Electrician Classes in Ohio (Top Schools)

In Ohio, electrician jobs are stable and will grow by 11.5% in the next 6 years.

So if you want to become one, now’s your chance to enter the industry.

Below, you’ll learn how to become an electrician in Ohio.

Potential Salary

Ohio electricians have the following salary information as of May 2021 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Mean Wage

• Annually – $58,120
• Hourly – $27.94

In this state, the requirements for certification vary according to the city, but all are issued by The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Ohio

Ohio is one of the few states with unique regulations for electricians.

The state doesn’t recognize a state-wide journeyman or master electrician license, only an electrical contractor license.

So except for the cities of Middletown and Hamilton, all other jurisdictions will allow you to legally perform electrical work provided that you’re working under a licensed OH electrical contractor.

In other words, apprentice electricians can go apply directly for an electrical contractor license after meeting the license qualifications.

Obtaining an Electrician License in Middletown

Middletown’s Division of Building Inspection will require you to do the following:

• Register as an apprentice electrician
• Apply for a journeyman electrician license by examination
• Register as a master contractor

Apprentice Electrician Registration

The Division requires that you work under the direct supervision of a master contractor registered in Middletown.

To apply for registration, you must submit the following:

• Completed application for apprentice registration form
• Registration fee – $20

Note that you and your employer who’s a master contractor should sign the application form.

Journeyman Electrician Application by Examination

To qualify for Middletown’s journeyman license, you must meet these requirements:

• At least 3 years of work experience in the last 5 years
• Successfully pass the city’s journeyman exam

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed application for journeyman electrician license examination form
• Documented work or education experience
• Exam fee – $50

Regarding the exam, it will have the following details:

• 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 3 hours
• Open-book exam where you can only bring the current NEC book
• Passing rate – 70%

Your license will need an annual renewal on November 1, with a renewal fee of $50.

Master Contractor Registration

To apply for registration, you must submit the following:

• Completed application for master contractor registration form
• Registration fee – $200
• Current state-issued electrical contractor license
• Certificate of general liability insurance – at least $300,000

Obtaining an Electrician License in Hamilton

The City of Hamilton’s Building Department requires that you do the following:

• Apply for a journeyman electrician license by examination
• Register as a master contractor

Journeyman Electrician Application by Examination

As of this writing, Hamilton hasn’t listed on their official government website the requirements and procedures for obtaining the journeyman license.

That’s why you’re encouraged to reach out to the city’s Building Department for instructions.

One thing’s for sure, though: It’ll help your license application if you’ve taken an apprenticeship program with the IBEW Local Union 648.

Master Contractor Registration

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed application for contractor registration form
• Registration fee – $200
• Current state-issued electrical contractor license

How to Become an Independent Electrical Contractor in Ohio

The OH Construction Industry Licensing Board regulates and issues state-wide commercial electrical contractor licenses.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Have met one of the experience requirements
  • A journeyman or master electrician with at least 5 years of work experience
  • A registered engineer who has 3 years of business experience in the electrical trade
• Never have been convicted of a disqualifying offense as defined in S.B. 337
• Successfully pass the electrical contractor exam

License Application

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed and notarized application for OCILB examination form
• Application fee – $25
• Documented work experience
• Copy of at least 1 permit for each of the last 5 years your employer obtained and you’ve worked under
• Copies of your W-2s in the last 5 years
• Proof of current liability coverage – at least $500,000

After the Board has approved your application, undergo a state and federal background check before taking the exam.

Exam Details

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

Here are the exam details:

• Exam fee – $69 each
• Exam portions
  • Business and law exam – 50 questions in 2 hours
  • Electrical contractor exam – 100 questions in 4 hours
• Exam type – open book
• Reference materials allowed
  • Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management – Ohio, 3rd Edition
  • Ugly’s Electrical References, 2014
  • NEC 2017
  • Electrical Field Reference Handbook: Revised for the NEC 2008
  • IBEW-NECA Field Reference Book
• Passing rate – 70%
• Eligibility period – 1 year
• Exam attempts – 5 times a year

License Renewal

Your license will need annual or triennial renewal, depending on your chosen preference.

To renew, you must do the following:

• Complete the online renewal application
• Pay the applicable renewal fee
• Proof of completing the required approved continuing education hours, half of which should be about the electrical code
  • Annual renewals – 8 CE hours
  • Triennial renewals – 24 CE hours

Electrical Training Programs and Schools in Ohio

Before anything else, you must receive electrical education and training, either from a vocational school or sponsored apprenticeship program.

Vocational Schools

The programs offered by trade schools satisfy the training requirements for obtaining the license.

During your training, you will acquire the technical knowledge and skills in key areas such as:

• Basic math computations
• Blueprint reading
• Algebra with trigonometry
• Electrical theory
• OSHA regulations and first aid
• Electrical code
• Telecom cabling
• Basic telecommunications
• Motor controls
• Basic alarm technology
• Semiconductors
• Logic circuits and programmable controllers
• Motor and generator theory
• Fire access and CCTV systems
• Power distribution and load calculations

For your on-the-job training, the school will help you with apprenticeships in partner companies or you can search for one yourself.

Some of the companies you might like to apply to are Studebaker Electric Company in Dayton, ESI Electrical in Moraine, and Kee Electrical Contractors in Brookville.

Apprenticeship Programs

An apprenticeship program can be sponsored by a union, like the local JATCs, or non-union, like private employers.

Both will provide you with real-world trade training and experience, as well as classroom instructions.

The list below features some of the schools and associations offering approved electrical programs.

Electrician Schools by City

• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Columbus
• Dayton
• Toledo

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