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Read on to learn more about how to enter the lucrative electrical field, in the State of Kansas.
In Kansas, electricians earn licenses from individual cities and counties, though the standards are pretty consistent statewide.
Article Table of Contents
Technical Training
The technical training, or apprenticeship, is mandatory for the licensing process in Kansas.
The statewide requirements are:
- Passing an exam covering the National Electrical Code (NEC)
- At least 2 years of field experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician
- At least 240 hours of classroom instruction
The requirements can be met either through a traditional apprenticeship program or by enrolling in a trade school.
Trade School
Those who enroll in a trade school can earn an Associates’ degree and this formal education can count for up to one year of the hands-on experience needed.
Some of the subjects taught are:
- Electromechanical Systems
- Troubleshooting Techniques
- Print Reading
- Workplace Skills
- Residential and Commercial Wiring I
- Electrical Circuits, Instruments, and Measurements
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Electrical Math
- AC/DC Circuits
- Motor Controls
- OSHA Safety
- Programmable Controllers
Candidates choosing to enroll in a technical school still need to find entry-level positions to complete their apprenticeships, though some of the institutions can help in this regard.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Coffeyville Community College | 400 W 11th St, Coffeyville, KS 67337 |
| Dodge City Community College | 2501 N 14th Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801 |
| Highland Community College | 606 W Main, Highland, KS 66035 |
| Hutchinson Community College | 1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, KS 67501 |
| Johnson County Community College | 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210 |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | 7250 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112 |
| Manhattan Area Technical College | 3136 Dickens Ave, Manhattan, KS 66503 |
| North Central Kansas Technical College | 3033 US Highway 24, Beloit, KS 67420 |
| Northwest Kansas Technical College | 1209 Harrison St, Goodland, KS 67735 |
| Pratt Community College | 348 NE SR 61, Pratt, KS 67124 |
| Salina Area Technical College | 2562 Centennial Road, Salina, KS 67401 |
| Washburn Institute of Technology | 5724 SW Huntoon, Topeka, KS 66604 |
Apprenticeship Programs
Traditional apprenticeship programs last for at least 8,000 hours and include 900 hours of classroom education.
The options are:
- Union-sponsored, through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees
- Open shop
There are certain criteria to meet, to be accepted in these programs:
- 18 years old
- A high school diploma, GED, or an associate’s degree
- Prove successful completion of an algebra class
- A valid driver’s license
- Pass an aptitude test
- Be physically capable of working in the trade
- Join the union
To join a non-unionized apprenticeship program, the requirements are:
- Copy of birth certificate
- High School or GED Diploma and transcript
- Copy of DD214 form, for veterans
- College or other trade school transcripts if available
Besides the membership, another difference is that unions provide employment, whereas, with a non-union, the candidate has to find one on their own.
Become a Journeyman
Jurisdictions have their own licensing process and requirements for journeypersons.
Sedgwick County/Wichita
Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department issue licenses to journeymen.
In Sedgwick County, the requirements to earn the certificate are:
- Complete the apprenticeship
- Score at least 75% on the 558 Kansas (Sedgwick County) Standard Journeyman Electrician
- A copy of the school transcript
- Fill out the application
You have 4 hours to answer the 80 multiple choice questions on the exam while consulting the National Electrical Code and any edition of Ugly’s Electrical Reference.
The subjects cover:
- General Knowledge
- Branch Circuits and Conductors
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Services and Service Equipment
- Feeders
- Equipment and Devices
- Control Devices
- Motors and Generators
- Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
Topeka
The Topeka Development Services Division issues journeyman electrician licenses to those who completed their apprenticeship and scored 75% on the 558 Kansas Standard Journeyman Electrician exam.
Candidates have 3 hours to answer 80 questions and they can consult the National Electrical Code and any edition of Ugly’s Electrical Reference.
The questions include:
- General Knowledge
- Branch Circuits and Conductors
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Services and Service Equipment
- Feeders
- Equipment and Devices
- Control Devices
- Motors and Generators
- Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
Wyandotte County/Kansas City
In Kansas City, there is no journeyman license.
Electricians in this jurisdiction earn a master electrician license directly, and the process is presented in the next section.
Master Electrician Certificate or License
As a general rule, master electricians can perform work on residential properties if they have the appropriate permits.
Sedgwick County/Wichita
To become a master electrician in Sedgwick County, you need:
- 2 years of experience as a journeyman
- Fill out the application
- Pass the Master Electrician International Code Council Exam
For this exam, you can have the National Electrical Code and any edition of Ugly’s Electrical Reference in the room, to answer the 100 questions in 5 hours.
