Electrician Classes in New Mexico (Top Schools)

Job Outlook

Electricians have a stable job that is also expected to have an 11.9% increased in demand between 2014 and 2024.

As an electrician in the State of New Mexico, expect to be paid $43,611 per year, though the salary can reach $49,695 annually.

By contrast, these salaries are a bit lower than at the national level, with the median one being $47,951 per year, and the highest being $54,640 per year.

Becoming an Electrician

You cannot work in this industry in this state without the license issued by the New Mexico Electrical Bureau.

Follow these steps to become licensed:

• Enroll and complete your apprenticeship
• Take and pass the journeyman exam
• Become an electrical contractor, after passing the exam

Complete Your Apprenticeship

Apprentices work while being supervised by a licensed journeyman or electrical contractor.

Depending on the type of license you want as a journeyman, you’ll have to gain a different amount of work experience.

4 Years (or 8,000 hours):

• Residential and commercial electrical work
• Electrical distribution systems/transmission lines

2 Years (4,000 hours):

• Residential wiring
• Electrical sign and outline lighting
• Cathodic and lightning protection systems
• Sound intercommunication, alarm systems, and systems equal to or less than 50 volts
• Telephone and interconnect systems
• Water well pump installer
• Residential water well pump installer

There are 3 ways to acquire the experience:

• Union or Non-Union Apprenticeship
• Trade School
• On-the-Job Training

Trade Schools

The subjects you’ll study at a trade school include:

• Installing Lighting, Ceiling Fans, and Appliances
• Introduction to Commercial Wiring
• Conduit Work
• Electrical Equipment for Commercial Installation
• Electrical Circuits and Systems
• Electrical Basics and Tools
• The Service Entrance and Electrical Panels
• Grounding and Wiring
• Electrical Wiring Protection Devices
• Electrical Boxes, Receptacles, and Switches

Most schools have partnerships with electrical companies and construction firms so the students have a high chance of getting hired there to gain the required work experience.

Apprenticeship – Unionized or Non-Unionized

Unionized apprenticeships are available through Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) and if you’re accepted, you’ll be paired with an electrical contractor who will supervise the different types of tasks you’ll complete.

The chapter of Northern New Mexico Independent Electrical Contractors is the body you have to contact for a non-unionized apprenticeship program.

On-the-job Training

This type of training is for those who want to work with a specific electrical contractor or company, and feel that technical schools or apprenticeships are not meeting their expectations.

This type of training requires you gain 8,000 hours of experience before you can get your journeyman license.

Pass the Journeyman Exam

To be given a certification as a journeyman you first have to fill in an application, and mail to the PSI office in Albuquerque, NM, and they’re the ones organizing the exam.

There are 2 examination parts: Code Examination and Theory Examination, and you need to score over 70% to pass it.

The test questions include:

• Electrical Installation Requirements
• Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
• Overcurrent Protection
• Grounding and Bonding
• Conductors and Cables
• Raceways and Boxes
• Hazardous Locations, Special Occupancies, and Special Equipment
• Lighting, Signs, and General-Use Equipment
• Motors, Transformers, and Generators
• NM State Code

Your certification must be rewed every 3 years after completing 16 hours of continued education.

• 8 hours must cover the Code and 8 hours must cover other related subjects
• Make sure the classes are approved by the Board, by visiting their site.

Become Licensed as an Electrical Contractor

The State of New Mexico requires you to have an electrical contractor license if you want to bid on and contract any type of electrical work, including sound, TV systems, alarms or telephones.

To get this license, you must:

• Send your application along with:
  • Proof of financial responsibility
  • Proof of current New Mexico tax ID number
• Then, pass the Business and Law exam (score over 75%)
• Pass the Electrical Inspector exam (score over 75%)

The subjects for the business and law exam include:

• Licensing Requirements
• Estimating and Bidding
• Business Organization and Financial Management
• Tax Laws
• Labor Laws
• Project Management and Lien Law
• Contracts
• Risk Management
• Environmental and Safety

The subjects for the electrical inspector exam include:

• General Knowledge and Electrical Installation Requirements
• Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
• Overcurrent Protection
• Grounding and Bonding
• Conductors and Cables
• Raceways and Boxes
• Hazardous Locations, Special Occupancies, and Special Equipment
• Lighting, Signs, and General-Use Equipment
• Motors, Transformers, and Generators
• New Mexico State Code
• Low Voltage

Both exams are open book and the books you’re allowed to have are the latest National Electrical Code and the New Mexico Electrical Code.

The Contractor Examinations Candidate Information Bulletin has more information on both exams.

Make sure to renew your license every 3 years after paying the $50 fee.