Electrician Classes in West Virginia (Top Schools)

Job Outlook

West Virginia’s construction sector grew over the past years, which provided more opportunities for electricians.

Electricians in the State of West Virginia are paid $42,245 annually, though the salary can reach $48,138 per year.

By contrast, these salaries are a bit higher than at the national level, as the average one is $47,951 per year and the highest $54,640 per year.

If you live in this state and are interested in pursuing an electrician career, read on for the things you need to know.

Become an apprentice

Before being allowed to perform advanced electrical work, you need to get a journeyman electrician license.

To get certified as a journeyman, you will need:

• A completed 1,080 hours trade program that is approved by the West Virginia Department of Education; OR
• Complete 8,000 hours of experience and 576-900 hours of theory in an apprenticeship; OR
• 8,000 hours of working as an electrician

Your apprenticeship request should be submitted to:

• Office of the West Virginia State Fire Marshall
  • 1207 Quarrier St., 2nd floor
  • Charleston, WV 25301

The exam requires you to be 18 years old, has 20 questions, is open-book and needs an 80% passing score.

Your apprenticeship needs to be renewed every year for a fee of $50.

In class, you will study subjects like:

• General wiring of receptacles, switches, and breaker boxes
• Working with conduit
• Motor controls and fire alarms
• Installation of high, medium, and low voltage switches and relays
• Testing, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical systems

Vocational schools

Getting an associates degree or a diploma from a vocational school will qualify you for a journeyman license.

Most often, the schools also offer internships which will later help you transition into an entry-level job.

Union and Non-Union Organizations

These programs are managed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

The JATC admission has the following requirements:

• Be 18 years old
• High school diploma/GED
• One year of high school algebra
• Driver’s license
• A DD-214 form if you have military training
• A $20 form submitting fee

The test consists of 69 math-related questions, lasts for 2.5 hours and requires a score of 4 to pass.

If you prefer a non-union program, reach out to the Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).

Pass the journeyman test

To apply for the journeyman exam, you need to:

• Submit an application
• Provide proof of completed apprenticeship
• Pay a fee of $25 for the exam
• Pay a fee of $50 for the license

The exam has 42 questions, 4 calculations, and requires a score of 80% to pass.

The journeyman license needs to be renewed every year for a fee of $50.

As a journeyman in West Virginia, you will also be able to work in Virginia and Kentucky thanks to the reciprocity agreements between the states.

Become a master electrician

To become a master electrician, you need to:

• Submit an application
• Provide proof of experience
• Pay a fee of $25 for the exam
• Pay a fee of $50 for the license
• Pass the exam

To qualify for this license, you need 5 years of experience of working as an electrician on commercial, residential, and industrial sites.

The experience also has to be in above-ground structural wiring.

The exam has 50 questions, 10 calculations, and requires a score of 80% to pass.

The master electrician license needs to be renewed every year for a fee of $50.

West Virginia has a reciprocity agreement with Virginia, Maryland, and Kentucky.

Become an Electrical Contractor

An electrical contractor can start a company and employ journeyman electricians.

To apply for the license, you need:

• A $90 application fee
• Worker’s compensation insurance
• Unemployment coverage
• The Wage Bond Status Affidavit and fee
• Take the West Virginia Business and Law exam

The wage bond only applies to electricians who have not worked in the past 5 years.

It totals a month worth of payment plus 15% and does not apply to electricians who only worked on residential properties.

The electrical contractor exam lasts for 3 hours, has 75 questions and requires a 75% passing score.

The topics covered are:

• Electrical theory
• Three-phase theory
• Wiring methods and materials
• Calculations
• Conduit fill
• Service loads
• Voltage drop
• Wiring and protection

This certification needs an annual renewal which costs $90.

West Virginia has a reciprocity agreement with North Carolina and Ohio.