The Practical Electrical Technician (Level 1) Career Studies Certificate (CSC) prepares students for entry-level trade careers installing, maintaining, and upgrading electrical power, lighting, communication, and control systems across residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. This program provides foundational technical training in national electrical codes, circuit diagnostics, and industrial safety required for credentialed and licensed electrician pathways.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Career Studies Certificate (CSC) |
| Program Major |
Practical Electrical Technician (Level 1) |
| Funding Eligibility | G3 Eligible (Tuition assistance for eligible Virginia residents) |
| Stackable Pathway | Credits stack directly into MGCC's Electrical & Instrumentation Technology AAS |
| Industry Alignment | Prepares for Licensed Electrician Pathways (Residential & Commercial) |
| Program Head | Bryan Smith — bsmith@mgcc.edu |
💰 G3 Program Eligible — Low or No-Cost Tuition
This program qualifies for Virginia’s G3 Financial Assistance Program (Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead). G3 provides tuition support and financial assistance for eligible Virginia residents enrolling in high-demand technical and skilled trades programs. Contact Student Services or Financial Aid to verify your eligibility.
What You Will Learn
This practical, hands-on certificate equips students with essential skills for code-compliant electrical installation and troubleshooting:
- Residential & Commercial Electrical Wiring: Install, test, and maintain power circuits, lighting fixtures, distribution panels, and conduit systems.
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Compliance: Master safety regulations, wiring standards, and local codes required for safe electrical installations.
- Electrical System Diagnostics: Troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical control components.
- Industrial System Interaction: Understand basic interactions between electrical, mechanical, and computerized components in modern automated facilities.
Career & Licensing Pathways
This program serves as the entry point for credentialed electrical trade positions that require state or local licensing and technical experience.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Apprentice / Entry-Level Electrician
- Residential Electrician Assistant
- Commercial (Inside) Electrician Assistant
- Industrial Electrical Maintenance Technician
- Facilities Maintenance Specialist
Stackable Degree Pathway:
Every credit hour earned in this certificate applies directly toward MGCC's two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electrical and Instrumentation Technology (E&I).
Curriculum & Course Plan
This concise certificate delivers targeted hands-on wiring labs, electrical theory, and code application modules.
👉 View the Complete Electrical Wiring CSC Course Sequence in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to launch your career as a qualified electrician or explore G3 tuition assistance? Contact our Program Head or Student Services:
Bryan Smith — Program Head, Electrical & Instrumentation Technology
Email: bsmith@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Warren Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)