Oregon is one of the most interesting states to work in as an electrician if you consider that more than 60% of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources. Though this won’t have a very huge impact on your career, there will be a lot you can learn about renewable energy sources, consequently opening doors for a new career in that direction.
The bottom line, however, is you’ll need a licence to work as an electrician in Oregon. This article will guide you through the crucial things you need to know to become a successful electrician in Oregon, so read on to learn more.
Understanding the Role of an Electrician
Electricians are skilled professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems on different levels including residential, commercial, and industrial grades. Their input is crucial in guaranteeing the safe and efficient operation of electrical components according to the laid-out codes and standards.
One of the most crucial steps you will have to take before acquiring your Oregon electrical licence is passing the Oregon State licensing exam which focuses on your knowledge of electrical theory, state-specific regulations, and the National Electrical Code (NEC). The best way to handle this requirement would be to use a premium Oregon Electrical License exam prep package from a top education provider like RocketCert. That’s because such a package contains all the resources you need to prepare fully for your exams and career, in general.
What Type of Electrical Licences Can You Choose in Oregon?
There are three main licence classifications for Oregon electricians. They are as follows:
1. Limited Residential Electrician
An electrician who has a licence with this classification can perform installation and maintenance works in single-family, multifamily, and townhouse units. If your licence is in this classification, you will only be allowed to handle projects up to three stories above grade.
Additionally, you must work under the direction, control, and supervision of a general supervising electrician. You will only obtain your licence if you satisfy one of the following prerequisites:
Complete an approved Oregon apprenticeship program,
Or
Have official transcripts to verify at least 288 hours of classroom training and 4,000 hours in terms of on-the-job experience acquired outside of Oregon. The 300 per cent rule (no more than 3 times the minimum hours is allowed) will apply for this one.
Or
Have proof of 8,000 hours in terms of on-the-job residential experience gained outside of Oregon. The 300 per cent rule applies to this one also.
2. General Journeyman Electrician
The general journeyman electrician classification allows you to perform any electrical installations under the control, direction, and supervision of a general supervising electrician. However, not all projects will require you to work under a general supervising electrician. The two exceptions, in that case, are if you’re doing work that doesn’t require supervision or working on a project that requires the guidance of a limited supervising electrician.
The prerequisites for this classification include:
Completion of an approved Oregon apprenticeship program,
Or
Provide official documents verifying a minimum of 576 hours of classroom training and 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience from outside Oregon. Your proof of experience should include a breakdown of hours and must show a minimum of 1,000 hours in the residential, commercial, and industrial categories. The 300 per cent rule applies.
Or
Have official documents to verify 16,000 hours of on-the-job experience obtained outside of Oregon. Like the previous condition, the proof of experience should include a breakdown of the hours, with a minimum of 2,000 hours in the residential, commercial, and industrial categories. This one is also subject to the 300 per cent rule.
3. General Supervising Electrician
This licence classification is what you need to design, plan, and lay out electrical work, as well as sign permits. In addition, only licensees in this classification can control, direct, or supervise the installation or alteration of an electrical service.
The conditions you should meet are as follows:
Be a current Oregon Journeyman Electrician licensee and have documented proof of 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience.
Or
Meet the qualifications to become an Oregon Journeyman Electrician with documented proof of an additional 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience.
Pass Your Exams With Ease
Obtaining your electrical licence in Oregon, regardless of the classification, can be a challenging process, not just because you need sufficient experience, but also because you need to pass a pre-licensing exam. Though the exam structure will vary slightly depending on your licence’s classification, the process will be the same. You will have to prepare for your exam as much as you can to increase your chances of success.
RocketCert offers all the exam preparation material you need to ace your exams and even learn other crucial details about your career. That’s why you should start your exam preparation journey at rocketcert.com!