Top 10 Industrial Electrician Certifications

Industrial electricians are in high demand due to the wide variety of industries in which they can work. Having certifications is essential for industrial electricians to stand out in the job market and demonstrate their expertise. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that an electrician has the skills and knowledge necessary to safely perform electrical tasks. Additionally, certifications help industrial electricians stay up-to-date on best practices, industry standards, and safety regulations, ensuring that they are prepared to handle complex projects. Ultimately, having certifications helps industrial electricians secure jobs and climb the career ladder by providing employers with evidence of their competency in the field.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Industrial Electricians and explain how they can help advance an industrial electrician's career.

What are Industrial Electrician Certifications?

Industrial electrician certification is a type of certification that is available to electricians who specialize in industrial electrical systems. This certification shows employers that an electrician has the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial electrical systems. Industrial electricians typically work in factories, power plants, and other large industrial settings.

Having this certification can help an electrician stand out from other job applicants when applying for a position as an industrial electrician. It also gives employers peace of mind that the person they hire has the knowledge needed to do the job correctly and safely. Additionally, having this certification can open up more opportunities for advancement or higher pay within the field. Finally, it helps ensure that all industrial electrical systems are up to code and safe for use by employees and customers alike.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for becoming an industrial electrician as they vary by state. Additionally, be sure to obtain any necessary certifications or licenses required for your particular area of expertise. This will help you stand out from other electricians and give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Related: What does an Industrial Electrician do?

Top 10 Industrial Electrician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Industrial Electricians today.

1. NCCER Industrial Electrician Certification

NCCER Industrial Electrician Certification is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an industrial electrician. This certification is offered through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The program consists of four levels of training, each taking approximately one year to complete.

The first level of the NCCER Industrial Electrician Certification program is the Core Curriculum. This curriculum provides students with an introduction to basic electrical principles, safety practices, and industry standards. Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a Core Curriculum Certificate.

The second level of the NCCER Industrial Electrician Certification program is Electrical Level 1. This course covers topics such as wiring methods, electrical systems design, circuit protection devices, motors and motor control systems, and troubleshooting techniques. Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive an Electrical Level 1 Certificate.

The third level of the NCCER Industrial Electrician Certification program is Electrical Level 2. This course covers topics such as advanced wiring methods, power distribution systems, motor control systems design and installation, instrumentation systems design and installation, and troubleshooting techniques. Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive an Electrical Level 2 Certificate.

The fourth level of the NCCER Industrial Electrician Certification program is Electrical Level 3. This course covers topics such as advanced power distribution systems design and installation, advanced motor control systems design and installation, instrumentation systems design and installation troubleshooting techniques for industrial equipment and controls. Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive an Electrical Level 3 Certificate.

To obtain NCCER Industrial Electrician Certification, individuals must complete all four levels of training within a two-year period or less in order to be eligible for certification testing at a local NCCER-accredited testing center or proctored online exam site approved by NCCER’s Accreditation Department. The cost for certification testing varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$200 per test session plus any applicable fees associated with proctoring services or travel expenses if applicable.

2. National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Electrician Certification

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Electrician Certification is a voluntary certification program that provides recognition for electricians who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. This certification is recognized by many employers as an indication of a qualified and experienced electrician.

To become certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as electrical theory, safety practices, and codes. The exam is administered by NECA’s authorized testing centers. Once the exam has been passed, applicants must complete a minimum number of hours of on-the-job training to receive their certification.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the testing center, but typically ranges from $100 to $200. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining the necessary materials and completing the required training hours.

It usually takes between three to six months to complete all requirements for NECA Electrician Certification. After successfully completing all requirements, applicants will receive their certificate in the mail within two weeks.

Once certified, electricians are eligible for membership in NECA’s professional organization which offers access to resources such as job postings and networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry.

3. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Journeyman Electrician Certification

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Journeyman Electrician Certification is a credential that demonstrates proficiency in the electrical trade. It is issued by the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) and is recognized by employers throughout the United States.

In order to receive this certification, an individual must complete a four-year apprenticeship program sponsored by their local IBEW chapter. This program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. During the apprenticeship, the apprentice will learn about safety practices, electrical theory, wiring methods, and other related topics.

