Electrician Certificates and Programs

An electrician typically learns the trade by obtaining a certificate combined with an on-the-job apprenticeship program. You can begin classroom training before applying for an apprenticeship, which can enable you to start the apprenticeship at a more advanced level. This moves you through the program faster, since a complete apprenticeship takes approximately 4 years to finish. Classroom instruction, which can be done through an online education program or in a traditional classroom, will generally include:

• Blueprint reading
• Electrical code requirements
• Electrical theory
• Mathematics
• Safety and first aid practices

You may also choose to take courses in communications, cranes and elevators, fire alarm systems, and soldering. On-the-job training under an experienced electrician will typically begin with:

• Attaching conduits
• Drilling holes
• Setting anchors

And then moving up to measuring, fabricating, and installing conduit, and installing, connecting, and testing wiring, outlines, and switches.