Last updated on February 26th, 2024.
If you’re looking to become an electrician in Alaska then you’ve come to the right place.
So if you want to:
- Find where to get an electrical apprenticeship in Alaska
- Understand Alaska’s electrical licensing requirements
- Learn how to get started as an electrical apprentice in Alaska
Then you’ll love the detailed information in this guide.
Let’s dive right in.
Becoming An Electrician In Alaska: Join an Electrical Apprenticeship
To become an electrician in Alaska you first need to decide which type of electrician you want to be. Alaska has 5 electrical licenses.
- Electrical Journeyman
- Electrical Residential
- Electrical Trainee
- Journeyman Power Lineman
- Power Lineman Trainee
A trainee (electrician apprentice) license is required to perform electrical work.
Exploring your career path as an electrician? Alaska offers multiple avenues to kickstart your journey in the electrical field.
We’ve put together the most comprehensive list of information on electrical apprenticeships to help you chose which is best for you.
AJEATT – Kornfeind Training Center
P.O. Box 60134
Fairbanks, AK 99706
Phone 907-337-9508
Fax 907-337-9500
Programs: INSIDE WIREMAN | OUTSIDE LINEMAN | RESIDENTIAL WIREMAN | TELECOM
Classes are also offered in Anchorage, AK.
Jon Medaris
Statewide Training Director
5800 B Street (Corner of Dowling and C Street)
Anchorage, AK 99518
(907) 337-9508
Inside Wireman
The inside wireman does the electrical work on industrial, commercial, and private structures and installations. Work consists of installing conduit, wire, distribution and service panels, lighting fixtures, motors, and controls.
Much of the work may be outside, in all kinds of weather, and involve reading of plans, codes, and specifications.
The school consists of an initial six to seven-week session, with four additional sessions approximately once every year. Classes are held eight hours a day, five days a week, at the Electrical Training Centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
There is a total of 1400 hours of class-related training.
Outside Power Lineman
The outside lineman is responsible for the distribution and transmission of high voltage power from the generation system to substations or occupancies. This is done either on poles or underground, in all types of weather.
This type of work requires good physical strength and the ability to work as a team.
School starts with an initial eight-week session followed by two additional eight-week sessions during on-the-job training.
Classes are held eight hours a day, five days a week, with a total of 960 hours of class-related training throughout the program.
Telecommunications
A communications worker works with and installs communications equipment in the fields of line construction (outside plant), splicing (construction and maintenance), installation and repair (residential and commercial), central office, and customer-owned premise equipment.
The work is often in confined spaces and highly technical. It will also involve working outside in adverse conditions or handling heavy conductors and equipment during initial construction of projects.
Regardless of the field of communications, you choose to specialize in, all telephone workers and apprentices must learn to climb poles and work at heights.
School starts with an initial eight-week session followed by three additional eight-week sessions during on-the-job training.
Classes are held eight hours a day, five days a week, with a total of 1280 hours of class-related training.
Download the application for the apprenticeship here.
There is no IEC Electrical Apprenticeship in Alaska at the time of this writing.
ABC of Alaska
1900 W. Benson Blvd. Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99517
PH: (907) 565-5600
FAX: (907) 565-5645
[email protected]
For those interested in the ABC electrician apprenticeship, the information online might seem a bit sparse. A direct conversation with an ABC representative can give you the clarity and details you need to move forward.
The electrical program is designed to take someone who may have little or no experience in their chosen field to journeyman- level in about four years.
Here is the application you’ll need to submit as well as these documents:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Social Security Card or Valid eligibility document from the ICE
- Official Driving Record from the state issuing the driver’s license (no more than 30 days old)
- High School Graduates:
- Proof of High School Graduation
- High School Transcripts
- General Equivalency Diploma Recipients:
- GED Transcripts
- Algebra 1 an entire year with a “C” or higher (Applicants who do not have a “C” or higher in high school or college algebra must meet the math requirement by alternate means.)
- Resume ( Resume should include any and all additional training, certificates, and coursework. Please provide copies of all certificates and cards of completion)
- Veterans must include a copy of their DD214
- Non- Refundable application processing fee of $50.00
Once your application is complete with all accompanying documents please turn in to the ABC office by fax, mail, or in person. From there we will schedule you an interview. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be entered into the ranked applicant pool to fill apprenticeship openings as they occur.