Once the apprenticeship is completed and all requirements have been met, the individual can apply for their journeyman electrician certification from NJATC. The cost to apply for this certification varies depending on where you live but typically ranges between $150-$200 USD.

After submitting an application, individuals must pass a written exam in order to receive their journeyman electrician certification. The exam covers topics such as safety practices, electrical theory, wiring methods, and other related topics that were learned during their apprenticeship program. Once they have passed this exam they will be awarded with their journeyman electrician certificate from NJATC.

Overall, it takes approximately 4 years to complete all requirements necessary to obtain a IBEW Journeyman Electrician Certification.

4. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Certified Industrial Electrician

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Certified Industrial Electrician (CIE) is a professional certification for industrial electricians. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of industrial electrical systems.

To become an IEEE Certified Industrial Electrician, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of five years’ experience as an industrial electrician;
• Pass the CIE exam;
• Submit verification of their work experience; and
• Pay the applicable fee.

The CIE exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to industrial electrical systems and is administered by Prometric Testing Centers. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and covers topics such as safety, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems. The cost for taking the CIE exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Once applicants have successfully passed the CIE exam, they will receive their official certification from IEEE. This certification is valid for three years before it must be renewed with continuing education credits or a re-examination. Renewal fees are also required every three years and typically range from $50-$100 USD.

5. American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Certified Industrial Electrician

The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) Certified Industrial Electrician (CIE) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of industrial electricity. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates the holder’s knowledge and skills in the areas of electrical safety, installation, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.

To obtain the CIE certification, applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of industrial electricity. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to electrical safety, installation, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CIE certification program, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having at least two years of experience in industrial electricity or completion of an approved training course in industrial electricity. Additionally, applicants must pass a background check and submit proof of professional liability insurance prior to taking the exam.

The cost for taking the CIE exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once certified as a CIE professional, there are no additional fees required for maintaining the credential.

6. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Industrial Electrician

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Industrial Electrician is a certification that demonstrates an electrician’s knowledge and skills in the field of industrial electrical systems. This certification is designed for electricians who work in industrial settings, such as factories, plants, and other large-scale businesses. It shows employers that these professionals understand the safety requirements and regulations associated with industrial electrical systems.

In order to become an NFPA Certified Industrial Electrician, you must have at least five years of experience working with industrial electrical systems or pass an approved exam. The exam covers topics such as wiring diagrams, circuit protection devices, motors, generators, transformers, and more. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from the NFPA.

The cost of taking the exam varies by location but generally ranges from $150 to $200 USD. You can also purchase study materials to help you prepare for the exam which may cost up to $100 USD depending on where you purchase them from.

Once you have passed the exam and received your certification, it is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification after three years, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits related to industrial electrical systems or retake the exam again.

7. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certified Industrial Electrician

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certified Industrial Electrician is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skill of industrial electricians. It is designed to ensure that industrial electricians have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in industrial settings.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete. The first step is to take an online exam. This exam covers topics such as electrical theory, safety, installation, maintenance, service, troubleshooting, and more. After passing the online exam, applicants must then pass a hands-on practical assessment. This assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to install and troubleshoot industrial electrical systems in a simulated environment.

To get NATE Certified Industrial Electrician certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of experience working as an industrial electrician or related field. Applicants must also have completed a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education related to industrial electrical systems within the past three years.

The cost of obtaining NATE Certified Industrial Electrician certification varies depending on the applicant’s state or region but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD for both the online exam and the hands-on practical assessment.

8. International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Certified Industrial Electrician

The International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Certified Industrial Electrician is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of industrial electricians. It is designed to provide an industry-recognized credential to those who demonstrate proficiency in the areas of electrical safety, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. The first step is to become a member of IAEI. Once you are a member, you will need to complete an application for the Certified Industrial Electrician program. This includes completing an online assessment and submitting additional documentation such as proof of experience and education. After your application has been approved, you will be required to attend a two-day training course offered by IAEI or one of its authorized providers. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive your certificate and be eligible to take the final exam which consists of both written and practical components.

The cost for becoming an IAEI Certified Industrial Electrician varies depending on where you live and what type of training provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the provider's fees and other associated costs such as travel expenses or materials needed for the training course.

Once certified, electricians are expected to maintain their certification by attending continuing education courses or taking part in professional development activities every three years in order to remain current with changes in technology and safety standards.

9. Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Certified Industrial Electrician

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Certified Industrial Electrician is a certification program that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of industrial electricians. It is designed to ensure that individuals who possess this certification have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively install, maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and repair electrical systems in industrial settings.

In order to become CSA Certified Industrial Electrician, an individual must successfully complete a course of study approved by the CSA. This typically includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on training in a laboratory setting. Depending on the program chosen, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the coursework required for certification.

In addition to completing the coursework required for certification, applicants must also pass an examination administered by the CSA in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of both written and practical components and covers topics such as electrical safety, wiring methods, motor control systems, power distribution systems, and more.

The cost of becoming a CSA Certified Industrial Electrician varies depending on the program chosen but can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. In addition to tuition fees associated with taking courses or attending seminars, there are also fees associated with registering for and taking the exam itself.

10. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Advanced Level Industrial Electrician Certification

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Advanced Level Industrial Electrician Certification is a professional certification program that provides training and assessment in the electrical trade. It is designed to help electricians gain the skills necessary to work safely and efficiently in industrial settings. The program consists of four modules, which cover topics such as safety, electrical theory, wiring methods, and troubleshooting.

The NCCER Advanced Level Industrial Electrician Certification takes approximately 160 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on experience to complete. This includes an 80-hour core curriculum plus 80 hours of specialty training related to the specific type of industrial setting in which the electrician will be working. Upon successful completion of the coursework and assessments, students will receive a certificate from NCCER that verifies their qualifications as an advanced level industrial electrician.

To get certified, individuals must first enroll in an accredited NCCER training program at a local college or technical school. They must then complete all required coursework and assessments within the allotted time frame. Once completed, they must apply for certification with NCCER by submitting their official transcripts along with a fee for processing their application.

The cost of obtaining an NCCER Advanced Level Industrial Electrician Certification varies depending on the institution offering the program and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $3,000 - $6,000 USD while application fees are typically around $100 USD.

Do You Really Need a Industrial Electrician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of work you are interested in doing. If you are looking to become an industrial electrician, then having a certificate is likely a must. Industrial electricians work with complex electrical systems in factories and other industrial settings. As such, it is important that they have the right training and certification to ensure that they can safely and correctly perform their duties.

Having a certificate from an accredited institution shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job. It also helps demonstrate that you understand the risks associated with working with electrical systems and how to mitigate them. In addition, having a certificate can help open up more job opportunities as many employers prefer to hire certified workers due to their expertise in this area.

Even if you don’t plan on becoming an industrial electrician, having a certificate can still be beneficial. Many employers view certification as a sign of commitment and dedication, so it may help when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, having a certificate could make it easier for you to transition into this field if you decide later on that it is something you would like to pursue professionally.

In short, whether or not you need an industrial electrician certificate depends on your individual goals and situation. However, having one can certainly be beneficial in terms of opening up more job opportunities or increasing your chances of success in this field.

Related: Industrial Electrician Resume Examples

FAQs About Industrial Electrician Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an industrial electrician?

Answer: To become an industrial electrician, you will need a high school diploma or GED and must complete an apprenticeship program that is approved by the Department of Labor in your state. You may also need to pass a certification exam administered by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

2. How long does it take to get certified as an industrial electrician?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as an industrial electrician depends on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally, completing an apprenticeship program can take up to five years, while passing a certification exam may take anywhere from one to three months.

3. Is there any additional training required for industrial electricians?

Answer: Depending on the state you live in, additional training may be required for industrial electricians after completing their apprenticeship program and passing the certification exam. This could include safety courses, electrical code classes, or other specialized courses related to the specific type of industry they will be working in.

4. Are there any special requirements for being an industrial electrician?

Answer: Yes, depending on the state where you plan to work, there may be additional licensing requirements or certifications needed before becoming an industrial electrician. These can include background checks and drug tests, as well as additional education or experience in some states such as California or New York.

5. What are some common job duties of an industrial electrician?

Answer: Industrial electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems used in factories and other large-scale businesses and industries. They must be able to read blueprints and schematics accurately and have knowledge of relevant codes and regulations when working with electricity. Additionally, they must be able to diagnose problems with existing electrical systems and repair them safely and efficiently.