Academic and skills tests must be passed before the apprentice can advance through each phase of the program. Upon successful completion of a Registered Apprenticeship, the apprentice receives a Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor, a nationally-recognized credential, and journeyperson electrician status. Most localities require electricians to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary from area to area, electricians generally must pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes. Electricians periodically take courses offered by their employer or union to keep abreast of changes in the National Electrical Code, materials, or methods of installation.
Experienced electricians can become supervisors and then superintendents.
Many become construction and safety inspectors in government or business. Some electricians earn university degrees and go on to become industrial technicians and electrical engineers. Those with sufficient capital and management skills may start their own contracting business, although this may require an electrical contractor's license. Annual earnings of electricians also tend to be higher than those of other building trades workers because electricians are less affected by the seasonal nature of construction. Depending on experience, apprentices usually start at between 30 and 50 percent of the rate paid to experienced electricians.