Become an Electrician in Wisconsin

Working as an electrician is a job that is highly regulated. Electricians are required to undergo training and years of work experience because of the specialized knowledge and risks associated with the job. If you want to work as a master electrician in Wisconsin, you will be required to complete 7,000 hours of supervised work and pass a number of exams. Unlike other states that regulate electricians on a state level, each municipality has slightly different qualifications. Always check the requirements in your locale before beginning to train. Learn how to become an electrician in Wisconsin.

Steps

  1. Complete your high school education. You will be required to possess a diploma and be at least 18 years of age to start training as an electrician. Extra courses in math, physics, mechanical drawing and construction are likely to help you as you move down your career path.
  2. Research cities in Wisconsin where you would like to live and work. The state of Wisconsin has different electrician requirements according to the city where you work. In order to ensure you head down the right path, it is a good idea to request information about the electrician training that is required in your area.
    • Cities with the highest number of jobs for electricians include Appleton, Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville and Sheboygan.
  3. Earn an associates degree or certificate from a technical school. Certificate programs are often 1-year long, while associate's degrees take place over 2 years. Look for schools that offer placement in an apprenticeship program.
    • It is not always necessary to complete a certificate or associate's degree before doing an apprenticeship; however, every semester that you attend school will give you 500 hours toward the prerequisite work experience required to become a journeyman or master electrician.
  4. Apply for electrician apprenticeships. You will need to be indentured in an apprenticeship program for approximately 5 years in order to become a journeyman. These apprenticeships can be competitive, and you may need to apply for them a year or 2 in advance of the start date.
    • There are 3 types of Wisconsin electrician apprenticeships: a full electrician apprenticeship, a residential electrical apprenticeship and an industrial electrical apprenticeship. You may want to decide which focus you will take before applying for apprenticeships.
  5. Apply for an electrical apprenticeship credential with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You will need to fill out an application, submit proof of an apprenticeship contract under a licensed master electrician or journeyman electrician and pay $30.
    • This credential is good for 1 year and will need to be renewed for the duration of your apprenticeship.
  6. Apply to become a Wisconsin journeyman electrician. This may or may not be necessary under municipal guidelines, so check your local licensing qualifications. For locales that require a journeyman electrician credential, you must show that you have worked as an apprentice electrician for 1,000 hours per year for 5 years.
    • Application for journeyman electrician will require a form, exam and approximately $165 in fees. You may substitute up to 2 years in schooling for your required work hours, reducing the total number of apprentice years to 3.
  7. Apply to become a Wisconsin master electrician. This generally requires you to have worked 1,000 hours per year as an electrician for 7 years. You can substitute schooling for up to 3 years of this time.
    • You will be required to submit forms, undergo an exam and pay fees of approximately $265. The credential is good for 4 years.
  8. Seek an electrical contractor credential. In order to work independently as a contractor, you will be required to show that you have the proper experience, liability insurance and you work only with qualified electricians. You are not required to sit for an exam to gain this credential.
    • Becoming a contractor is optional. If you plan to work for an electrical company, and not start your own business, working as a master electrician is the highest credential you will need.



Things You'll Need

  • High school diploma
  • Associates degree/certificate
  • City electrician requirements
  • Apprenticeship
  • Apprenticeship credential
  • Application fees
  • Journeyman electrician credential
  • Journeyman electrician exam
  • Master electrician exam
  • Electrical contractor credential (optional)
  • Work experience

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References

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