There are three levels of certification for electrical workers: apprentice, officer, and master electrician. If you have an apprentice electrician working in your home, you should never work without supervision. Apprenticeship programs are often the first step in obtaining an electrician's license. They usually take about four years to complete, and during that time, a person will receive many hours of experience and instruction on the job and in class. Unless you have an exceptionally complex job in your home, it's unlikely you'll need a master electrician.
This is the highest level of electrical certification that can be achieved. The requirements to reach this level vary, but usually involve completing around 4000 hours of work as an officer and passing a comprehensive exam. Master electricians typically have licensed contracting companies and they oversee a team of electricians in large-scale complex commercial, industrial, or residential projects. Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, individuals will be able to take an exam to become professional electricians.
This degree means that the person is licensed and able to work without supervision. A master electrician is someone who has received the highest possible electrician certification. These people, including women, are well suited to work on more complex projects and can oversee official electricians. The basic level in the categories of electricians is that of official electrician.
People continue their education and improve their skills to move to a higher level, such as a master electrician, although for some, it is their ultimate goal. Becoming an official electrician means that a person has finished their apprenticeship or has gone to a trade school or community college, worked a specific number of hours and has already obtained a license. A traveling electrician is able to perform their jobs independently. They are fully trained and can work on all types of installation, maintenance and electrical design.
However, official electricians cannot train apprentices (although this may vary), obtain permits to perform electrical work, or manage a workplace. The requirements to become an official electrician can also vary by state. Earning this level of certification allows them to work without supervision and provides the assurance that they have a sufficient level of experience. A better understanding of certification levels and specialties will help you find the right person for any electrical job you need to do.
However, depending on the company you hire and the complexity of the job, people with different levels of certification may be involved in the job. Becoming an electrical contractor requires a specific level of insurance, training, and licensing requirements, which can take years.
