Become an Electrician in Kentucky
Electricians install, repair and maintain power systems for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Training to become an electrician typically takes about 4 years, and involves an apprenticeship and state licensing. In Kentucky, electricians must pass an exam, provide proof of work experience, and log at least 576 hours of classroom training. Additionally, electricians must understand blueprints and electrical codes. Use these tips to become an electrician in Kentucky.
Contents
Steps
Determine What Type of Electrician Career to Pursue
- Evaluate the different categories of electrician jobs. Electrician jobs usually are categorized as either industrial, commercial or residential. Some states require specific licensing for each category, but Kentucky does not.
- Determine whether you prefer construction or maintenance electrical work. Electricians who focus on construction install electrical systems in home, businesses and factories. Electricians who focus on maintenance repair electrical equipment and upgrade existing systems.
- Consider the electrician job you desire. Electricians may follow different career paths, depending on their job training and preparation. Possible electrician jobs include apprentice, journeyman, electrician, foreman, supervisor, project manager, estimator, purchasing agent, electrical inspector, electrical sales manager or electrical contractor. An apprentice job in Kentucky requires the minimum education and state licensing requirements, while an electrical contractor position typically requires advanced training.
Complete Electrician Education Requirements
- Graduate from high school. A high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) is required to become an electrician in Kentucky. Because electrical work involves the application of mathematical equations, math classes like algebra and geometry are recommended for students interested in pursuing electrician careers.
- Earn a certificate or degree. A degree or certificate is not required to become an electrician in Kentucky, however the classroom training provides a solid foundation for aspiring electricians. Electrician candidates with a 2-year or 4-year degree usually start their careers at higher pay levels than those without a degree.
- Earn a certificate from a vocational or technical school. Many vocational and technical schools offer electrician training programs. These programs typically provide classroom instruction combined with hands-on projects.
- Earn an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Many colleges offer 2- and 4-year degree programs for aspiring electricians, such as Associate of Science in Electrical Technology, Associate of Occupational Science in Electrical Construction and Instrumentation, and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Students typically complete course work in electrical fundamentals, wiring, blueprints and planning, tool usage and electrical codes.
Complete an Electrician Apprenticeship
- Meet the apprenticeship requirements. Apprenticeship applicants in Kentucky must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma and pass a drug test. An apprenticeship is required to obtain an electrician license in Kentucky.
- Complete an electrician apprenticeship. An apprenticeship provides classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training for aspiring electricians. Most apprenticeship programs take 3 to 5 years to complete, and cost between $400 and $1,000 a year. Most apprentices are paid about 50 percent of the market rate during on-the-job training. Upon completion of an apprenticeship, students are qualified for both construction and maintenance electrical work. There are several options for apprenticeship programs in Kentucky.
- Choose a union apprenticeship program. Electrical unions like the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) offer apprenticeship programs. Each union sponsors aspiring electricians through its apprenticeship program, and then requires membership in the union upon completion of the program. Each union provides career placement assistance and continuing education opportunities. Union apprenticeships are offered throughout Kentucky.
- Select a state sponsored apprenticeship. Kentucky offers several state sponsored apprenticeship opportunities. Often funded by workforce development initiatives, the state sponsored programs provide classroom and on-the-job training. Participation in a state sponsored program may require you to relocate to the apprenticeship site in Kentucky. Candidates may apply for state sponsored apprenticeships in Kentucky through the Joint Apprentice Training Program, headquartered in Louisville.
- Consider an online electrician program. Online apprenticeship programs provide the opportunity for students to complete classroom training online. The online programs match students with local apprenticeship programs for on-the-job training. Ensure the online electrician program is accredited by the Kentucky Apprenticeship Council or the training hours may not be applicable to licensure.
Get Licensed as an Electrician in Kentucky
- Determine which electrician license to apply for in Kentucky. There are 3 different electrician licenses in Kentucky: electrical contractor, master electrician and electrician.
- Choose an electrical contractor license if you contract with the public to perform electrical work. If your work requires you to request electrical permits, you must get an electrical contractor license. An electrical contractor must hire at least 1 master electrician. Therefore, if you operate a 1-person electrical business, you must get an electrical contractor license and a master electrician license.
- Select a master electrician license if you supervise an electrician or supervise the electrical work for your organization.
- Consider an electrician license to work unsupervised as an electrician.
- Obtain an electrical contractor license. To get an electrical contractor license in Kentucky, you must pass an exam, provide a passport-sized photo, show proof of worker's compensation or a notarized waiver, provide a certificate of liability insurance of at least $500,000, have 2 years of experience as an electrical contractor in Kentucky, and pay the $200 licensure fee. Applications forms are available online at the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction website.
- Pass the electrical contractor exam from the International Code Council with a score of at least 70 percent to get an electrical contractor license in Kentucky. The test covers electrical theory, applications, business and law, as well as the National Electrical Code, local codes and state codes.
- Get a master electrician license. To obtain a master electrician license in Kentucky, you must pass an exam, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay the $100 licensure fee. Additionally, you must show notarized proof of either 8 years of work experience as an electrician in Kentucky, or 6 years of work experience and at least 576 hours of classroom training. Applications forms are available online at the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction website.
- Pass the master electrician exam from the International Code Council with a score of at least 75 percent to get licensed in Kentucky. The 100-question test takes approximately 5 hours to complete.
- Obtain an electrician license. To get an electrician license in Kentucky, you must pass an exam, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay the $50 licensure fee. Additionally, you must show notarized proof of either 6 years of work experience as an electrician in Kentucky, or 4 years of work experience and at least 576 hours of classroom training. Applications forms are available online at the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction website.
- Pass the electrician exam from the International Code Council with a score of at least 70 percent to get licensed in Kentucky. The 80-question test takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
Maintain Licensure and Meet Continuing Education Requirements
- Renew your electrician license. In Kentucky, all electrician licenses require annual renewal. To renew, the license holder must pay a $200 fee and show proof of completion of 6 continuing education credits each year.
- Complete continuing education requirements. Continuing education is required throughout an electrician's career. Each year, a minimum of 6 continuing education credits are required for license renewal. Continuing education classes are available in safety programs, manufacturer and product training, changes and updates to the National Electrical Code, and the latest electrical system advancements.
- Meet specifications for continuing education requirements. In Kentucky, electrical contractors, master electricians and electricians must take 6 hours of coursework related to business practices, employment law and safety procedures. However, only 2 of the 6 required hours can be focused on safety.
- Consider state-approved continuing education courses in Ohio, West Virginia, Louisiana and Virginia. Kentucky recognizes continuing education credits for electricians offered in those states.
Tips
- If you do not pass the Kentucky electrician exam the first time, you can retake the test after 10 days. However, each time you take the test, you must reapply for licensure.
- To connect small wires in tight spaces, electrician should have good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity and balance.
Warnings
- In Kentucky, performing electrical work without a license is a misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of $500 to $5,000 and/or 10 to 180 days in jail.
