How to Become an Electrician in California

If you’re trying to figure out how to become an electrician in California, all the details for you are right here. We’ve got a step-by-step guide that will help you move in the right direction to become a certified electrician. Keep reading to learn more.

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Here is a brief breakdown of how to become a certified electrician in California:

  • Enroll in a state-recognized school or apprenticeship
  • Fulfill the required work and classroom hours
  • Pass your exams and become a certified journeyman electrician
  • Consider applying for an electrical contractor license

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview
Step 1: Enroll in a State-Recognized School or Apprenticeship
Step 2: Pass Your Exam to Become a Certified Electrician
Step 3: Go for an Independent Electrical Contractor’s License
FAQ’s
Conclusion

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in California – Overview

For you to operate as an electrician in California, you must have a license. It acts as proof that you’ve gone through the necessary training and you’re qualified to do specific electrical tasks.

You’ll want to start collecting the tools necessary for the trade. Our list of apprenticeship electrician tools will get you started. It will help answer the question of how much should an apprentice electrician pay for tools.

There are five types of electrical licenses that you can apply for in California:

  1. General Journeyman Electrician License: You can work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
  2. Residential Journeyman Electrician License: You only work on home projects.
  3. Fire/Life Safety Electrical Technician: Work on safety such as nurse call systems, integrated security systems, fire alarm, and fire suppression systems.
  4. Voice, Data, and Video Technician (VDV): You work on communication devices, access controls, and network systems. 
  5. Non-residential Lighting Electrical Technician: You work on indoor and outdoor lighting. 
  6. Electrical Contractor: You oversee any work performed by a licensed electrician.
Infographic: Steps to become an electrician in California

Below is our full guide with all the details to becoming an electrician in California.

Step 1: Enroll in a State-Recognized School or Apprenticeship

California is chock-full of approved schools and apprenticeships where you can train to become an electrician.

The entire process involves finishing at least 720 hours of approved curriculum classroom instruction and between 2,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job work experience.

There are 3 types of options available:

  1. Trade School/College Option
  2. Union-based Apprenticeship
  3. Merit-based Apprenticeship (non-union)

1. Trade School/College Option

There are many state-recognized schools that offer a high standard of electrical training in the California area. Apply to either one of them and start training right away.

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To get 2,000 to 8,000 hours of work experience, you need to register as an electrical trainee in California and get the ET card. The card legalizes your first-hand learning experience on job sites while still taking classes. It allows you to work under a C-10 electrical contractor until it’s time to take the certification exam. 

NOTE: 

  • The electrical contractor can only supervise one electrical trainee.
  • You must renew your trainee status every year.
  • During the renewal, your status will be updated as per the amount of classwork done, and on-the-job experience gained.
  • Make sure you complete at least 150 hours of school curriculum classes.

Once you clock the necessary class curriculum and on-the-job experience hours, you become eligible to register for the state certification exam.

The Pros of an Electrical Trainee Program

  • The application process is simple, provided you have a GED or high school diploma.
  • It’s not competitive, and there are no waiting lists.
  • Doesn’t take long.
  • You have the choice of working with different electricians.
  • You can get financial assistance from your school.

Cons

  • You can’t get in without a GED or high school diploma.
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2. Union Apprenticeship Option

To get into an electrical apprenticeship in California, you need to register in a state-approved program.

IBEW

The great news is that usually, the programs offer sponsorship. Meaning that while you are earning money for your on-the-job training, the company will pay for your classroom tuition costs. Books and fees are most times the responsibility of the student.

Learn more about how to join the IBEW apprenticeship in our “Join the IBEW Electrician Apprenticeship” guide.

Union Apprenticeships in California

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) provide apprenticeships.

They fall under the Electrical Training Alliance (ETA) umbrella. It used to be called Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC). You will find that most apprenticeships still go by the term JATC. At least for now.

