Best Electrician Schools in Rhode Island

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you're planning to start a career as an electrician in Rhode Island, your first step is finding the right training program. The right school will prepare you for the state licensing process and give you the hands-on skills you'll use on job sites every day.

In Rhode Island, you cannot legally work as an electrician without a license. That means the school you choose must meet Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) requirements for approved apprenticeship and classroom hours.

Electrician Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Rhode Island regulates electricians through the DLT Professional Regulation Unit. You will need to complete a combination of classroom instruction and supervised on-the-job training.

State Requirement: To become a licensed journeyperson electrician in Rhode Island, you must complete 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician.

Here's the typical path:

  1. Enroll in an approved electrician program or apprenticeship.
    This ensures your training hours count toward licensing.

  2. Complete required classroom training.
    This covers electrical theory, safety codes, blueprint reading, and wiring methods.

  3. Log your on-the-job hours.
    You'll work as an apprentice under a licensed electrician and document your time.

  4. Apply to take the journeyperson exam.
    Once your hours are complete, you can apply to the state for the licensing exam.

  5. Maintain your license.
    Rhode Island requires continuing education for renewal.

Best Electrician Schools in Rhode Island

Below are some well-regarded training options in the state. These schools are known for strong programs and helping students meet licensing requirements. Always confirm details directly with each school.

1. New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) - East Greenwich, RI

Program: Electrical Technology, Associate Degree and Certificate Programs
Why it's a top choice:

  • Delivers both classroom and lab-based learning
  • Covers residential, commercial, and industrial wiring
  • Includes NEC (National Electrical Code) training
  • Prepares students for apprenticeship positions

Website: https://www.neit.edu/

2. Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)

Program: Continuing Education Electrical Apprenticeship Courses
Why it's a top choice:

  • Offers the classroom hours required by Rhode Island for licensing
  • Flexible evening schedules for working apprentices
  • Instructors with real-world experience in the trade

Website: https://www.ccri.edu/

3. Rhode Island Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

Often sponsored by trade associations or unions, apprenticeship programs combine paid work with classroom training.

Examples in Rhode Island:

  • IBEW Local 99 JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee) - Providence
  • Independent Electrical Contractors of New England

Why it's a top choice:

  • Earn while you learn
  • Structured combination of job training and classroom work
  • Strong hiring network after completion

Website: https://www.ibew99.org/

4. New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) - Pawtucket, RI

While best known for other technical programs, NETTTS offers trade-related electrical training partnerships in some locations. Contact the Pawtucket campus to confirm electrician class availability.

Website: https://nettts.com/

Electrician Training Program Comparison

School / Program Type Classroom Hours Offered On-the-Job Hours Arrangement
NEIT Electrical Technology Degree or Certificate ~576 Student arranges separately
CCRI Electrical Apprenticeship Continuing Education ~576 Through employer or sponsor
IBEW Local 99 JATC Apprenticeship ~900+ over program 8,000+ hours built in

Choosing the Right School

When comparing schools, focus on:

  • Approval by RI DLT - Only state-approved hours will count.
  • Schedule flexibility - Especially important if you are already working.
  • Job placement support - Some programs have direct employer pipelines.
  • Instructor experience - Look for seasoned, licensed electricians teaching your courses.

Tips for Success in Electrician Training

  • Track your hours from day one. Keep copies of all documentation.
  • Take safety seriously. OSHA standards are part of your training for good reason.
  • Review the National Electrical Code (NEC) regularly. It's the basis for much of the licensing exam.
  • Network with classmates and instructors for job leads and advice.

After You Graduate

Completing a school program is just part of the process. You'll also need:

  1. On-the-job experience - Schools can give you the hours in the classroom, but real job hours must be logged through work or an apprenticeship program.
  2. Passing the Rhode Island licensing exam - The DLT exam tests your knowledge of the NEC, wiring methods, and state-specific rules.
  3. License renewal and continuing education - Rhode Island requires periodic coursework to keep your license in good standing.

Next Step

If you're serious about becoming an electrician in Rhode Island, your next step is to contact at least two of the schools listed above and compare their program structures, costs, and timelines. Ask each one how they help students meet both the 576 classroom hours and the 8,000 on-the-job hours required for a journeyperson license.

Starting your training now puts you closer to working in a skilled, stable trade with steady demand. Pick a program that matches your schedule, meets state requirements, and gives you the real-world skills you'll use for the rest of your career.

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