The Different Classifications of Electricians

Many people consider all electricians as simply electricians. In actuality all electricians are not created equally. As electricians move through their career they reach certain milestones, receive different levels of training and education and pass different exams.

Each state is different so not all have the same classifications. There are even states which do not have statewide licensing requirements and leave that up to local municipalities. Following are the most common classifications for electricians.

Apprentice Electrician
Nearly every state has this classification. An apprentice electrician is someone who is learning the trade from an experienced, licensed/certified electrician. They learn from one of, or both of the following electricians and work under their direct supervision.

Apprentice electricians are often also required to enroll in some type of electrician program. These programs are typically offered at local community colleges and at trade schools. This is the entry level position for electricians.

Journeyman Electrician
While not every state or jurisdiction has this classification, most do. A journeyman electrician generally has between 2 and 4 years of experience as an apprentice electrician and has to pass a journeyman electrician exam. A journeyman is also higher on the pay scale than an apprentice electrician due to their knowledge and experience in the trade.

Once passed, a journeyman is generally able to work on his/her own and even supervise apprentice electricians. Continuing education courses are generally required by states who have this classification in order to ensure a journeyman stays up to date on the National Electrical Code and the local electrical code.

Master Electrician
The master electrician classification is generally the highest level an electrician can achieve in most states. A master electrician generally has between 4 and 8 years of experience as an apprentice and journeyman electrician and has to pass a master electrician exam. A master electrician is also higher on the pay scale than both apprentice and journeyman electricians.

Once passed, a master electrician can work on his/her own and supervise apprentice and journeyman electricians. Continuing education courses are generally required by states who have this classification in order to ensure a master electrician stays up to date on the National Electrical Code and the local electrical code.

Those are the 3 common classifications for electrician. Each state is different and may offer more or less classifications. For example, some states breakdown the journeyman and master electrician classifications further into residential and industrial journeyman and master electricians.Check with your state or local jurisdiction for the classifications and requirements in your area.