Electrician Classes in North Carolina (Top Schools)

The NC Department of Commerce reported a 17% increase in electrician jobs from 2020 to 2030.

This means that there’ll be an average of 2,740 jobs opening every year during this decade.

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

Here’s how you can become a licensed electrician in North Carolina.

Potential Salary

As of May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following salary information for North Carolina electricians:

Mean Wage

• Annually – $47,790
• Hourly – $22.97

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in North Carolina

The state of North Carolina only has state-wide regulations for its electrical contracting licenses.

For its apprentice, journeyman, and master electricians, the local-level licensing boards will oversee them.

Generally, though, the steps to becoming a licensed electrician are the same in the other states:

1. Become an apprentice
2. Earn enough experience to qualify for the license
3. Apply for your jurisdiction’s licensure
4. Take and pass the required exam(s)
5. Obtain your electrician license

However, we encourage you to check with your jurisdiction’s licensing board for specific requirements and procedures.

Let’s take the qualifications for the journeyman electrician license in these three jurisdictions as examples.

Charlotte (Mecklenburg County)

The Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement issues the journeyman license, for which you need…

• At least 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor
• Successfully pass the county’s journeyman licensure exam

After obtaining your license, you need to renew it every other year.

Raleigh

The City of Raleigh Electrical Examining Board issues the license and will require that you meet the following:

• Possess an honest character
• At least 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience or 36 credits in an approved electrical course
• Successfully pass the city’s journeyman licensure exam

Greensboro

In this city, you need to meet these qualifications:

• At least 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience
• Successfully pass the city’s journeyman licensure exam

How to Become an Independent Electrical Contractor in North Carolina

The NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors oversees the regulations for electrical contractors.

They’ll issue 10 license classifications, which are detailed below.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Have met the experience requirements for the chosen license classification:
  • Limited – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
  • Intermediate – at least 5,750 hours of experience, of which at least 5,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
  • Unlimited – at least 9,000 hours of experience, of which at least 8,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
  • Special restricted classifications
    • Single family detached residential dwelling (SP-SFD) – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
    • Special restricted fire alarm/low voltage (SP-FALV) – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
    • Special restricted elevator (SP-EL) – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
    • Special restricted plumbing and heating (SP-PH) – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
    • Special restricted groundwater pump (SP-WP) – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
    • Special restricted electric sign (SP-ES) – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
    • Special restricted swimming pool (SP-SP) – at least 3,000 hours of experience, of which at least 2,000 hours will be from primary experience(s)
• Successfully pass the required exams (to be taken by the designated qualified individual)

License Application

Once the qualified individual passed the exam(s), you can now apply for the license.

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed license application form
• Complete criminal background/history check
• License fee
  • Limited – $95
  • Intermediate – $140
  • Unlimited – $190
  • Special restricted – $95 each

Additional requirements:

• For unlimited license applicants
  • Bond statement of $150,001 with power of attorney attached
  • Letter showing a line of credit issued by a bank or savings and loan association
• For intermediate license applicants
  • Bond statement of $60,001.00 with power of attorney attached
  • Letter showing a line of credit issued by a bank or savings and loan association
• For corporations and LLC applicants
  • Business registration with the NC Secretary of State

Exam Application and Details

The Board has contracted with PSI to help administer the exams.

To apply for the exam, you need to submit the following:

• Completed exam application form
• Complete criminal background/history check
• Notarized verified qualifying experience from the employer
• 2 character statements from people who can attest to your good character
• Exam fee – $90

Additional requirement:

• For unlimited license applicants
• 2 statements from people who can attest to your ability to supervise and direct electrical work

Here are the details of the exam:

• Exam attempt – one
• Type of exam – open book wherein you can bring approved reference materials
• Exam content and duration
  • Limited, intermediate, and unlimited – 100 questions in 6 hours
  • SP-FALV – 50 questions in 3 hours
  • SP-SP – 25 questions in 1 hour
  • Remaining SPs – 40 questions in 3 hours
• Passing rate – 70%

For more information, please check the Board’s Exam Information Handbook.

License Renewal

Your license will expire after one year of issuance.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed renewal application form
• Proof of completing the required approved continuing education hours
  • For limited, intermediate, unlimited, and SP-SFD license holders – 8 CE hours
  • For other SP license holders – 4 CE hours
• Applicable renewal fee
  • Limited – $95
  • Intermediate – $140
  • Unlimited – $190
  • SPs – $95 each

Electrical Training Programs and Schools in North Carolina

It’s important for aspiring electricians like you to receive trade education and training.

You can obtain this by enrolling at vocational schools or sponsored apprenticeship programs.

Vocational Schools

By enrolling in a vocational school, you’ll earn a 2-year degree and have enough preparation for a journeyman license.

Here, you’ll cover subjects that’ll build your fundamental knowledge and skills, such as:

• Electrical theory
• AC/DC circuits
• Blueprints
• Electrical construction calculations
• Commercial and residential wiring
• Electrical motor controls and transformers
• Industrial safety/First aid/OSHA
• National Electric Code

After you complete the training, you’ll be placed with an employer for an entry-level electrician position.

You will be able to work on:

• Data communication systems
• Alarm and fire systems
• Electrical installation and maintenance (residential, commercial, and industrial)
• Electrical machines and equipment

Some of the best electrical companies in the state include Starr Electric Company in Charlotte and Pullen Construction Company in Raleigh.

Apprenticeship Programs

These apprenticeship programs provide structured real-world training, including classroom instruction.

These are managed by the Electrical Training Alliance and available through JATCs in your region.

After you finish your training, you can get employed by a union company.

Non-union programs are similar, but the companies looking for apprentices work independently.

If you have a technical school diploma, such a program could be ideal for you.

You can contact the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. at:

• ABC-Carolinas Office -Triangle Office (Apex)
• ABC Carolinas Office – Lowcountry Office (Charlotte)
• ABC Carolinas Office (Charlotte)
• ABC-affiliated Carolinas Electrical Contractors Association (Charlotte)

The table below lists some of the schools and associations you can check out for electrical training programs.

Electrician Schools by City

• Asheville
• Charlotte
• Raleigh

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