Electrician Schools in Arizona: The Ultimate Guide

Arizona Electrician Training Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), “Most electricians learn their trade in a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. For each year of the program, apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training as well as some technical instruction. Workers who gained electrical experience in the military or in the construction industry may qualify for a shortened apprenticeship based on their experience and testing. Some electricians start out by attending a technical school. Many technical schools offer programs related to circuitry, safety practices, and basic electrical information. Graduates of these programs usually receive credit toward their apprenticeship.” 

Arizona has quite a few training programs and a wide selection of education programs for aspiring electricians. Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. Some electrical contractors have their own training programs, which are not recognized apprenticeship programs but include both technical and on-the-job training. Although most workers enter apprenticeships directly, some choose to attend technical colleges or trade schools first. According to the BLS, some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including electricians.

Postsecondary schools in Arizona must be licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education with a regular vocational program license or regular degree-granting license to receive accreditation. 

There are 10 college districts in the Arizona Community College System, and nine of them offer degrees or certificates for electricians.

Arizona Apprenticeships

• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Association of Arizona

• Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (alliances between the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) chapters and the Arizona chapter for the National Electrical Contractors Alliance (NECA).

Arizona Technical Colleges with Electrical Technology Programs

• Arizona Western College

• Cochise College

• Coconino Community College

• Eastern Arizona College

• Maricopa Community College

• Mohave Community College

• Northland Pioneer College

• Pima Community College

• Yavapai College

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements or only require classroom instruction as part of an apprenticeship, as is the case in Arizona.

In terms of college education for electricians, typically you’ll find a range of choices of degree and certificate programs, but again most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. However, sometimes a certificate or degree can give you an advantage in getting an apprentice position. If you choose to start at a technical college, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Associates Degree – two years

• Bachelor’s Degree – four years

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you wish to be an electrical engineer, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree.  If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at The University of Arizona. Arizona State University also offers an Electrical Engineering BSE, and Northern Arizona University has a BS in Electrical Engineering too.  

In many cases, but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages. 

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Electrical programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential electrical applications. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school. Typically they include coursework in the fundamentals of the electrical trade. Classroom and laboratory experiences allow students to become proficient in the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring, transformers, A/C and D/C motor control circuit, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They all cover safety and the national electric code. Among the most common classes offered in these degree programs are:

• Foundations of Mathematics

• Industrial Safety Procedures

• Direct Current

• Alternating Current

• Electrical Prints, Schematics, and Symbols

• Commercial Wiring

• Residential Wiring

• Electrical Controls

• Diagnostic Troubleshooting

School Selection Criteria

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Arizona community colleges on average is $3,368 per year for in-state students and $8,322 for out-of-state students. There are variations in tuition and fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupation. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a certificate or an associate degree. The certificates require as few as 12 or as many as 33 credit hours. Associate degree programs typically take two years and require 65 credits or more.

Benefits

There are benefits to formal education if you want to be an electrician. Although in Arizona there is no educational requirement to get started in the field, most employers want would-be electricians to complete an apprenticeship, which requires some classroom instruction. Oftentimes that formal education can be applied toward a college degree, such as an associate’s of applied science in Electrical Construction Technology. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get electrician training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online electrician classes.

Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salaries. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are pretty accessible throughout the state. The state-accredited programs listed above are located as far north as Mohave Community College North, as far south as Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus, as far east as Eastern Arizona College and as far west as Yavapai College, with many other campuses in between.

Level of difficulty

Electrician training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. The BLS says technical instruction for apprentices includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Students may also receive specialized training related to soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and elevators.

School Comparison: At a Glance

Many of the training schools listed above are part of the Arizona Community College System. They all offer financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate.

Arizona Western College in Yuma offers one electrical degree and three certificates, including one for apprentices.

• Electrical Technology | Associate’s Degree | 69 credits

• Electrical Technology Apprenticeship | Certificate | 39 credits

• Electrical Technology | Certificate | 29 credits

• Basic Electrical | Certificate | 23 credits

Cochise College has one Associate of Applied Science degree program and one certificate program that include electrical skills. The Building Construction Technology AAS prepares students to follow a blueprint to estimate and build from foundation to finish using carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC skills.

• Building Construction Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits

• Residential Construction Fundamentals | Certificate | 14-16 credits

Coconino Community College has both a degree and certificate option.

• Construction Technology | Associate’s Degree | 61 credits

• Construction Technology | Certificate | 27 credits

Eastern Arizona College has both an Associate and certificate program.

• Electrical and Instrumentation Technology | Associate’s Degree | 67 credits

• Electrical and Instrumentation Technology | Certificate | 33 credits

Maricopa Community College offers electrical degrees and certificates at five of its campuses.

• Estrella Mountain Campus

  • Electrical Systems Technology | Certificate | 20 credits

• Gateway Community College Campus

  • Electrical Technology | Associate’s Degree | 62-69 credits

  • Construction Trades: Electrical, Commercial and Residential | Certificate | 628 clock hours

  • Construction Trades: Electrical | Certificate | 346 clock hours

• Mesa Campus

  • Construction Trades: Electrical, Commercial and Residential | Certificate | 26 credits

  • Construction Trades: Electrical | Certificate | 16 credits

• Rio Salado Campus

  • Applied Electrical Technology | Associate’s Degree | 81-86 credits

  • Construction Trades: Electrical, Commercial and Residential | Certificate | 26 credits

South Mountain Campus

• Construction Trades: Electrical, Commercial and Residential | Certificate | 26 credits

• Construction Trades: Electrical | Certificate | 16 credits

Mohave Community College with campuses in Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, and North Mohave, has two electrical certificate programs.

