An electrical contractor is usually a company or business person who performs specialized building work related to electrical systems, such as wiring, lighting, etc. This work may be contracted out or completed in-house. Before a project is started, the contractor will inspect the area to be worked on to determine what will need to be done. Electrical contractors also provide safety guidelines to their clients and assist with any required code compliance activities.

In most states, electrical contractor licenses must be obtained before performing electrical projects of any sort. Some states do not require licensing, while others require licenses upon completion of a certain amount of training. The majority of states require at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent in order to apply for a license. In addition, some states require experience in a similar field to serve as a basis for obtaining a license. This experience can be gained by working under an established electrician, by taking classes related to electrical jobs, or by completing related programs.
In order to become an electrician, however, you must first become licensed. Once licensed, an electrician can then work for any number of employers, as long as their licenses are current and in effect. Some people choose to take courses related to electrical jobs, such as apprentice jobs or continuing education credits in order to further their education and increase their employability in their current job. There are two options available when it comes to pursuing electrical contractor jobs. Many individuals complete on-the-job apprenticeship programs that last between one and three years, while other electrical workers complete formal apprenticeships that typically last two to four years. Either option provides the opportunity for electricians to gain valuable work experience and learn valuable skills necessary to performing electrical jobs.
The National Association of Home Builders provides a list of licensed electricians in Texas, which includes a list of all current electricians and licensed contractors in the state. Texas requires all home builders to use licensed contractors, and it is against the law to hire anyone who is not licensed. All electricians and electrical contractors licensed in Texas must be fingerprinted and certified in order to provide electrical services in the state. Electricians and electrical contractors with past criminal records and/or civil judgments against them cannot be licensed in Texas.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation maintains a list of licensed electricians. The list contains the name, address, business license number, and county of license status for all licensed electricians and contractors in the state of Texas. To obtain a copy of this list, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, or LRD, at ( 512) 612-6200. You will need to present proper identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card. You will also need to provide proof of insurance.
All licensed electricians and electrical contractors in the state of Texas are required to be insured under specific businesses insurance policies. In order to obtain this insurance, you will need to contact one of the insurance companies in your area. It is important to keep in mind that electricians and electrical contractors that are covered under general contractors insurance do not usually carry specific coverage for accidents or damages to personal property. General contractors generally carry coverage for property damage, bodily injury, and special damages, but may not include coverage for damages caused by contractors or their equipment.
For those in the construction industry that are interested in becoming licensed, becoming an apprentice through the National Electrical Contractors Association is one option. Through the National Electrical Contractors Association, an individual can obtain apprentice training in a wide variety of areas, including electrical contracting. apprentices can also work their way up to becoming full-time national licensed electricians. National Electrical Contractors Association classes offer the opportunity to obtain practical experience and invaluable networking opportunities that can help a young electrician or contractor to advance his career. Each year, hundreds of electricians start fresh with the National Electrical Contractors Association as a rookie.
Because there are so many different jobs available across the state and country, there has been a consistent need for training, certifications, and licenses within the construction industry. The licensing requirements for electricians vary from state to state, so it is important that individuals look into all of their options prior to deciding on the best electrical contractor to work with. In some cases, electricians may need to acquire multiple licenses in order to qualify for employment, which increases the chance of an individual being approved for one particular license and being eligible for several different licenses.