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Becoming an electrician seems like a good idea for those who don’t only want a job, but also the possibility of a career.
In New Jersey, the first training and then obtaining a license from the New Jersey Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (BEEC), is mandatory for those who want to enter this trade.
Article Table of Contents
Training
Typically, the training looks like this:
- 8,000 hours of practical electrical experience, while directly supervised by a journeyman
- 576 hours of classroom instruction
4,000 hours need to be accumulated in the 5 years prior to applying for a journeyman license.
Trade schools and direct apprenticeships are the 2 ways of completing the training.
Trade School
Trade schools offer an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology and other related majors.
This path is usually chosen by those thinking about a long term career.
Some of the subjects include:
- Trade Electricity
- Commercial Wiring
- Techniques of the Trade
- Conduit Bending
- Motor and Motor Control
- AC and DC Electronics
- Basic Applied Electronics Math
- Fundamentals of Electric Motor Control
- Building Inspection/Electrical
Usually, these schools also offer the possibility of an internship which can turn into full-time employment, and which helps the students accumulate the needed 8,000 hours of work experience.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education | 200A Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 |
| Brookdale Community College | 765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738 |
| National Career Institute | 134 Evergreen Pl, East Orange, NJ 07018 |
| Ocean County Vocational | 137 Bey Lea Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753 |
| Pennco Tech | 99 Erial Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012 |
| Raritan Valley Community College | 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876 |
| Union County Vocational Technical School | 1776 Raritan Rd, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 |
Union or Non-Union Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer alternative ways of becoming an electrician, and they’re available through union and non-union organizations.
The requirements to be accepted in either the apprenticeship program are generally the same, with the difference that union membership is mandatory for the programs offered by the unions.
Non-union programs are offered at merit shops.
Both types of apprenticeships can are available to those who attended a technical school.
Electrical Journeyman License
Requirements to become a journeyman:
- Complete the apprenticeship
- A reference from an employer who has directly supervised the work of the candidate
- An application
The application needs to be sent to the Board, and qualifying candidates will be issued a license.
Electrical Contractor
Electrical contractors in New Jersey need to pass an exam, and meet the following requirements:
- Over 21 years of age
- A high school diploma or GED
- At least 1 year of experience as a journeyman
- Fill out the application
- Pay the fee – $100
The fee must be paid to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
The passing score on the test is at least 70%, and there are 150 questions to answer.
Topics include:
- 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 Communications Circuits
Candidates can bring the National Electrical Code in the testing center.
Salary
In New Jersey, electricians have a higher median salary than the national average for this occupation, and their experience will further increase their earnings.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $55,549 |
| Jersey City | $58,856 |
| Paterson | $56,084 |
| Elizabeth | $55,549 |
| Edison | $54,576 |
| Lakewood | $55,401 |
| Woodbridge | $54,576 |
| Toms River | $54,593 |
| Clifton | $56,084 |
| Trenton | $54,965 |
Regional Salary in New Jersey
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 610 | $72,110 | $34.67 | $113,680 | $36,800 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 150 | $59,380 | $28.55 | $82,460 | $35,120 |
| Trenton, NJ | 700 | $87,970 | $42.29 | $133,020 | $44,850 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 160 | $81,100 | $38.99 | $123,690 | $43,470 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
Both journeymen and electrical contractors need to renew their licenses every 3 years.
Journeymen need:
- Renewal fee – $160
- To complete 10 hours of continuing education units
- Proof of completing the CEUs
Electrical contractors need:
- Renewal fee – $150
- To complete at least 34 hours of continuing education
- Proof of completing the CEUs
They also need to fill out the forms and send them to the Board.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State