How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Electrician?

January 1, 2021

Various career paths require different types of training and certifications. Some are rather brief. Others are quite lengthy. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the electrical industry, it’s important to understand how long it takes to become a licensed electrician in Carlsbad, NM.

Of course, the time required to become a licensed electrician depends on several factors. Use the following overview to determine how long you can expect to study and train before you become an officially licensed electrician.

The full journey

If you want to become a fully-trained electrical journeyman, you can expect your career preparation to take about four years. However, this preparation is not completed as a traditional four-year degree in an undergraduate college. There will be a lot more on-the-job training involved. Your four years will include an apprenticeship that places you under the tutelage of an experienced electrician (or electricians) to learn the trade, which will complement your in-class learning.

Once you complete the required coursework and apprenticeship hours, you will take an exam, which you must pass to become a certified electrician. While this may sound like a long journey, it typically results in the best career opportunities, salaries and versatility in projects throughout the industry.

Shorter programs

You can find electrical training programs that only require a few months to complete. However, many of these programs are specific in their aim. For example, you may be trained solely for residential electrical work. Your certification and knowledge may be limited to this specific area, and your job opportunities will be restricted by these limitations. Still, this path can reduce the time required to become a licensed electrician in Carlsbad, NM.

Entry level

If you are discouraged by how long it takes to become a licensed electrician, you may be able to find an entry-level position fairly quickly. If you have a high school diploma and show potential as an electrician, an established company may be willing to take you on as an apprentice. This will get your career started. However, you will eventually need to complete formal schooling and licensure to launch your own career.

The bottom line

If you pursue a simple certificate program, you can complete this in a few months. If you would like a degree in the electrical field, you will need to complete up to two years of full-time coursework. To complete an apprenticeship, expect to work for four years and receive on-the-job training while you also study in the classroom. Ultimately, to launch your career, you’ll need 8,000 hours of work experience, 96 hours of classroom training and to pass a licensure exam.

Learn more from industry leaders

At JB Electric LLC, we strive to deliver prompt and accurate oil field, residential and commercial electrical services. If you are interested in learning more about how long it takes to become a licensed electrician in Carlsbad, NM, feel free to contact us. Our company consists of a team of certified, experienced electricians who can share more about the industry and how to launch your career. Reach us today at 575-725-5238.