There are now more online electrician courses available than ever before. This means you can get the training you need to become an electrician without leaving your home.
But be warned: not all online electrician courses are created equal. Some are better than others. We’ve compiled this list of the 15 best online electrician courses with certification in 2024.
So whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to improve your skills, we have the perfect course.
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Is It Worth It to Take an Online Electrician Course?
Whether or not it is worth it to take an online electrician course depends on your circumstances and goals, such as:
Your learning style. If you are a self-motivated learner who can stay on track and motivated without the structure of a traditional classroom setting, an online course may be a good option.
Your budget. Online courses are typically more affordable than traditional classroom courses. However, some significant costs are still involved, such as the cost of the course itself, the cost of textbooks and other materials, and any hands-on training.
Your career goals. To become a licensed electrician, complete an apprenticeship program and take an online course.
However, an online course can give you a good foundation in the electrical trade and help you prepare for an apprenticeship.
What are the Requirements for Taking an Online Electrician Course With a Certificate?
The requirements for taking an online electrician course with a certificate vary depending on the school or program. However, some common requirements include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Basic math and science skills
- A strong work ethic and attention to detail
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- The ability to pass a background check and drug test
Some schools may also require applicants to have previous experience in electrical work or to complete an apprenticeship program.
Check out these 11 best Harvard free online courses- 11 Harvard Free Online Courses for You.
How Long Does It Take to Finish an Online Electrician Course?
The time it takes to finish an online electrician course varies depending on the program’s length, learning speed, and ability to dedicate time to your studies.
Certificate programs typically take 6 to 12 months to complete. If you are a fast learner and can dedicate 20-30 hours per week to your studies, you may be able to complete an online electrician course in as little as six months.
However, if you have other commitments or learn more slowly, completing the program may take up to 12 months or more.
What are the Best Platforms That Offer the Best Online Electrician Courses in 2024
Udemy, edX, Coursera, and Alison are all popular online learning platforms that offer a variety of courses on electrical engineering.
Udemy: Udemy is a massive open online course (MOOC) platform that hosts over 150,000 courses on various topics, including electrical engineering. The courses are typically taught by industry experts and professionals, ranging in price from free to hundreds of dollars.
edX: edX is a non-profit MOOC platform founded by Harvard University and MIT. edX offers a variety of courses from top universities around the world. edX courses are typically free to audit, but there is a fee to earn a certificate of completion.
Coursera: Coursera is another non-profit MOOC platform that partners with top universities and institutions to offer online courses. It offers a variety of electrical engineering courses from top universities around the world. Coursera courses are typically free to audit, but there is a fee to earn a certificate of completion.
Alison: Alison is a free online learning platform that offers various courses on various topics, including electrical engineering. Industry experts and professionals teach Alison’s courses, which are self-paced and accredited.
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Which Universities Provide the Best Online Electrician Courses With Certification?
Many universities offer online electrician courses with certification. Here are a few of the best:
- University of California, San Diego
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- John Hopkins University
- The National University of Singapore
- Purdue University
- Duke University
- University at Buffalo
15 Best Online Electrician Courses with Certification in 2024
These selected courses are considered the best because they offer a comprehensive and up-to-date education in electrical theory and practice. These courses are taught by experienced electricians and engineers, covering all the essential topics electricians need to know. They include:
1. Electrical Systems Planning Professional Course
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: All Levels
- Time: 1.5 hours on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Electrical Systems Planning Professional Course on Udemy is a comprehensive course that teaches you the fundamentals of electrical systems planning. The course covers electrical loads, power consumption, electrical system design, and commissioning. It also includes a module on the maintenance of electrical systems.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Introduction to Electrical Systems
- Electrical Loads and Power Consumption
- Electrical System Design
- Commissioning of Electrical Systems
- Maintenance of Electrical Systems
- Electrical System Calculations
- Electrical System Installation
- Electrical System Protection
- Electrical System Safety
- Electrical System Documentation
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The Electrical Systems Planning Professional Course is a great option for anyone who wants to learn about electrical systems planning. The course is suitable for beginners and experienced professionals alike.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- Understand the basics of electrical systems
- Calculate electrical loads
- Design electrical systems for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications
- Commission electrical systems
- Maintain electrical systems.
2. Practical Home Electrical Installation
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 2 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Practical Home Electrical Installation course on Udemy is a comprehensive course that teaches you the fundamentals of electricity and how to install electrical devices in your home. The course is taught by an electrician with over 30 years of experience.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- The basics of electricity
- Electrical safety
- How to use electrical tools
- How to install lighting fixtures
- How to install switches and receptacles
- How to install timers and doorbells
- How to install dimmers and motion detectors
- How to read electrical diagrams
- How to calculate your electric bill
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
This course is for anyone wanting to learn how to do electrical work at home. This includes homeowners, DIYers, and electricians who want to improve their skills. The course is also a good option for students interested in electrical work careers.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- Understand the difference between volts, amps, and watts.
