If you’re someone who likes tinkering with gadgets and living dangerously close to live wires, perhaps you’re best suited to become an electrician! But knowing how to change a lightbulb isn’t the only thing that you should be aware of when diving headfirst into this industry.

So let me give you a rundown of everything you need to know to get your license and become a professional electrician.

1. You don’t need to study but you need to train.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to graduate college or earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering to be an electrician. Technically speaking, you can actually enroll in a trade school to learn the ropes (or should I say wires) in the world of electricity. However, even if you ace that time in school, you will still have to put in hours and hours of on the job training for you to become a licensed electrician. So my suggestion? Look for someone who can be your mentor in the biz. You might not get paid for a while but the learning will more than make up for it.

2. You have to pick a specialization. 

Electricians may know quite a lot about wiring and electronics repair work, but to be honest, the industry can be divided into several kinds of specializations. If doctors can be pediatricians and neurologists, then electricians also have varieties but not as complicated as that. Some electricians prefer to become an expert in all things related to residential home wiring. Others get their hands dirty for commercial electric repair work. While the rest can become somewhat of a general electrician who can offer his or her services to several types of clients who needs bigger assistance. 

Technically speaking, you don’t really need to be a specialist but you have to start somewhere at least, especially with regard to the next consideration.

3. You need a license.

Yes, here it is. Every electrician (at least for those working in the United States and probably some other countries) needs to be licensed by the state. For example, those living in Vermont should be getting an electrician license in Vermont alone. If you want to work in another area, then perhaps you should be getting a new one depending on where you are.

As stated earlier, your specialization would matter because there are several types of electrician licensing exams you can take. So it’s logical to think about this before actually submitting your application.

4. Safety is a requirement.

Of course, since you’re dealing with electricity (which is very deadly), you should know how to protect yourself from electrocution and even fires. You should never let your guard down and only operate with enough safety gear and tools that are at your disposal. Perhaps, might I suggest you review all such safety precautions for the trade at least once every month to ensure proper retention. If not, keep a safety guide on your person at all times and review this before heading out to work.

5. Understand how much salary is good enough.

Let’s face it, probably one of the biggest reasons you’re considering a career as an electrician is because of the huge paycheck waiting for you at the end of a workday. That’s already a fact. However, some electricians report being at a net loss even after a big project. Why? Because they are losing in terms of overhead expenses like materials and other tools. So understand how much your tools cost and how much you should charge per hour to ensure that you won’t go home empty-handed.

Becoming an electrician is a very noble job and if you’re just thinking about taking on this daunting task, let me already commend you. I hope that this article will help guide you on the correct and safe way to go about becoming an electrician and for you to be able to help your clients with ease, finesse, and perfection.