Basic Requirements to Join IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship in California:

  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1 year High School Algebra with a grade of “C” or better, or the equivalent – OR one semester of college algebra with a minimum grade of “C” or the equivalent
  • Pass an aptitude test
  • Go through an interview process
  • Physically able to perform the work of the trade. Must pass a physical exam and drug test
  • Possess a valid California Drivers License at time of indenture

The application process is very competitive. You should expect to do an aptitude test of around 2 ½ hours. They’ll test your reading comprehension, algebra, and technical mathematics. The results will be sent to you in writing. The test fee is around $25.

If you don’t pass, you can apply to take another test after 6 months. Those who pass the test proceed to the interview stage. 

Overall, the evaluation and score depend on your individual application, test results, and the interview. They determine where you rank among the other applicants.

How Is the Selection Made?

The selection is then made as per the ranking. Those who make the cut will have to undergo a physical examination and drug test, which they must pass before signing an indenture agreement. The agreement is a contract outlining the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship program.

You can search for the electrical apprenticeship program in your preferred county here and check the application demands.

How Long Is the Program?

The program takes between 4 to 5 years, depending on the electrical expertise you’re training for. However, you must complete at least 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of on-the-job experience every year.

A Day in the Life of the IBEW Apprenticeship – Video Below

Southern California IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship Locations

Crater Lake Electrical Training Center – located in Central Point, OR
Hollywood – Motion Picture Employers – IBEW 40
Los Angeles County Electrical Training Institute – IBEW 11

Orange County Electrical Training Trust
San Bernadino Inland Empire Electrical Training Center
San Diego & Imperial County Electrical Training Institute – IBEW 569
Ventura County JATCIBEW 952

Central California IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship Locations

Santa Barbara County – IBEW 413
Fresno Area – Serving Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare Counties
Central Valley JATC (Modesto) – IBEW 684
San Luis Obispo – IBEW 639
Kern County (Bakersfield) – IBEW 428

Northern California IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship Locations

Alameda, San Joaquin & Calaveras Counties – IBEW 595
Contra Costa Valley – IBEW 302
San Francisco JATC
Sacramento, Redding, Shasta, Butte Electrical Training Center
San Mateo County JATC – IBEW 617
Santa Clara County JATC
Santa Rosa Redwood Empire Electrical Training Center
Solano-Napa Counties JATC
Tri-County (Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey Counties)

Specialty Apprenticeships

Riverside (California-Nevada JATC) – Linemen Apprenticeship
Northern California Sound & Communication (San Leandro) – Low Voltage & Installer Technician Apprenticeships

Pros of Electrical Apprenticeship

  • You get first-hand job experience which is an excellent way to learn the trade
  • You earn while training
  • You don’t need a degree to apply
  • It offers a good opportunity to be self-employed

Cons

  • It’s competitive to get in
  • It takes years to complete

3. Merit-Shop (non-union) Electrician Apprenticeships in California

There are a number of exceptional non-union/merit-shop apprenticeships available in California.

a. ABC – One of the nation’s largest electrical apprenticeship trainers in the merit-shop philosophy is Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Read more detail on the ABC apprenticeship in our guide, “Join the ABC Electrician Apprenticeship”.

ABC Electrician Apprenticeship

The length of their program in California is 4 1/2 years. It consists of 8,000 hours total of on-the-job training, plus 160 hours of classroom training per year.

Classes are held in one-to-two-week blocks throughout the year – normally Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. From experience, I can tell you that this is an optimal arrangement.

The low-Voltage apprenticeship of ABC is 3 years in length. It includes 4,800 hours of on-the-training and 150 hours of classroom training per year. Classes meet 1 night per week for 4 hours. View the curriculum here.

ABC Locations:
ABC Anaheim and Ventura Electrical Apprenticeship
ABC NorCal Livermore Electrical Apprenticeship Training Facility

The ABC Electrician Apprentice application process may include:

  • Written Exam
  • Interview
  • Orientation
  • Drug Screening

b. WECA Electrical Contractor’s Association – their electrician apprenticeship programs have been called the best in the state of California. They have recently expanded to Arizona.

