The basic requirements
- Age: 18 at most programs. New Jersey and Minneapolis take applications at 17, San Diego at 17½.
- Education: a high school diploma or GED. Many also accept a two-year associate degree. Puget Sound needs an official transcript; a diploma alone isn't accepted.
- Algebra: one full year of high school algebra with a passing grade (often a C), or a college algebra course. Most accept the electrical training ALLIANCE Tech Math course if you're missing it.
- Tests: the aptitude test, then an interview or a written experience form. How the test works.
- Experience can replace school: the electrical training ALLIANCE says requirements may be waived with documented electrical construction hours. Phoenix waives them for 2,000+ hours or 3+ years of active-duty service.
Requirements at each program
| Program | Minimum age | Math | Driver's license | Drug test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local 3 | 18 | 1 year of high school algebra or equivalent | Not posted | Physical before indenture; 2 years' residence within 60 miles of Columbus Circle |
| Local 5 | 18 (seniors can apply and test at 17) | Credit for 1 algebra course | Valid Pennsylvania license for the whole apprenticeship | Substance test, physical and background check after an offer |
| Local 48 | 18 to start (no minimum to apply) | 1 full year of math with a C or better | Not posted | Screen no longer tests for cannabis; some employers may |
| Local 58 | 17 | 1 year of high school algebra | Not required to apply; reliable transport needed | Drug screen required to be indentured |
| Local 357 | 18 | Not listed; diploma or GED | Valid license and Social Security number | Drug screens after selection and during the program |
| Local 102 | 17 to apply, 18 by indenture | 1 year of high school algebra, or a post-high-school algebra course | Valid license required | Mandatory for all accepted applicants |
| Local 103 | 18 by Aug 31 of the start year | Not listed; diploma, GED, HiSET or associate degree | Not posted | Before starting and random; zero tolerance, no marijuana |
| Local 292 | 17 to apply, 18 to be hired | 1 full credit of algebra with a C or better | Valid license required | Not posted |
| Local 332 | 18 by the application date | 1 year of algebra with a C each semester, or 1 college semester | California license before referral to work | Pre-employment drug and alcohol test; zero tolerance |
| Local 354 | Not posted | 1 year of algebra or equivalent | Not posted | Not posted |
| Local 440 | 18 (birth certificate) | 1 year of Algebra 1 or higher with a C, or ETA Tech Math, or ALEKS Algebra | Not posted | Not posted |
| Local 46 | Not posted | Algebra course, ETA Tech Math, or 1 year of integrated math with a C | Valid license required (ID cards not accepted) | Substance abuse policy form |
| Local 569 | 17½ | 1 year of high school algebra, 1 college semester, or ETA Tech Math | Valid license required | Drug screening after orientation paperwork |
| Local 640 | 18 by the start of the program | Algebra 1 and 2, 1 semester of college algebra, or ETA Tech Math | Not posted | Not posted |
| Local 716 | 18 | 1 year of high school algebra with a passing grade | Not posted | Scheduled and random testing by employers |
“Not posted” means the program's page doesn't say. It doesn't mean there's no rule.
Drug testing
The electrical training ALLIANCE notes that some programs add requirements such as drug testing, a physical, a background check or a driver's license. Every program here that posts a policy tests. Boston tests before you start and at random, with zero tolerance, marijuana included, even though it's legal in Massachusetts. A positive result withdraws the offer.
Felony, DUI and background checks
None of the programs we track lists a felony or a DUI as an automatic bar on its application page. Some run background checks: Pittsburgh does one after an offer (and pays for it), and Puget Sound's application includes a background check form. Certain job sites, such as secure government facilities, can require clearance on their own.
A DUI matters most where a valid driver's license is required, since you need it to get to job sites. If you have a record, ask the training center how it reviews it before you pay an application fee.
Documents to have ready
- Official high school transcript showing algebra (sealed, at some programs)
- Diploma, GED or HiSET certificate
- Birth certificate
- Driver's license
- Military discharge papers (DD-214), if you served
- OSHA 30 card, if your program requires it (New Jersey's Local 102 does for 2027)
Not sure you qualify? Take the 6-question readiness check to see your gaps and the nearest programs.