How to Become a Journeyman Electrician in Florida

The Sunshine State attracts people from all over who want to take advantage of the blue skies. This equates to a booming construction market and a high demand for electricians. While the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the field will grow 11% over the next decade, in Florida, that number is 17%. Florida has one of the highest demands for electricians, and an electrical license is required in Florida.

A journeyman electrician is someone who has at least four years of experience in the field and is licensed to work independently under the supervision of a master electrician. In Florida, there are two categories for licensure: certified and registered electricians. Certified electricians can work statewide, while registered electricians are restricted to working within local jurisdictions. Florida does not have a single set of electrician licensing requirements, making it a little challenging to navigate the process.

What Can a Journeyman Electrician Do and Not Do?

Journeyman electricians can work on all aspects of electrical systems, including installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. They can interpret blueprints and technical drawings and have a good understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and state and local codes and regulations.

Journeyman electricians cannot create electrical plans and blueprints, solve complex system failures, or supervise journeyman electricians or apprentices.

Steps to Getting a Journeyman Electrical License in Florida

Getting your journeyman electrician license in Florida is a three-step process:

• Step 1: Complete high school or take the GED and classroom instruction.

• Step 2: Gain work experience as an apprentice.

• Step 3: Pass an exam.

Step 1: Education Requirements

You must be 18 or older, have either a high school diploma or GED, and log144 hours of classroom instruction per year while working as an apprentice. In some municipalities, additional classroom time can be counted toward your apprenticeship.

Technical and vocational training schools are one way to gain experience and education under one roof. Their primary benefit is to simplify the process. Most programs will walk you through everything you need to take and pass the exam, including classroom hours, apprenticeship, and exam prep.

Step 2: Complete an Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship includes a minimum of 8,000 hours of work experience or roughly four years. You will work under a master electrician to learn the technical aspects of your job as well as get qualified classroom hours. During your apprenticeship, you will learn the components of an electrical system, troubleshooting, installing, and maintaining electrical systems, reading blueprints, safety procedures, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes.

Apprenticeships are offered through technical schools or union or non-union electrical apprenticeship programs. The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATPs) are union-based programs affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union. There are seven JATC facilities in the state, covering Miami, Florida’s east coast, central Florida, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. Membership is often required.

Apprenticeships are paid gigs—you start making money from day one. Technical college tuition ranges from $3,000 to $13,000 and takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete. On the upside, most technical schools provide apprenticeship placement services.

Step 3: Pass the Journeyman Exam

The two-part exam covers business topics and technical and safety components of working in the electrical industry. The business section has 50 questions and a 2.5-hour time limit. Part two has 100 questions and a 5-hour time limit. You need to score at least 75% to pass.

The exam differs slightly depending on whether you’re shooting for a certified or a registered journeyman electrical license. The exam for certified licensees includes topics relevant to the state. Registered licensees will need to pass an exam showing competency in local regulations where their license is issued.

Preparing for the two-part exam is essential, especially if you don’t have experience taking timed tests. A state-specific exam preparation course can help you pass the exam. Prep courses are designed to teach you the material, but they’re also geared to teach you how to take a test. Most prep courses include numerous practice exams on the topics you’ll see on exam day. The exam is open book. Highlighting and tabbing your study materials is the easiest way to find what you’re looking for quickly. The Contractor Training Center offers a pre-tabbed and highlighted book bundle as an essential study guide.

Continuing Education and License Renewal or Upgrade

Florida requires 11 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years for both certified and registered journeyman electricians. CE topics include worker’s compensation, workplace safety business practices, Florida laws and building codes, and technical courses. A complete list can be found on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website. You can find a list of approved providers on the website using the “Find a CE Course” tool.

FAQs

What is the difference between a certified and registered electrician?

A certified contractor can work anywhere in the state. To earn this designation, you need to pass the state licensing exam. Registered electricians are restricted to working within the local municipality issuing the license. The exam to become a registered electrician covers local regulations. Both exams cover technical and safety topics.

Do I have to attend a vocational school?

No. Vocational schools or technical colleges are an excellent choice for those that need a little more handholding. Usually, the entire process is wrapped into the program, so you’ll get your classroom hours and on-the-job experience.

What if I don’t pass the exam?

You get three tries to pass the business exam. After three attempts, you must apply to retake the business exam and pay a fee. If you fail the technical and safety exam, you need to pay a fee and apply to retake the test.

Conclusion

Florida is one of the fastest-growing states, offering incredible opportunities for electrical workers. The steps to becoming a journeyman electrician include getting your education, working as an apprentice, and taking and passing your electrical exam. Because Florida does not have statewide requirements, you should check with the jurisdiction where you want to work early on to ensure you meet their requirements.

When you are ready, explore the Contractor Training Center’s exam prep courses to help pass your Florida electrical license exams. If you have questions, reach out, we’re happy to help.