Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems across residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. Mountain Gateway Community College’s NCCER Electrical Levels 1–4 Program delivers comprehensive technical instruction over four semesters, combining online theory coursework with hands-on workshop labs. Fully aligned with National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards and National Electrical Code® (NEC®) requirements, this 4-level program complies with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) time-based standards for registered electrical apprenticeships.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award / Credential | NCCER Electrical Credentials (Levels 1 through 4) |
| Instructional Hours | Up to 80 Hours per Level (4 Semesters Total; Level 1 offered every Fall) |
| Delivery Format | Blended (Live classroom/lab training + online coursework) |
| Apprenticeship Status | Complies with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship RTI Standards |
| Included in Tuition | Textbooks, online access codes, and all workshop materials |
| Prerequisites | Concurrent enrollment or completion of NCCER Core; 8th-grade reading/math rec. |
| Funding Eligibility | FastForward Eligible (Pays 2/3 of tuition for eligible VA residents) |
| Program Head | Bryan Smith — bsmith@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2800 |
💰 FastForward Financial Assistance Available — Pay Only 1/3 Tuition
Qualifying Virginia residents can receive FastForward state funding, which covers two-thirds of the tuition cost for this high-demand skilled trade credential. Contact our FastForward Career Coach to verify eligibility and register.
Four-Semester Curriculum Breakdown
The curriculum progresses systematically through four levels of technical mastery. Level 1 is offered every fall semester:
⚡ Electrical Level 1 (Fall Semester)
- Topics Covered: Orientation to the Electrical Trade, Electrical Safety, Intro to Electrical Circuits, Electrical Theory, Intro to the NEC®, Device Boxes, Hand Bending, Raceways & Fittings, Conductors & Cables, Basic Electrical Construction Drawings, Residential Electrical Services, and Electrical Test Equipment.
- Prerequisite / Corequisite: NCCER Core Curriculum.
⚡ Electrical Level 2
- Topics Covered: Alternating Current (AC), Motors (Theory & Application), Electric Lighting, Advanced Conduit Bending, Pull & Junction Boxes, Conductor Installations, Cable Tray, Conductor Terminations & Splices, Grounding & Bonding, Circuit Breakers & Fuses, and Control Systems Concepts.
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Electrical Level 1.
⚡ Electrical Level 3
- Topics Covered: Load Calculations (Branch & Feeder Circuits), Conductor Selection & Calculations, Practical Lighting Applications, Hazardous Locations, Overcurrent Protection, Distribution Equipment, Transformers, Commercial Electrical Services, Motor Calculations, Voice/Data/Video (VDV), and Motor Controls.
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Electrical Level 2.
⚡ Electrical Level 4
- Topics Covered: Load Calculations (Feeders & Services), Health Care Facilities, Standby & Emergency Systems, Basic Electronic Theory, Fire Alarm Systems, Specialty Transformers, Heat Tracing & Freeze Protection, Motor Operation & Maintenance, Medium-Voltage Terminations/Splices, Special Locations, and Fundamentals of Crew Leadership.
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Electrical Level 3.
Training Requirements & Student Materials
- Course Schedule & Format: Each level includes up to 80 hours of live classroom and hands-on lab instruction, supplemented by online homework and practical exercises.
- Included Materials: Textbooks, digital access codes, and lab materials are fully included in tuition.
- Technical & Educational Needs: Students must have access to a computer or tablet with internet connectivity for online assignments. Completion of 8th-grade level math and reading skills is strongly recommended.
Career & Apprenticeship Pathways
Graduating students earn nationally portable credentials tracked in the NCCER Automated National Registry System (ANRS), opening direct pathways to industrial and commercial electrical careers:
Potential Career Pathways:
- Electrical Apprentice / Journeyman Electrician Candidate
- Residential & Commercial Wiring Specialist
- Industrial Maintenance Electrician
- Electrical Crew Leader / Jobsite Supervisor
- Commercial Systems & Controls Technician
Program Registration & Contact
Ready to start your commercial driving career or verify your FastForward financial assistance eligibility? Contact our Workforce Career Coach:
Robin Jennings — FastForward Career Coach
Phone: (540) 863-2899 | Email: rjennings@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)