Understanding What It Takes To Become A Qualified Electrician
Working with the electrical systems inside of a home or business requires a large amount of technical knowledge and experience. Issues that might seem insignificant and that do not immediately affect the performance of the system can cause massive problems later. Additionally, most areas have strict regulations about how electrical systems must function in order to protect the municipal grid. Many homeowners are unaware of the extensive testing and training that is necessary before a person can work on an electrical system. It can be helpful to understand the process that all qualified electricians must go through in order to acquire a license.
Education: Individuals who are interested in working with residential and commercial electrical systems need to have specific educational requirements in order to qualify for advanced training. All potential apprentices will need to have completed at least 10th grade. Most programs will want to see high scores in math and science since these are the basis for most of the work that must be done each day. Individuals who want to work in some of the more advanced areas will need a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. Unions that govern this trade also require a high school diploma. Workers cannot enter this field of work without this basic education.
Testing And Training: Aspiring electricians must first pass a general aptitude test in order to be considered for an apprenticeship. The test is designed to eliminate people who do not have the basic mental and physical skills necessary to work with complex electrical systems. The mechanical aptitude test ensures that an individual can visualize three-dimensional spaces. It also ensures that the test taker has the manual dexterity to use the tools of the trade. Individuals who pass the test must then take basic courses that cover workplace safety issues. These courses teach students how to work safely so that personal injuries, coworker injuries and property damage are avoided.
Apprenticeship: All electricians must go through an apprenticeship stage before being eligible for a license. An apprenticeship is a defined period of time where the apprentice learns how to perform a variety of tasks. Completing an apprenticeship involves working with a qualified and licensed supervisor for no less than 9,000 hours. Some apprentices must also complete other training courses during this time. It takes years to complete an apprenticeship. An apprentice who does work for 9,000 hours with a licensed supervisor will have all of the skills necessary to perform independent contract work.
Licensing: The final step that all apprentices must take in order to obtain a license is official testing. The certification of qualifications examination contains a number of questions that require written answers. The questions cover a range of topic from math and English to physics and basic electronic system operation. All apprentices taking the test need to answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly. Those who pass the test become qualified to perform work independently and are awarded the industry title of journeyman. Those who do not pass the test will need to continue acting as an apprentice until the test can be taken again.
Education: Individuals who are interested in working with residential and commercial electrical systems need to have specific educational requirements in order to qualify for advanced training. All potential apprentices will need to have completed at least 10th grade. Most programs will want to see high scores in math and science since these are the basis for most of the work that must be done each day. Individuals who want to work in some of the more advanced areas will need a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. Unions that govern this trade also require a high school diploma. Workers cannot enter this field of work without this basic education.
Testing And Training: Aspiring electricians must first pass a general aptitude test in order to be considered for an apprenticeship. The test is designed to eliminate people who do not have the basic mental and physical skills necessary to work with complex electrical systems. The mechanical aptitude test ensures that an individual can visualize three-dimensional spaces. It also ensures that the test taker has the manual dexterity to use the tools of the trade. Individuals who pass the test must then take basic courses that cover workplace safety issues. These courses teach students how to work safely so that personal injuries, coworker injuries and property damage are avoided.
Apprenticeship: All electricians must go through an apprenticeship stage before being eligible for a license. An apprenticeship is a defined period of time where the apprentice learns how to perform a variety of tasks. Completing an apprenticeship involves working with a qualified and licensed supervisor for no less than 9,000 hours. Some apprentices must also complete other training courses during this time. It takes years to complete an apprenticeship. An apprentice who does work for 9,000 hours with a licensed supervisor will have all of the skills necessary to perform independent contract work.
Licensing: The final step that all apprentices must take in order to obtain a license is official testing. The certification of qualifications examination contains a number of questions that require written answers. The questions cover a range of topic from math and English to physics and basic electronic system operation. All apprentices taking the test need to answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly. Those who pass the test become qualified to perform work independently and are awarded the industry title of journeyman. Those who do not pass the test will need to continue acting as an apprentice until the test can be taken again.
