Best Trade Schools in Rexburg, Idaho (2025 Guide)

Updated September 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Here are the best schools in Rexburg. This page compares accredited options, shows the trades in demand, and explains Idaho licensing so you can start quickly. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain steady, well‑paid careers with hands-on work and clear advancement paths1.

Top Trade Schools in Rexburg

Below are accredited schools in Rexburg and nearby Idaho Falls (about 30 minutes south). Program lengths are typical full-time timelines; check each school for current start dates and formats2.

School Program Length Highlights
Brigham Young University–Idaho (Rexburg) Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Regionally accredited (NWCCU). Applied technology pathways in areas like automotive, construction-related drafting/design, IT support, and manufacturing labs. Strong internship pipeline and day/evening scheduling2.
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) Certificates: 9–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Regionally accredited (NWCCU). Welding, HVAC, electrical apprenticeship-related training, machining, diesel, CNA, LPN, surgical tech, and cybersecurity. Multiple start dates; flexible and hybrid options available2.
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Idaho Falls & Pocatello) Certificates: 1 year; AAS: ~2 years Regionally accredited (NWCCU). Energy Systems (ESTEC in Idaho Falls), instrumentation, HVAC, automotive/diesel, drafting, and healthcare tech. Strong employer ties with INL and regional contractors2.
Paul Mitchell The School Rexburg (Rexburg) 10–12 months (cosmetology, full-time) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, barbering-related offerings, esthetics, and instructor training. Hands-on clinic floor, industry certifications, and career placement support2.
Evans Hairstyling College – Rexburg (Rexburg) 10–12 months (cosmetology, full-time) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology with salon-based practical training, state board prep, and client services experience2.
Austin Kade Academy (Idaho Falls) 6–12 months (program dependent) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, and nails. Strong state-board pass rates, day/evening schedules, and industry guest artists2.

Notes:

  • NWCCU is a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NACCAS is the national accreditor for cosmetology and related schools2.
  • Many career schools also carry program-specific approvals (e.g., nursing, surgical technology, or energy systems).

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Work on residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Strong outlook with steady construction and infrastructure upgrades1.
    • Idaho utilities and contractors in the Idaho Falls–Rexburg corridor hire apprentices and new journeymen regularly.

  • HVAC Technician

    • Install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Year-round demand, with EPA 608 certification required for refrigerants3. Employers value strong troubleshooting and customer skills1.

  • Welding and Fabrication

    • Fabricate and repair for construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Local shops seek AWS-certified welders for MIG, TIG, and pipe work. CEI and ISU offer robust welding labs2.

  • Plumbing

    • Residential and commercial plumbing installation and service. Apprentices start earning while training toward journeyman status. Growth follows new housing and remodels1.

Other strong options near Rexburg: machining/CNC, diesel technology, energy systems, and healthcare support (CNA, LPN, surgical tech).

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrician (Idaho Division of Building Safety, Electrical Bureau)

  • Register as an electrical apprentice with the state and work under a licensed contractor4.
  • Complete required on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
  • Apply to take the journeyman exam with DBS; upon passing, obtain your journeyman license.
  • After additional verified experience, apply for master electrician; maintain continuing education as required4.
  • See our electrician career guide: How to become an electrician.

Plumber (Idaho Division of Building Safety, Plumbing Bureau)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice and train under a licensed journeyman/contractor4.
  • Complete the state-required OJT and coursework.
  • Pass the journeyman plumber exam to earn your license; further experience qualifies you for master/contractor.
  • Stay current with CE and renewals per DBS rules4.
  • Learn the trade path: Plumbing careers.

HVAC (Idaho Division of Building Safety, HVAC Program)

  • Apprentice with a licensed HVAC contractor and complete state-required experience and instruction4.
  • Pass the journeyman exam for licensure; contractor licensing requires further experience and insurance.
  • For refrigerants, obtain EPA Section 608 certification (Type I/II/III or Universal)3.
  • Explore HVAC training: HVAC technician guide.

