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If you’re considering enrolling in electrician school, you’re probably wondering how much time you would need to invest into this career path. While becoming an electrician would require years of learning before reaching the level of master electrician, the electrician’s career path is fairly straightforward, with some very clear milestones along the way.
How Hard Is It to Become an Electrician?
While state and local laws vary, becoming an electrician requires a reasonable investment of time to learn the electrical skills necessary for the trade. The electrical trades are regulated for safety by the government, so passing licensing tests are usually required to advance to the next level.
An electrician’s journey might look something like this:
- Entry-Level Electrician Training (Estimated 700 hours, or 7 months)
- Paid Electrician Apprenticeship (Estimated 8,000 hours, or 4-5 years)
- Licensed or Journeyman Electrician (Estimated 4,000 hours, or 2 years)
- Master Electrician (Total estimated 12,000-16,000 hours)
The good news is that if you’re brand new to the trade, it doesn’t take long to get your foot in the door to start learning. Initial entry-level electrician training can take as little as 7 months.
How Long Is Trade School for an Electrician?
While different technical schools may offer electrician training programs of varying lengths, the Electrical Applications program at The Refrigeration School (RSI) in Phoenix, Arizona, can be completed in 7 months.
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Each of the 7 courses offered require roughly 100 learning hours, including lecture and lab hours. Not including outside prep hours, the total training time is 700 hours across 7 months.
This type of program is designed for students to gain entry-level skills in the electrical industry, which could make them eligible for an entry-level job or paid apprenticeship. A diploma is awarded with the successful completion of the program.
These are the 7 classes offered at RSI over the course of 7 months:
Fundamentals of Electricity
This class provides a basic understanding of electrician tools and principles.
Class Hours:
| Lecture Hours | 90 |
| Lab Hours | 10 |
| Outside Prep Hours | 14.5 |
| Total Hours | 114.5 |
Fundamentals of Solar
This class offers an introduction to photovoltaic (PV) science.
Class Hours:
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
| Lab Hours | 40 |
| Outside Prep Hours | 9.5 |
| Total Hours | 109.5 |
Electrical Wiring – Residential
This class familiarizes students with the National Electric Code (NEC) for residential wiring.
Class Hours:
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
| Lab Hours | 40 |
| Outside Prep Hours | 15 |
| Total Hours | 115 |
Electrical Wiring – Commercial
This class continues the study of the NEC for commercial purposes.
Class Hours:
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
| Lab Hours | 40 |
| Outside Prep Hours | 20 |
| Total Hours | 120 |
Advanced Commercial Wiring
This class takes the NEC applications deeper to prepare for roles as a commercial or industrial electrician.
Class Hours:
| Lecture Hours | 70 |
| Lab Hours | 30 |
| Outside Prep Hours | 15 |
| Total Hours | 115 |
Motors and Lighting Practices
This class covers the characteristics of light and AC/DC motors.
Class Hours:
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
| Lab Hours | 40 |
| Outside Prep Hours | 15 |
| Total Hours | 115 |
Electrical Distribution Systems
This class uses the NEC to describe various types of distribution systems.
Class Hours:
| Lecture Hours | 60 |
| Lab Hours | 40 |
| Outside Prep Hours | 15 |
| Total Hours | 115 |
Please be advised that available class schedules may change, so please call an enrollment specialist at 1-480-676-5842 for the next open enrollment dates.
How Long Do You Have to Apprentice to Be an Electrician?
Typically, an electrician apprenticeship takes around 4-5 years. For each year of apprenticeship, electricians-in-training may receive around 2,000 hours of supervised training and instruction. Sometimes, vocational training hours may count toward the completion of an electrical apprenticeship.
Applying for an apprenticeship is similar to applying for a job, but an apprenticeship is designed around a career rather than a single job. Apprenticeships are typically paid, and they offer an opportunity for electricians to learn on the job under the supervision of experienced workers.
In order to land a paid apprenticeship, you will typically need to prepare a resume and fill out an application. Then, you will most likely need to interview with the company or organization, including dressing professionally and preparing a list of references. Be sure to include your Electrical Applications diploma from RSI on your resume when applying for an apprenticeship!
Get Started with Electrician Trade School
If you want to start your journey to becoming an electrician at a trade school, contact The Refrigeration School for more details on its electrician training programs. Call 855-935-0486.
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