If you like working with wires and electrical projects, and are considering a career as an electrician, you will need to get your license. In order to get your license, you must have the proper training and instruction that show you are qualified to work on electrical projects. Here’s what you need to know to get your electrician’s license.
Classroom Instruction
To begin your journey, you first need to go to trade school and gain classroom instruction. You will need to have your high school diploma or completed the GED first before you can get accepted into trade school. Your classroom instruction will cover electrical theory, as well as topics included in the National Electrical Code. Your classroom instruction is critical on your journey to becoming an electrician as you will be required to show you know what you’re doing in order to gain your license. After you have completed your classroom training, you will move onto the apprenticeship.
The Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship doesn’t require you to be licensed, but you will spend about four years (depending on the state) at the side of a master electrician, learning on the job training. Many apprenticeship programs coincide with trade schooling, so you can work and learn the job at the same time. Regardless, the apprenticeship is a crucial aspect of becoming an electrician because you need to have the on-the-job know how in order to become qualified as an electrician.
Taking the Test
To become a journeyman electrician, after you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you will then have to take the journeyman electrician exam. To prepare for the exam, you will need to register for the exam. After you register, begin studying for the test. Study consistently and do not procrastinate as cramming for the test will not help you succeed. You will need to know how to navigate the National Electrical Code extremely well as it will be a crucial part of the exam. When you go to take the test, make sure you bring your I.D. and are well rested so that you can do your very best on the test.
Becoming an electrician will require time, patience and a lot of studying, but it is a worthwhile profession. Your training is a crucial part to becoming an electrician as it helps you gain the skills you need to be properly qualified.
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