- Know how to work with electricity safely.
- Use the right tools for the job.
- Install lighting fixtures, switches, receptacles, timers, doorbells, dimmers, and motion detectors.
- Read electrical diagrams.
- Calculate your electric bill.
3. Electrical Course 101
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 15 hours on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Electrical Course 101 on Udemy is an introductory course that covers the basics of electricity. It is designed for anyone who wants to learn about how electricity works, whether you are a beginner or looking to brush up on your knowledge. The course is taught by an experienced electrician who uses clear and concise language to explain the concepts.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- What is electricity?
- How does electricity work?
- Electrical circuits and components
- Electrical safety
- Electrical troubleshooting
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The Electrical Course 101 on Udemy is designed for anyone who wants to learn about the basics of electricity.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The fundamentals of electricity, such as voltage, current, and resistance.
- How electrical circuits work.
- The different types of electrical components.
- Electrical safety practices.
- How to troubleshoot electrical problems.
4. The Basics of Household Wiring. The Electrical System A to Z
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Time: 2 hours of on-demand video
- Language: Language
- Subtitles: English
The Basics of Household Wiring. The Electrical System A to Z online course on Udemy teaches you the basics of electrical wiring in a home. The course is taught by an experienced electrician with over 20 years of experience in the trade. The course is presented clearly and concisely, including many illustrations and diagrams to help you understand the concepts.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- How electricity works
- The different types of electrical wires and cables
- The different types of electrical components, such as switches, outlets, and light fixtures
- The safety rules for electrical work
- How to wire a basic electrical circuit
- How to troubleshoot electrical problems
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
This online course is for anyone who wants to learn about the basics of electrical wiring in a home.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The difference between AC and DC electricity
- The different types of electrical circuits
- The color coding of electrical wires
- Safe working practices for electrical work
- How to wire a light fixture
- How to wire a switch
- How to wire a receptacle
- How to troubleshoot electrical problems
5. Introductory Electricity and Magnetism
- Platform: edX
- Institution: MIT
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 5 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
The Introductory Electricity and Magnetism course on edX is a self-paced online course that introduces the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism. The course is well-taught and covers the essential concepts clearly and concisely.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Electric charge and electric fields
- Gauss’s law
- Electric potential
- Electric current and resistance
- DC circuits
- Magnetic fields
- Magnetic forces
- Electromagnetic induction
- Maxwell’s equations
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The course is designed for students with a basic understanding of physics, such as calculus and introductory mechanics. The course does not require any prior knowledge of electricity and magnetism.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The basic concepts of electricity and magnetism include electric charge, electric fields, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction.
- Calculate the electric and magnetic fields produced by different configurations of charges and currents.
- How to analyze simple electric circuits.
- The Maxwell equations are the fundamental equations of electromagnetism.
- How electromagnetism is used in real-world applications, such as motors, generators, and transformers.
6. Electrical-Based Non-Destructive Testing and Sensing
- Platform: edX
- Institution: Purdue University
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 5 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Electrical-Based Non-Destructive Testing and Sensing course on edX is a self-paced course that teaches you about using electrical methods for non-destructive testing (NDT) and sensing.
Dr. Jianliang Yang, a professor of civil engineering at Purdue University, teaches the course. Dr. Yang is an expert in the field of NDT and has published over 100 papers on the topic.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Introduction to non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Commonly used NDT methods for steel and concrete structures.
- Advanced infrastructure sensing techniques, such as eddy currents, wireless sensing, fiber optics, and embedded sensor networks
- Basic principles of various electric and magnetic-based NDT methods
- Interpretation of the obtained data of electric and magnetic-based NDT methods
- Evaluation of the materials and structure conditions and integrity based on the electric and magnetic-based NDT methods
- Reporting the NDT testing results in both oral and written format following the provided guidelines
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The course is open to anyone with an interest in NDT or sensing. No prior knowledge of NDT is required.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- You will learn about the basic principles of electrical NDT methods
- You will learn how to use commonly used NDT methods for steel and concrete structures
- You will learn about advanced infrastructure sensing techniques
- You will learn how to apply electrical NDT methods to real-world problems
- You will gain hands-on experience with electrical NDT methods
- You will have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field of NDT
7. Electricity Distribution
- Platform: edX
- Institution: The National University of Singapore
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 7 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Chinese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Korean, and Indonesian
The Electricity Distribution course on edX is a free, self-paced course designed to teach you about the infrastructure that delivers electricity to our homes and businesses. Dr. Chew Weng Tat, an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Professor at NUS, teaches the course. He is an expert in electricity distribution and has over 30 years of experience in the industry.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Electricity generation
- Electricity transmission
- Electricity distribution
- Electrical substations
- 3-phase electricity
- Single-phase, split-phase, and 3-phase circuit breaker boxes
- Wiring setups found around the world
- Grounding/earthing
- Pole transformer setups
- Residual current/ground fault interrupt and safety setups
- Lightning protection
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The Electricity Distribution course on edX is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the electricity distribution system.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- You will learn about the different components of an electricity distribution system.
