Best Trade Schools in Sacramento, California (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Sacramento. This guide lists accredited programs, key specialties, and how to get licensed in California. You’ll also find flexible options and links to state resources. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers are in steady demand across the region and state1.

Top Trade Schools in Sacramento

Below are reputable, accredited options in the Sacramento metro. Program lengths are typical ranges. Always confirm start dates, schedules, and exam prep with the school.

Name Program Length Highlights
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Sacramento (Rancho Cordova) 45–75 weeks ACCSC accredited; Automotive and Diesel Tech; manufacturer-aligned labs; strong employer network; day/evening options23
MTI College – Sacramento 8–24 months ACCSC accredited; Medical Assisting, IT, Legal Admin, and Cosmetology (Paul Mitchell at MTI); externships and career services23
InterCoast Colleges – Rancho Cordova 40–60 weeks ACCSC accredited; Electrician Training (CA DIR-approved ET school), HVAC Technician; evening/weekend cohorts available2
Asher College – Sacramento 8–12 months Institutionally accredited; IT certifications (CompTIA/Cisco), Pharmacy Tech, Medical Billing and Coding; flexible pacing and multiple start dates3
Center for Employment Training (CET) – Sacramento 6–9 months Institutionally accredited; HVAC & Green Technology, Welding Fabrication, Truck Driver; hands-on training with employer input3
American River College (Los Rios CCD) Certificates 6–12 months; A.S. ~2 years Regionally accredited community college; Automotive Tech, Welding, Electronics and Mechatronics; strong transfer and career pathways3
UEI College – Sacramento ~10 months Institutionally accredited; HVAC Technician and Electrician Technician; job placement assistance; frequent starts3
Carrington College – Sacramento 9–24 months Regionally accredited; Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Tech, Vet Tech; lab-based training and externships3

Tip: Confirm each program’s approval if you plan to register as a California Electrician Trainee (ET) or sit for a state or national exam (e.g., EPA 608 for HVAC)45.

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician
    • Steady construction and infrastructure upgrades keep electrician demand healthy in the Sacramento region and statewide. California wages for electricians rank among the highest nationally1. If you plan to work as an employee, you’ll need California electrician certification; if you bid jobs, you’ll need a C-10 contractor license46.
  • HVAC Technician
    • Sacramento’s hot summers and ongoing energy retrofits support year-round HVAC work. Most entry jobs require EPA Section 608 for refrigerant handling5. Contractors need a C-20 license if they run their own business and contract over 006.
  • Welder
    • Welding supports construction, manufacturing, and public works. Many employers look for AWS structural or process-specific certifications. Short, skills-focused programs can help you build a portfolio and test-ready skills1.
  • Plumber
    • Water conservation, remodeling, and new builds drive steady plumbing work. Journeyman credentials often come through apprenticeship, and C-36 licensure is required to contract work in California6.

Explore these careers and training paths:

Licensing Requirements in California

California regulates contracting and several trade credentials. Here are the basics for common trades:

  • Electrician (Employee)

    • Register as an Electrician Trainee (ET) if you are learning on the job and not yet certified4.
    • Complete a CA DIR–approved program or apprenticeship and log required on-the-job hours4.
    • Pass the California Electrician Certification Exam in your classification (e.g., General, Residential)4.
    • Renew certification and complete continuing education as required4.

  • Electrical Contractor (Business Owner)

    • Apply to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for C-10 Electrical license; verify experience, pass exams, obtain bond and insurance6.

  • HVAC Technician and Contractor

    • EPA Section 608 required for anyone who handles refrigerants (all levels of techs)5.
    • To contract HVAC work over 00, obtain CSLB C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning license6.

  • Plumber and Plumbing Contractor

    • Many plumbers train through a registered apprenticeship and test for journeyman credentials via local unions or training trusts1.
    • To contract plumbing work over 00, obtain CSLB C-36 Plumbing license6.

  • Welder

    • No state license is required for employees, but employers and jurisdictions often require AWS codes (e.g., D1.1) and procedure-specific qualifications1.
    • If you run a welding business that contracts work, secure the appropriate CSLB license for the scope of work6.

Always check current rules with the California DIR and CSLB before you enroll or apply46.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many Sacramento programs deliver theory online with on-campus labs for hands-on work. This is common in HVAC, IT, healthcare, and electrician trainee coursework3.
  • Evening and weekend cohorts: Schools like InterCoast, UTI, and adult-serving colleges often run night or weekend labs for working adults32.
  • Exam prep online: EPA 608, electrician certification prep, OSHA-10/30, and NCCER modules are widely available in online or blended formats5.
  • Community college certificates: American River College offers stackable certificates that you can complete part-time, then apply toward an A.S. degree3.

If you need flexibility, ask about:

  • Credit for prior learning or industry certifications
  • Multiple start dates and self-paced modules
  • Employer-sponsored apprenticeships or paid internships

Next Steps

Sacramento offers strong, accredited options with clear paths to licensing. Pick a trade, confirm the credential you need, and choose a program that fits your schedule and career goals.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook and OEWS data for construction and installation trades. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), institutional listings. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator institution and program profiles. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), Electrician Certification Unit. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  6. California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), license classifications and applications. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.