Electrician Classes in Kansas (Top Schools)

Among the occupations in the U.S., electricians have one of the most stable careers.

In Kansas alone, the job market is expected to grow by 12.5% by 2022.

So if you want to become an electrician, now’s the time to pursue it.

Below, you’ll learn how to become a licensed electrician in Kansas.

Potential Salary

With a good job outlook, Kansas electricians can expect to receive better-than-average salaries compared to similar occupations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here’s their salary information as of May 2021:

Mean Wage:

• Annually – $56,790
• Hourly – $27.31

Regional Salary

How to Become a Licensed Electrician and Electrical Contractor in Kansas

In Kansas, each local-level licensing board will oversee the regulations and licensing of electricians.

So you’ll have to check with the local board on the specific requirements they need for each license type.

However, the state does have a statute setting the minimum requirements to obtain a journeyman electrician license.

• At least 2 years (4,000 hours) of trade experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician
• At least 240 hours of classroom instructions
• Successfully pass the National Electrical Code (NEC)-based exam

To give you an idea of how each local-level licensing board oversees the licensure, let’s take a look at Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City as examples.

Obtaining a Wichita Electrician License

The Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department will oversee the license issuance for Wichita and other cities within its jurisdiction.

Journeyman Electrician

You can obtain this license if you meet these requirements:

• Completed an approved apprenticeship program
• At least 2 years of trade experience OR 1 year of trade experience and completed an approved electrical trade schooling
• Successfully pass the required International Code Council (ICC) exam

Regarding the exam, it will be a 4-hour open book exam, with 80 questions covering these topics:

• Wiring methods and materials
• Branch circuits and conductors
• Services and service equipment
• Equipment and devices
• Special occupancies, equipment, and conditions
• General knowledge
• Motors and generators
• Control devices
• Feeders

Authorized references you can bring: NEC and Ugly’s Electrical References.

Passing score: 75%

Once you have the license, you must renew it every 2 years.

To qualify for renewal, you must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education.

Master Electrician

To qualify for this license, you must meet these requirements:

• At least 2 years of work experience as a journeyman
• Successfully pass the required ICC exam

The exam will be a 5-hour open-book exam, with 100 questions covering these topics:

• Wiring methods and materials
• Services and service equipment
• Branch circuits and conductors
• Special occupancies, equipment, and conditions
• General knowledge and plan reading
• Equipment and devices
• Motors and generators
• Feeders
• Control devices

Authorized references you can bring: NEC and Ugly’s Electrical References.

Passing score: 75%

You’ll have to renew the license every 2 years, provided that you completed 12 hours of approved CE.

Electrical Contractor

There are three types of electrical contractor licenses you can avail of:

• Class A General License – enables you to work on residential and commercial projects
• Class C Residential License – enables you to work on residential projects
• Class D Maintenance License – enables you to work on residential projects

To apply for either license type, you must submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Proof of insurance
  • General liability insurance – $300,000 minimum
  • Worker’s compensation insurance or notarized waiver
  • Automotive insurance
• Proof of work experience and training
• Successfully pass the Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code exam, if required

Your license will expire biennially, on the last day of February.

Obtaining a Topeka Electrician License

Journeyman Electrician

To qualify for this license, you need to meet these requirements:

• At least 2 years of experience as an apprentice
• Successfully pass the required ICC exam

The exam will be a 3-hour open book exam, with 80 questions covering these topics:

• Wiring methods and materials
• Branch circuits and conductors
• Services and service equipment
• Equipment and devices
• Special occupancies, equipment, and conditions
• General knowledge
• Motors and generators
• Control devices
• Feeders

Authorized references you can bring: NEC and Ugly’s Electrical References.

Passing score: 75%

You’ll need to renew the license annually.

To qualify for renewal, you must complete 6 hours of approved CE, with 3 of those hours on electrical code updates.

Master Electrician

To qualify for this license, you need to meet these requirements:

At least 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician
Successfully pass the required ICC exam

The exam will be a 5-hour open-book exam, with 100 questions covering these topics:

• Wiring methods and materials
• Services and service equipment
• Branch circuits and conductors
• Special occupancies, equipment, and conditions
• General knowledge and plan reading
• Equipment and devices
• Motors and generators
• Feeders
• Control devices

Authorized references you can bring: NEC and Ugly’s Electrical References.

Passing score: 75%

Your license will need annual renewal, provided that you completed 6 approved CE hours, with 3 of those hours on electrical code updates.

Electrical Contractor

To qualify for this license, you must meet these requirements:

• Either of the following:
  • Successfully passed the master electrician exam
  • Hire a licensed master electrician
• Successfully pass the building contractor exam
• Obtain general liability insurance – $300,000 minimum
• Obtain worker’s compensation insurance or a notarized waiver

After obtaining it, you must renew it annually, submitting proof of completing 8 approved CE hours.

Obtaining a Kansas City Electrician License

The Kansas City Neighborhood Resource Center, Building Inspection Division will oversee the license issuance of electricians.

Journeyman Electrician

Wyandotte County, where Kansas City belongs, doesn’t issue a journeyman license.

Here, apprentices can apply directly for a master residential electrician license.

Master Electrician

To qualify for this license, you must meet the following:

• 1 year of experience in planning, supervising, and installation of electrical equipment
• 3 years of experience under the supervision of an electrical contractor or master electrician
• 2 years of experience in commercial or industrial work
• Successfully pass the required exam

The exam will be a 4-hour open-book exam, with 100 questions covering these topics:

• Grounding and bonding
• Motors and controls
• General electrical knowledge
• Raceways and enclosures
• Services, feeders, and branch circuits
• Conductors and cables
• Equipment for general use
• Low voltage and communication circuits
• Overcurrent protection
• Special occupancies
• Special equipment and conditions
• Safety

Authorized references you can bring: NEC

Passing score: 75%

You’ll need to renew it annually, with no CE requirements to complete.

Electrical Contractor

There are two types of electrical contractor licenses you can apply for:

• Master electrical contractor
• Master residential electrical contractor

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• Applied for a Certification of Qualification proving you’ve employed at least one licensed master electrician
• Have a master electrician license
• Proof of financial responsibility – to be determined by the county government
• Obtain a bond – $5,000

Electrical Training Programs and Schools in Kansas

Preparing for the electrician career would mean enrolling in a trade school or directly entering into an apprenticeship.

In a trade school, you can earn an associate’s degree or certificate upon completion.

Trade School

Here, you’ll learn topics such as:

• Electromechanical systems
• Electrical math
• OSHA safety
• Print reading
• Workplace skills
• NEC
• Troubleshooting techniques
• AC/DC circuits
• Residential and commercial wiring
• Electrical circuits, instruments, and measurements
• Motor controls
  Programmable controllers

Afterward, the school can help you find entry-level positions in local companies or contact union and non-union sponsors for an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Programs

Becoming an apprentice directly after high school will provide you with real-world on-the-job training experience.

To apply, most union and non-union sponsors will have the following common requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Holds a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Passing grade in algebra
• Current valid driver’s license
• Pass the aptitude test and interview
• Physically fit to handle heavy electrical work

The table below lists some of the schools and local union and non-union chapters offering electrician training.

Electrician Schools by City

• Topeka4 Schools
• Wichita1 Schools

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