeship:
Electrical codes and safety procedures
Blueprint reading
Wiring and circuitry
Troubleshooting electrical systems
Working with commercial, industrial, and residential electrical systems
An apprenticeship typically lasts 4 to 5 years and includes at least 8,000 hours of hands-on training plus classroom instruction (usually around 500–1,000 hours).
✔ Fast-Track Option: Some trade schools offer pre-apprenticeship programs, which can reduce the time needed in an apprenticeship.
Step 3: Complete Classroom Training (Duration: Varies by Program)
Many apprenticeship programs require classroom training, which can be completed through a technical school, trade school, or community college. Courses often cover:
✔ Electrical theory
✔ National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance
✔ OSHA safety regulations
✔ Blueprint reading
✔ Advanced wiring techniques
Some electricians choose to earn an associate degree in electrical technology, which typically takes two years and can help advance career prospects.
Step 4: Take the Journeyman Electrician Exam (Varies by State, Typically 4-5 Years Into Training)
After completing an apprenticeship and gaining enough experience, you’ll need to pass the journeyman electrician exam.
✔ Exam Topics:
Electrical code regulations
Wiring and installation procedures
Safety protocols
Electrical troubleshooting
✔ State Licensing:
Each state has its own licensing requirements, so check with your state’s electrical licensing board for specific details.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll become a licensed journeyman electrician, allowing you to work independently.
Step 5: Advance to a Master Electrician (Additional 2-4 Years, Optional)
Some electricians choose to become a master electrician, which requires additional experience (typically 2-4 years as a journeyman) and passing a master electrician exam.
✔ Benefits of Becoming a Master Electrician:
Ability to own and operate an electrical contracting business
Higher earning potential
Authority to train and supervise apprentices
More specialized job opportunities
How to Speed Up the Process
If you want to become a licensed electrician faster, consider the following:
✔ Enroll in a Pre-Apprenticeship Program – This can shorten your apprenticeship by giving you foundational training early.
✔ Take Night or Online Classes – Accelerate the classroom portion of your training.
✔ Choose a High-Demand Specialization – Some states allow electricians to specialize (residential, commercial, industrial), which can affect licensing requirements.
✔ Study and Prepare for Licensing Exams Early – The sooner you pass your journeyman exam, the sooner you can work independently.
Conclusion: The Path to Becoming a Licensed Electrician
For most people, it takes about 4-6 years to become a licensed electrician. The timeline includes a high school education, an apprenticeship, and passing the journeyman electrician exam.
If you’re interested in starting a career as an electrician in Oklahoma, now is a great time to apply for an apprenticeship and begin hands-on training. At Houston Electric, we provide career opportunities for aspiring electricians through structured apprenticeships and professional development.
📍 Location: Garber, OK
📞 Phone: (580) 863-2863
📧 Email: contact@houstonelectricinc.net
Looking for electrical careers in Oklahoma? Contact us today to learn more about our training programs and job openings!
