Category Archives: Electrician Job Description

How To Become A Licensed Electrician – an easy to follow guide

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There are a definite set number of steps you need to take to become a licensed electrician. An electrician is required to be able to install and maintain electrical systems, diagnose problems and know how to fix them, and run his/her own business successfully. An electrician needs to understand the laws and codes that dictate how he/she is to operate within their State, and they need to be able to conduct their services in such a manner that it is safe for both them and their client. Furthermore, an electrician needs to be in fairly good physical shape, and they must know how to operate a variety of testing devices and power tools.

How To Become A Licensed ElectricianTo ensure that all licensed electricians meet these same high standards, it is necessary in the United States for candidates who are planning on going into the field to follow the correct steps (in the correct order) to obtain said licenses. It is a strict process, but in ensures that electricians are governed and can be held responsible for their actions.

But how long does it take to get a license, and how do you go about it? Here is a quick overview to help you out.

How Long Does It Take To Be A Licensed Electrician?

In total, it should take about five years (less if all goes well) from starting your apprenticeship to getting your license.

After obtaining a high school diploma or General Equivalent, you will be required to take an algebra and comprehension test so as to be entered into an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships take about four years to complete, depending on whether you have decided to specialize or not. General electrician apprenticeships may be shorter than commercial apprenticeships. Your decision to specialize may also affect the rate at which you will be paid while working as an apprentice.

While completing your apprenticeship, it is highly recommended that you enroll in a study course that will suit your field. There are a great number of colleges out there, and even some online ones, so you are sure to find one that suits you. Some colleges offer both a course and an apprenticeship at the same time, so be sure to do your research before making your final decision.

How To Get An Electrical License

After completing both your studies and your apprenticeship, you need to apply at your local licensing department to be able to take the licensing test. The exam will test your knowledge of the State’s codes and regulations, which are necessary for you to know in order to keep your license from being revoked.

The exams differ from State to State, so make sure you know the requirements for yours. Some will allow you to take your handbook into the exam, for example. Also make sure that you know what you are to expect in regards to format (will you be writing an essay, doing a monkey puzzle etc.), as this will help you to prepare accordingly.

You will need to study quite hard for this, and make sure you take in the information properly. Once you have your own business, or you are working for a professional company, you will have to adhere to these codes to keep your license.

Should you pass your exam, you will finally be awarded with a license with which you can do business. You can collect it from your local licensing department.

How To Get A Contractors License

If you should decide to open your own contracting business, you will need to obtain an electrical contractors license. Each State has different regulations when it comes to this, but in general you will need the following:

  • You will need to prove that you have a high school diploma or General Equivalent.

  • You will need to prove that you are a citizen of the United States of America.

  • You will need to prove that you have a qualification for the area you aim to work in.

  • You will need to prove that you have done practical training in the field.

  • You will need to prove that you have a license to work in the specified field.

  • You will also have to hand in bank statements to prove that you have the means to get your business off the ground.

However, some States may require more, and others less. You will need to find out the specific requirements from your local authorities. Some States may even require you to write another test or major exam.

These steps are necessary however, for you to be able to start and grow your business.

Gaining an electrician license requires you to work hard in a physically and mentally draining environment. It takes a good deal of dedication. However, the work is highly rewarding and will leave you with a skill set that is sure to withstand the test of time.

How To Become An Electrician Journeyman – a comprehensive guide

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Electricians are in high demand – higher than ever before. Construction is at an increase while the sector recovers from the recession, causing in influx of job opportunities for electricians of all disciplines. The green movement is also adding to this, as companies and private individuals turn to more economic power usage. Electricians are replacing old wiring systems, installing new ones and even maintaining economic appliances. It is also estimated that the electrician job market is to see a 20% increase (or higher) in the next few years.


How To Become An Electrician JourneymanIf you are thinking of starting a career as an electrician, now is the time to do it. But how should you go about it, and how long does it take to get a license? This quick guide should send you on your way.

How Do I Become A Journeyman Electrician?

The first step toward becoming a journeyman electrician is deciding on a school that suits your needs. Research your local schools and ask a licensed electrician for advice. It may be worthwhile to look outside of your own State, especially if the schools are widely recognized and offer a variety of training disciplines. A journeyman electrician is often considered to be a general electrician, but some schools offer extra specialization courses as part of your training, which could all come in handy if you decide to specialize later on.

Also check whether the school you have chosen offers apprenticeships as part of your course. Finding an apprenticeship is the next step, so it helps if the school will provide you with both.

You need to have graduated from a reputable school, and have completed a recognized apprenticeship if you are to get a license as a journeyman electrician. Most apprentices choose to complete these two steps simultaneously, which takes an average of four years to finish. Apprentices are usually paid per hour as well, so you will be able to earn some money while you study.

After completing your apprenticeship and graduating from your chosen school, you will need to obtain a license to operate. You can get this from your local authorities, who will also be able to tell you the requirements for obtaining a license in your State.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Journeyman Electrician’s License?

This depends on your specific State, and your personal performance. Each state has unique licensing requirements. You will need to find out what your State requires by getting the information from your local authority. They will be able to tell you about the specific codes that the State adheres to, as well as the testing schedule.

Once you have gained the info, you will have to start studying the local codes and regulations. Most American States make use of the National Electrical Code (NEC). This will take some serious studying on your part.

Exams differ across the States, so find out what you are to expect (the formats can range from essays to monkey puzzles). Some States allow you to use your NEC handbook during the exam, so find out if this applies to you as well.

After you have completed and passed your exam, you will be issued a license to work as a certified journeyman electrician.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Journeyman Electrician?

You need to take into account that it takes a good many years, and a lot of dedication to become a journeyman electrician. You will be studying, and working long hours at the same time as you complete your apprenticeship. The work can be physically taxing, as you will often be climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding.

However, if all goes well, you should have completed both your studies and your apprenticeship within four years. Depending on your local licensing exam schedule, you may be able to gain your license soon after.

This is all relative, however, and depends on the individual’s performance and their State’s codes and testing arena.

It is safe to say that, from beginning to end, you should be done and dusted within five years’ time.

Being an electrician is a highly rewarding job. You work in a constantly changing sector that is growing as we speak, and the skill is in high demand at the moment.

To be an electrician, you need to have an aptitude for problem solving and a love of working with your hands. You need to be able to handle power tools, and you need a solid understanding of all things related to electricity. You also need to be creative and able to think on your feet. An eye for detail also helps, as you will need to be able to diagnose faulty systems.

If you are creative, tech-savvy, hard-working and analytical in your approach to problems, becoming an electrician may just be the right choice for you.

Electrician Job Description – What Does A Typical Electrician Do?

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The electrician’s job description is quite detailed and extensive. There is so much more to it than simply installing and maintaining electrical systems. In this day and age, when the world is turning to new ways of sourcing energy, the electrician’s job description is more diverse than ever before.

Electrician Job Description – What Does A Typical Electrician DoWhat’s more, the different types of electricians each have their own unique set of responsibilities. They are divided into three main groups: journeyman, apprentice, and commercial electrician. However, before we look at each of these, we need to understand the basics of what the average electrician does.

What Do Electricians Do?

The first and foremost responsibility of an electrician is the installation, testing and maintenance of electrical wiring systems. This requires him/her to have a solid understanding of electricity and all its components.

The electrician should be knowledgeable in the use of testing equipment, and they should be able to use a variety of power tools – both come in handy when a problem needs to be identified and fixed. This also requires them to be rather fit, as the job is often physically draining.

 An electrician should also know how to approach and rig electrical systems so they are safe to both themselves and others. This also entails the electrician being able to diagnose the health of a system and adjust it accordingly so as to avoid disastrous accidents. They also need to be able to identify when appliances are unhealthy, and should be able to address such problems.

As an electrician works in buildings and construction areas, he/she need to have a good understanding of the codes and regulations involved when working in such areas. If not, their licenses can be revoked by the local authorities.

Another part of the job, that is often overlooked, is the ability to run an independent business. This calls for the electrician to be able to gauge costs, work out quotes, handle taxes and build up good contacts in his/her network. They also need to be able to fulfill basic administration duties.

These are the general tasks allotted to electricians across the board.

Journeyman Electrician Job Description

The journeyman electrician is fully qualified, and can operate individually. More often than not, journeyman electricians work on construction sites, developing and installing electrical systems. However, they are also fully licensed to work in homes – these residential jobs often become a steady source of income.

The types of systems that the journeyman installs and maintains are rather diverse, ranging from communication networks to lighting. A journeyman is highly skilled across a range of electrical principles, and he/she often own their own business. They are fully licensed, have gained their qualification, and can take on apprentices.

They journeyman is required to be able to fulfill all the responsibilities allotted to electricians in general.

Electrician Apprentice Job Description

An electrician apprentice is there to learn on the job. He/she is more often than not currently studying to become an electrician while they complete their apprenticeship (which can take approximately four years to complete).

The electrician apprentice aids the journeyman in a variety of tasks, according to his/her current level of education. The purpose of the apprenticeship is to face electrical problems with a mentor at hand to help and assist. The apprentice may have to do anything, or even everything, that the task at hand requires.

It is worthy to note that, according to the field the apprentice has chosen, jobs may differ – Journeyman apprenticeships differ from commercial apprenticeships. But more often than not the apprentice will be testing and installing systems, as well as identifying problems.

Commercial Electrician Job Description

A commercial electrician is higher qualified, and more specialized than the journeyman – they are often also paid more. He/she often work for big contracting companies who focus on the delivery of certain services. This can include anything from the installation of air-conditioning systems, to the installation and maintenance of specialized heavy machinery in factories.

A commercial electrician is required to have all the basic qualifications and understandings of electrical systems, but he/she is also required to have a unique skill set and knowledge of their chosen field. They need to have a understanding of the codes and regulations pertaining to the specific environment they have chosen to work in, as well as be able to function as a normal electrician if the job so requires.

The above job descriptions offer a general overview of the responsibilities of the journeyman, apprentice, and commercial electrician. However, as new ways of harnessing energy are being discovered every day, the electrician is now also required to learn new skills. Electricians the world over are being challenged, and new areas and disciplines are popping up as discoveries are made. Even the most qualified of electricians are now required to adjust and add new tasks to their job descriptions, such as the maintenance and installation of solar panels. This is good for the industry as whole, and there has never been a better time to be an electrician.