Electrician Classes in Arizona (Top Schools)

Reasons to Become an Electrician in Arizona

The economy in Arizona started to stabilize after the 2008 recession and this lead to less unemployment and increased activity for the housing market.

This situation means more houses are built and in need of wiring, and thus electricians are in higher demand than before.

The US Department of Labor forecasts a 49.1% increase in demand for these professionals by 2024.

Median Wage

Electricians have good salaries, can work flexible hours, and also have good opportunities to advance in their careers.

On average, an Arizona electrician makes $47 471 per year, while the highest salary can reach $54 094 per year.

At a national level, the average salary for an electrician is $47 951 annually with the highest salaries reaching $54,640 per year.

Becoming an Electrician in Arizona

There are 3 steps you must follow to become an electrician in this state:

1. Gain experience from training and field-work
2. Gain experience post-apprenticeship
3. Get a license as an Independent Electrical Contractor

Apprenticeship Training

To work as an electrician, you must start as an apprentice.

The apprenticeship period consists of 8,000 hours (roughly 5 years) of training on the job and 900 hours of classroom education.

You can start with either one of these: vocational-technical school or a union or non-union apprenticeship.

Vocational-Technical School

If you want the best classroom and lab training, a vocational-technical school is the best choice.

This education lasts about 4 years and the advantage is that most schools can connect you with those interested in hiring an apprentice.

These are some of the topics you’ll study at school:

• Electrical Theory
• Blueprint Reading
• Motors and Transformers
• Programmable controllers
• Algebra/Electrical Calculations
• Safety Code
• Welding
• OSHA/Safety Awareness
• Overcurrent protection

Apprenticeship Programs

If you’re interested in such a program, you must contact either one of these Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees:

• Tucson Electrical JATC
• Phoenix Electrical JATC

If you’re interested in a non-union apprenticeship program, check out these organizations:

• Independent Electrical Contractors of Southern Arizona
• Independent Electrical Contractors Association of Arizona
• Arizona Builders Alliance

You can only enroll in such a program if you meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Diploma from high school or GED
• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Prove your math and reading skills through a test
• Show a passing grade for the high school algebra class

The last step can be completed by taking Tech Math on-line through the Electrical Training Alliance or by getting 1 credit in algebra post-high school.

Being enrolled in the apprenticeship program means you’ll work full time with a local electrical contractor, getting on the job training, but you must also attend night classes for the classroom hour requirement.

Gaining Post Apprenticeship Experience

Electricians in Arizona can’t earn journeyman licenses as there are no regulations for them.

This experience is needed by those who want to work as an independent electrical contractor.

Your local apprenticeship program might be able to offer a journeyman certification, but this is not the same thing as a state license.

The certification is useful if you want to quantify your experience and have more employment options.

This certification will allow you to work on:

• Commercial and industrial installation
• Photovoltaics and solar power
• HVAC electric

Becoming a Licensed Independent Electrical Contractor

This is an optional step and you need to contact the State Registrar of Contractors to obtain your license.

You have 3 options:

• specialty commercial license
• a specialty residential license
• a dual license 

The last one lets you work on both residential and commercial properties, and we’ll guide you through the steps of getting it.

First of all, you must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have proof of 4 years of experience
• Pass a test composed of two parts.

The exam covers your specific trade and business management, and you must register for both parts.

The online registration form also indicates what you have to study to pass the Business Management exam.

This test lasts 3 hours, is an open book, and has 80 questions covering these topics:

• Arizona registrar of contractors statutes – 25 questions
• Arizona registrar of contractors rules – 10 questions
• Tax laws – 5 questions
• Contracts and agreements – 5 questions
• Insurance and bonding – 5 questions
• Environmental laws and regulations – 5 questions
• Arizona registrar of contractors workmanship standards – 4 questions
• Labor laws and employment regulations – 4 questions
• Financial management – 4 questions
• Liens – 4 questions
• Business management – 3 questions
• Business mathematics – 3 questions
• Safety, record keeping, and reporting – 3 questions

Don’t forget about the Commercial Electrical Contractor Exam in which you can find information from PSI Exams.

Once you pass the exam, you must have a unique business name and you can check it in the Registrar of Contractors, the Corporations Commission, and the Office of the Secretary of State.

Once that’s done, fill out this application and send it along with proof of having passed your tests and a bond.

The bond amount is based on how much work you expect on doing each year and you should consult this chart to calculate the right bond amount.

Your approval should arrive by mail.

Remember you must renew your license every two years, and you can do so online.

Electrician Schools by City

• Pheonix & Mesa
• Tucson