Are you ready to become an electrician but unsure about the difference between a certified and a licensed electrician? You are not alone. The good news is that Tulsa Welding School (TWS) is here to help.
What is an Electrician Certification?
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) association offers the industry standard certification for electricians1. Passing the IEC certification proves an understanding and appreciation for the electrical industry.
What is the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IEC)?
The IEC is a national trade association that represents 3,000 electrical contracting companies around the U.S. Completing the Electrical Lineworker program at TWS is a stepping stone to the IEC apprenticeship program.
What is the Difference Between an Electrician Certification and a License?
The electrician certification is awarded to apprentices who complete the IEC apprenticeship program. The license to become a journeyman or master electrician is the next step, after competing the apprenticeship, in becoming an independent certified electrician who can work independently on electrical systems. The following steps are part of the process for becoming a licensed electrician:
Step #1: Completion of the Electrician Application Training Program at TWS
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This 7-month program teaches you the ins and outs of electricity, solar, electrical wiring for residential and commercial applications, emerging electrical applications, motors and lighting practices, and electrical distribution systems. In addition to classroom lectures, you complete hundreds of lab hours for hands-on training in real-world scenarios. Instructors offer direct feedback to help you complete electrical wiring and solar projects. This helps build your confidence for your next step in becoming an electrician.
Step #2: Complete the IEC Apprenticeship Training
After completing the Electrician program at TWS, you will be ready to apply for the IEC apprenticeship training program2. This program allows you to earn while you learn and to complete on-the-job training with hands-on instruction.
Step #3: Apply for Journeyman Electrician License
After completing the apprenticeship program, you can apply for the journeyman license. The journeyman designation allows you to take on projects without supervision and lead electrician apprentices. If you want to continue the licensing process, you can become a master electrician.
Step #4: Apply for Master Electrician License
Not everyone will become a master electrician, but if you are interested in applying for this license, you will be able to manage other journeyman electricians. To be eligible for the master electrician license, you must complete the required work hours as a journeyman, based on your state’s requirement. A master electrician is the highest designation in the industry.
Want to Learn More?
The Electrical Applications program at TWS trains students in hands-on courses guided by expert instructors to prepare them for job opportunities as entry-level electricians. This in-depth program teaches students mechanical and electrical principles, residential and commercial wiring fundamentals, and more. It is offered at our Jacksonville, FL, Tulsa, OK, and Houston, TX campuses.
The Electrical Technologies program at our Dallas Metro campus prepares you for entry-level job opportunities as an electrician. In as few as seven months of hands-on training at Tulsa Welding School, you could be trained in the skills you need to maintain and service residential, commercial, and industrial electrical equipment.
Contact us at (855) 981-7313 to learn more about our Electrical Applications program.
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