Best Online Electrician Degrees & Schools
There are no electrician programs available online, but you can earn a certificate or a diploma through a traditional campus program. Get information about on-campus program options and state licensure.
Do I Need a Degree to Become an Electrician?
You don't need a degree in order to become an electrician. While you can enroll in a certificate or a diploma program to receive some training, you'll have to complete an apprenticeship in order to become an electrician. Even if you wanted to earn a degree, 2-year programs aren't tailored to the training and licensing requirements of electricians.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Type</b></td><td>Certificate and diploma programs are available, though an apprenticeship is necessary to become an electrician</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td>On-the-job training is key to becoming an electrician, so it isn't possible to do so online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>18 years old, high school diploma or GED</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Course Topics</b></td><td>Electrical formulas, blueprint reading, workplace safety, building codes, drafting</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure to Work</b></td><td>Complete state-mandated apprenticeship hours, pass licensure exam</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2018)</b></td><td>$55,190 <i>(for electricians)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2016-26)</b></td><td>9% growth <i>(for all electricians)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIBecomeAnElectricianByStudyingOnline">Can I Become an Electrician by Studying Online?</h3><p>You can't become an electrician by completing courses or training online. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians usually work as apprentices for four years (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). During each of those years, they complete at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of coursework. On-the-job training through an apprenticeship is important because you learn how to operate equipment and install electrical systems.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToEnrollInACertificateDiplomaOrApprenticeshipProgram">What Do I Need to Enroll in a Certificate, Diploma or Apprenticeship Program?</h3><p>In order to enroll in educational or apprenticeship training programs, you need to be a high school graduate or hold a GED. You also have to be at least 18 years of age.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanILearnInACertificateOrDiplomaProgram">What Can I Learn in a Certificate or Diploma Program?</h3><p>Certificate and diploma programs aren't available online, but you can still complete courses that would cover some of the same material in an apprenticeship program. This material includes the National Electric Code, electrical formulas, blueprint reading, drafting, workplace safety and building codes. Both types of programs also require hands-on training, and students learn to install residential or commercial wiring, AC motors and alarm systems. You can also learn to troubleshoot electrical systems and work on generators.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToWorkAsAnElectrician">What Do I Need to Work as an Electrician?</h3><p>First, you need to complete the apprenticeship requirements in your state under the supervision of a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Journeyman_Electrician.html">journeyman electrician</a>. This includes at least four years of on-the-job training and a set amount of hours per year of classroom instruction. After you complete your apprenticeship, you need to sit and pass a state-mandated exam for licensure, which covers electrical theory, building codes and safety.</p>