For people looking to start a career as an electrician in Maryland, this list of schools, colleges, and universities has unique requirements for you to apply.
The future is bright for every aspiring electrician and current professional electrician in Maryland and worldwide, as the need for electric power and its installations will remain in demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected an 8% job demand growth in Maryland through the coming years up until 2029, which implies that there will be more job openings for electricians.
Therefore, now is the best time to become an electrician in Maryland.
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How Do I Become an Electrician in Maryland?
Ideally, enrolling in any of the best schools, colleges, or universities is the first step to becoming an electrician in Maryland.
Becoming an electrician in Maryland is quite different from other states in the U.S. This is because the only license they give is a master electrician’s license and no journeyman license.
In Maryland, obtaining a license depends on which county you are in. Obtaining consent differs from county to county, and you may have to contact the electrician board in your county to make the necessary inquiries.
How to become an electrician in Maryland can generally be explained in the four steps below:
#1. Obtain Classroom Training by Attending a Technical School.
Classroom training is a vital part of obtaining an electrician’s license requirements. However, this can be received via two means; enrolling in a training school program or applying for an apprenticeship.
Going through a training school would provide you with the necessary knowledge to be well-positioned for an apprenticeship position and earn you a certificate as an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology.
A technical school program covers residential, commercial, and industrial wiring; the National Electric Code (NEC); electrical theory; transformers; and generators.
Also, students learn about electrical motors, applied math, reading blueprints, low voltage wiring maintenance and repair, electrical tools and pieces of equipment, and cable and splicing installation and repair.
Many technical schools provide a field training component by placing you with a locally licensed electrical contracting company, which could lead to employment after graduation.
If you read on, you will find a list of the best schools, colleges, and universities that will train you to become an electrician in Maryland.
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#2. Apply for an Apprenticeship
Students can obtain apprenticeship opportunities through the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP).
Apprenticeship programs usually combine on-the-job and classroom training to complete the required 2000 hours of classroom education.
Requirements to apply for an electrician apprenticeship program:
- Must be 18 years +
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Pass the Math and Physics tests.
- Be physically fit.
- Have reliable personal transportation.
- Pass a drug test.
Apprentice electricians in Maryland usually work under the supervision of a journeyman electrician or other professional electrician.
One exciting part of an apprenticeship program in Maryland is that you receive wages and other benefits as you gain work experience in the trade.
Completing your apprenticeship qualifies you to apply for a local license and even a master electrician’s license.
#3. Get a Local License
After completing your apprenticeship, the next step is to apply for a primary electrician’s license at the local level, which is the county where you desire to practice as an electrician.
You can contact the local licensing department in your region or county for more information on how to proceed.
You must also note that most licensing jurisdictions in Maryland do not provide licenses on a primary level like a journeyman but would instead offer a master electrician license.
Obtaining a master electrician license requires more than five years of work experience as an apprentice working under a master electrician after attending any of the best electrician schools, colleges, or universities in Maryland.
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#4. Apply for a Master Electrician’s License
Applying for a state-level master electrician license can be done via the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
After your application, you must write an exam before obtaining a license.
Taking the Master Electrician exam demands that you have acquired over seven years of work experience (years of apprenticeship inclusive) under a master electrician.
#5. Obtain Insurance for a Master Electrician in Maryland
To start working as a master electrician, you need to obtain insurance.
This may include:
- A minimum of $300,000 in general liability insurance.
- A minimum of $100,000 in property damage insurance (this varies by county, so you may need to check with the county where you plan to work).
- worker’s compensation insurance if you hire employees)
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What are the Requirements to Become an Electrician in Maryland?
The requirement to become an electrician in Maryland and other states is to obtain a license that permits you to handle electrical work within the State.
In Maryland, the only type of license issued by the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is the Master Electrician license.
However, specific Maryland counties offer additional electrician licenses at the local level.
Obtaining a Master Electrician license requires attending a training school, gaining 7 years of work experience as an apprentice under a master electrician, and passing the Master Electrician exam.
What Electrical Licenses Exist in Maryland?
After attending any of the best electrician schools, colleges, or universities in Maryland, the next step to becoming an electrician is to obtain your license.
Apart from the Master Electrician license issued by the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians, other permits are obtained at the local levels based on different criteria and counties involved.
The best thing to do would be to contact the licensing department for your area and find out what their guidelines are.
Stated below are the licensing requirements for some of the counties in Maryland.
#1. Electrician’s License in Baltimore County
Baltimore County issues a limited license for commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
To obtain this license, you must prove 5 years of working experience in electrical trades under a licensed electrician’s supervision. of
A restricted license is also given in Baltimore County to operate only systems under 50 volts. For this, you need 3 years of work experience in the field under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
#2. Electrician’s License in Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County issues a Restricted License to operate only systems under 50 volts.
You need proof of 7 years of work experience under a master electrician. This could also count if you have experience working as a journeyman electrician in another country.
A Master Limited License is given to work only at an industrial plant. To obtain this, you must work for at least 2 years while supervised by a Master Limited or Master General electrician.
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#3. Electrician’s License in Montgomery County
The license offered by Montgomery County is a journeyman license.
Students can obtain this journeyman license by having 4 years of work experience as an apprentice.
