How to Become an Electrician in Oklahoma: A Step-by-Step Guide
Electricians play a crucial role in keeping homes, businesses, and industrial facilities powered and safe. With a growing demand for skilled tradespeople, a career as an electrician in Oklahoma offers job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement. Whether you're just starting or considering a career change, this guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed electrician in Oklahoma.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you can begin your journey to becoming an electrician, you must meet a few basic requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Possess a valid driver’s license
Have good physical health and the ability to work in various conditions
If you are still in high school, consider taking classes in mathematics, physics, and electrical technology to build foundational skills that will be useful in the trade.
Step 2: Enroll in an Electrical Apprenticeship Program
To gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge, you must complete an apprenticeship program. There are two main ways to become an electrical apprentice in Oklahoma:
1. Apply for a Union Apprenticeship
Organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offer apprenticeship programs through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). These structured programs provide classroom instruction and on-the-job training with a licensed electrician.
Example JATC Locations in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma City Electrical JATC
Tulsa Electrical JATC
2. Enroll in a Non-Union Apprenticeship Program
Non-union apprenticeships are offered through trade schools, electrical contractors, and industry associations such as the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).
Examples of trade schools offering electrical training in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT)
Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Moore Norman Technology Center
Apprenticeships typically last four to five years and include 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction.
Step 3: Gain Hands-On Work Experience
As an apprentice, you will work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician while gaining experience in:
Reading blueprints and electrical schematics
Installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems
Ensuring compliance with Oklahoma Electrical Codes
Working with wiring, circuit breakers, and electrical panels
During this period, you will also be required to keep a log of work hours to meet Oklahoma’s licensing requirements.
Step 4: Apply for an Electrical Journeyman License
After completing your apprenticeship and meeting the experience requirements, you can apply for an Oklahoma Journeyman Electrician License. To qualify, you must:
Have 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
Submit an application through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB)
Pass the Oklahoma Journeyman Electrician Exam, which includes:
National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations
Electrical calculations
Safety protocols
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your Journeyman Electrician License, allowing you to work independently under a licensed electrical contractor.
Step 5: Gain Experience and Pursue a Master Electrician License
After working as a journeyman electrician for four years (or 12,000 hours), you can apply to become a Master Electrician. A master electrician can:
Supervise electrical workers
Operate an electrical contracting business
Pull permits for electrical projects
To obtain a Master Electrician License, you must:
Submit an application to the Oklahoma CIB
Pass the Master Electrician Exam, which covers advanced electrical knowledge, Oklahoma regulations, and business law
Step 6: Consider Specializing or Starting Your Own Business
Once you have obtained your license, you can further your career by specializing in different electrical fields:
Industrial and Oilfield Electrical Work
PLC Programming & Automation
SCADA System Installation & Maintenance
Renewable Energy & Solar Installation
Alternatively, as a Master Electrician, you can start your own electrical contracting business by obtaining a contractor’s license.
Step 7: Keep Up with Licensing Requirements & Continuing Education
To maintain your Oklahoma electrical license, you must renew it every three years and complete continuing education courses. Staying up to date on electrical code changes and new industry technologies will help you advance in your career.
Start Your Electrical Career with Houston Electric
If you're looking for electrical career opportunities in Oklahoma, Houston Electric is hiring apprentices, journeyman electricians, and automation specialists. We offer:
✔ Competitive pay
✔ Hands-on training and mentorship
✔ A strong team environment focused on safety and quality
📍 Location: Garber, OK
📞 Phone: (580) 863-2863
📧 Email: contact@houstonelectricinc.net
Join our team today! Visit our Careers Page to apply.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an electrician in Oklahoma is a rewarding career path with excellent job security and growth opportunities. By following these steps—completing an apprenticeship, obtaining your journeyman license, and gaining experience—you can build a successful career in the electrical industry.
If you're ready to start your journey, reach out to Houston Electric today!