The topics cover:
- General Knowledge and Plan Reading
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Equipment and Devices
- Services and Service Equipment
- Feeders
- Branch Circuits and Conductors
- Control Devices
- Motors and Generators
- Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
Topeka
In Topeka, those who want to become master electricians need to score a minimum of 75% on the K9D Kansas Standard Master Electrician exam.
Candidates can use the National Electrical Code and any edition of Ugly’s Electrical Reference ton answer the 100 multiple-choice questions in 5 hours.
The questions cover:
- General Knowledge and Plan Reading
- Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
- Services and Service Equipment
- Feeders
- Branch Circuits and Conductors
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Equipment and Devices
- Control Devices
- Motors and Generators
Wyandotte County/Kansas City
In Kansas City, you can earn:
- A master residential electrician license
- A master electrician license
The requirements for master residential electrician license are:
- Complete the 2 years long apprenticeship
- Score at least 75% on the exam
The requirements for a master electrician license are:
- 1 of planning, supervising, and installation of electrical equipment
- 3 years of practical experience under the supervision of an electrical contractor or master electrician
- 2 years of experience in commercial or industrial work
- Score 75% on the exam
The process of taking the exam is the same and starts with a written application to the Building Inspection Division of Kansas City’s Neighborhood Resource Center.
Those accepted will have to answer 100 questions in 4 hours, and they can use the National Electrical Code as a reference.
The exams cover:
- General Electrical Knowledge
- Raceways and Enclosures
- Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
- Overcurrent Protection
- Conductors and Cables
- Grounding and Bonding
- Equipment for General Use
- Special Occupancies
- Special Equipment and Conditions
- Motors and Controls
- Low Voltage and Communication Circuits
- Safety
Independent Electrical Contractor
Only electrical contractors can sell their electrical services to the public in Kansas.
This is a license allowing you to hire other electricians as well.
Sedgwick County
In Sedgwick County, the Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department issue these types of electrical licenses:
- Class A General license
- Class C Residential License
- Class D Maintenance License
These licenses allow the remodel, installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical utilities in residences.
Holders of a Class A license can work in commercial buildings as well.
The requirements are:
- An application
- $300,000 insurance
- Worker’s compensation insurance
- Automotive insurance as required by Kansas
Some candidates will need to pass an exam as well.
Topeka
In Topeka, those who want to become contractors must:
- Fill out an application
- Have insurance of $300,000
- Worker’s compensation
- Score 75% on the exam
- Have a score of 75% on the master exam or hire a master electrician who is not hired on the same position elsewhere
Wyandotte County/Kansas City
In Wyandotte County, individuals can earn one of the following licenses:
- Master Electrical Contractor
- Master Residential Electrical Contractor
Process:
- Apply for a Certificate of Qualification
- Employ at least one licensed electrical master
The requirements are:
- A $5,000 bond
- Evidence of financial responsibility, determined by the county government
- A designated master electrician or master residential electrician
The type of master electrician you need to employ depends on the type of license you want.
Salary
The type of license you hold will impact your salary.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $46,761 |
| Overland Park | $47,523 |
| Kansas City | $47,669 |
| Olathe | $47,393 |
| Topeka | $45,396 |
| Lawrence | $46,128 |
| Shawnee | $47,523 |
| Manhattan | $44,911 |
| Lenexa | $47,523 |
| Salina | $46,275 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 140 | $53,680 | $25.81 | $74,110 | $36,060 |
| Manhattan, KS | 150 | $57,180 | $27.49 | $96,550 | $31,200 |
| Topeka, KS | 490 | $59,650 | $28.68 | $79,350 | $38,970 |
| Wichita, KS | 1,480 | $62,360 | $29.98 | $87,140 | $37,550 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Renewing the License
In Wichita, the journeyman and master electrician certificate is renewed every 2 years, after completing 6 hours of continuing education credits per year.
In Topeka, the renewal of the journeyman and master license is done every year after completing 6 hours of continuing education, and 3 must cover the Electrical Code and its updates.
In Kansas City, the master residential electrician license is renewed on a yearly basis but there are no continuing education requirements.
In Sedgwick County, the contractor’s license expires every 2 years in January, and the renewal must be done within a month.
In Topeka, contractors need 8 hours of continuing education per year, to renew their licenses every year.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State