Cosmetology/Barber (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses)

  • Complete a state-approved program (cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nails).
  • Pass required written and practical exams (NIC-based).
  • Apply to the Idaho Board of Cosmetology and Barber for licensure and renew per board rules5.
  • Start here: Cosmetology careers.

Commercial Driver’s License (Idaho Transportation Department)

  • Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) after medical certification.
  • Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).
  • Pass the CDL skills test (vehicle inspection, basic control, road test) to earn your CDL6.
  • See the path: CDL careers.

Welding

  • Idaho does not require a state welding license.
  • Employers often prefer AWS certifications aligned to the work (e.g., D1.1 structural, pipe) or NCCER credentials7.
  • Compare options: Welding careers.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning at CEI and ISU: Safety, theory, and general education are often online, while labs and shops are in person. This helps you keep working while you train2.
  • BYU–Idaho and BYU-Pathway Worldwide: For IT support, cybersecurity, business, and other career certificates that pair well with field trades (estimating, project coordination)2.
  • Apprenticeships: Many Rexburg-Idaho Falls employers sponsor apprentices who attend evening related training while earning from day one. Look for registered programs that align with DBS licensing and recognized curricula like NCCER47.

Tips to choose:

  • Verify institutional and program accreditation on College Navigator.
  • Ask about lab hours, certification pass rates (e.g., EPA 608, AWS), placement support, and evening/weekend options.
  • Confirm your program meets Idaho licensing requirements for your trade.

Next Steps

Rexburg gives you several accredited choices close to home and strong employer demand in the Idaho Falls corridor. Pick a program with the right hands-on labs, make sure it aligns with Idaho licensing, and get started this term.

Here are the best schools in Rexburg. This page compares accredited options, shows the trades in demand, and explains Idaho licensing so you can start quickly. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers remain steady, well‑paid careers with hands-on work and clear advancement paths1.

Top Trade Schools in Rexburg

Below are accredited schools in Rexburg and nearby Idaho Falls (about 30 minutes south). Program lengths are typical full-time timelines; check each school for current start dates and formats2.

School Program Length Highlights
Brigham Young University–Idaho (Rexburg) Certificates: 6–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Regionally accredited (NWCCU). Applied technology pathways in areas like automotive, construction-related drafting/design, IT support, and manufacturing labs. Strong internship pipeline and day/evening scheduling2.
College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls) Certificates: 9–12 months; AAS: ~2 years Regionally accredited (NWCCU). Welding, HVAC, electrical apprenticeship-related training, machining, diesel, CNA, LPN, surgical tech, and cybersecurity. Multiple start dates; flexible and hybrid options available2.
Idaho State University – College of Technology (Idaho Falls & Pocatello) Certificates: 1 year; AAS: ~2 years Regionally accredited (NWCCU). Energy Systems (ESTEC in Idaho Falls), instrumentation, HVAC, automotive/diesel, drafting, and healthcare tech. Strong employer ties with INL and regional contractors2.
Paul Mitchell The School Rexburg (Rexburg) 10–12 months (cosmetology, full-time) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, barbering-related offerings, esthetics, and instructor training. Hands-on clinic floor, industry certifications, and career placement support2.
Evans Hairstyling College – Rexburg (Rexburg) 10–12 months (cosmetology, full-time) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology with salon-based practical training, state board prep, and client services experience2.
Austin Kade Academy (Idaho Falls) 6–12 months (program dependent) NACCAS-accredited. Cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, and nails. Strong state-board pass rates, day/evening schedules, and industry guest artists2.

Notes:

  • NWCCU is a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NACCAS is the national accreditor for cosmetology and related schools2.
  • Many career schools also carry program-specific approvals (e.g., nursing, surgical technology, or energy systems).

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Work on residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Strong outlook with steady construction and infrastructure upgrades1.
    • Idaho utilities and contractors in the Idaho Falls–Rexburg corridor hire apprentices and new journeymen regularly.

