General Information
NCCER Electrical Levels 1-4
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They work with wiring and other electrical components, such as circuit breaker panels, switches, and light fixtures, and they follow blueprints, the National Electrical Code® (NEC) and state and local codes.
To prepare trainees a career in the electrical field, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers a comprehensive, 4-level Electrical curriculum that complies with DOL time-based standards for apprenticeship. Through a combination of convenient online exercises and live classroom and lab training, Electrical Levels 1-4 are delivered over four semesters, presenting theoretical and practical skills necessary for becoming a professional electrician. Level 1 is offered each fall semester.
- Electrical Level 1 introduces the electrical craft with foundational training in the following content: Orientation to the Electrical Trade; Electrical Safety; Introduction to Electrical Circuits; Electrical Theory; Introduction to the National Electrical Code; Device Boxes; Hand Bending; Raceways & Fittings; Conductors and Cables; Basic Electrical Construction Drawings; Residential Electrical Services; Electrical Test Equipment. Pre/co-requisite: NCCER Core Curriculum.
- Electrical Level 2 continues electrical training in Alternating Current, Motors, Electric Lighting, Conduit Bending, Pull and Junction Boxes, Conductor Installations, Cable Tray, Conductor Terminations and Splices, Grounding and Bonding, Circuit Breakers and Fuses, Control Systems and Fundamental Concepts. Prerequisite: Electrical Level 1.
- Electrical Level 3 focuses on Load Calculations-Branch and Feeder Circuits, Conductor Selection & Calculations, Practical Applications and Lighting, Hazardous Locations, Overcurrent Protection, Distribution Equipment, Transformers, Commercial Electrical Services, Motor Calculations, Voice/Data/Video, Motor Controls. Prerequisite: Electrical Level 2.
- Electrical Level 4 covers Load Calculations-Feeders & Services, Health Care Facilities, Standby and Emergency Systems, Basic Electronic Theory, Fire Alarm Systems, Specialty Transformers, Heat Tracing and Freeze Protection, Motor Operation and Maintenance, Medium Voltage Termination/Splices, Special Locations, and Fundamentals of Crew Leadership. Prerequisite: Electrical Level 3.
Trainee Requirement Details
Each level provides up to 80 hours of classroom/lab training with online homework and activities to be completed outside of class. Textbooks, online access code, and all materials are included in tuition. Computer/tablet and internet access are required for homework completion. Eighth-grade competence in reading and mathematics is recommended. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in NCCER Core Curriculum.
FastForward Financial Assistance Funding
Qualifying Virginia residents may be eligible for FastForward financial assistance, which could reduce the cost of tuition by two-thirds.
For more information and to register, please contact:
Robin Jennings, FastForward Career Coach
540/863-2899