Best Electrician Schools in Tennessee

Compare accredited Electrician schools across Tennessee below, then review pay, licensing steps, and training paths for the trade.

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Best Electrician Schools in Tennessee

Electrician Pay and Job Outlook

Tennessee Quick Facts

Top Cities for Electrician Training in Tennessee

The cities below have the highest concentration of electrician training programs and population centers within Tennessee. Click through for school listings near each:

• Nashville, Tennessee
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Kingsport, Tennessee
• Jackson, Tennessee
• Clarksville, Tennessee
• Johnson City, Tennessee
• Morristown, Tennessee
• Cleveland, Tennessee

If you want to work as an electrician in Tennessee, your first step is to get the right training. Employers and clients expect you to have the skills to work safely and meet state code. The fastest way to learn these skills is to attend a good electrician school. The right program will prepare you for licensing and help you find hands-on experience.

This guide will walk you through some of the top electrician schools in Tennessee, along with what you need to know about the state’s licensing process.

Tennessee Electrician Licensing Basics

Before you invest in training, you should understand the state’s requirements.

In Tennessee, the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors regulates electricians. Licensing in the state is broken down into different categories, such as Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE), Journeyman, or full Electrical Contractor.

Tennessee law requires electricians performing work over 5,000 (total project cost) to hold a state contractor’s license with the electrical classification. Smaller-scale electrical work may require a local license, depending on the county or city. Always check local ordinances before starting work.

To work legally and advance your career, you’ll likely follow this path:

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Tennessee

1. Get proper training - Complete an electrical trade school program or apprenticeship.
2. Gain work experience - Most licenses require on-the-job hours under a licensed electrician.
3. Apply for the appropriate license - Submit an application and exam fees to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors or local licensing office.
4. Pass the exam - Show your knowledge of the National Electrical Code, safety procedures, and Tennessee building codes.
5. Stay current - Renew your license as required and complete continuing education if applicable.

For full requirements, see the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors’ website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce.

Choosing the Right Program

When picking your school, here are some key points to consider:

• Location - Choose a campus within reasonable commuting distance or one offering online theory courses.
• Program length - Decide between a short diploma program to start working sooner or an associate degree for a broader education; timelines and outcomes vary by location and job market.
• Hands-on training - Ensure the school’s labs simulate real job conditions.
• Industry partnerships - Look for programs with strong apprenticeship outcomes data.
• Accreditation - Make sure the school carries accreditation from a recognized body.

Apprenticeships in Tennessee

Completing a trade school program is only part of the process. Most electricians complete an apprenticeship to get the required work hours.

Common sources for apprenticeships include:

• Local union halls of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) chapters
• Employers who partner with community college programs

The IEC of the Mid-South and IBEW Local 429 both offer apprenticeship programs in Tennessee.

Safety and Code Knowledge

Electrical work always carries risk. Your training should cover:

• OSHA safety standards
• National Electrical Code (NEC) updates
• Tennessee-specific building codes

Working without the proper license or training can result in fines and legal penalties. Always follow state and local regulations.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

If you want to start a career as an electrician in Tennessee, the smartest move is to pick a solid training program now. Each of the schools listed above can help you build skills, prepare for the licensing exam, and connect with employers.

Here’s what you should do next:

1. Review each school’s program details and location.
2. Contact admissions offices to ask about start dates, tuition, and entry requirements.
3. Confirm the program meets state requirements for licensing.
4. Plan for your apprenticeship and work experience hours early.

With the right training and a clear plan, you can build a stable, hands-on career that keeps Tennessee running.

Sources:

Electrician Wages and Workforce in Tennessee

In Tennessee, Electrician programs train for an occupation with a median wage of about $61,090 per year, and most earn between $39,600 and $92,160 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Tennessee employs roughly 17,070 workers in this occupation, a workforce concentration of about 1.07 times the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Trade-relevant schools serving Tennessee include Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville, and Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson. Compare tuition, program length, and graduation outcomes in the table above (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Electrician Training and Licensing in Tennessee

Licensing for Electrician varies by state and locality. Confirm current training, exam, and credential requirements with the appropriate Tennessee licensing board before you enroll; many employers also look for recognized industry certifications.

Training paths typically range from certificate programs (6 to 12 months) and associate degrees (about 2 years) to registered apprenticeships (3 to 5 years) that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction (TradeCareerPath program data).