  • HVAC Technician

    • Install and service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Year-round demand, with EPA 608 certification required for refrigerants3. Employers value strong troubleshooting and customer skills1.

  • Welding and Fabrication

    • Fabricate and repair for construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Local shops seek AWS-certified welders for MIG, TIG, and pipe work. CEI and ISU offer robust welding labs2.

  • Plumbing

    • Residential and commercial plumbing installation and service. Apprentices start earning while training toward journeyman status. Growth follows new housing and remodels1.

Other strong options near Rexburg: machining/CNC, diesel technology, energy systems, and healthcare support (CNA, LPN, surgical tech).

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Electrician (Idaho Division of Building Safety, Electrical Bureau)

  • Register as an electrical apprentice with the state and work under a licensed contractor4.
  • Complete required on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
  • Apply to take the journeyman exam with DBS; upon passing, obtain your journeyman license.
  • After additional verified experience, apply for master electrician; maintain continuing education as required4.
  • See our electrician career guide: How to become an electrician.

Plumber (Idaho Division of Building Safety, Plumbing Bureau)

  • Register as a plumbing apprentice and train under a licensed journeyman/contractor4.
  • Complete the state-required OJT and coursework.
  • Pass the journeyman plumber exam to earn your license; further experience qualifies you for master/contractor.
  • Stay current with CE and renewals per DBS rules4.
  • Learn the trade path: Plumbing careers.

HVAC (Idaho Division of Building Safety, HVAC Program)

  • Apprentice with a licensed HVAC contractor and complete state-required experience and instruction4.
  • Pass the journeyman exam for licensure; contractor licensing requires further experience and insurance.
  • For refrigerants, obtain EPA Section 608 certification (Type I/II/III or Universal)3.
  • Explore HVAC training: HVAC technician guide.

Cosmetology/Barber (Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses)

  • Complete a state-approved program (cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nails).
  • Pass required written and practical exams (NIC-based).
  • Apply to the Idaho Board of Cosmetology and Barber for licensure and renew per board rules5.
  • Start here: Cosmetology careers.

Commercial Driver’s License (Idaho Transportation Department)

  • Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) after medical certification.
  • Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).
  • Pass the CDL skills test (vehicle inspection, basic control, road test) to earn your CDL6.
  • See the path: CDL careers.

Welding

  • Idaho does not require a state welding license.
  • Employers often prefer AWS certifications aligned to the work (e.g., D1.1 structural, pipe) or NCCER credentials7.
  • Compare options: Welding careers.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning at CEI and ISU: Safety, theory, and general education are often online, while labs and shops are in person. This helps you keep working while you train2.
  • BYU–Idaho and BYU-Pathway Worldwide: For IT support, cybersecurity, business, and other career certificates that pair well with field trades (estimating, project coordination)2.
  • Apprenticeships: Many Rexburg-Idaho Falls employers sponsor apprentices who attend evening related training while earning from day one. Look for registered programs that align with DBS licensing and recognized curricula like NCCER47.

Tips to choose:

  • Verify institutional and program accreditation on College Navigator.
  • Ask about lab hours, certification pass rates (e.g., EPA 608, AWS), placement support, and evening/weekend options.
  • Confirm your program meets Idaho licensing requirements for your trade.

Next Steps

Rexburg gives you several accredited choices close to home and strong employer demand in the Idaho Falls corridor. Pick a program with the right hands-on labs, make sure it aligns with Idaho licensing, and get started this term.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institution profiles, accreditation, programs). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  3. U.S. EPA – Section 608 Technician Certification for refrigerants. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  4. Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) – Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC licensing. https://dbs.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  5. Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses – Cosmetology and Barber licensing. https://dopl.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩

  6. Idaho Transportation Department – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). https://itd.idaho.gov/ ↩ ↩

  7. NCCER – Industry-recognized construction craft curricula and credentials. https://www.nccer.org/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

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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.