If you are interested in becoming an electrician, you must apply for an Alaska electrical license. After you receive your license, you can  start your own electrician business or work for an established company. Read this guide for information about the licensing process and job search tips.

Does Alaska require an electrical license?

Alaska requires all professional electricians to be licensed to do electrical work on commercial and residential properties.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Alaska?

Alaska electrical license categories are an electrical trainee (apprentice) license and an electrical journeyman license.

Electrical trainee or apprentice licensees are authorized to perform a variety of work under the direction of an electrical administrator or a licensed journeyman. Types of electrical work include wire distribution and installing light fixtures. Trainees work on residential and commercial job sites. The fee for this license is $50.

Applicants for the electrical trainee license must:

• Enroll in an Alaska apprenticeship program
• Possess an Alaska ID
• Have a high school diploma or GED

Electrical journeyman licensees are authorized to perform a variety of electrical work for electrical administrators and employers. Types of electrical work include installation of conduit and wire. People who hold this license work on residential property and commercial job sites. The application fee and electrical journeyman license are $250.

Applicants for the electrical journeyman license must:

• Complete 8,000 hours of apprentice training in a formal apprenticeship program
• Enroll in a training program that meets the National Electrical Code standards
• Complete a certificate of fitness application
• Pass an exam

The average hourly pay for Alaska electrician is $34.87.

How to get an electrician license in Alaska

The first step to getting an Alaska electrical license is to enroll in an apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, you will receive classroom and on-the-job training. Alaska apprenticeship programs can last up to four years. As an electrician apprentice, you are required to purchase your own tools.

Alaska electrician apprenticeship programs:

• Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Program and Training Trust
• Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.

Alaska electrician apprenticeship program information: 

Apprenticeship application costs are between $25 and $50. If you attend an electrician trade school for four years, expect to pay up to $10,000 for your courses. Some electrician apprenticeships pay a salary and cover the costs of classroom training. Community colleges and accredited trade schools generally offer financial aid options for students. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom to meet licensing requirements.

Prerequisites:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a valid Alaska identification card or driver’s license
• Pass required examinations

On-the-Job Experience:

• Distribute and transmit high-voltage wires
• Restore power to residential and commercial buildings
• Install wires and other electrical components
• Install communications equipment
• Drive company truck to and from electrical jobs

The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development administers electrical licenses.

Alaska license examination information:  You must pass an examination to receive your electrical journeyman license. The cost of the examination is $200. Alaska electrical examinations are administered by PSI Exams.

Alaska electrical examination content includes:

• Electricity Categories
• Conduit Supports and Fittings
• Electrical Installation (Commercial, Industrial and Residential)

Examination preparation resources:

• Electrical Exam Prep – Mike Holt Enterprises
• AE Tech – Electrical Exam Prep
• Electrician Journeyman Exam

Should I join an electrician union in Alaska?

Electrician union members receive several benefits. Union members receive sick pay, vacation pay, and a pension plan. Unions represent members in disputes. The average pay for union members is 20% higher than the pay for non-union members.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Your electrician license can open the door to many opportunities. Government agencies, construction companies, and home builders hire licensed electricians. Search the following websites to find your next career opportunity:

• ZipRecruiter
• Indeed
• CareerBuilder
• Glassdoor

During electrician job interviews, a hiring manager will ask questions to determine if you are a good fit for the company. Here are a few job interview tips:

• Speak in a clear and concise manner
• Wear professional clothing
• Ask questions
• Bring a copy of your identification and social security card
• Be courteous and respectful

Electrician insurance in Alaska

Working with electricity can be dangerous. Wires catch on fire. Electricians work in extreme temperatures. Electricity can shock electricians.

Electricians must have insurance before they begin a job. Electricians are generally covered under their employer’s insurance plan. However, self-employed plumbers must apply for their own coverage.

Electrician industry trends

The electrical industry has undergone several changes within the past 10 years. These changes are responsible for the industry’s significant growth. The latest trends in the industry include:

• Electrical grid modernization
• Decline of coal use throughout the world
• Increased trade show options
• Growth of natural gas

Is my license only valid in Alaska?

Alaska has reciprocal agreements for electrician licenses with Utah, South Dakota, New Mexico, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, and Arkansas.

I already have a license but:

• I changed my name – Submit a notarized name change form ($5 fee).
• I misplaced the card – Submit a notarized duplicate card request form ($5 fee)
• I changed my address – Submit a notarized address change form (no fee).

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Alaska?

Renew your electrician license every two years. The renewal fees range from $50 to $200.