If you’re thinking about learning a skilled trade, you should be aware of the criteria and the time commitment. Being an electrician is more than just a profession; it’s a strong career path. Electrical contractors have diverse career choices and earn a good living. There is also job security—customers will always require trained trade workers to build and service electrical systems in their homes and businesses. To become an electrician, you must complete significant on-the-job training, an apprenticeship, and obtain a Florida electrical license. Professional electricians in Florida must be licensed to do business and residential electrical services. This article will address vital information required to become a licensed electrician, and frequently asked questions such as “How long does it take to get an electrical license in Florida?” and clarify the qualifications for this profession.
What does an electrician do? What are the skills required?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair components of electrical power systems in buildings and other structures. Electrical work includes communication and lighting systems and control systems in industries, commercial buildings, and residences.
Electricians examine electrical components such as circuit breakers, electrical wiring, and controls and look after the installation and maintenance of the lighting system. They must operate hand and power tools to repair or replace fixtures, wiring, and equipment. They have to be in charge of supervising and training other electrical employees. They have to read blueprints that depict the locations of circuits, outlets, and other equipment in a structure. They also use testing equipment to identify electrical faults.
Electricians must comply with local and state building requirements based on the National Electrical Code. They may work in under-construction structures, installing wiring and other equipment before it is disguised behind walls.
Electricians who maintain equipment must identify and repair malfunctioning equipment.
How do you know you are qualified to become an electrician?
Here are the basic qualifications for pursuing a career as an electrician:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be in good physical condition
- Have reliable transportation to school and job sites
- Able to work independently and in a group
- Able to follow instructions
Depending on your state, there may be other requirements you need to meet before starting your electrician journey. This article will provide information on how to become licensed in Florida.
Steps on how to get an electrical license in Florida
To become a licensed and certified electrician in Florida, you must first possess the electrical licensing requirements.
Certified licenses allow you to work as an electrical contractor everywhere in the state, whereas registered licenses are restricted to local jurisdictions.
The electrical business in Florida is subject to stringent regulations. To become a licensed electrician, you must first assist a certified electrician with various electrical tasks as an apprentice.
Florida does not have a single set of statewide electrician license criteria. Municipalities grant journeyman and master electrician qualifications through the Construction Trades Qualifying Board. Electrical contractor licenses are given by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Electrical Contractors Licensing Board (ECLB).
These are the Florida electrical license requirements:
Secure the required work experience and classroom hours to advance to a journeyman position.
As a helper, you can aid electricians with manual labor, collect tools, and gain personal experience in this professional route. Although working as an assistant is not required, it can help you exhibit your ability and acquire an apprenticeship with your preferred firm.
You must complete a specified amount of classroom hours, usually around 100. Classroom studies can teach you the fundamentals of the field, such as reading blueprints, learning electrical code requirements, and mastering safety measures.
After completing your state-approved trade school program, you will need to learn the national code for electricians to take the exam to become licensed.
Many trade schools will teach you the national code while still in school, so you can start studying for your licensure test before you graduate. Some people take the test immediately after finishing trade school but still need to gain real job experience to be licensed.Get an electrical apprenticeship
An entrance exam and at least one interview is required for electrical apprenticeships. Because all electrician apprenticeships are compensated, you will earn money throughout this period.
How long it takes to complete electrician training depends on the prerequisites you’ve already completed and the credits you’ve gotten. A general electrician requires 8,000 hours of training, and most full-time apprentices work 2,000 hours yearly. If you work full-time, you must finish a four-year program. Your apprenticeship may take substantially longer if you work part-time.
Fill out an application for the journeyman electrician license Florida exam.
When you become a journeyman electrician, you’ve finished all the necessary training and are ready to work independently. Before working as a journeyman, you must complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam your state’s licensing board offers. In Florida, Journeyman certificates are awarded by its local towns. As a result, testing needs differ depending on the region. The exam includes wiring procedures, electrical theory, and safety concerns.
After passing the exam, you are termed a licensed electrician.Acquire a Florida electrical contractor license.
But before that, you can also choose to attain a master electrician license in Florida. Master electricians in Florida work longer hours and can receive residential work permits from various counties. In most circumstances, you must have held your journeyman electrician certification for at least two years before taking the master electrician certification exam. Local governments in the state of Florida also grant electrician certifications.
As a Florida electrical contractor, you can run your own company and hire journeymen and master electricians. Electrical contractors in Florida are classified as either registered or certified. Registered contractors can only work in specified jurisdictions, whereas certified contractors can work wherever in the state. On the other hand, accredited contractors must apply, have four years of work experience, and pass a certified contractor licensure exam. You must renew your certified contractor license every two years after you earn it.Periodic renewal of your Florida electrical license
Electrician licenses, like many other trade licenses, are only valid for a few years at a time. To keep your certification valid, you must renew it regularly, usually every three years. To renew, you may be required to complete continuing education credits in several circumstances. Confirm the criteria with your state’s electrical contractor licensing board.
Types of Florida Electrical licenses
Electricians in Florida must hold one of these licenses:
Registered Electrician (ER)
After passing the appropriate exam and paying the licensing cost, registered contractors can repair, install and design electrical wiring. Local competency certificates are required.
Specialty Contractor (ES)
Specific electrical categories, such as fixture maintenance, residential electrical contracting, and elevator services, are authorized to be worked on by specialty contractors.
They must pass both the technical/safety and business elements of the Florida Electrical Contractors test. Applicants must produce a copy of their credit report, financial statements, and proof of at least $5,000 in net worth.Alarm system contractor
After passing the appropriate exam and paying the licensing cost, these contractors can work on all types of alarm systems, including fire alarms. They need to possess local certification.
Benefits of Becoming a licensed Electrician in Florida
You’ll be ready to enter a flourishing industry when you finish your electrician training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrician job growth will be favorable.
The demand for electricians is increasing as building construction increases and the country transitions to alternate energy sources. The need for electricians increases as more power is generated by solar and wind energy. The electricians fill alternative energy installation positions.
When you train as an electrician, you learn marketable abilities. As a chief electrician, your compensation may rise as you gain experience and master new skills.
Working as an electrical subcontractor for a home builder or construction firm allows you to be self-employed and determine your work schedule if you are enterprising. If you want to use your electrician talents to establish a business, you may start your own electrical contracting company.
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician license in Florida?
Being an electrician is a challenging and highly skilled career. Most of your training will be on-site, working with a trained electrician to learn the trade firsthand in a real-world scenario.
The training center will provide the theoretical information needed to pass the levels and some limited practical experience wiring various applications in the field.
It takes four to five years to become an electrician on average. Many aspiring electricians receive all of their training through an apprenticeship program. The time it takes to become an electrician is determined by the path you pursue and the goals you want to attain.
You may be eligible for a shorter apprenticeship if you have prior military or construction experience.
A relevant associate degree or technical school experience may qualify you for apprenticeship credit.
A certified electrical contractor training program allows you to work as an assistant and complete your apprenticeship in less time.
Can you work as an electrician without a license in Florida?
To work as a contractor in Florida, you must first obtain a business license. As a handyman in Florida, you must understand what does and does not require a contractor license.
Like many other states, Florida restricts the services you can do as a handyman before obtaining a contractor license.
So, if your business is thriving yet you’re being approached for more extensive and expensive work, it may be time to get your Florida Electrician license.
This is the list of jobs you can carry out without an Electrician license:
- Minor carpentry
- Door Repair
- Cabinet installation
- General painting
- Paneling
- Basic yard work
- Tiling jobs
- Small appliance repair
- Window Repair
