Electricians have a variety of certification levels that vary by state. Most states have an officer level and a master electrician level. To obtain licensure at each level, applicants must meet experience requirements and pass an exam. An associate degree in electrical technology is the most popular option for future electricians who choose to attend two-year programs.
These programs specialize in certain areas of the field, such as renewable energy or industrial electrical technology. Most programs take two years to complete and some universities offer associate degrees in electrical technology as applied degrees, meaning they prepare students to start working immediately after graduating. Other universities offer general education courses that open the door to four-year degree programs. Professionals can work for years as a professional-level electrician and eventually earn the title of master electrician.
Those who want to get even more education can do so at a community college, which offers associate degrees in electrical engineering and technologies. Electricians must go to school and it's one of the few professions where you have a governing body that dictates the amount of education and experience needed to move forward.
