Beautiful North Carolina is well known for its warm weather and even warmer hospitality, which is why it has become a major technology hub in recent years. Business-friendly governmental policies, as well as the world-renowned research institutions that nurture innovation, have heated up the job market. With such powerful economic activity, it stands to reason that many have realized the necessity of new buildings to replace older, outdated structures, and with this comes plenty of electrical work.

If you’d like to capitalize on North Carolina’s sizzling job market through a career in electrical contracting, read on as we explore the process of becoming a licensed electrician in North Carolina.

Complete Your Training

North Carolina has three levels of electrical license: limited, intermediate, and unlimited. Each has a different level of experience required, with the bare minimum being two years of experience. This can be a mixture of classroom training and field experience, but the primary weight should be on on-the-job training.

Typically, you will take courses in electrical work and then work under a certified electrician who will help reinforce what you have learned in the classroom. You’ll also get a firsthand look at how an electrical contracting business works, helping you develop an understanding of what the field requires.

Pass Your Exam

The North Carolina electrical license exam is incredibly arduous; if you’re going for an unlimited license, the test-taking process can take six hours or more. You will need to pass two exams: one is the NASCLA electrical license exam, which is about universal electrical principles, and then a state-specific exam that focus more on North Carolina laws and regulations.

As these tests are so difficult, many would-be electricians enroll in NC electrical license prep courses that reinforce their training and ensure that they are familiar with what the test will look like. Many people struggle with standardized testing, even when they have a full knowledge of everything that will be covered, so it can be incredibly helpful to practice for the test with example questions. Others might have a hard time with memorization or terminology, and the study materials provided can ease this so that you have everything necessary to succeed.

To take the exam, you will need to submit an application that shows your job history and references and pay the fee. You’ll receive a notification that you can schedule the exam, and you must do so within 30 days of your notification. Both tests require 70% to pass, after which time you will get your license.

Develop a Business Plan

If you don’t intend to work for an electrical company and would rather open your own business, your electrical know-how is not enough: you need to have a good business plan. While you will have learned the relevant business principles in preparation for your exam, this does not always translate to commercial success unless you’re able to get organized and apply those lessons to real life.

Any good business starts with a plan. You will identify what kind of services you will provide, who your target audience is, and what the business environment looks like in your given area. You’ll identify your financial metrics and create plans for when things go awry, as well as what you expect from your business along different horizons, usually three and five years in the future. If you intend to raise capital from potential investors, you’ll need to demonstrate your qualifications and pitch your plan to them. This will also be useful if you choose to take out loans from either commercial banks or private lenders, who will want to see this documentation to ensure that you’re not going to default on your loan.

Market Yourself

Once your business is set up, it’s time to start marketing. If you’re working in the residential market, many of your leads will come from referrals, so those first few clients are some of the most important. You need to understand your local market, whether that is in Charlotte, Asheville, or Raleigh, and know what customers in this area expect.

Are there a lot of historic homes in the area? Demonstrate your expertise in conducting safety exams and fixing old, faulty wiring. Is the town booming with new construction? Network with general contractors who would like to subcontract out to you for their new homes. Leverage your connections and develop a multi-pronged approach of traditional and digital marketing in order to gather clients from as many demographics as possible. Always remain responsive to customer needs, and listen to reviews about your services, as this will help you refine your approach. Pay particular attention to where your clients are coming from so that you can leverage this for the best success. For example, Angie or Yelp might be your primary outlets, or it may be print media, depending on the area.

Conclusion

North Carolina has a strong economy and, thus, a strong need for contractors of all stripes, including electricians. It takes years of dedicated service, immaculate study skills, and great networking to help your business succeed, but it all starts with finding an electrician class near you and preparing for the exam. By using formal education, exam prep courses, and your connections, you can generate a healthy income stream while doing what you love.