Basic Requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED
  • Pass a color identification test
  • Pass a basic skills test in Measurement, Reading, Arithmetic
  • Multi-craft aptitude test
  • Complete an Oral Interview

State and federally approved programs offered by WECA are

  • Commercial Inside Wireman
  • Residential Wireman
  • Low Voltage (Sound and Communication Installer: Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety).

Your school tuition costs are paid by the member contractors by whom you are employed. Scholarships are periodically awarded to trainees and apprentices to help with books, tools, and fees.

Apprentice classes are in an accelerated and intensive format. For 2 consecutive weeks, you will attend classroom training with hands-on labs full-time. This will be the case every five to seven months. Each two-week session is equal to one semester of classroom instruction. As an apprentice employer myself, I can tell you that this is far better than attending class every week while also working full-time.

WECA’S Four Training Locations:
Sacramento Region Apprenticeship: Commercial Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, Low Voltage 
San Diego Apprenticeship: Commercial Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, Low Voltage 
Riverside Apprenticeship: Commercial Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman
Fresno Apprenticeship (opening soon): Commercial Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman

WECA’s Low Voltage Apprenticeship Program

Step 2: Pass Your Exams to Become a Certified Electrician

Upon completion of your training and acquiring the set number of hours of on-the-job experience, you can proceed to apply for a license, which, on approval, will allow you to take the state exam.

The requirements vary among the different electrical licenses. Check out some of them below:

General Electrician

  • A minimum of 8000 hours of work experience under a C-10 electrical contractor.
  • $175 application fee (non-refundable.)
  • 100 exam questions to complete in 4 hours.
  • You must pass with a minimum score of 70%.
  • After passing exams, you have to renew your license after every 3 years through continuing training and education.
  • During each renewal, you MUST have completed at least 2000 hours of work and 32 hours of education.
  • The renewal fee is $100.

Residential Electrician

  • At least 4800 hours of work experience under a C-10 electrical contractor.
  • $175 application fee (non-refundable.)
  • 80 exam questions to complete in 3 hours.
  • You must pass with a minimum score of 70%.
  • You have to renew your license after every 3 years through continuing training and education.
  • During each renewal, you MUST have completed a minimum of 2000 hours of work and 32 hours of education.
  • The renewal fee is $100.

Voice Data Video Technician

  • No less than 4000 hours of work experience under a C-10 electrical contractor.
  • $175 application fee (non-refundable.)
  • 50 exam questions to complete in 2 hours.
  • You must pass with a minimum score of 70%.
  • You have to renew your license after every 3 years through continuing training and education.
  • During each renewal, you MUST have completed at least 2000 hours of work and 32 hours of education.
  • The renewal fee is $100.

Fire/Life Technician

  • 4000-plus hours of work experience under a C-10 electrical contractor.
  • $175 application fee (non-refundable.)
  • Complete 50 exam questions in 3 hours.
  • You must pass with a minimum score of 70%.
  • You have to renew your license after every 3 years through continuing training and education.
  • During each renewal, you MUST have completed at least 2000 hours of work and 32 hours of education.
  • The renewal fee is $100.

Non-Residential Lighting Technician

  • 2000 hours or more of work experience under a C-10 electrical contractor.
  • $175 application fee (non-refundable.)
  • Complete 50 exam questions in 2 hours.
  • You must pass with a minimum score of 70%.
  • You have to renew your license every 3 years through continuing training and education.
  • During each renewal, you MUST have completed at least 2000 hours of work and 32 hours of education.
  • The renewal fee is $100.

Topics covered in the exam include:

  • Installation – 66%.
  • Safety – 6%.
  • Repair and maintenance – 6%.
  • Electrical system requirements – 22%.

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) is responsible for issuing the license.

With the state license in place, you can officially start working on electrical projects in California. If you were under the trainee program, you should notify your school so they can unenroll you.

Step 3: Go for an Independent Electrical Contractor License

After working as a certified electrician for 4 years—full time, you’re eligible to become an independent electrical contractor. This will enable you to employ general electricians and sell your services to residents and businesses in California. You can bid for projects that are worth $500 and above.