• Electrical Technology – Commercial/Industrial Electricity | Certificate | 20 credits

• Electrical Technology - Residential Wiring | Certificate | 16 credits

Northland Pioneer College knows that, whether you want to run your own business or work on a crew, you need training. There are four options here.

• Electrical | Associate’s Degree | 68 credits

• Electrical and Instrumentation | Associate’s Degree | 68 credits

• Electrical | Certificate | 24 credits

• Electrical and Instrumentation | Certificate | 24 credits

Pima Community College has one certificate program dedicated to electricians and offers students an option to choose an electrician pathway as part of the AAS in Building and Construction Technologies.

• Building & Construction Technologies | Associate’s Degree | 61-65 credits

• Electrician Certificate | Certificate | 32-33 credits

Yavapai College also has two certificate programs dedicated to electricians. 

• Basic Residential Trades | Certificate | 22 credits

• Residential Electrical Technician | Certificate | 19 credits

Refrigeration School Inc (RSI) is at 4210 East Washington Street in Phoenix. The Electrical Training program there can be completed in as little as seven months and can prepare you for a career as a residential, commercial, industrial or maintenance electrician. The total cost for the program is $23,450.

The National Technical Institute (NTI) has a campus in Phoenix too. NTI offers two electrician pathways that take three to four months to complete — Fusion online or Hands-on Electrician Training. No matter which program you choose, the cost is $6,895 and includes tuition and books. The Fusion option is a combination of online and in-person training.

Carrington College has campuses in Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson where Electrical Technology is one of the Trades and Industrial Programs. A certificate requires 40 credit hours and takes about 40 weeks to complete. It costs $19,610.

Steps for Enrollment in Arizona

Every training program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. You also have the option of visiting the school’s admission office or mailing a paper application there. Many require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay application fee (except in the case of Arizona Community colleges, which offer free application).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the JATC, Local Union, or IEC or ABC chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Electrician Career Requirements in Arizona

Unlike most other states, Arizona does not license electricians at the journeyman level but does license electrical contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Only licensed contractors or employees of those with an active license can legally perform electrical services. Most electricians in Arizona complete an apprenticeship that includes classroom instruction and then work legally at the journeyman level for a general contractor without supervision. Most people gain work experience as journeyman electricians before obtaining their own electrical contractor license.

If you do decide you want to be your own boss and work as an independent electrical contractor, you will need to get your license. To do that, you are required to have at least four years of experience to qualify and must take and pass both contractor exams — a Statutes and Rules Exam and a Trade Exam.

The state does not license apprentices or issue journeyman licenses, but some of Arizona’s cities do license at the journeyman level, so you always want to check with the jurisdiction where you intend to work to make sure you’re following local requirements. For instance, the city of Phoenix licenses plumbing professionals as journeymen or apprentices as described in the building code.

For a detailed explanation of Arizona’s Electrical Contractor licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Arizona Electrical License.

Salaries for Electricians in Arizona

Before paying for technical education to become an electrician, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an electrical professional in Arizona? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median electrician salary in Arizona for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years : $52,600

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $63,100

• Senior 4-6 years: $67,000

• Supervisor > 7 years: $99,400

For more information about electrician salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

As we said earlier, most electricians get their training through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. To meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Most also require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license. 

There are several electrical union apprenticeship programs in Arizona, which are offered by local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in coordination with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Together they make up the Electrical Training Alliance. You’ll find programs organized through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) of the IBEW chapters in Tucson and Phoenix

Non-union apprenticeships are similar to the union programs. The Independent Electrical Contractors Arizona chapter (IEC) in Tempe and the Arizona Builders Alliance both have non-union electrical apprenticeships. The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) apprenticeship is registered with and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, State of Arizona Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, and the National Center for Construction, Education & Research (NCCER). ABA is an alliance of the Arizona Chapters of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), and the Associated General Contractors of America – Building Chapter  (AGC). It has offices in Phoenix and Tucson and, according to its website, represents over 300 member companies, including contractors and professional service firms, serving the commercial & industrial construction industry.

These non-union and union programs culminate in journeyman status as directed by national standards, even though becoming a journeyman is not required by the state of Arizona. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

Some electrical contractors have their own training programs, which are not recognized apprenticeship programs but include both technical and on-the-job training. After completing an apprenticeship program, electricians are considered journey workers and may perform duties on their own, subject to local or state licensing requirements.

Other Training Options

The United Education Institute with locations in the United States and Canada has campuses in Mesa and Phoenix. The Electrician Technician Trade program is 40 weeks long and is meant to help graduates get entry-level work in residential, commercial or industrial settings.

In addition to your apprenticeship or electrical school program, you may want to acquire industry certifications. These are completely optional but can help you demonstrate your proficiency to prospective employers. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) offers several certifications for electrical employees and contractors.

The bottom line is that you can find the training you need to excel in a career in the electrical field in Arizona. The opportunities are all around you.