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Become a Certified Electrical Trainee in California

Earn your California Electrician Trainee card entirely online with state-approved training that fits your schedule — anytime, anywhere.

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At a Glance

Everything you need to start your electrical career — all in one program.

DIR Approved! Apply for your ET card upon enrollment

Open Enrollment Start whenever you're ready

Online / Self-Study Learn from anywhere, at your own pace

Online Labs! Hands-on lab training available online

Flexible Timeline Graduate in 10 months or 2.5 years

Payment Plans Flexible payment options available

Bilingual Courses in English and Spanish

CEU Classes Already certified? Keep learning

Why Choose California Electrical Training?

A state-approved electrician school built for working adults who want to start or advance their electrical career in California.

DIR-approved electrician training classroom

DIR-Approved Electrician Training Program

California Electrical Training is approved by the Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) to train electrician trainees. When you enroll, we assist you with the ET card application process so you can begin working legally as an electrical trainee while you complete your coursework. Our curriculum is aligned with NCCER standards and covers electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), safety practices, and hands-on skills.

Online electrician courses on laptop

100% Online — Study in English or Spanish

All coursework is available online and self-paced, so you can study from anywhere in California on your own schedule. Whether you're working full-time or managing family responsibilities, our flexible program adapts to your life. We offer all courses in both English and Spanish, making quality electrical training accessible to California's diverse workforce.

Hands-on electrical lab training

Affordable with Flexible Payment Plans

We believe cost should not be a barrier to starting your electrical career. CET offers competitive tuition with quarterly payment plans — no student loans required. Our total program cost is significantly lower than traditional trade schools, and you can start earning as a paid electrical trainee from day one with your ET card.

How to Apply

Simple steps to get your California Electrician Trainee card.

  1. 1 Create your account
  2. 2 Complete the application form
  3. 3 Pay the $75 application fee
  4. 4 Pass the Pre-Assessment (min. 75% score)
  5. 5 Receive your confirmation email once approved
  6. 6 Pay for your first training quarter
Apply Now

Our Programs

Whether you're starting your career or renewing your certification, we have a program for you.

Electrician Trainee Program

Start your electrical career with our DIR-approved training program. Get your ET card, complete online coursework, and graduate in as little as 10 months.

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Continuing Education (CEU)

Complete your 32-hour California CEU requirement 100% online. State-approved courses in English and Spanish to renew your electrician certification.

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Hands-On Lab Classes

Gain practical skills with our hands-on electrical lab classes. Conduit bending, OSHA safety, First Aid, and more — available online and on weekends.

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State Exam Preparation

Partner with Mike Holt Enterprises — the gold standard in electrical exam prep.

Mike Holt State Exam Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about becoming an electrician in California.

What is an Electrician Trainee (ET) card?
An Electrician Trainee (ET) card is issued by the California Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) and is required to legally work as an electrical trainee in the state. You must be enrolled in a state-approved training program to apply. At CET, we handle the DIR application process for you upon enrollment.
How long does it take to become an electrician in California?
The classroom training can be completed in as little as 10 months or up to 2.5 years at your own pace. Additionally, you need to accumulate approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (about 4 years) before you can take the California Electrician Certification Exam.
How much does electrician school cost in California?
CET charges a one-time application fee plus quarterly tuition payments. We offer flexible monthly payment plans and do not require student loans. Our total program cost is significantly lower than traditional trade schools. Visit our program page for current pricing.
Can I complete the electrician training program online?
Yes. CET's Electrician Trainee Program is 100% online and self-paced. All coursework, quizzes, and exams are completed through our online platform. Hands-on lab classes are also available online and on weekends. Courses are offered in both English and Spanish.
View All FAQs

Available Statewide — Study From Anywhere in California

Our 100% online program is open to students in every city and county across California. No commuting, no relocation — just flexible training on your schedule.

Los Angeles San Diego San Francisco Sacramento Fresno Riverside Anaheim Long Beach Bakersfield San Jose

What Students Say

Real stories from graduates who built their electrical careers with us.

I am the electrical supervisor at Glidewell Laboratories. Since graduating I got my C-10 license and I also work for a company that designs and builds laboratories. I love what I do and I have learned...
Read more that starting a solid career in electrical is only possible with a solid foundation and I found that at California Electrical Training. I was set up for success with skills that I was able to transfer into the field. Remember, you earn what you learn and the first 4 years of your electrical career is an opportunity to learn. I am grateful for what I learned in my time at CET.
En la escuela para mi fue una experiencia unica aprendi mucho ahora mismo estoy en un nivel mas alto en la compañia para la que trabajo. Mi experiencia en la escuela fue de mucho valor para mi y sigo...
Read more adelante hasta lograr mi objetivo. Gracias a ustedes maestros por su empeño en enseñar y tambien al maestro Pedro Rodriguez quien fue nuestro maestro por su paciencia y dedicatoria al enseñarnos la Electricidad. Muchas gracias a toda la escuela en general, aprendí mucho y sigo adelante aprendiendo más cada día.
My career in the electrical trade has increased greatly since my time spent attending CET. During my time enrolled at CET, I was working for an Industrial Electric company. I now work for a local util...
Read more ity company as an electrical technician. CET provided great education to get me started learning the trade and I would highly recommend the program to anyone newly interested.
This school prepared me with the trade knowledge before actually landing a job. They teach you the basics and the schooling format is perfect if you're looking to work and go to school at your own pac...
Read more e. Going to CET prepared me with the fundamentals of the trade. Once I was 2-3 years in I got hired to a larger electrical contractor, expanding my scope from light industrial to commercial work and now Solar. If you're a person who learns by being hands-on, you're on the right track with CET. Thanks.
Excelente escuela, aprendimos mucho en los laboratorios de la escuela y los salarios son competitivos dependiendo de la empresa que contrata a un electricista.
Making the decision to invest in studying opened doors in my career as an electrician. Every day you learn something new but you specialize better when you get academic knowledge. To do well — invest...
Read more t in your knowledge.