Electrician Schools in Pennsylvania (Top Programs)

Do you want to work as an electrician in Pennsylvania?

You should know the electrician industry will grow by 13.8% until 2024.

Below we have brought you to info needed to start your new career.

As this state handles licenses at a local level, the info is based on Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown.

Become an Apprentice

To be able to get a license, you must either:

• Become an apprentice and get 3-5 years of experience along with 750-900 hours of schooling
• Get 2 years of experience and an associate’s degree
• Have an entry-level electrician job for 10 years

In this state, union apprenticeships require you to register with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and become an apprentice through a JATC.

You can also enroll in a non-union program offered by Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

The requirements are:

• 18 years of age
• High school diploma/GED
• An algebra class for one year
• A skills test

If you enter a union program, you will be offered a job after you complete it.

Non-union apprenticeships require you to find your own entry-level position.

Trade School Training

You can choose to enroll in a trade school and get a diploma or associate’s degree that will count towards your training.

You will study the following:

• AC/DC Electronics
• Basic Applied Electrical Math
• Non-linear Circuit analysis
• Programmable Logic Controllers
• Electric Motor Control
• National Electric Code
• Blueprint Reading

Become a Journeyman

Allentown

The journeyman licenses are managed by Allentown Building Standards and Safety Department and require:

• 21 years of age
• Experience of 4 years
• High school diploma/GED
• Pass the journeyman test
• Submit an application

The exam in this county lasts for 4 hours, is open-book, includes 80 questions and the passing score is at least 70%.

You can get a certification by reciprocity if you are a resident of the City of Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Kutztown, Reading, Scranton or Connecticut.

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia

These regions do not provide journeyman licenses, but you will still be expected to have the required apprenticeship experience.

Become an Independent Electrical Contractor

To run your own company, you will need an independent contractor license.

Allentown

Licenses are handled by the Allentown Building Standards and Safety Department and require:

• Candidates must be 21 years old
• An experience of 4 years
• High school diploma/GED
• Application form
• Pass the exam

The test has a duration of 5 hours, has 100 questions, and is open-book.

You will need a 70% exam score to pass.

Pittsburgh

The certifications are handled by The Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.

The certification requirements are:

• Be 18 years old
• Photo ID
• Take the test
• Meet the experience criteria:
• 2 years of experience
• A 2-year diploma
• 10 years of experience in another state or county
• 10 years of experience in the county
• $300,000 general liability insurance
• Pay city taxes

The exam has 100 questions, is open-book, lasts for 5 hours and it requires a 70% passing score.

Philadelphia

The certifications are handled by the Business Services Department of Philadelphia.

The requirements are:

• An experience of 4 years
• $500,000 – general liability insurance
• Worker’s Compensation, and car insurance
• Tax Clearance Forms
• An application
• Take the exam

The exam lasts for 5 hours, requires a 70% passing score and is open book.

Salary

In Pennsylvania, the median salaries are generally higher than the national average for electricians, though experience plays a big part in how much these professionals earn.

Regional Salary in Pennsylvania

License Renewal

In Allentown, the journeyman and independent contractor licenses have to be renewed annually.

In Pittsburgh, the independent contractor license has to be renewed every year.

Electrician Schools by City

Electrician Schools by State