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Starting a career as an electrician in Illinois means getting the right training from the start. You'll need both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Choosing the right school can give you the skills, safety knowledge, and industry connections to get hired quickly.
Here's how to find the best electrician programs in Illinois and what steps you'll need to take to work in the trade.
Electrician Training Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not license electricians at the state level for most areas, but many cities and counties have their own licensing rules. Chicago is the known example. Always check your local government requirements before enrolling in a program.
Illinois Tip: If you plan to work in Chicago, you'll need to meet the city's licensing process through the Department of Buildings.
Outside of Chicago, requirements vary by municipality.
In general, you need:
- Formal education or apprenticeship - Often 4-5 years of combined classroom and on-the-job training.
- OSHA and electrical safety training - Most quality schools include this in the curriculum.
- Passing an exam - If your city or county requires a journeyman license.
How Long Electrician Training Takes
Most trade schools in Illinois offer certificate or diploma programs that run from 6 months to 1 year. Associate degree programs can take about 2 years.
Here's a quick breakdown:
| Training Type | Typical Length | Includes Hands-On Practice |
| Certificate/Diploma | 6-12 months | Yes |
| Associate Degree (A.A.S.) | 2 years | Yes |
| Apprenticeship Program | 4-5 years | 8,000+ hours OJT + classes |
Tip: Many electricians start with trade school to get hired as an apprentice faster.
Best Electrician Schools in Illinois
If you're looking for a reputable training program, these Illinois schools have good reputations for teaching the NEC code, electrical theory, and practical wiring skills.
1. Coyne College - Chicago
- Program Type: Diploma in Electrical Construction & Planning
- Length: 42 weeks
- Highlights: Located in downtown Chicago, strong industry recognition, flexible day and evening schedules. Includes OSHA safety training.
2. Lincoln Tech - Melrose Park
- Program Type: Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology
- Length: About 9-12 months
- Highlights: Extensive lab time, training for low-voltage systems, wiring, and safety codes.
3. Illinois Valley Community College - Oglesby
- Program Type: Associate in Applied Science - Electrical Technology
- Length: 2 years
- Highlights: Combines academic coursework with practical labs, preparing students for multiple career paths in electrical work.
4. Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield & Moline
- Program Type: Journeyman Industrial/Commercial Electrician
- Length: 9 months
- Highlights: Small class sizes, hands-on training for both residential and commercial settings.
5. City Colleges of Chicago - Dawson Technical Institute
- Program Type: Basic Certificate in Electrical Construction
- Length: 1 year
- Highlights: Affordable tuition, strong focus on preparing for union apprenticeships.
How to Choose the Right School
When comparing programs, focus on:
- Accreditation - Look for regionally accredited schools or those recognized by industry bodies like NCCER.
- Curriculum - Should cover the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, blueprint reading, and safety.
- Hands-on training - Programs with on-site labs and real-world simulations prepare you better than classroom-only instruction.
- Connections - Schools with apprenticeship placements or union contacts can help you get working faster.
- Location - If you plan to work in a city with its own licensing, find a school familiar with that process.
Steps to Become an Electrician in Illinois
Here's a simple path to follow:
- Check your city or county licensing rules
- Contact your local building department.
- Enroll in an approved electrician training program
- Complete coursework on NEC, wiring, and safety.
- Apply for an apprenticeship
- Through a union (IBEW) or non-union employer.
- Complete required on-the-job hours and classroom instruction
- Often 8,000+ hours and 500+ classroom hours over 4-5 years.
- Pass your licensing exam if required in your area.
- Maintain your license with continuing education.
Apprenticeship Options in Illinois
Electrician apprenticeships combine paid work with classroom learning. The two main paths are:
Safety Reminder: OSHA requires electricians to follow lockout/tagout procedures and maintain hazard awareness training throughout their careers .
Final Tips and Next Steps
The sooner you start your training, the sooner you can begin earning while learning as an apprentice. First, confirm your local licensing requirements. Then choose a school that offers both NEC-focused classes and strong job placement support.
Here's what you should do next:
- Contact at least two of the schools above for program details and start dates.
- Ask each school if they have links to local apprenticeship programs.
- Verify tuition, schedules, and placement rates before enrolling.
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