Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources.
Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.
If you want to work as an electrician in Missouri, it all starts with the right training. Missouri does not have a statewide electrician license. That means requirements can vary from city to city. Most localities expect you to complete an approved apprenticeship or vocational program before testing for a journeyman license. The fastest way to meet those requirements is to attend a respected electrician school.
Below, you’ll find the best electrician programs in Missouri, what they offer, and how to choose the right one for your goals.
How to Become an Electrician in Missouri
The process is similar in most Missouri cities:
- Meet basic requirements – You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Attend an approved training program – This can be through a trade school or apprenticeship program.
- Gain supervised work experience – Typically 4–5 years under a licensed electrician.
- Pass a journeyman exam – Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City require passing an electrical code and theory test.
- Apply for your license – Each city has its own licensing agency.
Note: Always check local licensing rules. Missouri has no state electrician license, so training and experience requirements can differ depending on where you plan to work.
Best Electrician Schools in Missouri
Here are stand-out training options based on program quality, industry connections, and graduate success.
1. Ozarks Technical Community College – Springfield, MO
- Program: Electrical Distribution Systems
- Length: 1-year certificate or 2-year Associate of Applied Science
- Highlights:
- Hands-on training with electrical equipment used in the field.
- Strong partnerships with local electrical contractors.
- Offers OSHA safety certification as part of coursework.
- Website: https://www.otc.edu/
2. State Technical College of Missouri – Linn, MO
- Program: Electrical Technology
- Length: 2-year Associate degree
- Highlights:
- Focus on residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work.
- Includes training in programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- High job placement rate for graduates.
- Website: https://www.statetechmo.edu/
3. St. Louis Electrical Industry Training Center – St. Louis, MO
- Program: IBEW Local 1 and NECA Joint Apprenticeship
- Length: 5-year paid apprenticeship
- Highlights:
- Earn wages while you learn.
- Nationally recognized curriculum from the Electrical Training Alliance.
- Covers advanced electrical theory and safety practices.
- Website: https://stlejatc.org/
- Program: Construction and Maintenance Electrician
- Length: Certificate or A.A.S. degree
- Highlights:
- Hands-on labs and classroom learning.
- Partnerships with Kansas City electrical contractors.
- Pathways into IBEW apprenticeship programs.
- Website: https://mcckc.edu/
5. Jefferson College – Hillsboro, MO
- Program: Residential Wiring Certificate
- Length: Approximately 1 year
- Highlights:
- Focused training for entry-level residential electrical work.
- Prepares students for faster entry into apprenticeships.
- Website: https://www.jeffco.edu/
Comparing Missouri Electrician Training Options
School / Program | Length | Degree / Certificate | Paid Apprenticeship Option |
Ozarks Technical CC | 1–2 years | Certificate / A.A.S. | No |
State Tech of Missouri | 2 years | A.A.S. | No |
St. Louis EITC | 5 years | Journeyman License Path | Yes |
Metropolitan CC | 1–2 years | Certificate / A.A.S. | No |
Jefferson College | 1 year | Certificate | No |
What to Look For in an Electrician Program
- Accreditation – Choose a school approved by state or national accrediting agencies.
- Hands-on training – You’ll need practical experience to pass licensing exams.
- Instructor experience – Look for instructors with real-world electrical trade backgrounds.
- Connections to employers – Strong job placement services are valuable when starting out.
- Safety certifications – OSHA and NFPA 70E training can set you apart.
Missouri City-by-City Licensing Notes
Missouri licensing is handled locally:
- St. Louis City – Requires 8,000 hours experience plus a journeyman exam.
- Kansas City – Similar requirements with code and practical testing.
- Springfield – Requires proof of both classroom and field training.
Tip: Contact your local building department before enrolling in any program to confirm the school meets licensing requirements in your area.
Steps to Start Training Now
- Pick a school or apprenticeship program from the list above.
- Contact their admissions office to confirm start dates.
- Ask if they help place graduates into apprenticeships.
- Gather any prerequisites (high school diploma/GED, transcripts).
- Apply as early as possible—programs fill quickly.
Summary and Next Steps
Working as an electrician in Missouri can be a stable and rewarding career. Since licensing is local, the best first step is to decide where you plan to work. From there, choose a training program or apprenticeship that meets that city’s requirements. The schools listed above all offer solid pathways into the trade.
Here’s what you need to do next:
- Decide whether you want the classroom-first route at a community or technical college or the apprenticeship-first path.
- Verify the program’s credentials with your local licensing authority.
- Enroll and commit to gaining both the classroom knowledge and hands-on hours you’ll need.
Start with the right training now, and you can be working toward your journeyman license in Missouri within months.
Sources:
[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Electricians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
[2] Missouri Division of Professional Registration – Licensing (Local requirements vary). https://pr.mo.gov/
[3] National Center for Construction Education and Research. https://www.nccer.org/
Explore Related Topics: