How do you become an electrician? The most common path is through a registered apprenticeship, where you learn on the job, take classes, and get paid while doing it. You’ll need to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, pass an aptitude test (including algebra), and meet any local requirements. Apprenticeships usually last 4 to 5 years, and depending on where you live, you may also need to pass a licensing exam. This post walks you through each step to help you start a strong, debt-free career in the electrical trades.
Thinking about a career as an electrician? Great choice! Electricians, and electrical workers in general, are essential to keeping our homes, businesses, and cities powered and connected. It’s a hands-on, high-demand career that offers great pay, job security, and seemingly limitless opportunities for advancement. Plus, it’s extremely rewarding work!
So, how do you actually become an electrician? The most direct path is through a registered apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships offer education through a mix of real-world on-the-job training and classroom and lab instruction. And the best part? Apprenticeships are “earn while you learn,” meaning you’ll get paid for the time you’re working. No college debt required!
Here are the steps for becoming an electrician:
Step 1: Finish High School or Get a GED
Before you can start an electrical apprenticeship, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or a GED. Courses in math, science, and shop can give you a head start, especially if they cover basic algebra or electrical concepts.
Step 2: Apply for an Electrical Apprenticeship
Once you’ve got your high school diploma or GED, the next step is to apply to a registered apprenticeship program. This is where the real learning begins! As an apprentice, you’ll work onsite under the guidance of experienced electrical workers, while also attending classroom and lab training.
There are a few basic requirements for eligibility. You should:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Completed at least one full year of high school algebra (or equivalent)
- Earn a qualifying score on an aptitude test
- Be drug free
To learn more about electrical apprenticeship opportunities and get connected to apprenticeship programs near you, fill out our interest form. Typically, you’ll fill out an application, schedule your aptitude test, and if you qualify, be invited to interview.
Tip: It helps to be prepared! Brush up on your algebra, show up on time, dress neatly, and bring a strong work ethic and positive attitude. Apprenticeship programs are competitive, and showing you’re serious makes a big difference.
Step 3: Complete Your Electrical Apprenticeship
One of the biggest benefits of becoming an electrician through a registered apprenticeship is the chance to learn by doing. You won’t just study from a book, you’ll be out on job sites, gaining real-world experience from day one.
Apprenticeships combine full-time, paid work with structured classroom and lab instruction. Most programs last 4 to 5 years and include:
- Around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
- About 900 hours of classroom and lab learning
You’ll work under the guidance of skilled electrical workers and you’ll attend classes and labs that teach the science and theory behind what you’re doing on the job and how to apply it. It’s a powerful combination that helps you build skills, confidence, and a solid foundation for a meaningful, lifelong career.
Step 4: Get Licensed or Certified
After completing your apprenticeship, the next step is getting licensed or certified, if it’s required in your area. Licensing rules vary by state and even by city, so it’s important to check local requirements. For example, all residential and commercial electrical work in Virginia must be done by a licensed electrician.
In most cases, you’ll need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, safety practices, and local building codes. You’ll also need to show proof that you completed your apprenticeship.
Even if a license isn’t required where you live, getting certified can boost your credibility and help you stand out in the field.
Start Your Electrical Career Today
Becoming an electrician is more than just a job—it’s the start of a career that’s stable, respected, and always in demand. Whether you want to wire homes, install solar panels on roofs, work on massive infrastructure projects, or power a data center, the electrical trades offer endless possibilities. And with a registered apprenticeship, you can get there without the burden of college debt. Ready to get started? Fill out this form to get more information about apprenticeship programs near you.