The requirements of becoming an electrician include:

1. Educational Requirements
This is a very essential requirement as one may not be able to progress further until they have attained equivalent certification such as a high school diploma or university degree. One should focus on courses such as trigonometry and algebra since math is used by electricians to perform tasks such as calculating the force of an electric current, measure wiring lengths and determining the angle of a circuit. Physics and English are also essential because an electrician will be required to know how to read and interpret technical documents and understand scientific concepts.

2. Pre-apprenticeship Training
Acquiring basic knowledge on electrical work as an apprentice is very essential as one is able to learn about national electric code, electrical theory and workplace safety. This gives one a head start on other people who may also want to become electricians. These training programmes may also offer hands-on training in addition to theoretical training. This ensures one has a solid footing before they consider applying for the job.

3. Register As An Electrician Trainee Or Apprentice
Some states such as Texas require electrical apprentices to register before being allowed access to actual job sites. As part of the registration process one may need to pass an aptitude test that examines on the ability to perform simple arithmetic and first year algebra. One will also be required to pass a job interview and may need to meet specific physical requirements, pass a drug test and show a certain level of mechanical aptitude.

4. Complete The Apprenticeship Programme
Apprenticeship programmes combine on the job training and classroom training. By the time one is completing an apprenticeship programme they will be able to read construction blueprints and technical diagrams, install, repair and maintain electrical wiring, test and inspect electrical systems. This basically means that by the end of the apprenticeship one will be capable of performing a range of construction and maintenance related electrical work.

5. Obtain A License
One of the most important things to understand when obtaining a license is to consider state regulations as each state has its own standards which regard to issuing licenses. In most states one needs a license to work as an electrician, in other states such as Pennsylvania they don’t license electricians at the state level; but some towns and cities within those states have licensing requirements. It is therefore important for one to contact their state and enquire whether there is need for one to have a license to perform electrical work, in some cases one may need a license in order to be employed by an electrical contractor and in other cases one may not need a license unless they plan on venturing on their own electrical business.

In areas where a license is not required, one may have to pass a test that examines on the National Electric Code, workplace safety practices, electrical concepts and local laws relating to construction and maintenance of electrical appliances. One may also be required to provide evidence that they have completed a certain amount of relevant practical training under the supervision of a licensed master electrician.

Electricians make good money, and perhaps you have thought about this profession as a career. What do they do on a daily basis? To be sure, electricians can be tasked with many types of jobs. Some are hired directly by companies to work only at one job site, while others work for companies that dispatch them to many locations. They work on both residential and commercial properties, installing lighting fixtures, helping to maintain power systems and so much more.

Electrical wiring is complex and requires the expertise of a qualified and certified electrician. There are different types of licenses, and that has to do with what all an electrician is tasked to do as well. Some of the best jobs at a manufacturing facility I used to work at years ago went to electricians. They were paid by the hour there by the employer of course, and the pay was good. It was still about half or even a quarter of what the electricians typically charge by the hour when working rogue as self-employed individuals.

There are a lot of risks when taking on a business as a self-employed electrician though. You aren’t always on the job, and you have to take the calls. You also have to supply the parts necessary, and you have a business to run. The jobs you are called to do could vary widely, too, so you would always have to be prepared. Electricians that work for companies, especially manufacturing facilities, are often doing the same jobs time and time again. If you are planning on becoming an electrician, it’s important to decide how you want to enter the profession.

Of course that can be decided as you get certified and start applying for jobs. Still, you want to know about the different types of certifications that are available, too. The tasks and jobs that electricians do depend on a number of different factors as mentioned, so keep that in mind. What type of an electrician do you want to be? Your decision impacts your work environment, pay and more.

Electricians that work for companies in house are often tasked to do rather routine maintenance. These types of jobs can also be more stable. When I say routine maintenance, I mean for electricians because their job is still highly technical. You have to be trained and certified, and you’re going to find out that you can do so quickly. That means you could be making good money as an electrician sooner than later. That would be nice, and it would be a very rewarding occupation.

Or maybe you’re looking into what electricians do because you need to hire one. Like for instance, I need to hire one to fix the ballast on the light in the bathroom. This is a simple procedure for an electrician but not for me. It would need to be done by a trained and qualified professional. That’s just one of the many jobs that electricians handle routinely all the time.