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Well-trained electricians and electrical engineers keep our homes, schools, businesses, and public institutions buzzing with the appliances and electronics needed to power our lives.
Electricians install, maintain, and troubleshoot light switches, power outlets, HVAC systems, electrical transformers, and more.
Certified electricians learn their skills by taking training and education programs that provide them with foundational knowledge and the practical application of electrical skills needed to succeed in the industry.
The guide below is for prospective electrical engineers who aspire to take on the challenge of becoming wiring wizards by enrolling in accredited online courses that teach them how to become certified electricians within 1 to 4 years.
Read on to learn more about what it takes to become an electrician in the United States, top electrical engineering certifications, and some of the best online electrician programs in our comprehensive guide!
Electrician Job Description
Electricians and Electrical Engineers are another group of independent contractors and employees that fall into the category of being some of America’s unsung heroes.
They keep our homes, schools, and businesses powered so that we can enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of modern technology.
The role of an electrician involves more than uncrossing wires and replacing broken switch plates — they also carry out some of the following duties:
Job Duties
- Design, develop, implement, maintain, test, and troubleshoot electrical systems and components.
- Create and interpret electrical schematics and drawings using computer-aided design software.
- Optimize existing electrical systems for performance and energy efficiency.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
- Take continuing education courses to learn about emerging technologies and electrical engineering trends.
How to Become an Electrician Online
Becoming an electrician online takes a mix of research, drive, dedication, tenacity, and a commitment to excellence.
Students taking online electrical engineering courses must be self-motivated and consistent to complete their training online.
Once you’ve chosen your career path as an electrician, the next steps to realize your dream and complete your education are as follows.
- Complete a High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Research Online Electrician Programs
- Choose a Specialty: Residential, Commercial, or Industrial
- Select a Program
- Apply for a Program and Get Accepted
- Complete Your Online Electrician Certification, Diploma, or Degree
- Follow Up by Completing a National Certification Exam
Top Electrician Certifications
One of the perks of completing your electrician education online is that you’re fully prepared to apply for electrician certification upon completion of your program!
US-based electricians who demonstrate competency, consistency, and excellence in their field can apply for certification from some of the top certifying agencies in the US.
Below is an overview of four widely recognized and accepted certifications for electricians issued by US agencies.
National Electrical Code Certification – NEC
Electricians who hold NEC certification have consistently demonstrated their skills and a working knowledge of the electrical standards found in US electrical systems.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration- OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training Certification
Entry-level electricians holding OSHA 10 certification demonstrate competency and knowledge in basic safety procedures for handling electrical equipment, including preventing electrical hazards for wiring and related components.
US Environmental Protection Agency – EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification
This certification is awarded to electricians and HVAC technicians who complete the required training and education to handle refrigerants safely.
The EPA offers three types of accreditation for skilled professionals.
North American Technician Excellence Certification – NATE
NATE is a well-respected and well-recognized non-profit organization that awards certification to electricians who have demonstrated excellence in electrical engineering.
Technicians with NATE certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to call themselves certified electricians or electrical engineers.
Certified US electricians are required to retake certification exams as part of continuing education for electricians every two years.
Best Online Electrician Programs (Complete Guide)
Welcome to the Best Online Electricians Programs Comprehensive Guide!
This comprehensive guide highlights some of the best online electrician programs for prospective students in the US.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the top electrician and electrical engineering programs offered by online learning leaders like Penn Foster, Southern New Hampshire University, and Arizona State University.
You’ll also learn about what courses are required, find contact information to reach out to program directors and academic advisors, and get answers to some frequently asked questions about online electrician classes.
Some of the programs in this list offer electrician certification training completely online while others offer a hybrid mix of online coursework and offline practical application through internships, externships, and campus-based job placement programs.
Let’s plunge into the world of wires, sparks, and circuits as you navigate the virtual pathways of becoming a certified electrician online!
#1. – Troy University Online – Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering
About the Program
Troy University Online offers its Electrical Engineering Technology Program as an online Bachelor’s degree program.
Their BS program teaches its students the fundamentals of diagnosing, installing, and repairing electronics, electrical engineering components, and electrical circuits.
Students who enroll in their online program and complete all program requirements will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering degree.
Courses Offered
- Electrical Circuits
- Electronic Devices
- Introduction to Robotics and Automation
- Senior Project Capstone
- Foundational Aspects of Electronics
Contact Information
Address: 600 University Avenue – Troy, Alabama – 36082
Website: Link
Phone: 800-414-5756
Program Cost: $408.00 per credit hour
*This program offers scholarships and financial aid options for qualified students.
Contact the program director to learn if you qualify for assistance.
#2. – Southern New Hampshire University – Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering
About the Program
SNHU offers its students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering completely online.
They provide students with the education, skills, and tools needed to understand electrical components, including sensors, vision systems, controls, and systems, as part of their online Bachelor’s in Engineering program.
Their 125-hour accredited program uses the principle of CDIO technology, which prepares graduates for successful careers in the industry.
Courses Offered
- Instrumentation and Measurement
- Control Systems Analysis
- Applied Linear Algebra
- Physics I and II with Lab
- Electrical Circuits
Contact Information
Address: 2500 North River Road – Manchester, New Hampshire – 03106
Website: Link
Phone: 800-668-1249
Program Cost: $330.00 per credit hour
#3. – Central New Mexico Community College – Albuquerque, NM
About the Program
CNMCC prepares students to demonstrate functional knowledge of electrical circuitry, national electrical codes, and OSHA compliance.
Central New Mexico Community College has a variety of certificate and degree programs for students starting careers in electrical trades.
Students who take coursework at CNMCC can earn their Associate of Applied Science degree or an electrician certificate of completion for electrical trades programs with the following concentrations.
Courses Offered
- Electrical Trades – Photovoltaic AAS Degree
- Electrical Trades – Programmable Logic Controls AAS Degree
- Residential Wiring – Certificate
- Electrician Trades – Certificate
- Solar Electric – Certificate
Contact Information
Address: 900 University Boulevard SE – Albuquerque, New Mexico – 87106
Website: Link
Phone: 505-224-3000
Program Cost: $1282.52 per credit hour
#4. – South College: Associate of Science in EE Technology – Nashville, TN
About the Program
South College offers online and in-person electrician training at its many campus locations throughout the southeastern US and one location in Pennsylvania.
This 18-month accredited online electrical engineering program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to design, install, and troubleshoot complex electrical systems and their related components.
Talk to the program director about electrician degree program courses, costs, and entry requirements, and learn if you qualify for financial aid.
Courses Offered
- Digital Electronics
- AC/DC Circuits
- Programmable Logic Controllers
- Computer-Aided Drafting
- Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
Contact Information
Address: 616 Marriott Drive – Nashville, Tennessee – 37214
Website: Link
Phone: 865-288-8750
Program Cost: $17,335.00
#5. – Ashworth College: Residential Electrician Career Diploma – Norcross, GA
About the Program
Ashworth College in Norcross, Georgia, allows students to earn a Residential Electrician Career Diploma.
Students taking classes at Ashford learn essential electrical techniques, including reading plans and schematics.
They offer instruction that prepares students for entry-level electrician jobs requiring them to diagnose, install, test, and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, and electrical equipment in residential and commercial environments.
The Ashworth program also touches on the fundamentals of diagnosing, installing, and repairing HVAC/R systems as part of their curriculum.
Courses Offered
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Electrical Plans, Drawings, and Schematics
- Conduits, Cables, and Conductors
- HVAC Systems
- Electrical Components and Devices
- The National Electric Code
Contact Information
Address: 5051 Peachtree Corners Circle, Suite 200 – Norcross, Georgia – 30092
Website: Link
Phone: 800-957-5412
Program Cost: $899.00-$1,099.00
*This program offers a monthly payment plan and discounts for students who pay in full upfront.
#6. – Penn Foster: Online Residential Electrician Diploma – Scranton, PA
About the Program
Penn Foster is one of America’s top schools specializing in accredited online education.
They offer an online Residential Electrician Diploma Program for students who want to become electricians online.
Their online program format is mobile-friendly, meaning students can access their online coursework from virtually any location with a solid internet connection.
Students who take the online electrician course at Penn Foster will learn about the National Electric Code and have all program costs (including tools) included in the price of their tuition.
Courses Offered
- Smart Home Technology
- Electronic Security
- Telecommunications Wiring
- Residential Wiring
- Wiring Troubleshooting
Contact Information
Address: 925 Oak Street – Scranton, Pennsylvania – 18515
Website: Link
Program Cost: $1,089.00
*This program offers monthly payment plans for students.
#7. – Arizona State University: Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering – Tempe, AZ
About the Program
ASU offers an entirely online and fully accredited electrician program with 120 credit hours of online instruction.
Students taking ASU classes will complete 40 online courses to earn their Bachelor’s of Science degree in electrical engineering.
Self-paced classwork requires students to dedicate 7-8 hours of online practice per week to learn the fundamentals and concepts needed to design, test, implement, and troubleshoot simple and complex electrical systems and components.
Courses Offered
- Design of Electric Power Systems
- Signal Processing Algorithms
- Antennas and Semiconductors
- Shipping Contracts
- Electronics
Contact Information
Address: 1151 South Forest Avenue – Tempe, Arizona – 85281
Website: Link
Phone: 850-473-7468
Program Cost: $561.00-661.00 per credit hour
What Courses Are in an Online Electrician Program?
- Foundational Aspects of Electronics
- Electrical Circuits and Labs
- Electronic Devices and Labs
- Transportation Modes
- Digital Circuits and Systems
- Residential Wiring
- AC/DC Circuits
- Smart Home Technology
- Signal Processing Algorithms
- Antennas and Semiconductors
Can You Earn Electrician Certification Completely Online?
Yes! Aspiring electricians and electrical engineers can earn diplomas, certificates, and Bachelor’s degrees that prepare them to sit for national certification exams offered by some of the top electrician certifying agencies in the US.
How Long Does it Take to Earn Electrician Certification Online?
The time it takes to earn an electrician certification online varies by program type.
Students who enroll in diploma or certificate programs for electricians can complete their online coursework and apply for certification within as little as 6-12 months.
Aspiring students who opt for associate or Bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering can expect to spend 2 to 4 years completing an online program before they become eligible to apply for certification with agencies like NATE and OSHA.
How Much Does Online Electrician Certification Cost?
Online electrician certification costs will vary by the credential sought and associated fees with your chosen educational institution.
Electrician certification program costs range from just under a thousand dollars to under twenty thousand dollars online.
Most online electrician training programs offer scholarships, financial aid, or monthly payment agreements to help their students manage the costs of their online education.
Talk to your program administrator or your school’s financial aid office to learn if you qualify for tuition assistance.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to embark on your career and become a certified electrician online, start by researching programs and schools that offer online training using the list above.
Contact program directors or academic advisors to learn about course loads, courses offered, tuition and fees, and how to gain practical experience through apprenticeships and job placement assistance.
When you’re ready, complete the online application process for your chosen program and prepare to embark on an electrifying new career!