The contractor license is known as a C-10 license and is issued by the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) upon fulfillment of the following requirements:

  • Fill out the contractor application here
  • Be over 18 years
  • Have a working capital of $2,500 and above
  • 4 years of electrical service experience
  • Pass the 2-part exam 

The CSLB takes time to go through your application and notify you of the outcome. An approval means you’re eligible to take the two-part exam. First is the C-10 exam, which covers these five main areas:

  • Rough wiring – 24%.
  • Safety – 18%.
  • Finish wiring – 11%.
  • Planning and estimating – 26%.
  • Troubleshooting and maintenance – 21%.

You then have the law and business exam that covers:

  • Employment requirements
  • Safety requirements
  • Business organization
  • Public works
  • Licensing requirements
  • Bonds and insurance
  • Business financials
  • Contract requirements

When you pass the exams with a minimum score of 70%, you’ll have to do the following:

  • Pay a $150 initial licensing fee
  • Get a surety bond of $15,000
  • Give proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you plan to hire
  • General liability insurance is a wise investment

After completing the procedure mentioned above and submitting the necessary requirements, you’ll be issued your license. You can start operating right away.

Renewal of the license is after two years.

Some important factors to note as an electrician in California are:

  • Your certification only works in California
  • The state doesn’t recognize licenses from other states. But they have some level of reciprocity with Nevada, Arizona, and Louisiana
  • To confirm if your license or somebody else’s is legit, you can simply search this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Licensed Electrician Make in California?

As of May 2020, the mean hourly wage of electricians in California is $36.49 and the yearly mean wage is $75,900. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

An apprentice’s pay rate is determined by the state of California and the Department of Labor. Various factors determine your wages including the county where you’re working and the bid of the project.

There’s an opportunity for increased pay depending on your skills, experience, and location.

U.S. Map showing electrician wages by state

Should You Join an Electrician Union in California?

The short answer is that it depends. That’s because there are pros and cons to joining a union and working for a non-union merit shop business—starting from how you train to become an electrician. Let’s break them down:

Pros

  • Better wages and benefits like healthcare and pension.
  • A community of like-minded people.
  • Quality training and apprenticeships.
  • You get paid training.

Cons

  • It takes longer to train as an electrician under a union program.
  • Lack of flexibility when it comes to working hours.
  • The union decides where you’ll go to work and the wages to be paid. Plus, you have to wait for your turn as the selection follows a call board rotation.
  • Your training is limited to the specialization you chose when enrolling in a union apprenticeship program.
  • You’ll have to pay a one-time joining fee and a recurring annual fee of between $200 to $500.

Now, based on this information and how it factors into your current life and future aspirations, you can easily decide on whether to join a union or a merit shop contractor.

What is the Difference Between an Apprentice and Electrician Trainee?

An apprentice is enrolled in an apprenticeship program and is indentured.

A trainee is an electrician that’s not indentured in an apprenticeship program nor yet a certified journeyman.

By law, California requires anyone performing work in the field for a C-10 electrical contractor to be one of the following:

  1. Indentured apprentice OR
  2. Electrician trainee registered with the state OR
  3. Certified journeyman

Who Can Supervise a Trainee or Apprentice?

A Certified Journeyman electrician, under California law, can supervise only one apprentice and one trainee at a time.

Conclusion

That sums up everything you need to do to become an electrician in California. It’s a great and invaluable career.

Fun Fact: California employs the most electricians in the United States (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Seeing as electricity plays a major role in homes, businesses, and industries, being an electrician makes you a very influential member of society.

All you need to do is pick a good program and start your training immediately. Fortunately, there are lots of options to choose from. And, the state’s involvement helps to ensure that standards of training remain high.

To always have an edge over other electricians, you should strive to educate yourself and keep up with new trends in the industry. For instance, familiarize yourself with other power sources like solar. You’ll have more opportunities if you can offer more than just one electrical service; this translates to more income.

Search Electrician Programs

Get information on Electrician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Sources:

California Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
Contractors State Licensing Board
Bureau of Labor Statistics