Building Trades Electrical Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Working as an Electrician:
Q: What do electricians do?
A: Electricians install and maintain electrical power, communications, lighting, and control
systems in homes, businesses, and factories. The day to day task includes:
 Reading blueprints or technical diagrams
 Installing and maintaining wiring, control, and lighting systems
 Inspecting electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers
 Identifying electrical problems with a variety of testing devices
 Repairing or replacing wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools
The following are examples of types of electricians:


Residential electricians: Install wiring and troubleshoot electrical problems in peoples’
homes. Those who work in new-home construction install outlets and provide access to
power where needed. Those who work in maintenance and remodeling typically repair and
replace faulty equipment. For example, if a circuit breaker repeatedly trips after being reset,
electricians determine the reason and fix it. Most residential electricians will perform both
new and remodel work.
Commercial electricians: Commercial electricians may plan and diagram electrical systems,
including the conduits of tubing or pipe often required by local electrical codes. Or, the
electrician may work from blueprints provided by the general contractor. Whether
designing the system or working from blueprints, the electrician installs the conduits and
runs the electrical wiring. These wires are usually terminated at switches, circuit breaker
panels and relays. Commercial electricians wire instruments that control the power, lighting
and heating units in buildings.

Industrial electricians: An industrial electrician installs, services and repairs wiring, conduits,
fixtures and other electrical devices and systems in an industrial setting, such as a power
planet. Industrial electricians may work in different industries. They often work primarily
either in maintenance or in construction, and their specific duties may depend on the
employer. They often work or higher voltages than other electricians.
Q: Where do Electricians work?
A: Most electricians work in the commercial and residential construction industry.
Q: What are the working conditions?
A: Electricians work indoors and outdoors; in homes, businesses, factories, and construction
sites. Because electricians must travel to different worksites, local or long distance commuting
is often required.
On the jobsite, they occasionally work in cramped spaces, and constant standing and kneeling
can be tiring. Those who work in factories are often subject to noisy machinery. As a result,
hearing protection must be worn to protect workers from excess noise.
Many electricians work alone, but sometimes they collaborate with others. At larger
companies, electricians are more likely to work as part of a crew; they may direct helpers and
apprentices to complete jobs.
Q: Do I need a license to be an electrician?
A: You do not need a license to be a helper or even a job foreman for most companies. In order
to work on your own, or manage large crews, you will need to be licensed. Requirements vary
from county to county and state to state.
Maryland
To qualify to take the examination for a master electrician's license, the applicant must have
been engaged or employed regularly and principally in providing electrical services for all types
of electrical equipment and apparatus for at least seven years under the direction and
supervision of:
 A master electrician; or
 A similarly qualified employee of a governmental unit.
The State Board may allow an applicant up to three years of credit towards the required
experience with proof that the applicant has completed a formal course of study or
professional training in electrical installation comparable to the required experience.
The Board also issues licenses, through reciprocity to individuals, who hold a current Master
Electrician's license in one of the Maryland counties or Baltimore City.
You are required to have General Liability Insurance in the amount of at least $300,000 and
Property Damage Insurance in the amount of at least $100,000 to activate your license after
passing the exam.
Contact the Maryland Electrical Board at (410) 230-6231 or
dloplmasterelectricians_dllr@maryland.gov for more information.
Frederick County
Master Electrician - General
An applicant for examination for a master electrician-general license shall have been regularly
and principally employed or engaged in electrical construction, maintenance, installation, and
repair of all types of electrical equipment and apparatus for not less than seven (7) years
preceding the date of the application under the direction and supervision of a Master
Electrician-General or its equivalent. The electrical board may credit not more than three (3)
years for formal course study or professional training in electrical installation, if, in the option of
the electrical board, the study or training provided comparable experience and training
otherwise attainable under the supervision of a master electrician-general or while employed
by a government agency.
