Electrician Classes in Nevada (Top Schools)

O*Net projected a 26% job growth for electricians in Nevada from 2020 to 2030, with 1,100 jobs opened every year.

So if you want to enter the electrical industry, now’s the time to do so.

Below, you’ll learn how to become a licensed electrician in Nevada.

Potential Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada electricians have the following salary information as of May 2021:

Mean Wage:

• Annually – $66,720
• Hourly – $32.08

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Nevada

Nevada is one of the few states where the local-level licensing boards hold jurisdiction over its electricians–from apprentices to master electricians.

So we encourage you to inquire at your local licensing board about the requirements to obtain licensure.

To give you an example, let’s look over the licensing requirements for Reno and Clark County – Las Vegas.

Obtaining a License in Reno

Apprentice Electrician

In Reno, an apprentice electrician must have and maintain an Apprentice Electrical Certificate throughout their apprenticeship.

The city adapts the usual requirements for apprentice electricians, which are:

• Must be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program
• Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician

This certificate must be renewed every year.

Journeyman Electrician

Reno issues two journey-level licenses:

• General journeyman
  • Enables you to provide residential, commercial, industrial, and construction electrical services
  • At least 3 years (6,000 hours) of trade experience
• Residential journeyman
  • Enables you to provide residential electrical services only
  • At least 4 years (8,000 hours) of trade experience

Master Electrician

Reno doesn’t have regulations for master electricians, so it won’t issue such a license.

If you want to become a master electrician, you can take a licensure examination with the International Code Council (ICC).

Obtaining a License in Clark County – Las Vegas

Apprentice Electrician

Clark County – Las Vegas requires its apprentice electrician to enroll in an approved apprenticeship program.

Journeyman Electrician

To be a licensed journeyman electrician, you must have…

• Completed the apprenticeship program
• Successfully passed the ICC Journeyman Electrician Exam.

Master Electrician

To be a licensed master electrician, you must have…

• Held an active journeyman electrician license
• Successfully passed the ICC Master Electrician Exam

How to Become an Independent Electrical Contractor in Nevada

Unlike professional electrician licenses, electrical contractor licenses are issued state-wide by the NV State Contractors Board.

The Board will issue a Class C-2 Electrical Contracting License wherein you can apply for any of the following subclassifications:

• C-2a electrical wiring
• C-2b integrated ceilings
• C-2c fire detection
• C-2d low voltage systems
• C-2e lines to transmit electricity
• C-2f residential wiring
• C-2g photovoltaics

To qualify for this license, you need to meet the following:

• At least 4 years of verified trade experience as a journeyman
• Successfully pass the (1) business and law and (2) trade-specific exams

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Application fee – $300
• Documentation of work experience
• Resume of current and previous employment
• Copies of driver’s license or any government-issued ID of principals and qualified individuals
• Background disclosure statement and fingerprint waiver of all persons listed in the application
• Current financial statement reviewed or audited by a CPA
• Child support information statement – for sole proprietor’s only

Once the Board approves, you’ll need to obtain a bond, the amount of which will depend on your experience, character, license type, monetary limit, and financial responsibility.

To keep your license active, you’ll need to renew it every two years.

Electrical Training Programs and Schools in Nevada

You can receive electrical education and training in two ways:

• Enrolling in an accredited trade/technical school
• Applying for a sponsored apprenticeship program

Trade Schools

Each school has varying requirements for its student applicants, but the common ones are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• A resident of Nevada
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Have a high school diploma or GED

Here, you’ll learn knowledge and skills in areas such as:

• Electrical work safety
• Tools and equipment
• Circuit analysis
• Trade math (e.g., Ohm’s Law)
• Electrical codes
• Troubleshooting electrical systems

Usually, the school will help you find apprenticeships with local partner employers to help you gain real-world experience.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs are usually sponsored by the union and non-union electrical associations.

Union apprenticeships are available through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs).

If you want to apply with them, you’ll need to meet these requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Passing grade in high school algebra
• Pass the aptitude test and physical exam
• Holds a valid driver’s license

For non-union apprenticeships, the requirements are more or less the same as the union.

The table below lists some of the schools and associations offering approved electrical programs that you can check out.

Electrician Schools by City

• Las Vegas
• Reno

This page is also available in Spanish.