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Electrician Trade School in California

DIR-approved, 100% online, self-paced — start any day, study in English or Spanish, and get your ET card in 2–4 weeks.

California Electrical Training (CET) is a state-approved electrician trade school licensed by the California Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) as School #151. Unlike traditional trade schools with fixed schedules and waiting lists, CET is fully online and open enrollment — you can start the same week you apply.

If you're searching for an electrician trade school in California, the two main paths are a union apprenticeship (free but with 1–3 year wait lists) or a DIR-approved school like CET. This page breaks down both options so you can make the right choice for your situation.

$75

Application fee

$700

Per quarter

100%

Online & self-paced

2–4 wks

ET card processing

CET is DIR-Approved School #151 — Start Today

Enroll today and we submit your ET card application to the DIR on your behalf. No wait list. 100% online, available in English & Spanish.

Apply Now

Electrician Trade School Options in California

There are three main ways to complete your required electrical training in California. Here's how CET compares to the most common alternatives.

Factor CET Union Apprenticeship Community College
Cost $75 + $700/qtr Free (but competitive) $1,000–$3,000/yr
Format 100% online In-person required In-person / hybrid
Schedule Self-paced Fixed schedule Semester schedule
Start date Any time Wait list 1–3 yrs Fall / Spring only
Language EN & ES English only Varies
ET card help Yes — we apply for you Yes No
DIR approved Yes — School #151 Yes Varies

What You Learn at CET

The CET curriculum covers all required subject areas aligned with NCCER standards and the California state electrician exam. All coursework is delivered through online video lessons, reading modules, quizzes, and hands-on lab classes.

Electrical theory & calculations
National Electrical Code (NEC 2023)
Grounding & bonding
Wiring methods & materials
Motor controls
Commercial & residential wiring
OSHA 10 safety
Conduit bending
Transformers
State exam preparation

Your Path from Trade School to Certified Electrician

  1. 1

    Enroll at CET & get your ET card

    Pay the $75 application fee, enroll online, and CET submits your ET card application to the DIR. Your card arrives in 2–4 weeks, allowing you to work legally as a paid trainee while you study.

  2. 2

    Complete online coursework

    Complete 10 quarters of online coursework at your own pace, one quarter at a time ($700/quarter). Finish in as little as 10 months or take up to 2.5 years.

  3. 3

    Accumulate 8,000 OJT hours

    While completing coursework, work under a licensed electrician contractor to accumulate 8,000 on-the-job training (OJT) hours. This typically takes about 4 years.

  4. 4

    Pass the California state exam

    Once you have your coursework and OJT hours complete, sit for the California General Electrician or Residential Wireman certification exam administered by the DIR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CET an electrician trade school?
Yes. California Electrical Training (CET) is a DIR-approved electrician trade school (School #151) that offers the state-required Electrician Trainee Program. We are not a union apprenticeship — we are a private, online trade school that anyone in California can enroll in immediately.
How much does electrician trade school cost in California?
At CET, the cost is a $75 one-time application fee plus $700 per quarter (10 quarters total). You pay one quarter at a time — no student loans required. Total program cost is approximately $7,075. Union apprenticeships are free but have 1–3 year wait lists. Community colleges charge $1,000–$3,000/year.
How long does electrician trade school take in California?
The classroom portion at CET takes between 10 months (accelerated) and 2.5 years (self-paced). In addition, California requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (approximately 4 years working under a licensed contractor) before you can sit for the state certification exam.
Can I attend electrician trade school online in California?
Yes. CET's entire Electrician Trainee Program is 100% online and self-paced. You complete coursework through our online platform from any device, anywhere in California. Optional hands-on lab classes are available on weekends. There are no mandatory in-person class sessions.
What is the difference between an electrician trade school and an apprenticeship?
A union apprenticeship (like IBEW) is free and includes paid on-the-job training, but requires passing an entrance exam and waiting 1–3 years for a spot. An electrician trade school like CET lets you start immediately, study online at your own pace, and pay per quarter. Both result in a valid ET card and count toward the 8,000 OJT hours required for certification.

Related Guides

Electrician School Cost in California

Full cost breakdown & payment plans

How to Become an Electrician in California

Step-by-step from trainee to certified

How to Apply for Your ET Card

Requirements, steps & DIR process

Ready to Start at California's #1 Online Electrician Trade School?

No wait list. No fixed schedule. Open enrollment every day. Get your ET card in 2–4 weeks.

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