It is usually issued by Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Licenses and Certificates.
After meeting up with the required years of experience for each one and documenting them, you can move ahead with the application for the license.
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What are the Best Electrician Schools in Maryland?
Maryland is home to many community colleges, trade schools, and organizations that are well structured to provide sound academic learning and apprenticeships in electricity.
Training schools provide knowledge and on-the-job experience for the students while preparing them to forge ahead with an apprenticeship position.
Also, the student’s training schools will train them to understand various electrical standards and the math and scientific principles in electrical work.
Listed below is relevant information that would guide you in choosing between the best electrician colleges in Maryland.
#1. Lincoln College of Technology
Lincoln College of Technology is located in the city of Columbia, Maryland. They offer certificate programs in electrical and electronics, usually lasting for 2 years.
The tuition fees cost $27,408 per year, with the cost of some study materials inclusive.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits the college.
#2. College of Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland is a public college in La Plata in Charles County, Maryland.
The college is accredited, and the certificate programs take 2 years.
Tuition fee (including book costs and others) is $6,406 and $8,266 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively.
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#3. Howard Community College
Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, offers degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships in several fields.
The number of years you spend depends on the program you opt for. Howard Community College remains one of Maryland’s best schools, colleges, and universities.
#4. North American Trade schools
The North American Trade School is located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a private school accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Tuition fees are about $19,525, which includes the costs of some books and supplies. It takes about 12 months to 2 years to complete the Certificate program.
North American Trade Schools are among the best schools, colleges, and universities to train to become an electrician in Maryland.
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#5. Montgomery College
Montgomery College is located in the city of Rockville, Maryland. The Middle States Commission also accredits this public college for higher education.
Most of the programs at Montgomery College last for about 2 years with a tuition fee of $6,436.
#6. Baltimore Electrical JATC
Baltimore Electrical JATC is a training program sponsored by IBEW Local 24 and the Maryland Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association for union technicians and electricians.
The Bureau of Apprenticeship, the U.S. Department of Labour, and the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council approve the educational program.
The apprenticeship program is also located in Baltimore, Maryland, and they give a salary starting from $17.10, which may later increase.
No tuition fee, but you may have to purchase your books to study.
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#7. Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College is located in Westminster, Maryland, where they offer training programs in a variety of Industries.
The Electrical Program they offer is 2 years in length, after which students can transfer to another school for a four-year Bachelor’s degree program.
Tuition fees for in-county and out-of-county students are $172 and $288.25 per credit hour.
#8. IBEW Local Union 26
IBEW Local Union 26 is a union of Electrical Workers located in Lanham, Maryland, where they provide technical training programs for workers in the electrical industry.
The Learning duration at the Union lasts about 3-5 years, depending on the program.
Check out more info on their website
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#9. Wor-Wic Community College
Wor-Wic Community College, located in Salisbury, Maryland, offers programs that prepare students for entry-level employment as wiring technicians.
The Middle States Commission accredits the school for Higher Education.
Wor-Wic Community College is also one of the best schools, colleges, and universities to train to become an electrician in Maryland.
#10. Brightwood College Baltimore
Brightwood College offers Certificate programs at their Baltimore campus in Baltimore, Maryland.
The school is accredited, and its programs are mainly for 2 years or less.
Tuition fees are about $20,773 for each academic year.
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Are there Apprenticeship Programs for Electricians in Maryland?
Apprenticeship positions in Maryland offer on-the-job experience and 2000 hours of classroom education as part of the program.
Alongside this, you’ll also get to be paid for working as an apprentice during the period of the program.
However, to secure an apprenticeship program, you would have to meet some requirements like; being 18 years+, having a High diploma or its equivalent, having a personal means of transportation, being physically fit, and passing some tests.
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) is an excellent place to begin your search for an apprenticeship position. You can also look for other trade organizations and independent apprenticeship programs in your area.
After the apprenticeship program, you’ll receive a Certificate of completion, which you can use to secure a job in Maryland while working under a licensed electrician.
You can also apply to get a primary-level electrician license at this stage, which requires you to write an exam and pass.
You are advised to contact the local licensing institution in your area for more clarity on the regulations guiding your county.
What are the Salary Expectations for Electricians in Maryland?
Licensed electricians in Maryland are usually among the highest-paid workers in the State.
Electricians in Maryland, as of 2017, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, we’re receiving an average salary of $55,000 per year.
The licensed master electricians were given an average of $86,000 per year.
Due to the current status and job growth prediction of having more electricians in demand, the salary range for electricians would increase beyond what it has been.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrician Schools in Maryland
Is Becoming an Electrician Hard?
 It is no easy task, but it is achievable and worth going after, especially when more opportunities are opening up for electricians in the U.S.
Do You Need a License to Do Electrical Work in Maryland?
Also, a license is the only requirement you need to handle electrical work in Maryland.
Also, students can obtain the license by attending an electrician training school, following an apprenticeship program, completing the required years of work experience, and passing the State’s Master Electrician exam.
The only type of license issued by the Maryland State Board of Master Electricians is the Master Electrician license through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
What are the Requirements to Apply to Electrician Schools in Maryland?
Have a High school diploma
Valid driver’s license
Pass the algebra test