What Are the Requirements to Become an Electrician in Canada?

Electricians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. 

With an average salary of nearly $75,000 across Canada and the potential to make much more, it’s no wonder it's become an increasingly popular career choice. Electricians are always in demand and that isn’t changing anytime soon. 

But what are the requirements to become an electrician? How do you go from your high school graduation to a rewarding career in the trades? 

This blog is the blueprint—let’s get learning!

Before you worry about what a day in the life of an electrician looks like, you first need to meet some basic requirements. These can include: 

• Being at least 18 years of age

• A minimum education of grade 10 for non-union electricians (Ontario)

• A high school diploma or equivalent for unionized electricians (Canada)

• Having good math and communication skills

• Completion of a four to five-year electrician apprenticeship program or a combination of five years of work experience in the trade
  

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If you’re already a certified plumber in your province, it would be easier to have your certification recognized in another province without undergoing significant additional training, assessment, or examinations through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
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Some electrician training programs may have additional requirements, such as passing an entrance exam or having a valid driver’s license. The job requirements for an electrician may also include having good vision and colour perception, plus being physically fit and capable of working in various conditions. 

Becoming an electrician in Canada doesn’t require a university degree. However, as we mentioned, there are still electrician education requirements you need to meet. While graduating high school is not necessarily a requirement, it is preferred. This is because math is mandatory to do electrical work. It also provides you the opportunity to work in a union.

Beyond that, you likely need to complete a pre-apprenticeship program as well as work as a formal apprentice for several years. Let’s now dive into the education requirements to be an electrician in more detail. 

The Importance of Pre-Apprenticeship Training

Completing a pre-apprenticeship program at a recognized trade school or college will give aspiring electricians a leg up on the competition when it comes to finding quality apprenticeships. They also prepare students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed on the job. 

While not mandatory, completing one can earn you credits toward your apprenticeship, significantly cutting down the hours (or months) it takes to become a licensed electrician—that’s a win all on its own!

When looking for an electrical pre-apprenticeship program, choose one with more hands-on training than traditional classroom learning. The best part about a career in the trades is that you get to work with your hands—and school shouldn’t be any different.

The electrician apprenticeship system in Canada is regulated by each province or territory. This means that the requirements and processes may vary slightly depending on where you live. However, the general steps to becoming an apprentice look like this:

• Register as an apprentice with your provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority
• Sign an apprenticeship contract with your employer
• Complete the required hours of work experience and technical training
• Keep a logbook of your tasks and skills
• Pass the required exams and evaluations

The electrician apprenticeship requirements in Canada are usually based on a ratio of apprentices to journeypersons (certified electricians). 

This means that for every journeyperson employed by a company, there can be a certain number of apprentices working with them. The ratio varies by province or territory, but it is usually between 1:1 and 4:1. In Ontario the ratio is usually 1:1.

The ratio ensures there are enough qualified electricians to mentor and train the apprentices while also helping regulate supply and demand in the labour market. It will ensure you meet the job requirements for an electrician! 

Apprenticeship Training Requirements

After completing a pre-apprenticeship program, you will need to find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice. Apprenticeship programs are a combination of on-the-job training and in-class instruction that lasts for about four years. 

Electrician apprenticeship requirements typically include: 

• The completion of an electrician training program or having relevant work experience
• Finding a licensed electrician who is willing to sponsor you as an apprentice
• Signing an apprenticeship contract with your employer and your regulatory body

The in-class portion of becoming an electrician involves attending classes at a trade school or college for about eight weeks per year. You will typically need to complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of work experience and 900 hours of technical training to finish your apprenticeship.

The final hurdle to the question, “What are the requirements to become an electrician in Canada?” is the trade certification exam. This qualification exam tests your knowledge of electrical theory, code, safety, and best practices.

The exam format and content may vary depending on the provincial or territorial regulatory board where you live and usually consists of multiple-choice questions that cover both technical and practical aspects of the trade. You may also need to perform some practical tasks or demonstrate your skills in a simulated environment.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

• Completion of electrician apprenticeship requirements
• The minimum number of hours worked as an apprentice

If you pass the exam with a score of at least 70%, you will be given your Certificate of Qualification (C of Q). This means that you are a certified electrician who can work independently or supervise other electricians in your province or territory.

You can also take the Red Seal Electrician Certificate Exam, which will grant you a Red Seal endorsement when you pass. There are two specifically for electricians: the Construction Electrician Red Seal and the Industrial Electrician Red Seal. 

So, what are the requirements to become an electrician? It all starts with a high school diploma and ends with an apprenticeship. However, don’t overlook the pre-apprenticeship program in between! 

Skilled Trades College of Canada offers pre-apprenticeship training and mentorship for electricians, plumbers, and other types of skilled trades. Our courses are designed around an 80:20 ratio (hands-on learning: classroom learning) to better develop your skills, and you’ll also finish in 12 weeks instead of in a year-and-a-half like at other colleges. 

Accelerate your electrical career when you enrol at Skilled Trades College today!