Before embarking on this career path, ensure you meet the foundational criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 17 years old.
- Education: Possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Mathematics Proficiency: Have completed at least one year of algebra or applied mathematics with a passing grade.
- Aptitude Test: Achieve a qualifying score on an electrical industry aptitude test, such as the one administered by the Utah Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC)
Step 2: Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program
An apprenticeship provides both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. To become an electrician Kaysville Utah, you have several options:
- Utah Electrical Training Alliance (UETA): Offers programs in inside wireman and telecommunications installer/technician fields. The inside wireman program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and five years of classroom instruction. Mike Holt Enterprises+6electricalschool.org+6SLCC+6
- Salt Lake Community College (SLCC): Provides an Electrical Independent Apprenticeship program requiring 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over four years. SLCC+1SLCC+1
- Trade Schools: Various accredited trade schools in Utah offer electrician training programs. Platforms like Dreambound can help you compare options. dreambound.com
Regardless of the path chosen, you must register as an apprentice with DOPL. The application fee is $110. dopl.utah.gov+6SLCC+6dopl.utah.gov+6ServiceTitan
Step 3: Accumulate Required Experience and Education
To qualify for licensure, you need to complete both classroom instruction and on-the-job training:
- Journeyman Electrician:
- Complete a 4-year apprenticeship program with 576 classroom hours.
- Accumulate 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work.
- Residential Journeyman Electrician:
- Complete a 2-year apprenticeship program with 288 classroom hours.
- Accumulate 4,000 hours of supervised residential electrical work.
Alternatively, if you have significant work experience, you may qualify without completing an apprenticeship:
- Journeyman: 16,000 hours (8 years) of supervised electrical work.
- Residential Journeyman: 8,000 hours (4 years) of supervised residential electrical work.
Step 4: Pass the Licensing Examinations
After meeting the experience and education requirements, you must pass the following exams administered by Prov:
- Code Exam: 80 questions, 3-hour duration, minimum passing score of 75%.
- Theory Exam: 50 questions, 100-minute duration, minimum passing score of 75%.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on assessment involving wiring projects; pass/fail. ServiceTitan
You can register for these exams through Prov’s scheduling portal. ServiceTitan
Step 5: Apply for Licensure
Upon passing the required exams, submit your application for licensure to DOPL. The application fee is $110.
Step 6: Pursue Advanced Licensure (Optional)
After gaining experience as a journeyman, you may choose to advance your career:
- Master Electrician:
- Work as a licensed journeyman for at least 4 years (8,000 hours).
- Alternatively, hold an associate degree in applied science with 2 years (4,000 hours) of journeyman experience, or a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with 1 year (2,000 hours) of journeyman experience.
- Residential Master Electrician:
- Work as a licensed residential journeyman for at least 2 years (4,000 hours).
Master electricians must also pass the Code, Theory, and Practical exams, unless they have previously passed the practical exam as a journeyman.
Step 7: Maintain Your License
Utah requires electricians to renew their licenses every two years. To renew, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education, with at least 12 hours focused on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Additional Considerations
- Contractor License: If you plan to operate your own electrical contracting business, you’ll need to obtain a contractor license, which includes additional requirements such as business registration, insurance, and a separate examination.
- Reciprocity: Utah may have reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing for license recognition. Check with DOPL for specific details.
Becoming an electrician in Utah is a rewarding career path that offers stability and growth opportunities. By following the structured steps outlined above—meeting eligibility requirements, completing an apprenticeship, gaining experience, passing exams, and maintaining licensure—you can establish a successful career in the electrical industry. Utilize resources like DOPL, UETA, SLCC, and trade schools to guide you through the process.
