Electrician Schools in California: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited California Electrician Training Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor 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.” 

In California the first step to becoming an electrician is to enroll in a state-approved electrician training program. These approved programs are both apprenticeships and college programs. Some are open to the public, and some are only open to members including unions and contractor associations. According to the BLS, some electricians enter apprenticeship programs after working as an electrician helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including electricians.

California Apprenticeships

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) California Chapters:

• ABC Northern California

• ABC Central California Chapter

• ABC Southern California Chapter

• ABC San Diego Chapter

Western Electrical Contractors Association Inc.: WECA has three state- and federally approved apprenticeship programs in California: Commercial Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, and Low Voltage (Sound and Communication Installer: Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety) offered in four training facilities throughout the state — Sacramento Region, San Diego, Riverside, and Fresno. 

California Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (union) are alliances between the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) chapters and the California chapters for the National Electrical Contractors Alliance (NECA):

• Alameda County J.A.T.C. For The Electrical Inside Wireman Trade

• Central Valley Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Contra Costa County Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Crater Lake Electrical JATC

• Fresno, Madera, Kings & Tulare Counties Electrical Industries J.A.T.C.

• Kern County Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee

• Los Angeles Electrical J.A.& E.T.C.

• Orange County Electrical J.A.C.

• Redwood Empire Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Riverside Area Electrical J. A. C.

• Sacramento Area Electrical Joint Apprenticeship And Training Committee

• San Bernardino, Mono And Inyo Counties Electrical J. A. C.

• San Diego Electrical J.A.T.C.

• San Francisco J.A.T.C. For The Electrical Industry - Inside Wireman

• San Joaquin & Calaveras Counties Electrical J.A.T.C.

• San Luis Obispo Electrical Workers J.A.C.

• San Mateo County J.A.T.C. For The Electrical Construction Industry

• Santa Barbara County Electrical J.A.C.

• Santa Clara County Electrical Trades J.A.T.C.

• Solano & Napa Counties Electricians J.A.T.C.

• Tri-County Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Ventura County Electrical J.A.T.C. 

If you choose to start your journey with some kind of electrician education at one of the approved trade schools that are open to the public, there are a lot of choices. Several schools have aligned their program curriculum with the  National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).

NCCER lists the following programs on their website as accredited electrician schools in California:

• Barstow Community College

• Cerritos College

• College of the Sequoias – Tulare College Center

• Imperial Valley College

• Kern Community College District, Workplace Learning Resource Center

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefits 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 as is the case in California. California has uniform requirements statewide for electricians, requiring all electricians to begin their professional journey by enrolling in a state-approved union or nonunion electrical training program. The state of California requires 150 hours of classroom and lab-based technical training for every year you participate in an electrical training program or apprenticeship.  

There’s typically a range of choices of degree and certificate programs, but again most electricians enter an apprenticeship rather than a college program. Some electrical contractors may allow you to get the hands-on training with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. 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

• Associate’s 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 one of the four-year universities in California like:

• University of Southern California

• University of California-Berkeley

• Stanford University

• University of California-Los Angeles

• University of California-San Diego

• Santa Clara University

• California State Polytechnic University – Pomona

• California State University – Long Beach

• San Jose State University

• University of California-Santa Barbara

As stated earlier, formal education can pay 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 systems. 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. Some are intended to give students a base of knowledge to prepare them to be helpers and get that first job with a licensed electrician. 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. The state of California has narrowed it down for you because you must choose from one of the state-approved programs. There are almost 100 of them, and they are located all over the state.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at California community colleges on average is $1,997 per year for in-state students and $7,123 for out-of-state students. Some programs listed here can be upward of $15,000 just for tuition and $20,000 to $30,000 for off-campus living costs. There will be some variations in 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 occupational field. 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.

At least one college in California has a free training program designed to give students the basic knowledge to get started as an electrician trainee. Barstow Community College offers a nine-week tuition-free workforce development program to get participants work-ready quickly. That program would just be the jump-start to the years of experience and education required for certification by the state.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a certificate or an associate’s degree. The certificates require as few as 12 or as many as 33 credit hours (called units in California). Associate’s degree programs typically take two years and require 60 credits or more. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long.

Benefits

There are benefits to formal education if you want to be an electrician. Most important, California requires a minimum amount of classroom instruction for applicants to be eligible for licensing. Also, 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. This will not satisfy the educational requirement for licensing in California, but it may give you a base of knowledge to help you get started as a helper. 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 very accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

Electrician training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as an electrical technician. 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

All of the NCCER accredited training schools listed above are part of the California Community College System. They offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans. The average community college acceptance rate in California is 83%. These are also state-approved programs that are open to the public, not just member contractors. 

