How to Become an Electrician in 2026
Electricians install and maintain electrical systems. Most learn through a paid apprenticeship (typically about four years) combining on-the-job hours with classroom instruction, then pass a journeyman licensing exam where their state or locality requires one.
Steps to become an electrician
- 1Enter an apprenticeship
BLS lists a high-school diploma plus an apprenticeship as the typical path — usually around four years of paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
- 2Log your required hours
Accumulate the on-the-job and classroom hours your state or locality requires to qualify for the journeyman exam.
- 3Pass the journeyman licensing exam
Where required, pass a licensing exam covering the National Electrical Code (NEC), theory, and safety.
- 4License and, later, advance to master
Get your journeyman license, then after more experience you can test for a master electrician license.
Electrician salary
National median; pay varies by state, union vs. non-union, and specialty. Requirements and pay vary by state and experience.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook →The examyou'll need
PrepPass has free practice questions and a full timed mock exam for this exam — no signup required.
Licensing is set at the state or even city/county level — some jurisdictions license electricians and require the journeyman exam, others don't. Hour requirements and reciprocity vary.
Always verify the current requirements with your state (or local) electrical licensing board before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be an electrician?+
It depends on your state or locality. Many require a journeyman license (earned through apprenticeship hours and an exam), while some jurisdictions regulate less. Check your state or local electrical licensing board.
How long does it take to become an electrician?+
An electrician apprenticeship typically takes about four years, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, after which you can sit for the journeyman exam where required.
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Salary figures are U.S. national medians from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024). Last updated: July 2026