Best Electrician Schools in Iowa

If you want to work as an electrician in Iowa, the first step is getting proper training. The state requires a combination of classroom hours and on-the-job experience before you can test for your license. Picking the right school makes that process easier and sets you up for success.

Below, you’ll find the main steps to become an electrician in Iowa, followed by some of the best training programs in the state.

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Iowa

The Iowa Electrical Examining Board (IEEB) oversees licensing. You cannot work as an electrician in Iowa without first completing approved training and meeting experience requirements.

Here’s the typical path:

1. Enroll in an approved electrician training program – This can be a trade school, community college, or union apprenticeship.
2. Complete classroom instruction – Iowa usually requires 144 classroom hours per year of apprenticeship.
3. Document supervised work experience – Most licenses need 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience for a journey-level electrician.
4. Apply for your exam – Send your proof of training and work hours to the IEEB.
5. Pass the state licensing exam – This covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), state regulations, and safety rules.
6. Maintain your license – Continuing education is required to renew.

Iowa Code Chapter 103 requires all electricians performing work for pay to hold a state license unless specifically exempt.
— Iowa Electrical Examining Board

You can find all requirements on the Iowa Electrical Examining Board website.

Best Electrician Schools in Iowa

These schools offer electrician training designed to meet Iowa licensing requirements. Contact each school for class schedules, tuition, and enrollment details.

1. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

Location: Multiple campuses, including Ankeny and Carroll
Program: Electrical Trades Diploma and AAS
Length: Diploma – about 1 year; AAS – about 2 years
Highlights:

• Hands-on labs with industry-standard tools
• NEC code classes built into the program
• Job placement assistance for graduates

2. Kirkwood Community College

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Program: Electrical Technology AAS
Length: 2 years
Highlights:

• Strong partnership with local contractors
• Day and evening course options
• Prepares students for both residential and commercial work

3. Hawkeye Community College

Location: Waterloo, IA
Program: Electrical Construction and Maintenance Diploma
Length: 1 year
Highlights:

• High percentage of graduates securing apprenticeships quickly
• Focus on safety procedures and reading blueprints
• Affordable tuition for in-state students

4. Iowa Lakes Community College

Location: Estherville, IA
Program: Electrical Technology Diploma and AAS
Length: Diploma – 1 year; AAS – 2 years
Highlights:

• State-of-the-art electrical labs
• Opportunities for industry certifications
• Small class sizes for personalized instruction

5. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC)

Location: Calmar and Peosta, IA
Program: Electrical Technician Diploma
Length: 1 year
Highlights:

• Prepares students for entry-level apprenticeship positions
• Includes NEC training and safety courses
• Strong employer connections in the region

6. Western Iowa Tech Community College

Location: Sioux City, IA
Program: Electrical/Instrumentation Program
Length: Diploma or AAS options
Highlights:

• Combines electrical training with automation technology
• Good fit for students interested in manufacturing or industrial work

Table: Iowa Electrician School Program Lengths

Union Apprenticeship Options

In Iowa, one of the most reliable routes into the trade is a union apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATCs).

Iowa JATC locations include:

• IBEW Local 13 (Des Moines)
• IBEW Local 55 (Des Moines)
• IBEW Local 231 (Sioux City)
• IBEW Local 288 (Waterloo)

These apprenticeships typically take 4–5 years and combine paid on-the-job training with classroom education, satisfying state licensing requirements.

You can find applications at your nearest IBEW local office or its training center.

Tips for Choosing the Right Iowa Electrician School

When comparing electrical training programs in Iowa, consider:

• Program accreditation – Make sure it’s recognized by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board.
• Industry connections – Schools with strong employer ties can help place you into an apprenticeship faster.
• Class schedule – Evening or part-time courses can be important if you need to work while you train.
• Facilities – Look for modern labs with updated tools and NEC resources.
• Graduate outcomes – Ask schools about job placement rates and apprenticeship matches.

Next Steps

Here’s what to do now:

1. Decide which type of training works best for you — a community college program or a union apprenticeship.
2. Contact at least two Iowa electrician schools from the list above to compare tuition, schedules, and job placement support.
3. Check your chosen program is approved by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board.
4. Plan for the required four years of combined work and class time to qualify for the journeyman license.

Starting your electrician career in Iowa means investing in good training now. The right school will prepare you to pass the state exam, work safely, and build the skills you’ll use every day on the job.

Sources:

If you’d like, I can also prepare a version of this blog post that links directly to each school’s official program page so readers can click straight to application information. Would you like me to do that?

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