What are the Different Types of Electrician Courses?

There are four different types of electrician courses: professional, hobbyist, advanced, and online. These courses provide the information needed to work safely and effectively with electricity. All homes and buildings with power are using electricity. This power source requires specific training to use safely, but has a huge number of applications.

Electrician courses offered in full-time programs to become an electrician, provide the depth and breadth of information required to work as a professional in this field. These courses have prerequisites, examinations, and assignments. Upon successful completion, the student can write the licensing examination and become a professional electrician.

A community center or college usually offers electrician courses for hobbyists. The courses tend to be four to five weeks in length and cover a very specific curriculum. The information provided is at a basic or intermediate level. Students are shown how to wire a circuit, read a basic electrical drawing, and understand when to call an electrician. Some courses are targeted to homeowners, and provide information on how to evaluate or troubleshoot wiring problems.

Advanced electrician courses are usually offered as part of a continuing education program for licensed electricians. Options include upgrade sessions on new legislation, improvements in testing, and installation tools. On occasion, vendors are invited to demonstrate new products to practicing electricians.

Online courses are a great way to learn the basic theoretical information behind electrical power and circuitry. These courses are widely available and offer access to recorded lectures, reading material, and group discussions. Be sure to check the qualifications of the instructor and the school before paying the registration fee.

The quality of instruction is very important when taking electrician courses. The wrong information can result in unsafe wiring, incorrect procedures, and may have serious consequences. Electricity is very powerful, and it must be treated with respect to avoid injury.

People who report the greatest satisfaction with these courses have a clear outcome in mind. They are focused, dedicated, and determined to absorb the required information. Many amateurs and homeowners sign up for an electrical course to address a specific problem or challenge. During these courses, they learn enough to be able to discuss their concerns directly with the electrician and understand the consequences of the different options.

When looking for electrician courses, take the time to read the course description, prerequisites, and course outcomes. This information provides a clear idea of what subjects will be covered and the target audience for the course material. While many schools will allow amateurs to take professional courses, it is not the best use of your time if you do not have the background to understand the material and fully participate in the course.