How to Become an Electrician in Kansas

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical components and systems. They’re expert troubleshooters and skilled problem solvers. Electricians work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work in new construction or retrofit older structures. The field offers a lot of opportunity and room to grow.

The path to become an electrician in Kansas is relatively straightforward. A journeyman or residential electrician license requires just two years of work experience under a licensed electrician, which you can get as an apprentice—meaning you start earning immediately.

The Career Path for Electricians in Kansas

A license is required to work as an electrician in Kansas. Licensing is handled at the city level and not every city has the same requirements. However, in general, the career path toward licensure follows a similar journey as other states, with less time required at each level to move up the licensing ladder.

Apprentice or Trainee

As an apprentice or trainee, you work under licensed electricians though an apprenticeship program or technical training school to meet the experience and education requirements to become a journeyman electrician.

Residential Electrician

Not all localities offer residential electrician licenses. Those that do typically require two years of practical field experience within the electrical trade, including installation experience in one- and two-family dwellings.

A residential electrician may install electrical systems in one- and two-family dwellings without supervision.

Journeymen Electrician

To become a journeyman electrician, you must have at least two years of field experience working under direct supervision of a master electrician. No more than one year can be satisfied by completing trade or technical schooling. In addition, you are required to complete 240 hours of classroom instruction.

Master Electrician

To obtain your master electrician license, you must work for at least two years as a licensed journeyman. Master electricians work for electrical contractors to design and install electrical systems. They may take on supervisory roles as well.

Electrical Contractor

A master electrician can become an electrical contractor by meeting all licensure requirements under local codes. Contractors are licensed by the individual cities or counties where they do business. Electrical contractors own their own business, hire electricians, and maintain higher levels of insurance, such as Workers’ Compensation.

Earning Your Kansas Electrical License

Most people complete their two-year experience and education requirement through an apprenticeship or technical college. Most union and non-union apprenticeships require you to be 18 with a high school diploma or GED. Many require the equivalent of one year of high school algebra.

Electrical apprenticeship programs are offered through the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The JATC has four chapters in Kansas: Kansas City JATC, Topeka Electrical JATC, Hutchinson Electrical JATC, and Wichita Electrical JATC. Apprenticeship programs include on-the-job training and classroom hours. Membership is required for apprentices, but you are paid for the hours worked.

Some elect to attend a trade school and community college to complete classroom instruction while working under a licensed electrician to meet the experience requirements. Under state regulations, up to one year of classroom instruction can count toward the minimum experience requirement of two years for a journeyman electrician. However, you will need to confirm with your local licensing agency.

Licensing Requirements in Kansas

While the state sets the standards for electricians, licenses are issued at the local level. The state maintains a construction licensing list with links to local agencies.

In general, to become licensed, you must meet the experience and education requirements and pass the International Code Council (ICC) exam. Some local governments issue a residential electrician license (KGX), while others issue journeyman (KGH) and master electrician (KGD) licenses only.

Residential Electrician – KGX exam. This open-book exam has 60 questions and a three-hour time limit. Test questions cover:

General Knowledge (12%)

Services and Service Equipment (22%)

Feeders (13%)

Branch Circuits and Conductors (25%)

Wiring Methods and Materials (13%)

Equipment and Devices (8%)

Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions (7%)

Journeyman Electrician – KGH exam. The journeyman exam is open-book with 80 questions and a four-hour time limit. Test questions cover:

General Knowledge (6%)

Services and Service Equipment (11%)

Feeders (4%)

Branch Circuits and Conductors (19%)

Wiring Methods and Materials (26%)

Equipment and Devices (13%)

Control Devices (4%)

Motors and Generators (6%)

Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions (11%)

Master Electrician – KGD exam. The open-book exam has 100 questions and a five-hour time limit. Test questions cover:

General Knowledge (6%)

Services and Service Equipment (11%)

Feeders (4%)

Branch Circuits and Conductors (19%)

Wiring Methods and Materials (26%)

Equipment and Devices (13%)

Control Devices (4%)

Motors and Generators (6%)

Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions (11%)

The best way to prepare for your trade exam is to take an exam preparation course. The Contractor Training Centers offers the ICC KGX, ICC KGH, and ICC KGD exam prep courses which teach you the material you need to pass the exam and how to take standardized timed tests.

We give you the tools you need to successfully pass your exam and begin working as a licensed electrician in the shortest time possible.

Kansas Electrical Continuing Education and License Renewal

Electrical licenses are renewed every year or two years depending on the city or county. To renew your license, you will submit a renewal application form and proof of continuing education. Six hours (12 hours biennially) of continuing education (CE) are required to renew your license per Kansas legislature.

CE units must be taken through a local governing body, nationally recognized trade association, community college, technical school or college, or an approved provider by the local governing body. courses are the best way to stay current with NEC changes, safety best practices, and industry trends.

The Career Outlook for Electricians in Kansas

The electrical field is growing faster than other fields in the construction industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an 11% growth rate over the next decade. According to Zip Recruiter, electrical contractors in Kansas earn an average salary of $54,751, with top earners making $87,401 a year.

For those who enjoy problem-solving and hands-on work, becoming an electrician is a great career choice. The electrical trade is growing nationwide with a projected 7% growth rate in Kansas. Compared to other states in the U.S., the time commitment required to get licensed is considerably less.

Additionally, emerging trends in renewable energy and smart homes provide a lot of opportunity and variety within the field.

Why Choose Our Electrician Licensing Exam Prep School?

Becoming an electrician can be a rewarding and lucrative career with a lot of room for growth. In Kansas, licenses are issued locally and generally require just two years of hands-on experience and 240 hours of classroom instruction. Additionally, you can become a master electrician in just four years.

When you are ready, explore our Kansas Electrical Contractor’s License exam prep courses, no matter where you are in your career journey, from standard to master electrician. Reach out today to get started in this exciting and sustainable career.

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