How to Become an Electrician in California

California is one of the best states to start an electrical career. With a growing demand for skilled electricians in residential, commercial, and industrial construction, electricians in California earn competitive wages and enjoy strong job security.

To work as an electrician in California, you must obtain an Electrician Trainee (ET) card from the Division of Industrial Relations (DIR), complete an approved training program, and eventually pass the state certification exam. Here's exactly how the process works.

The ET card is required before you can legally work as an electrical trainee in California. It is issued by the DIR (Division of Industrial Relations) and proves that you are enrolled in an approved training program.

To get your ET card, you need to:

1. Enroll in a state-approved Electrician Trainee Program
2. Complete the application process
3. Pass a pre-assessment exam (minimum 75% score)
4. Submit your application to DIR through your school

At California Electrical Training, we handle the DIR submission process for you. Learn more about applying for the ET card.

California requires electrician trainees to complete a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on lab training. An approved program covers topics including electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), safety standards, and practical wiring skills.

Our program includes:

• Online self-paced coursework — study from anywhere
• Hands-on lab classes — available online and on weekends
• Bilingual instruction — courses in English and Spanish
• NCCER-aligned curriculum approved by the State of California

See the full Electrician Trainee Program details.

After completing your training and accumulating the required on-the-job hours (typically 8,000 hours as a trainee), you can take the California Electrician Certification Exam administered by the Department of Industrial Relations.

The exam covers:

• National Electrical Code (NEC) knowledge
• Electrical theory and calculations
• Safety practices and OSHA standards
• California-specific electrical regulations

Passing this exam grants you the title of Certified Electrician in California, allowing you to work independently and supervise trainees.

Once certified, California electricians must complete 32 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) every three years to renew their certification. This keeps you up to date with code changes and safety standards.

CET offers state-approved CEU courses online in both English and Spanish, so you can complete your requirements from anywhere.

The timeline depends on your pace and the hours you accumulate on the job:

You can start working as a paid electrical trainee immediately after receiving your ET card, earning while you learn.