Best Electrician Schools in Oregon

If you want to become an electrician in Oregon, your training choice matters. The state requires a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job experience before you can get licensed. Picking the right school will help you meet those requirements and set you up for success in the trade.

Below, I’ll break down how licensing works in Oregon and which schools are worth considering.

How Electrician Licensing Works in Oregon

Electricians in Oregon must be licensed through the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). You can’t legally perform electrical work without the proper license.

Oregon Rule: To become a General Journeyman Electrician (J) in Oregon, you must log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and complete 576 hours of classroom instruction ¹.

There are several categories of electrical licenses in Oregon, but most new electricians aim for one of the following:

• General Journeyman (J) – Works on residential, commercial, and industrial wiring.
• Limited Residential (LR) – Works only on single-phase residential wiring.
• Limited Maintenance (LM) – Focuses on maintenance and repairs, not new installations.

To qualify, you need a combination of trade school classes and supervised apprenticeship hours. Many Oregon electrician schools partner with apprenticeship programs to help you get both.

Steps to Becoming an Electrician in Oregon

1. Enroll in an approved electrician training program.
2. Apply for an apprenticeship through a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) or independent program.
3. Complete the required classroom instruction (often done through your school).
4. Earn your on-the-job training hours under a licensed electrician.
5. Pass the Oregon licensing exam given by the BCD.
6. Maintain your license through continuing education.

Best Electrician Schools in Oregon

Here are some reputable electrician training programs and apprenticeship options in the state.

1. Portland Community College (PCC)

Location: Portland, OR
Program: Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Partner Programs

PCC offers an Electrical Trades program designed to prepare you for entry into a registered apprenticeship. The school works with local JATCs to place graduates into OJT (on-the-job training) positions.

Highlights:

• Prepares students for apprenticeship application tests.
• Strong industry connections within Portland and surrounding areas.

More info: https://www.pcc.edu/

2. NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center

Location: Portland, OR
Program: Inside Electrician Apprenticeship

Run jointly by the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, this is a direct pathway into a paid apprenticeship.

Highlights:

• Full apprenticeship program (earn while you learn).
• 5-year training combining 8,000 OJT hours and required classroom learning.
• State-approved curriculum.

More info: https://www.nwlinejatc.com/ (Inside Wireman)

3. Central Electrical Training Center

Location: Tangent, OR
Program: Inside Electrician, Residential, and Limited Energy Apprenticeships

This center serves the Willamette Valley and offers several apprenticeship tracks. Each meets Oregon licensing requirements.

Highlights:

• Three different licensing tracks.
• Partnered with local contractors for steady training opportunities.

More info: https://www.cetco.org/

4. Clackamas Community College

Location: Oregon City, OR
Program: Electrical Apprenticeship Technologies AAS

CCC offers a degree program that is integrated with an approved apprenticeship. Students earn college credit while completing apprenticeship requirements.

Highlights:

• Combines academic coursework with paid apprenticeship.
• Offers pathways for Journeyman and Limited Electrician licenses.

More info: https://www.clackamas.edu/

5. Northwest College of Construction

Location: Portland, OR
Program: Electrical Apprenticeship

A specialized trade school offering construction industry apprenticeships, including an electrician program.

Highlights:

• Industry-focused training environment.
• Apprenticeship placement assistance.

More info: https://www.nwcoc.com/

Oregon Electrician Training Requirements

The table below summarizes training requirements for common license types in Oregon:

Source: Oregon BCD ¹

Choosing the Right Electrician School

When comparing schools, look for:

• State approval – Make sure the program meets Oregon BCD requirements.
• Apprenticeship connections – Schools with partner JATCs can help you get hired faster.
• Location – Some apprenticeships require you to live in a specific area.
• Schedule flexibility – Night or part-time programs help if you are already working.

It’s worth contacting a few programs to ask:

• How long it usually takes graduates to get into an apprenticeship.
• Which contractors they work with.
• How they prepare students for the licensing exam.

Summary and Next Steps

To become an electrician in Oregon, you’ll need to complete both classroom training and extensive on-the-job experience. The best path is through a school or apprenticeship program recognized by the Oregon Building Codes Division.

Here’s what you should do next:

1. Review the schools listed above.
2. Contact two or three programs that fit your location and schedule.
3. Ask about application deadlines and entry requirements.
4. Apply to an approved electrician program or apprenticeship.

The sooner you start, the sooner you can get licensed and working in the trade.

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