Electrician Certificate Program

Electrician Certificate Program
journey today.
When determination meets opportunity, the possibilities are limitless. The on-campus undergraduate certificate program for electricians at Grand Canyon University offers you the opportunity to acquire the fundamental skills to be an industrial electrician. While earning this certificate, you will apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers.
This comprehensive program is designed for aspiring electricians who seek the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue work in the electrical field. This certificate for electricians offers a focused curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical training.

To help you prepare for the challenges you might encounter in your future career, knowledgeable faculty will teach skills in electrical installation, equipment operation and maintenance.
Topics covered in this 16-credit certificate for electricians will include the following:
Instruction in electrical circuitry
Prototype development and testing
Systems analysis and testing
Systems maintenance
Instrument calibration
Report preparation
49,200
Estimated number of new jobs to open for electricians from 2022 to 20321
$61,590
Median annual wage for electricians as of May 20232

Whether you’re interested in residential, commercial or industrial electrical work, our undergraduate electrician certificate program can help you prepare to pursue the following careers:
Upon completion of this certificate program, you may choose to further your education by pursuing a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs can help guide aspiring electricians looking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Whether you’re considering the program or seeking clarification, they can help you make an informed decision.
An industrial electrician specializes in installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems and equipment in industrial settings, such as factories and manufacturing plants. This certificate is designed for those looking to enter this field, providing the essential skills and knowledge needed to work with complex electrical systems, machinery and safety protocols specific to industrial environments.
An electrician typically needs a combination of certifications and licenses to prove that they have specialized training and competency in a specific area.3 The specific certificates required may vary depending on the region and the type of electrical work being performed. However, some common credentials for electricians include a high school diploma or GED, an Electrician's Training Certificate from a recognized trade school or an apprenticeship program, or a Journeyman Electrician License obtained through passing the relevant exams and meeting the experience requirements.4
All working electricians are licensed in their respective states, but it is not mandatory to obtain specialty certificates or certifications in a specific discipline.5 For more information on the certificates needed to find a job as an electrician in your state, contact your local or state electrical licensing board, or visit the National Electrical Contractors Association’s website.
The undergraduate electrician certificate may be valuable for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the electrical field, as it teaches foundational knowledge and practical skills that may be necessary for starting a career as an electrician. Additionally, the curriculum of this electrician certificate program teaches electrical systems and technical knowledge needed to serve as a steppingstone to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in technology or engineering.

Kickstart Your Electrical Career
Master essential skills in installation, maintenance and operation to begin your industrial electrician career.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electricians, retrieved Nov. 4, 2024.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Electricians, as of May 2023, retrieved Nov. 4, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as electricians, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Indeed Career Guide (2024, April 1). Certificates, Certifications and Licenses: Differences and Jobs That Require Them. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2024.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024, Aug. 29). Electricians: How To Become an Electrician. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2024.
- Electronicshacks. (n.d.) Certified Electrician vs. Licensed Electrician: What’s the Difference? Retrieved Nov. 4, 2024.