Master Electrician – Restricted
The applicant for a Master Electrician-Restricted license shall satisfactorily establish that he has
been actively in charge of electrical installation work under the supervision of a Master
Electrician or Master Electrician-General or Master Electrician-Restricted in the particular
branch or branches applied for, for the period of at least two (2) years, or equivalent at
determined by the electrical board and shall pass an examination with respect to the particular
branch or branches to be covered by the license applied for.
Branches or Categories:
1) Electrically Operated Heating/Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment
2) Motor Repairs and Services
3) Low Voltage – 50 Volts or Less
4) Any other Electrical Equipment, to be specified on License
You are required to have a $10,000 continuous bond if you do not have a Maryland State
Master’s license and apply for any Frederick County electrical license. If you do have a Maryland
State Master’s license, you can request to reciprocate a Frederick County electrical license
without having to take the county exam.
Contact the Frederick County Electrical Board at 301-600-1089 for more information.
Q: How much does an electrician earn?
A: In the local Frederick County area, an average entry level Electrician earns approximately
$12-15 per hour, a Journeyman Electrician can $24 per hour, and a Master Electrician can $30+
per hour.
Getting started in the Electrical Program:
Q: What courses are included in the program?
A: The credit electrical program has two options, a letter of recognition or a career certificate.
The four electrical courses in this track are also offered as Continuing Education classes.
Letter of Recognition (LOR) – Electrical Track (11 credits)
The LOR provides an introduction to basic electrical theory and residential wiring. It covers the
National Electric Code as it pertains to residential construction.
Career Certificate – Electrical Track (22-24 credits)
To further build and individual’s knowledge of the electrical trade, the program incorporates a
business course in customer relations and opportunities for internship. Also includes advanced
courses in commercial wiring and codes and special systems (e.g., data, television, security
alarms).
These programs include the following courses:
CREDIT TRACK 3: ELECTRICAL
Class
BLD 101 Introduction to Building Trades
BLD 141 Electrical Theory & Fundamentals
BLD 142 Electrical code & Application
BLD 145 Commercial Electrical Application
BLD 146 Specialized Systems
BU 274 Customer Relations
INTR 102 Internship (Optional)
Total Credits
Letter of
Recognition
3
4
4
11
Career
Certificate
3
4
4
4
4
3
2
22-24
Prerequisites
EN51 or ESL97
EN51 or ESL97
BLD141
BLD142
BLD142
EN50A/EN52 or ESL95/ESL99
The continuing education program includes the following courses:
CONTINUING EDUCATION: ELECTRICAL
Class
CE Certificate
ELC 120 Electrical Theory & Fundamentals
90 hours
ELC 121 Electrical Code & Application
90 hours
ELC 122 Commercial Electrical Application
90 hours
ELC 123 Specialized Systems
90 hours
Total Hours
360 hours
Prerequisites
EN51 or ESL97
ELC120
ELC121
ELC121
Completing the Electrical Program:
Q: How long does it take to complete the electrical program?
A: This depends on course offerings each semester. The entire career certificate program can
take as little as nine months (taking three classes for two semesters) or as long as three years
(taking one class for six semesters). The letter of recognition can take as little as 4 months
(taking three classes in one semester) or 16 months (taking one class for three semesters).
Q: Will the electrical program make me an apprentice?
A: No. The electrical program at Frederick Community College is not registered with the
Maryland State Electrical Board as an apprenticeship program.
An apprenticeship program is 4 year program for individuals employed in the electrical trade.
Admission into an apprenticeship program is handled through the organization or college
hosting the program. For a list of registered apprenticeship programs contact Maryland
Apprenticeship and Training Program at (410) 767-2246 or matp@dllr.state.md.us.
Q: Will the electrical program certify me as a Journeyman or Master electrician?
A: No. Please see the above question, ‘Do I need a license to be an electrician?’ for more
information on becoming a Master Electrician. Maryland and Frederick County do not offer a
Journeyman’s license.
Paying for the Electrical Program:
Q: How much does the electrical program cost?
A: The cost of the entire program based on 2014-2015 tuition rates is $3692 without the
internship option. The internship will be an additional $323. This cost does not in include
textbooks.