Residential Electrician

In Demand

Online Electrician School

Interested in becoming a residential electrician? Our online Resident Electrician Program could help you prepare to take the first steps!

  • Online courses cover essential skills for electricians such as electrical systems and fundamentals, reading electrical drawings, electrical contracting, and the National Electrical Code® (NEC).
  • Courses can help students prepare to take the next steps in a variety of electrician careers such as electrical contractor, commercial electrician, or electrical lineman.
  • Employment for electricians is in-demand.
  • Snap-on Tools discount.
  • Our online programs are flexible and self-paced, dependent on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $200 Ends 11/26/2024

Cost of Program

$939

$1,139 Save $200

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

What You Will Learn

  1. How to apply and comply with the NEC.
  2. How to interpret basic electrical blueprints and technical drawings to follow the required specifications of electrical projects.
  3. How to identify procedures for evaluating and completing diagnostic testing of electrical components and circuits.
  4. How to identify and understand common wiring terms and symbols and to use diagrams and plans to connect branch circuits.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Residential Electrician Career Outcomes

Electrician

AVG SALARY*

$60,240/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

762,600

JOB GROWTH*

6%


Our online electrician courses are designed with job-readiness in mind. You'll learn how to become an electrician and develop an understanding of the NEC that can be applied to hands-on work in your career.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Penn Foster has determined that the curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following states: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

Online Electrician Program Curriculum

  • 37.7 continuing education units (CEUs)
  • 9 courses
  • 27 exams


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 7 months
  • Average time = 11 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our online Residential Electrician courses, you'll learn the skills and training to take the next step toward a career in the field. Through interactive lessons and simulations, you'll cover essential knowledge for electricians. Your courses include:


  • Electrical Fundamentals
  • Electrical Safety and Tools
  • Reading Electrical Drawings, Schematics, and Blueprints
  • Troubleshooting and Electrical Contracting
  • The National Electrical Code®

Show Full Curriculum
electrician working in a home.

Residential Electrician Work Experience Option

Students who complete their electrician coursework can choose to gain hands-on experience. This work experience option is not required to graduate from the Penn Foster Residential Electrician Career Diploma Program.


Students who choose to complete the work experience are required to find their own site in their area.

Residential Electrician Success Stories

Graduates from our online Electrician Program have gone on to start new careers, advance in their current jobs, or even start their own businesses. Learn more about their Penn Foster experience.
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Lila C.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“It has helped me to have a full understanding of what I'm learning. Less stress overall, with life and work and school.”

Looking for skilled trades training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
Learn More

Online Electrician Program Tuition

Our online Electrician Diploma is meant to be affordable for any budget. With our tuition payment plan options, you can choose what works best for you and get started today.

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $200 Ends 11/26/2024

Cost of Program1

$939

$1,139 Save $200

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program1

$1,139

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program1

$1,139

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Skilled Trades Learning Model

Empowering students to meet their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start any time
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Interactive animations
  • Simulations and videos

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

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Electrician School FAQs

What can you do with a residential electrician diploma?

If you’re interested in beginning a career in an essential industry, earning your residential electrician diploma can help you take the first steps toward reaching your goals. Electricity is used in almost every home, office, park, café, school...basically, anywhere you can think of, allowing trained electricians to find jobs in a variety of environments! Most electricians are employed full time, whether they work for contractors, construction companies, in manufacturing or with the government. This is just one of the many great reasons to prepare for a career as a residential electrician.

How much does a residential electrician make?

The national average salary for residential electricians can vary based on your experience, the company you work for, and the state in which you live. However, the average pay for electricians in 2022 was $60,240 per year or $28.96 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

What do I need to learn to become a residential electrician?

To become a residential electrician, you should have a foundational knowledge of electrical components, tools, and safety as well as an understanding of the NEC. With Penn Foster’s online residential electrician training program, you can build a solid foundation in basic electrical theory and skills that can help you take the steps toward starting a career with job security. Graduates of the program may qualify for entry-level jobs as electrical contractors, electrical linemen, and commercial electricians.

How do I become a residential electrician?

Most electricians have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the trade through on-the-job apprenticeships. However, to enroll in our online Electrician Training Program, you only need a minimum 8th grade education. Employers may require that you do have a high school diploma before hiring you. Electricians also develop skills in the field through trade schools before seeking out apprenticeships. Entry-level electricians may need to complete an apprenticeship under experienced workers or supervisors after graduating from a trade school or vocational program. To become a residential electrician, you'll also need to meet any state licensing requirements and regulations which can vary from state to state. Click here for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.