What makes certified electricians different from other types of electricians? How do you find a certified electrician if you need one? What makes them certified and what did they have to do in order to get that qualification? Do you need certified electricians to solve problems with your electrical system? There are a lot of things to know about electricians. Find out what you need to know to get the specific electrical service that fits your needs.
What Do Certified Electricians Do?
Certified electricians have the knowledge and experience to test, repair, maintain, and install electrical systems of all kinds. To become certified, electricians must receive certification from a professional electrical organization, such as the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.
There are trade schools and community colleges that provide classwork and instruction on electrical work. There are hands-on skills integrated into classes as well. Often, electricians who go to school also participate in an apprenticeship program where they work alongside an experienced electrician. This all takes about four years to complete.
Certified electricians may have more than one type of certification. Some electricians get certified on specific skills, such as cable splicing. Ask your certified electrician about the type of certification they have to find out exactly what they have studied.
To become certified electricians must pass a written and practical test. The practical test includes performing specific electrical tasks. The written test asks questions based on a number of different electrical skills.
There are a number of steps that certified electricians must complete in order to get their certification, and from there many choose to specialize in a specific line of electrical work.
Certified electricians are not the same as licensed electricians. So then what’s the difference?
Know Who Your Local Electricians Are
Becoming a licensed electrician is a bit of a different process. States award licensing to electricians and each state has its own specific set of requirements in order to grant licenses. Some states have work requirements so that state electricians must work out in the field for a certain amount of time before applying for a license.
Other states may require electricians to pass an exam before receiving a license. Some states require both practical work experience and an examination. Certified electricians receive certification through national agencies rather than through a state’s system.
After completing an apprenticeship and getting licensed, electricians have to work in the field for at least three years before they can become a Master Electrician. This is the highest level than an electrician can achieve as far as licensing and titles go.
If you’ve got defective wiring, need circuit breaker repair, or have any type of electrical problem in your home, most certified electricians and licensed electricians can take care of these issues for you. However, if you have a complicated industrial or commercial electrical system, you will probably want to seek out a certified electrician who has the expertise and has specialized in specific electrical repairs.
When you’re searching for local electricians, go to their website to learn a little more about the types of licensing and certifications they have. Most electricians will clearly post this information for all potential customers to see, so you can get a great idea of what kind of skills and knowledge they professionals have. Many electricians will also provide information about the types of work they can perform when it comes to electrical repairs and maintenance.
Look for licensed and certified electricians located close to your property. This will make it easier to get service when you have emergency electrical situations and it will also reduce travel expenses. Some companies charge more to clients who are located farther away from where the business is based.
