Overview

If you’re planning to become an electrician, earning an online electrician certification can be an excellent first step in pursuing that career. “Completing an online certification should give you the foundation you need to be successful, and safe, on the job,” said Vanessa Myers, Director of Education and Workforce Development at Interplay Learning. Once students have earned an online certification, they often complete an electrician apprenticeship and then go on to earn a state license.

Electrician careers are full of opportunity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of electricians is projected to grow by as much as 9.5% through 2034, which is faster than the average growth across all occupations. That career growth is driven by many factors, including new buildings which need electricity, as well as the increased focus on solar and wind power, which require electricians to install the systems.

Electricians also earn competitive salaries. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for electricians in 2024 was $62,350, though the median annual wage varies depending on the industry in which electricians work. For example, electricians in government earned considerably more per year, while electrical contractors earned a bit less.

What to expect in an online electrician certification program

Most online electrician certificate programs can be completed in six to 12 months and consist of courses that introduce you to the key foundational concepts of electrical work. “Typically, the content will include courses on basic math, understanding electrical circuits, identifying different types of wiring and more,” said Myers.

Depending on the program that you choose, coursework might include trade math, physics and chemistry. You may explore important mechanical skills, like the use of hand tools, piping and tubing systems and techniques like soldering. Courses may cover electrical skills, including reading blueprints, electric circuit components and wiring, commercial electrical services and electrician safety.

Online electrician certification programs are designed as a first step in your career, and program graduates are expected to then go on to apprentice under a licensed electrician. During the apprenticeship, you’ll have the chance to gain hands-on experience. “Pursing a fully online certification program on your own (outside of a formal program or employer) can be an excellent way to get foundational theory and diagnostics skills, but pairing the online education with a formal program or employer who can offer an internship or apprenticeship is going to be required to get the hands-on work needed for full licensure,” Myers said.

Requirements to become a licensed electrician vary from state to state. Myers recommended that students visit their state’s Department of Labor website to familiarize themselves with state licensing requirements. She explained that most states have an hourly requirement for related training instruction, or RTI, which can be completed online. States also require a minimum amount of hands-on work, which must be overseen by a licensed contractor.

“Generally, a formal apprenticeship runs four to five years to attain the required hours,” said Myers. “At that point, the apprentice can sit for their journeyman exam; after two years as a journeyman, they can sit for their master electrician exam. We are seeing more and more learners choose online options for the RTI component, as it is highly flexible, engaging and can give them access to a wide variety of equipment types and scenarios that they may not have access to otherwise.”

Electrician certifications you can earn

There are many online electrician certification programs available, but there are some key differences in their duration, coursework and costs. We’ve outlined some of the most popular programs to help you start exploring your options.

Career pathways for graduates

Myers explained that many students who complete an online electrician certification will go on to work as a helper or registered apprentice under a contractor. “However, an electrical background can be useful in a variety of careers, including other technician roles, such as HVAC, engineering and manufacturing,” she said. Some common job titles include:

• Electricians
• HVAC mechanics and installers
• Electrical engineers

Checklist for choosing the right program

• Does the program align with your career goals?: Before you choose a program, determine your desired career path and think about what type of program will help you get there. Consider the skills that you will need to learn, and look for a program that offers coursework specifically in those areas.
• Evaluate the program’s reputation: “Reputation and cost are certainly important factors,” said Myers. She also encourages students to review pass rates for each program. “For example, last year Interplay served 91,000 learners and had a 96% pass rate for key industry exams,” she noted. “Before you spend money on online training, you want to know that it will help you to be prepared for industry certifications, which can be a competitive advantage if you apply to a job or apprentice program.”
• Use cost-effective decision making: Compare the costs of the programs that you’re considering, too. Rather than just choosing the most affordable program, it’s important to think about the value that you’ll be getting out of each program. A program that truly helps prepare you for your career can be a valuable investment.
• Is the program accredited?: Accreditation confirms that you will be receiving a quality education, so consider which associations and organizations have approved or accredited each program. A program’s partners can also indicate the program’s quality. “Look at who the training provider partners with—we partner with both employers and schools, so we are both a rigorous provider of the academic/theory skills and validated within the industry,” said Myers.

Tips for success in your program

Before starting a certification program, make sure that you have the foundational skills needed. “Basic math skills are critical to success and safety in electrical careers,” said Myers. “I’d encourage any learner to ensure they’re committed to the math work and to pursue remediation if needed.”

She noted that thoughtfulness around safety, good communication and interpersonal skills and organization will also help students to be successful. “This is true in any trades career, but especially in electrical where the risk to both the person carrying out the work and others can be high.”

Many of these certification courses are self-paced, meaning you can study and complete coursework when it’s convenient for you. Be sure to use the resources available to you, like study guides and textbooks. While a self-paced course can be ideal when you’re balancing your education with other commitments, like a full-time job, make sure that you create a schedule to keep yourself accountable. You may need to complete the program within a certain amount of time, so be sure that you make regular progress so you can meet that requirement.

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Resources for students

Several professional organizations offer resources for electricians:

• The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) provides members with advocacy and labor relations, education, events like the annual NECA convention and trade show and on-demand courses.
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a 52-chapeter association that offers numerous resources, including legislative affairs, safety resources, webinars, national events and more.
• The Electrical Association offers an apprenticeship program, continuing education training, forms and tools for contractors, an annual industry summit, podcasts and webinars and other resources.

Limited scholarships are available for students attending online electrician certification programs or trade schools. The above organizations may help you to identify financial aid opportunities. You can also perform a Google search for such financial aid, or contact the program you’re considering to see if any financial aid or discounts are available.

Getting started

With an online electrician certification program, you can learn key foundational concepts and skills that you’ll ultimately use in your career as an electrician or in a related field. Earning your certification can prepare you for your apprenticeship, which you will ultimately need to become a licensed electrician. These online programs offer affordable and flexible ways to pursue your education while learning at your own pace, and are valuable first step in your career.

If you’re ready to get started, explore the online electrician certification programs available and find the program that’s right for you.

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