Best Electrician Schools in Iowa

If you want to work as an electrician in Iowa, the most important first step is choosing the right training program. Iowa requires electricians to be licensed through the Iowa Electrical Examining Board, and that means starting with a state-approved path.

Below, we'll go over the best electrician trade schools in Iowa, the training you'll get, and the steps you need to follow to get licensed.

Steps to Become a Licensed Electrician in Iowa

Iowa licenses electricians at different levels, including Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Electrician. Training and licensing requirements apply at every stage.

Here's the typical path:

1. Meet the basic requirements
   You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

2. Enroll in an approved apprenticeship or trade school program
   Iowa allows training through a registered apprenticeship or a technical college program with hands-on hours.

3. Complete required classroom instruction and on-the-job training
   Most apprenticeships require 4 years (about 8,000 work hours) plus classroom learning.

4. Apply for your Journeyman exam
   Once training is complete, you can test for your Journeyman Electrician License with the Iowa Electrical Examining Board.

5. Work toward your Master Electrician license
   After years of experience as a Journeyman, you can apply for the Master license.

According to the Iowa Electrical Examining Board, all electrical work in Iowa must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

Top Electrician Schools in Iowa

The best electrician schools offer a mix of classroom instruction and lab or shop time. Some also connect you with employers for apprenticeships.

Below are some of the most respected programs in the state.

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

• Location: Ankeny, IA
• Program Type: Electrical Trades Diploma & AAS Degree
• Length: 1-2 years
• Highlights: Hands-on wiring labs, code training, and safety instruction. Works closely with area contractors for employment opportunities.
• Website: https://www.dmacc.edu

2. Kirkwood Community College

• Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
• Program Type: Electrical Technology AAS Degree
• Length: 2 years
• Highlights: Combines classroom work with practical training on residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
• Website: https://www.kirkwood.edu

3. Iowa Central Community College

• Location: Fort Dodge, IA
• Program Type: Electrical Technologies Diploma & AAS Degree
• Length: 1-2 years
• Highlights: Offers advanced training in programmable logic controllers and blueprint reading.
• Website: https://www.iowacentral.edu

4. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)

• Location: Calmar & Peosta, IA
• Program Type: Electrical Technician Diploma
• Length: 1 year
• Highlights: Shorter program geared toward quick entry into the workforce or as a step toward an apprenticeship.
• Website: https://www.nicc.edu

5. Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC)

• Location: Sioux City, IA
• Program Type: Electrical & Instrumentation Tech
• Length: 2 years
• Highlights: Focuses on both electrical and instrumentation skills, making graduates valuable for industrial jobs.
• Website: https://www.witcc.edu

Program Lengths at a Glance

Choosing the Right Electrician Training Program

When you compare programs, look for these key things:

• Accreditation - The school should be accredited and recognized by the state.
• Hands-on training - Lab work is critical to understanding safety and electrical systems.
• Code instruction - Iowa uses the National Electrical Code (NEC) as the basis for exams.
• Job placement support - Good trade schools help connect you with apprenticeships.

If your goal is a Journeyman license, make sure the program meets Iowa's requirement for apprenticeship-style training or helps you transition into one.

Iowa Electrical Licensing Requirements

The Iowa Electrical Examining Board handles licensing. The main categories include:

• Apprentice Electrician - For those in training; must work under a licensed electrician.
• Residential Electrician - Allows work on single-family and two-family dwellings only.
• Journeyman Electrician - Full license for various electrical work after passing the state exam.
• Master Electrician - For those qualified to design and supervise electrical work.

Key requirement: Journeyman applicants must have at least 48 months of electrical work experience as an apprentice under supervision, plus verified classroom training ¹.

Safety and Code Compliance

Electricians in Iowa are expected to follow OSHA standards and the National Electrical Code at all times.

Electrical work without proper training and licensing can be dangerous and is illegal in Iowa.

Good programs will also teach lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment use, and how to recognize hazardous conditions.

Next Steps

If you are ready to start, here's what to do:

1. Review the schools above and request program details.
2. Confirm the program aligns with Iowa licensing requirements.
3. Apply early-many programs have fall start dates and limited seats.
4. Once enrolled, focus on logging your on-the-job hours and classroom credits.
5. Plan ahead for your licensing exam with code study and practice tests.

Getting your electrician training through a respected Iowa program is the first real step toward a steady, in-demand career. Contact a school today and get moving.

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