Best Trade Schools in Idaho Falls, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents
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Choosing a hands-on career in Idaho Falls can pay off fast. This page gives you accredited local schools, programs that lead to jobs, and Idaho licensing steps. Here are the best schools in Idaho Falls.

Top Trade Schools in Idaho Falls

Name Program Length Highlights
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) Certificates: 9–12 months; AAS: ~2 years; Apprenticeship RI: part-time Public, NWCCU-accredited community college. Welding, machining/CNC, automotive, cybersecurity, medical assisting, EMT/paramedic. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeship classroom training. Evening and workforce short courses.1
Austin Kade Academy (Idaho Falls) Cosmetology/Esthetics/Barbering: varies by program schedule NACCAS-accredited beauty school. State-approved programs for cosmetology careers. Strong salon floor practice and licensure prep.1
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Pocatello, nearby) Certificates: 9–12+ months; AAS: ~2 years NWCCU-accredited. HVAC-R, welding, diesel, automotive, machining, instrumentation, and electrical. Modern labs and strong employer ties.1
Brigham Young University–Idaho (Rexburg, nearby) Certificates: 1–2 semesters; AAS/BS: ~2–4 years NWCCU-accredited. Stackable certificates in applied tech fields and AAS options in areas like automotive. Some blended/online coursework for gen eds.1
Paul Mitchell The School Rexburg (nearby) Cosmetology/Barbering: varies by cohort NACCAS-accredited. National curriculum, salon simulations, and licensure exam prep. Day and night schedules available.1
College of Eastern Idaho – Workforce Training (Idaho Falls) Short courses: weeks to months Non-credit but industry-recognized training. OSHA, CDL prep with partners, EPA 608 prep, fiber optics, and rapid upskilling for local employers.1

Tip: Always confirm program start dates, schedules, and admissions with the school. Check accreditation and outcomes on College Navigator before enrolling.1

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

  • Electricians install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industry. Apprentices earn while they learn and move into journeyman roles with strong wages. National job outlook is steady, with ongoing demand from construction and infrastructure work.2
  • Explore the career path: Electrician

HVAC

  • HVAC technicians service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Employers value EPA Section 608 certification and solid troubleshooting skills. Growth is supported by replacement needs and energy-efficiency upgrades.2
  • Explore the career path: HVAC

Welding

  • Welders join and repair metal components across construction, manufacturing, and energy. Idaho manufacturers look for process versatility (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) and AWS credentials.2
  • Explore the career path: Welding

Plumbing

  • Plumbers install piping systems, fixtures, and gas lines. Apprenticeships provide paid training to journeyman status. Employment remains resilient because plumbing is essential across sectors.2
  • Explore the career path: Plumbing

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrician (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses – Electrical Board)

  • Register as an electrical apprentice with DOPL.
  • Complete a state-registered apprenticeship and related classroom training (typically 4 years/8,000 hours).
  • Pass the Idaho journeyman exam. Apply for journeyman license.
  • Qualify for master electrician by meeting experience requirements and passing the exam.
  • Electrical contractors must meet business requirements and have a licensed master associated with the license.3

Plumbing (Idaho Plumbing Board)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice with DOPL.
  • Complete a state-registered apprenticeship and related instruction (typically 4 years/8,000 hours).
  • Pass the journeyman exam. Apply for journeyman license.
  • Master plumber licensure requires additional experience and exam.4

HVAC (Idaho HVAC Board)

  • Register as an HVAC apprentice with DOPL.
  • Complete a registered apprenticeship and related training (typically 4 years).
  • Pass the journeyman HVAC exam. Apply for journeyman license.
  • Master HVAC license available with further experience and exam.
  • EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who services or handles refrigerants.56

Welding

  • Idaho does not issue a statewide welder license.
  • Employers and jobsites commonly require American Welding Society (AWS) performance qualifications (for example, D1.1 structural steel). Test to the procedure required by your employer or code.7

Cosmetology/Barbering

  • Complete a state-approved program in your field (cosmetology, esthetics, barbering).
  • Pass the required exams (written and practical).
  • Apply for licensure with Idaho’s Cosmetology and Barbering licensing unit at DOPL.3

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

  • Meet age and DOT medical requirements.
  • Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an FMCSA-registered training provider.
  • Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit, then pass the skills test with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).89

Notes:

  • Always confirm current requirements with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) before you enroll or schedule exams. Rules can change.3

Online & Flexible Options

  • Blended and evening schedules: College of Eastern Idaho offers evening apprenticeship classes in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, plus short workforce courses that fit around work shifts.
  • Hybrid learning: Idaho State University uses hands-on labs with some online theory in programs like HVAC and electrical. General education and safety coursework may be online or hybrid.
  • Online stackable certificates: BYU–Idaho offers online general education and some stackable certificates that can complement trade pathways. Hands-on labs for technical skills still require in-person time.
  • Certification prep online: You can prepare online for EPA Section 608, OSHA 10/30, and some AWS code knowledge. Performance welding, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC labs must be completed in person to meet employer and exam standards.57

Next Steps

  • Compare programs and schedules: Visit the Idaho state trade-school hub for more schools across the state.
  • Learn about careers: Browse the Trades Hub to see day-in-the-life details, certifications, and salary ranges.
  • Get how-to guides: See our latest tutorials in Guides for applications, exams, and interview prep.
  • Start broad, then narrow: Use the site-wide Trade School Hub to compare options by trade, length, and learning format.

Idaho Falls gives you multiple paths to a skilled career with short training and strong local demand. Pick a program that aligns with licensing, offers hands-on practice, and connects you with employers.

  1. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional profiles and accreditation). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) – Licensing and Boards (Electrical, Cosmetology/Barbering, and more). https://dopl.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Plumbing Board – Licensing (via DOPL). https://dopl.idaho.gov/boards/plumbing/ ↩

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification (refrigerants). https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  6. Idaho HVAC Board – Licensing (via DOPL). https://dopl.idaho.gov/boards/hvac/ ↩

  7. American Welding Society (AWS), Certification. https://www.aws.org/certification/ ↩ ↩

  8. FMCSA, Training Provider Registry (Entry-Level Driver Training). https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ ↩

  9. Idaho Transportation Department, Commercial Driver’s License. https://itd.idaho.gov/cdl/ ↩

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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.