Master Electrician

So you're looking for information about becoming a Master Electrician? Before we go into the details of getting your Master Electrician license, you need to be aware of what's involved in opening and operating an electrical contracting business.

There are some books out there on the subject and some are better than others. For example, try The Electrical Contractor's Blueprint for Success. It's current, well written, downloadable, and it gives you a detailed step by step on what's going to be involved.

Assuming you've read it and/or you now understand what's involved in opening your own electrical business, let's look at what you need to get an Master Electrician license in your State.

First you need to go though the application process. This is where the board that has jurisdiction over electrical licensing determines if indeed you have met the minimum requirements to sit for the exam.

The licensing requirements vary from State to State and some may not even have any license requirement. Check here State Licensing Requirements.

Since to become a Master Electrician you technically need to first become licensed, lets look at some common qualification requirements as set by a  State Board of Electrical Examiners in order to sit for the Electrical Contractor's / Master Electrician's test.

1) You must be over 21 years old; and

2) You must hold a high school diploma or a GED; and

3) Has had, immediately preceding the submission of the application, at least five years of hands-on experience working with tools in the installation, alteration, or repair of wiring for electric light, heat or power, which work shall have been done in compliance with the National Electrical Code. "Practical hands-on experience" shall not include time spent in supervising, engaging in the practice of engineering, estimating and performing other managerial tasks. In the alternative, the applicant may satisfy the practical hands-on experience requirement by having:

• Completed a 4 year apprenticeship program approved by both a Federal agency and a Federally certified State agency and at least one year of practical hands-on experience as defined above. A certificate of completion issued by the apprenticeship program and a certification by an employer regarding the additional year of practical hands-on experience shall be submitted with the application for the electrical contractor's examination; or
• Satisfied the definition of a qualified journeyman electrician (whatever your State's definition may be) and completed at least one year of practical hands-on experience as defined above. The applicant shall submit proof of having satisfied the definition of a qualified Journeyman Electrician and a certification by an employer regarding the additional year of practical hands-on experience; or
• Earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and completed two years of practical hands-on experience as defined above. The applicant shall submit a copy oh his or her diploma and a certification by an employer regarding the additional two years of practical hands-on experience; or
• Worked in the field of electrical contracting for at least five years immediately preceding the date of application. The applicant shall submit a certification by an employer establishing that the applicant has at least five years of practical hands-on experience as defined above.

As mentioned previously, each State has its own set of standards and requirements, so you need to check with your individual State. If you receive confirmation and are accepted to sit for the exam, then you should take a refresher course that will help you take it and pass.

Many good electricians take their State's licensing exam and fail, simply because they didn't prepare adequately. The exam incorporates a certain number of questions that need to be answered correctly within a certain amount of time.

If you're rusty with your code book, then you need to freshen up. You won't have more than a minute or two per question, so you will really benefit from taking a refresher course. Try Stallcup's Master Electrician's Study Guide.

It's a popular study guide, and he's been doing it long enough to know what type of questions will be asked. Just remember to also buy the answer key with this one. If you don't like this particular one, there are plenty more out there to chose from.

As mentioned in the Journeyman section of this website, another book that's used regularly by trade schools for electrical studies and also by individuals for exam preparation is the American Electrician's Handbook. It's very comprehensive, but many have found it somewhat difficult to use as a study guide, and merely use it as a reference tool. So check the reviews on this book before you decide.

Also, look at Mike Holt's Electrician's Exam Preparation book, he's been doing this for ages, and has an excellent reputation for doing it well. He sells enough of these exam prep courses that you won't have to worry about being taught obsolete material, and best of all, people who have used these study guides have passed their tests.

You should also consider taking a refresher course, and check with your local electrical suppliers for their recommendation on who the best local instructor is. Keep in mind that if you don't pass, then you have to wait for the next one. Between the time it takes to reschedule and then retake the test it can take you months, so plan accordingly.

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