Electrician Classes in New York (Top Schools)

The NY State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) expected a 27% rise in demand for electricians between 2020 and 2030.

This will mean more job opportunities and higher-than-average salaries for electricians in the state.

So if you’re an aspiring electrician, now’s the time to enter the electrical industry.

Below, you’ll learn how to become a licensed electrician in New York State.

Potential Salary

As of May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following salary information for New York State electricians:

Mean Wage

• Annually – $81,700
• Hourly – $39.28

Regional Salary

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in New York State

The state of New York is one of the few states that doesn’t have state-wide electrical regulations and licensing.

Instead, the state gives this power to local-level licensing boards.

Note that local jurisdictions have different license types to issue, each with its own distinct requirements.

So we encourage you to inquire at your local licensing board on the licensing procedures.

Although generally, the steps to becoming a licensed NY electrician are as follows:

1. Become an apprentice
2. Earn enough practical experience to qualify for the license
3. Apply for your jurisdiction’s licensure
4. Take and pass the required exam
5. Obtain your electrician license

Let’s take New York City’s electrician license procedures as an example.

Obtaining an Electrician License in New York City

In some localities in New York State, a journeyman license isn’t issued or recognized.

Instead, apprentice electricians will apply directly for a master electrician license.

Such is the case for New York City.

Here, the NYC Department of Buildings will only issue two types of electrician licenses:

• Master electrician – enables you to perform electrical work and bid on any project as an independent contractor
• Special electrician – enables you to perform electrical work on specific buildings, lots, or parts in NYC

Qualifications

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

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be able to read and write in English
• Possesses good moral character
• At least 7 ½ years (10,500 hours) of work experience or equivalent under the supervision of an NYC licensed master or special electrician within 10 years prior to application
• Have met one of the following levels of experience:
  • A journeyman electrician with at least 7 ½ years (10,500 hours) of work experience
  • Graduated as a master in electrical engineering with 2 ½ years (3,500 hours) of work experience
  • Graduated as a bachelor in electrical engineering with 3 ½ years (4,900 hours) of work experience
  • Graduated from an NYS DOL registered school or apprenticeship program with 5 ½ years (7,700 hours) of work experience
  • Completed courses in an electrical or mechanical engineering program* plus relevant work experience, which totals 7 ½ years (7,000 hours) of work experience
    • *Course completion will account to up to 2 ½ years of satisfactory experience of the required 7 ½ years
  • Completed courses at an NYS DOL registered school* plus relevant work experience, which totals 7 ½ years (7,700 hours) of work experience
    • *Course completion will account for up to 2 years of satisfactory experience of the required 7 ½ years
  • Government or private employee accepted by the Buildings Commissioner whose work primarily involves electrical work* plus relevant work experience, which totals 7 ½ years (7,000 hours) of work experience
    • *Years of employment will account for up to 2 ½ years of satisfactory experience of the required 7 ½ years provided it was obtained within 10 years prior to application
• Successfully pass the required exams

License Application

Once you’ve passed the exams, you can now apply for the license.

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed and notarized forms
  • Electrical license application (LIC38)
  • Background investigation questionnaire
  • Supplemental investigation questionnaire
  • Licensing supplemental affidavit (LIC34), if applicable
  • Voluntary Authorization for Service of Process by email (LIC51)
  • Experience verification from each employer
  • Physical exam (LIC62)
  • Child support certification
• Official exam score report
• Social Security History of Earnings (Form SSA-7050)
• Current photo ID
• Original Social Security card
• Proof of residency
• Latest pay stub or W-2 if needed for qualifying experience
• Application fees
  • License fee – $310
  • Original seal fee – $50
  • Background fee – $500

If you’re a business entity, please check the NYC DOB’s website for additional requirements.

Exam Details

The NYC DOB will administer the written and practical exams.

• To apply for the exam, you must submit the following:
• Completed and notarized application forms:
  • Written exam application form (LIC41)
  • Practical exam application form (LIC42)
• Exam fees
  • Written exam – $525
  • Practical exam – $350

Note that you’ll have to pass (at least a 70% score) the written exam first before you can proceed with the practical exam.

The exam covers the NYC Electrical Code, National Electrical Code, and applicable rules and regulations.

License Renewal

Your license, whether master or special electrician, will expire after one year.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Original electrical license application form (LIC38)
• Your current NYC electrician license
• Completed and notarized forms
  • Voluntary Authorization for Service of Process by email (LIC51)
  • Licensing supplemental affidavit (LIC34), if applicable
  • Physical exam (LIC62)
  • Child support certification
• Proof of completing 8 hours of approved continuing education courses
• Updated certificates of insurance, if applicable
• Firm Account Receipt with zero balance, if applicable
• Proof of residency – only if the address has changed
• Application fees
  • Renewal fee – $60
  • Seal fee – $30

Electrical Training Programs and Schools in New York State

Becoming a licensed electrician will require you to first undergo proper education and training.

You can receive this by enrolling at a technical school or sponsored apprenticeship program.

Technical Schools

At a technical school, you’ll receive both classroom and lab instruction in key electrical knowledge and skill areas, such as:

• Safety and health awareness
• Blueprint reading and sketching
• Basic mathematics and trade math
• Trade electrical theory
• Tools and equipment
• National Electrical Code
• NY electrical code
• Motor control and distributed control
• Intelligent wiring systems
• Low voltage systems
• Lighting controls and energy efficiency

Most schools will help you find on-the-job training with local electrical contractors or construction companies for the apprenticeship.

Moreover, graduating here will earn you an associate’s degree, which can be used toward fulfilling the experience requirements for the license and employment advantage.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs are usually sponsored by unions like JATCs or non-unions like private employers.

Both will provide you with direct real-world experience in the electrical trade.

Also, the requirements for accepting apprentices in both sponsors are more or less the same, such as:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Has a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Passing grades in high school algebra
• Valid driver’s license
• Pass the aptitude test and physical exam

To search for approved apprenticeship programs, you can browse through NYS DOL’s website.

Or you can check out the table below, which lists some of the accredited schools and associations offering electrical programs in NYS.

Electrician Schools by City

• New York3 Schools

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