Becoming a Licensed Journeyman Electrician In Alaska
Requirements
To become a journeyman electrician in Alaska you’ll have to meet the following requirements:
Have at least 8,000 hours (4 years at 2,000 per year) of practical job experience, subject to the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- 6,000 hours of them must be in the commercial or industry field.
- The maximum residential hours can be up to 2,000.
- Part of the 8,000 hours can be trade-related classroom training (up to 1,000 hours) and/or power lineman experience (up to 1,000 hours).
- Note that every verification of hours and experiences must be from one of the following:
- State of Alaska Experience Verification Form (notarized)
- Letter with an official letterhead (notarized)
- Documentation verified through an Alaskan union.
- Electrical maintenance hours do not apply.
Application
You will be required to fill out the application for a Certificate of Fitness from the Department of Licensing (DOL).
Read the instructions for the journeyman electrical application in the Certificate of Fitness and start getting your documentation together.
Next, you’re going to submit your package of the 3 items listed below. This should be done at least two weeks before your ready to take the exam.
The application package includes:
- Fill in the Certificate of Fitness.
- An original verification of the required number of hours for the license.
- $50.00 application fee (for the test). Fees may be paid by cash, check, money order, Visa or Mastercard. Please make checks payable to the State of Alaska. Cash received in the mail will not be accepted.
Electrical Exam
Preparation is key to passing your exam on the first try. Take the time you need to study thoroughly. While there are many resources available, Mike Holt study materials stand out for their comprehensive coverage of electrician licensing topics.
Exams are scheduled by an appointment only by the Mechanical Inspection Office. You must schedule an appointment for the exam with them.
Remember, a government-issued photo ID is a must-have for your exam day. Ensure you bring it along to verify your identity.
The electrical exam is based on the 2011 version of the NEC which is allowed during testing. You’ll have a maximum of 4 hours to take the exam.
A score of 70% or more is required to pass the exam.
When you pass the exam you will have to pay a $200.00 fee to receive your license. Your license must be renewed every two years at a cost of $200.
Reciprocity
As a journeyman electrician in Alaska, you’ll have reciprocity agreements with the following states. Reciprocity means that your license is valid in another state.
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Utah
To apply for a reciprocity review the instructions here and fill out the Certificate of Fitness.
Becoming a Licensed Residential Electrician In Alaska
Requirements
To become a residential electrician in Alaska you’ll have to meet the following requirements:
Have at least 4000 hours (approximately 2 years) of work in the trade subject to the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Every verification of hours and experiences must be from one of the following:
- State of Alaska Experience Verification Form (notarized)
- Letter with an official letterhead (notarized)
- Documentation verified through an Alaskan union.
- Trade-related classroom training and education hours will be credited towards the 4000 hours requirement.
As a residential electrician in Alaska, you will be considered a journeyman electrician only on residential work sites. You will be considered a trainee if you work on commercial sites.
However, your hours working on commercial sites go towards upgrading your license from Residential to Journeyman.
Application
You will be required to fill out the application for a Certificate of Fitness from the Department of Licensing (DOL).
Read the instructions for the electrical residential application at the Certificate of Fitness and submit the package of the 3 items listed below. This should be done at least two weeks before your ready to take the exam.
The application package includes:
- Fill the application for a certificate of fitness.
- An original verification of the required number of hours for the license.
- $50.00 application fee (for the test). Fees may be paid by cash, check, money order, Visa or Mastercard. Please make checks payable to the State of Alaska. Cash received in the mail will not be accepted.
Electrical Exam
Exams are scheduled by an appointment only by the Mechanical Inspection Office. You must schedule an appointment for the exam with them.
You must have a government-issued picture ID with you to attend the exams.
The electrical exam is based on the 2011 version of the NEC which is allowed during testing. You’ll have a maximum of 4 hours to take the exam.
A score of 70% or more is required to pass the exam.
When you pass the exam you will have to pay a $200.00 fee to receive your license. Your license must be renewed every two years at a cost of $200.
Other Helpful Resources
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Labor Standards & Safety Division
Mechanical Inspection Section
3301 Eagle Street, Suite 302
Anchorage, AK 99503
phone: (907) 269-4925
fax: (907) 269-4932
e-mail: [email protected]