Journeyman Electrician

If you are doing research about being an electrician for a career, you may have heard the term journeyman electrician being used. A journeyman electrician is essentially an electrician that is fully licensed and certified. He is allowed to work on his own and will no longer have to work under any supervision . However, he or she is still able to continue their education in order to be an master electrician.

Journeyman Electrician Job Description

This description and capabilities will differ from state to state and employer to employer, but I have listed some typical things that a journeyman electrician is able to do.

• allowed to work unsupervised on any type of electrical system
• install and repair wiring and conduit
• install electrical equipment and fixtures
• run power lines
• perform all parts in installing an electrical system in a house
• mentor a future journeyman electrician
• not permitted to get electrical permits or complete design work.

Requirements to be a Licensed Journeyman

Before taking the licensing exam, you need to complete training and an apprenticeship under a master electrician for four to five years. Although the exam is not as tough as that of the master’s electrician test, it still covers a broad range of subjects and requires students to be competent in all areas.

Ideally the training is done a technical school or in an International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker (IBEW) apprentice training program. They offer a limited amount of paid training but it is a very selective program. The U.S. armed forces also provide paid training and benefits if you choose to go this direction.

You also need to make sure what your state’s requirements are before taking the test as states differ in their licensing procedure. Some states will require that applicants have a minimum of 8,000 hours on the job training. If you decide to forgo the school route and to go the apprenticeship route, make sure your time is documented.

After completing all requirements, only then you will be allowed to take the test. You should study the latest National Electrical Code (NEC). Also, make sure that the book you study is the one used for your area.