Best Electrician Schools in Nevada

Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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If you want to work as an electrician in Nevada, the first step is solid training. You need a state-approved education program to build both your technical skills and safety knowledge. The right school can connect you with apprenticeship opportunities and help you meet Nevada’s licensing requirements.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the best electrician programs in the state, plus the exact steps to become licensed.

How Electrician Licensing Works in Nevada

In Nevada, electricians must be licensed if they perform work outside of direct supervision or contract with the public. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) oversees licensing for contractors, and journeyman-level licensing is handled by local jurisdictions such as Clark County and Reno.

Nevada requires electricians to complete an apprenticeship or equivalent training before applying for a journeyman card. Most applicants finish 8,000 hours of field experience plus classroom instruction.

Basic path to licensing in most Nevada cities:

  1. Enroll in an approved trade school or apprenticeship program.
  2. Complete required on-the-job training hours.
  3. Finish classroom instruction (often 144+ hours per year during apprenticeship).
  4. Pass a journeyman electrician exam given by your local jurisdiction.
  5. Keep certifications up to date by meeting continuing education requirements.

You should verify exact requirements with your city or county’s building department, as local rules can differ.

Best Electrician Training Programs in Nevada

Here are several respected programs across the state. Each offers a combination of classroom work and hands-on training to prepare you for licensing.

1. College of Southern Nevada (CSN) – Electrical Apprenticeship Program

  • Location: Las Vegas, NV
  • Highlights: Works in partnership with the Southern Nevada Chapter of the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC). Successful students complete a paid apprenticeship while earning classroom credits.
  • Program Length: Typically 4–5 years via apprenticeship.
  • Website: https://www.csn.edu/

2. Western Nevada College – Electrical Systems Technology

  • Location: Carson City, NV
  • Highlights: Offers an associate degree and technical training in residential, commercial, and industrial wiring systems. Prepares students for entry-level electrician work and apprenticeships.
  • Program Length: 2-year degree.
  • Website: https://wnc.edu/

3. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) – Construction Management with Electrical Focus

  • Location: Reno, NV
  • Highlights: Partners with Northern Nevada apprenticeship programs. Students can start with related coursework before stepping into a full apprenticeship.
  • Program Length: Variable—certificates to 2-year degrees.
  • Website: https://www.tmcc.edu/

4. ABC Nevada – Electrical Apprenticeship

  • Location: Las Vegas and Reno
  • Highlights: Run by Associated Builders and Contractors Nevada Chapter. Offers a 4-year paid apprenticeship with classroom work in the evenings.
  • Program Length: 4 years.
  • Website: https://www.abcnv.org/

5. Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Nevada

  • Location: Las Vegas, NV
  • Highlights: Industry-recognized apprenticeship program combining jobsite learning and classroom theory. Focus on safety, code compliance, and advanced systems.
  • Program Length: 4 years.
  • Website: https://www.iecnevada.org/
School / Provider Location Training Type Typical Length
College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas Apprenticeship + College Credit 4–5 years
Western Nevada College Carson City Degree Program 2 years
Truckee Meadows Community College Reno Certificate / Degree 1–2 years
ABC Nevada Las Vegas / Reno Apprenticeship 4 years
IEC Nevada Las Vegas Apprenticeship 4 years

What to Look for in a Nevada Electrician School

When comparing programs, focus on:

  • State or local approval – Make sure your program is recognized by Nevada licensing authorities.
  • Apprenticeship connections – Schools linked with unions or contractor associations can help you find paid work while you train.
  • Flexible schedules – Evening classes are common for apprentices who work during the day.
  • Job placement assistance – Some programs help graduates secure journeyman positions.

This decision will affect both your training speed and your future earnings potential, so check curriculum details before enrolling.

Steps to Become an Electrician in Nevada

Here’s a typical process that applies in most parts of the state:

  1. Meet basic requirements – Minimum age 18, high school diploma or GED.
  2. Apply for an apprenticeship or school program – Many require an aptitude test.
  3. Complete training – Earn required classroom and on-the-job hours.
  4. Apply for journeyman licensing – Submit proof of hours and pay fees.
  5. Pass the licensing exam – Covers NEC code, safety standards, and electrical theory.
  6. Maintain license – Complete continuing education as required.

Always check the local requirements in your county or municipality.

Safety and Compliance in Nevada Electrical Work

As an electrician in Nevada, you must follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and comply with OSHA safety standards. Working without proper protection or licensing can result in fines or jobsite shutdowns.

Many schools include OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training in their curriculum, which is highly recommended for both safety and employability.

Choosing Your Next Step

If you’re serious about becoming an electrician in Nevada, start by contacting one or two of the schools listed here. Ask them:

  • Whether they’re connected to a registered apprenticeship program.
  • How they schedule classroom and lab time.
  • What their completion and placement rates are.

Then, compare costs, program lengths, and entry requirements. Select the program that gives you recognized qualifications and the fastest route into paid work.

The sooner you start your training, the sooner you can begin your hands-on career in Nevada’s electrical industry.


Sources:

  1. Nevada State Contractors Board – Licensing Information
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electricians
  3. Occupation Profile: Electricians – O*NET Online
  4. OSHA – Electrical Standards

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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.