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Good electricians are always in demand, whether homeowners are dealing with the difficulties of outdated wiring or looking to swap out builder-grade dome ceiling lights for modern recessed lighting.

As a licensed electrician in Iowa, you could earn an average salary of about $55,000 or more each year, depending on where you live, your level of experience, and other factors. Opportunities for growth in this industry are expected over the coming years.

To legally operate as an electrician in Iowa, you will need a license. How do you go about becoming a licensed residential electrician?

Understand Licensing Requirements

Electrical licenses in Iowa are issued by the Department of Public Safety through its Electrical Licensing and Inspection Program.

There are 11 different electrical licenses in the state of Iowa. They range from apprentice (or unclassified person) to journeyman to master levels and include residential, commercial, and specialized fields (such as irrigation or refrigeration).

You’ll start as an apprentice. What does this entail?

Join an Apprenticeship Program

Iowa recognizes six union-approved apprenticeship programs across the state, offered through Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC). There are also a number of state-certified vocational schools and community colleges offering certification and degree programs for electricians.

In order to become an apprentice electrician, you must complete 576 hours of classroom instruction as well as 8,000 hours of work experience. Before you start working, you must first register to become a licensed apprentice and then find a licensed electrician who will take you on as an apprentice and supervise your work.

The good news is that you can work and get paid as an apprentice, earning money while you complete your program.

Once you have met program requirements, the next step is to apply for a journeyman license. This requires you to pass a state exam.

Take Advantage of Licensing and Exam Prep Programs

Your time spent in an apprenticeship program will prepare you for your job duties as an electrician, but when it comes to taking state exams, you may need a little extra help.

A residential electrician licensing and exam prep course can help you prepare to pass the test the first time, whether you’re going for your journeyman electrician, master electrician, or residential electrical contractor license.

Remember, if you fail your exam twice, you have to wait six months to take it again and complete 12 additional hours of education in the meantime, so it’s worth investing in yourself by taking an exam prep course.

Become a Residential Electrician

Each license has specifications related to obtaining it. For example, holding a journeyman electrician license is a requirement before you can apply for a license to become a residential master electrician, and you must hold a residential master electrician license in order to become a residential electrical contractor.

Once you have a license, it is valid for three years, after which you’ll need to renew it. You are required to complete 18 hours of continuing education before your license can be renewed.

When you choose RocketCert for residential electrician licensing and exam prep courses in Iowa, not only will you enjoy the convenience of self-paced, online learning but we will guarantee results. If you don’t pass your test the first time, you don’t pay. Reach out to learn more today!