--- title: How To Start Your Career As An Electrician | CCS Construction Staffing description: Are you interested in starting your electrician career? Learn how to start your career and find a job with CCS Construction Staffing! image: https://blog.staffccs.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/electrician-1080554_1920-1-2.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2023/02/06/how-to-start-your-career-as-an-electrician#main) [![CCS-Logo](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CCS-Logo.png?width=168&height=45&name=CCS-Logo.png)](https://www.staffccs.com/) - [Job Seekers](https://www.staffccs.com/job-seekers/) - [Contractors](https://www.staffccs.com/contractors/) - [Contact Us](https://www.staffccs.com/contact-us/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Job Seekers](https://www.staffccs.com/job-seekers/) - [Contractors](https://www.staffccs.com/contractors/) - [Contact Us](https://www.staffccs.com/contact-us/) - [Sign In](https://www.greenshadesonline.com/SSO/EmployeeAppBeta/#/login/carolinasconstruction) [Sign In](https://www.greenshadesonline.com/SSO/EmployeeAppBeta/#/login/carolinasconstruction) # How To Start Your Career As An Electrician A career as an electrician involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment. These essential skills help the modern world function efficiently. Working with electrical power requires extensive training to meet strict qualifications. You can combine your training with experience and licensing to become a journeyman electrician. Then, you may decide to work your way up to a master electrician or independent electrical contractor. You might specialize as a residential, commercial, or industrial electrician as well. ## **Follow these guidelines to start your career as an electrician** ### **Earn Your High School Diploma  ** The academic concepts you learn in school are essential. Pay close attention to the following subjects: - **Algebra, trigonometry, and other math skills** are required to determine wiring lengths, calculate the force of electrical currents, and measure the angle of a circuit. - **Physics** is helpful for understanding basic scientific concepts to complete electrical work. - **English** is beneficial for reading technical documents. - **Shop and mechanical drawing classes** are helpful for designing electrical systems in structures. ### **Secure an Apprenticeship** You must complete an apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician. You may need to do the following to get started: - Complete an aptitude test for reading comprehension and math skills - Participate in a job interview - Take a drug test - Meet specific physical requirements You can land an apprenticeship in multiple ways: - **Trade schools** usually offer apprenticeships and job placement opportunities. - The Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATC) can place you with a local **union** The JATC typically facilitates and hosts classroom and lab-based technical training at its local office. You must join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to secure a union apprenticeship. - Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) can place you in an apprenticeship with **non-union** electrical contractors in major cities. ### **Register as an Electrician Apprentice** Determine whether your state requires registration as an electrician apprentice before working on job sites. Follow all relevant laws and regulations. ### **Finish Your Apprenticeship** Most states require 4 to 5 years of classroom instruction, on-the-job training, mentorship, and supervision before taking the electrical apprentice exam. You likely will learn about the following topics: - Understanding technical diagrams and construction blueprints for electrical plans - Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and electricity-distribution equipment - Completing work in compliance with local, state, and national regulations - Using devices to test and inspect electrical systems for potential issues ### **Become Licensed or Certified** Research your city and state requirements for electrician licensing and certification. Ensure you fit the qualifications before applying. - You must show you finished your apprenticeship to become licensed or certified. - You may need to pass an electrical exam to become licensed. - The exam tests your understanding of the National Electric Code, safety protocols, electrical concepts, and building codes. ## **Ready to Start Your Career as an Electrician?** CCS Construction Staffing has entry-level roles to help start your career as an electrician. Visit our [job board](https://jobs.staffccs.com/) today. Post by [CCS Construction Staffing](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/author/ccs-construction-staffing) Feb 6, 2023 4:00:27 AM ### Related Articles ##### [![Certifications and Licenses That Boost Your Trades Career Prospects](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blognov6.png?width=520&height=294&name=blognov6.png) Career Advice • Nov 6, 2024 10:14:34 AM Certifications and Licenses That Boost Your Trades Career Prospects 2 min read](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2024/11/06/certifications-licenses-boost-trades-career) ##### [![Building a Career as a Commercial Plumber](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogoct23.png?width=520&height=294&name=blogoct23.png) Career Advice • Oct 23, 2024 9:54:34 AM Building a Career as a Commercial Plumber 3 min read](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2024/10/23/building-a-career-as-a-commercial-plumber) ##### [![How Electricians Are Powering the Future of Smart Buildings](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blogsep17.png?width=520&height=294&name=blogsep17.png) Career Advice • Sep 17, 2024 6:44:07 AM How Electricians Are Powering the Future of Smart Buildings 2 min read](https://blog.staffccs.com/blog/2024/09/17/electricians-powering-smart-buildings) [![CCS-Logo](https://blog.staffccs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CCS-Logo.png?width=168&height=45&name=CCS-Logo.png)](https://www.staffccs.com/) 3600 N. 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