How to Become a Licensed Electrician for New York State

Becoming a licensed electrician requires years of education and work experience.

An electrician is a technical professional who is responsible for the installation and maintenance of residential and business electrical components and systems. In many states, it is illegal to work as an unlicensed electrician. However, becoming a licensed electrician not only avoids legal problems, but also increases credibility, business opportunities and professional network alliances. In New York, electricians are not licensed or regulated through the state, but instead, are governed by local and city authorities. While the details of some requirements vary among jurisdictions, the primary protocols to become a licensed electrician are generally consistent among authorities.

Instructions

1. Obtain your high school diploma or G.E.D. This is a basic requirement when applying to trade schools, universities or for apprenticeships for your first level formal education as a future electrician.

2. Select your initial educational route. Some future electricians opt to go through apprenticeships first, which offer on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Others choose to attend trade schools for electrician’s programs, or a university for electrical engineering or a related degree program. As a third option, some people go to school, and upon completion, enter an apprenticeship program.

3. Become a journeyman electrician. To become a journeyman electrician, you must pass an exam administered by your local authority that demonstrates a foundational understanding and competency in the electrical trade. This allows you to legally enter the labor force to get commercial-industrial work experience, under the supervision of a master electrician. Ultimately, to apply for a license, you must have verifiable work experience as a journeyman electrician on or in buildings. The amount of required work experience varies with each local authority. New York City requires a minimum of 7 1/2 years of work experience upon applying for a license.

4. Get your required documents. When you submit your application for an electrician’s license you must include the supportive documentation required by your local authority. Examples of the types of documentation required includes: your journeyman exam score or permit; a statement of earrings from the Social Security Administration and/or copies of W-2s; official school transcripts from colleges, universities and/or trade schools; and employment verification through letters and/or other documentation signed by licensed electricians.

5. Submit your completed application. Include the appropriate fees and attachments. Depending on the local procedures, an appointment may scheduled for you to appear before a review board, and your application would be submitted at that time.

6. Wait for licensing approval. The timeframe and medium of notification varies with each jurisdiction.

References

• National Electrical Contractors Association: What Is an Electrician?
• National Electrical Contractors Association: Guide to State Electrical Codes, Enforcement, and Licensing – New York
• International Association of Electrical Inspectors: New York Regulations
• U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition - Electricians
• New York City Government: New York City 2011 Electrical Code Administrative Provisions
• Electrician New York: Electrician Licensing
• New York City Department of Buildings: How To Become A New York City Licensed Electrician