Electrician Classes in Rhode Island (Top Schools)

The RI Department of Labor and Training (DLT) expects a 22.8% increase in electrician jobs until 2024.

This means more job opportunities and higher salaries for their electricians.

So if you want to enter the electrical industry, now’s the best time to start an electrical career.

Here’s how you can become an electrician in Rhode Island.

Potential Salary

As of May 2021, Rhode Island electricians have the following salary information according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Mean Wage:

• Annually – $59,940
• Hourly – $28.82

How to Become an Electrician in Rhode Island

RI DLT regulates and issues the licenses for journeyperson electricians and electrical contractors.

Here are the 14 license types they issue:

1. A – Electrical contractor license
2. B – Electrical journeyperson license
3. C – Limited-premises license
4. E – Burner contractor license
5. F – Burnerperson license
6. AF – Fire alarm contractor license
7. BF – Fire alarm installer license
8. SCF – Electrical sign contractor license
9. CF – Electrical sign installer license
10. D – Limited maintenance license
11. M – Limited maintenance journeyperson license
12. LPC – Lightning protection contractor license
13. LPI – Lightning protection installer license
14. SRL – Sign renovation electrical license

Aside from these, they also oversee the registration of the following apprentices:

• Oil burner apprentice
• Fire alarm apprentice
• Sign installer apprentice
• Lightning protection apprentice

Becoming a Registered Apprentice Electrician

Qualifications

Not all apprentices will be required to register with DLT; only those mentioned above will.

To qualify for registration, you only need to meet the following:

• Currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program
• Working for a licensed RI electrical contractor under the supervision of a licensed RI journeyperson

State Registration Application

To register, you must submit the following:

• Completed and notarized application form
• Notarized letter on company letterhead from employer stating when you started and the job/s you do
• Completed ratio sheet signed by the employer

No application fee will be paid.

State Registration Renewal

Your apprenticeship registration will expire after one year.

To renew, you must submit the same application form and updated work history.

Becoming a Journeyperson Electrician

Qualifications

Regardless of the license type, all journeyperson applicants must meet these qualifications:

• At least 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience in their respective trade
• Completed 576 hours of classroom instruction

License Application

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed and notarized application form
• Application fee – $75
• License fee – $72
• Notarized letter on company letterhead from past and current employers stating your work history
• Certificate of completion of apprenticeship from the DLT, Apprenticeship Office

Exam Details

DLT will administer the licensure exams.

Here are the exam details:

• Exam content
  • General trade knowledge
  • Current NEC
• Passing rate – 70%

License Renewal

Your license will expire after two years on your birth month.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed online renewal application
• Renewal fee – $72
• Processing fee – $6
• Proof of completing 15 hours of approved continuing education courses (for Class A and B license holders only)

Becoming an Independent Electrical Contractor

Qualifications

All contractor applicants will need to meet these qualifications:

• At least 6 years (12,000 hours) of experience in their respective trade
• Holds a current RI journeyperson license at least 2 years prior to application

License Application

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed and notarized application form
• Application fee – $75
• License fee – $240 for individual applicants, $200 for corporations
• Notarized letter on company letterhead from past and current employers stating your work history

Additional step for corporations:

• Once DLT has approved your electrical contractor application, obtain a Corporate Certificate by submitting this application form.

Exam Details

The electrical contractor licensure exam will have the same exam details as the journeyperson exam.

The only difference is that corporations won’t have to take the exam; they only need to employ a licensed Class A electrical contractor.

License Renewal

Your license will expire after two years on your birth month.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed online renewal application
• Renewal fee – $240 for individuals, $200 for corporations
• Processing fee – $6
• Proof of completing approved 15 CE hours (for Class A and B license holders only)

Electrical Training Programs and Schools in Rhode Island

Education and training are important learning experiences you should acquire to work in the electrical trade.

You can get both by enrolling in a vocational school or applying to a sponsored apprenticeship program.

Vocational School

These schools offer approved electrical certificate or degree programs that combine hands-on training with classroom instruction.

Here, you’ll learn the fundamental knowledge and skills of the trade, such as:

• Building automation
• Conduit bending and fabrication
• Low voltage systems
• Motors
• Photovoltaic systems (solar power)
• Test instruments
• Transformer principles
• National Electric Code
• First aid/OSHA
• Blueprint Reading

Afterward, you’ll undergo an internship for your real-world on-the-job training.

Upon completion, the school will offer job placement assistance so you can find the best employment that fits your preference.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs are usually sponsored by unions (JATCs) or non-unions (private employers).

Both sponsors will train you on-site about the ins and outs of the trade, sharing their insights and trade secrets.

To apply for an apprenticeship with them, the general qualification requirements are as follows:

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

The table below lists some of the schools and associations offering electrical programs.

Electrician Schools by City

• Providence

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