Barstow Community College (Approved to Offer Partial Residential Electrician Curriculum)

Maintenance Electrical & HVAC | Certificate or Associate’s Degree | 18 weeks to 2 years

Free Career Training | Non-credit workforce development | 9 weeks

Cerritos College (Approved to Offer Whole Residential Electrician and Nonresidential Lighting Technician curriculum)

College of the Sequoias – Tulare College Center (Approved to Offer Whole General Electrician Courses)

Electrical Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60 units

NCCER Electrical Applications | Certificate of Achievement | 16 units

NCCER Electrical Theory | Certificate of Achievement |16 units

Imperial Valley College (Approved to Offer Whole Residential Electrician Curriculum)

Electrical Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60 units

Electrical Technology: General Electrician | Certificate | 30 units

Electrical Technology: Low Voltage Systems Tech. | Certificate | 16 units

Electrical Technology: Residential Electrician | Certificate | 26 units

Electrical Trades | Associate’s Degree | 60 units

Electrical Trades | Certificate | 16 units

Kern Community College District, Bakersfield (Approved to offer Whole General Electrician Curriculum)

Electrical Troubleshooting & Preventative Maintenance

NCCER Core Curriculum      

Steps for Enrollment in California

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission online, in person or by mail. Some 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 the application fee (if applicable).

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 California

California licenses electricians at the state level. You’ll begin by registering as an electrical trainee with the State of California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. You must also enroll in a state-approved electrician training program. From there, you need to gain the necessary experience to earn your certified electrician license—either residential electrician or general electrician–from the State of California Department of Industrial Relations. After that, you will be eligible to obtain an electrical contractor license from the California Contractors State License Board. California electrician certifications do not use the typical terms “journeyman,” "journeyman license," or “master electrician.” For a detailed explanation of California’s Electricians licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your California Electrical License. 

Salaries for Electricians in California

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 California? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median electrician salary in California for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years : $59,500

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $67,800

• Senior 4-6 years: $76,300

• Supervisor > 7 years: $112,300

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 of age, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license. The state of California requires 4,500 hours of work to be eligible to take the residential electrician exam, and 8,000 hours of work for the general electrician exam. Both require 150 hours of classroom and lab-based technical training for every year you participate in an electrical training program or apprenticeship.

There are many electrical union apprenticeship programs in California, 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. There are 22 IBEW Jurisdictions in California and Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees that serve them all. The JATCs in California are:

• Alameda County J.A.T.C. For The Electrical Inside Wireman Trade

• Central Valley Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Contra Costa County Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Crater Lake Electrical JATC

• Fresno, Madera, Kings & Tulare Counties Electrical Industries J.A.T.C.

• Kern County Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee

• Los Angeles Electrical J.A.& E.T.C.

• Orange County Electrical J.A.C.

• Redwood Empire Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Riverside Area Electrical J. A. C.

• Sacramento Area Electrical Joint Apprenticeship And Training Committee

• San Bernardino, Mono And Inyo Counties Electrical J. A. C.

• San Diego Electrical J.A.T.C.

• San Francisco J.A.T.C. For The Electrical Industry - Inside Wireman

• San Joaquin & Calaveras Counties Electrical J.A.T.C.

• San Luis Obispo Electrical Workers J.A.C.

• San Mateo County J.A.T.C. For The Electrical Construction Industry

• Santa Barbara County Electrical J.A.C.

• Santa Clara County Electrical Trades J.A.T.C.

• Solano & Napa Counties Electricians J.A.T.C.

• Tri-County Electrical J.A.T.C.

• Ventura County Electrical J.A.T.C.

Nonunion apprenticeships like those offered by the Associated Builders and Contractors of California and the Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc. are similar to the union programs.

These nonunion and union programs culminate in journeyman status as directed by national standards. 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 formal apprenticeship programs but include both technical training through one of the state-approved educational programs 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 School Options

Accredited programs are far from your only option.

There are so many programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are just too many to list them all here, but each of the schools below has state-approved electrician programs .

• Long Beach City College

• San Diego City College

• Los Angeles Trade Technical College

• Shasta Builders Exchange

• Chaffey College

• Foothill College

• Fresno City College

• Hartnell College

• Rio Hondo College

• NORCO College

• San Joaquin Valley College

• Southern California Institute of Technology (SCIT)

• San Jose City College

• Cuesta College

• California Electrical Training Inc.

• InterCoast College

California has hundreds of college campuses across the state. If one of the schools above isn’t in your area, check this list to see where else you can look for electrician training in California.

You can find the training you need to excel as an electrician in California. The opportunities are all around you!