- You will understand how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed.
- You will learn about the safety aspects of electricity distribution.
- You will better understand the electricity grid and how it works.
- You will be able to apply your knowledge to real-world problems.
8. Circuits and Electronics
- Platform: edX
- Institution: MIT
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 4 months
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian
The Circuits and Electronics XSeries Program on edX is a collection of three courses that teach the fundamentals of electronics and circuit analysis. Anant Agarwal, the edX CEO and a professor at MIT teaches the courses.
The courses are self-paced and can be taken by anyone interested in electronics. They are also offered a verified certificate option, which requires completing all course material and passing a final exam.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis
- Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay
- Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
This online course is for anyone with an interest in electronics. It is a good starting point for high school students, college students, and anyone who wants to learn more about how electronics work.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The basic concepts of electronics, such as voltage, current, and resistance
- How to analyze and design circuits
- The different types of electronic components and how they work
- The principles of amplification, speed, and delay in circuits
- The applications of circuits in real-world devices
9. Electric Power Systems
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: University at Buffalo
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 1-4 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, German, Portuguese (European), Vietnamese, Russian, English, Italian, French, Spanish
This free course introduces the fundamentals of electric power systems, from generation to transmission and distribution. The course is self-paced and can be completed at your convenience. There are no prerequisites, but familiarity with basic electrical engineering concepts is helpful.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- The history of electric power systems
- The components of an electric power system
- The principles of power generation
- The transmission and distribution of electric power
- The economics of electric power systems
- The challenges facing electric power systems
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
This course is designed for individuals interested in learning about the fundamentals of electric power systems. This includes students, professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The different types of power plants and how they generate electricity
- The different ways that electricity is transmitted and distributed
- The economics of the electric power industry
- The challenges facing the electric power industry, such as climate change and aging infrastructure
10. Linear Circuits 1: DC Analysis
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
- Level: All Levels
- Time: 3 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, German, Portuguese (European), Vietnamese, Russian, Portuguese (Brazilian), English, Italian, French, Spanish
Linear Circuits 1: DC Analysis is a course by the Georgia Institute of Technology on Coursera. This self-paced course covers the basics of direct current (DC) circuit analysis. The course uses a combination of video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes to teach the material. There is also a final project that allows students to apply the skills they have learned.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Introduction to Circuit Analysis
- Kirchhoff’s Laws
- Resistors
- Capacitors
- Inductors
- Circuits with Switches
- First-order RC and RL Circuits
- Applications of DC Circuits
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The course is intended for students with a basic understanding of algebra and trigonometry. It is a good starting point for students interested in learning more about electrical engineering or electronics.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- How to analyze DC circuits using Kirchhoff’s laws
- How to calculate the voltage and current through resistors, capacitors, and inductors
- How to analyze DC circuits with switches
- How to apply DC circuit analysis to real-world applications such as sensors and amplifiers
11. Power System: Generation, Transmission, and Protection Specialization
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: L&T EduTech
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 1 month
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Power System: Generation, Transmission, and Protection Specialization by L&T EduTech on Coursera is a 5-course specialization that comprehensively introduces the power system. Experienced engineers from L&T EduTech, a leading provider of engineering education, teach the courses. The courses are well-structured and engaging, using various teaching methods, including videos, quizzes, and projects.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Electrical Power Generation – An Industrial Outlook
- Overview of Electrical Generator and its Auxiliary Systems
- Advanced Study of Protection Schemes and Switchgear
- Power System Analysis
- Power System Operation and Control
- Power System Economics and Planning
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The specialization is designed for engineers, technicians, and other professionals who want to learn about the fundamentals of power systems. It is also a good choice for students interested in a career in the power industry.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- Understand the basic principles of power generation, transmission, and protection.
- Analyze power systems and identify potential problems
- Design and implement power system protection schemes
- Operate and control power systems
- Analyze the economics and planning of power systems
12. Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism Specialization
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: Rice University
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 2 months
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism Specialization by Rice University on Coursera is a comprehensive introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism. It is equivalent to a one-semester calculus-based introductory electromagnetism course and will prepare you well for further coursework or independent study in science or engineering. The Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism Specialization is a great way to learn about the fundamental forces of nature. It is also valuable for anyone interested in science, engineering, or technology.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Course 1: Electric Charges and Fields
- Course 2: Electric Potential and DC Circuits
- Course 3: Magnetic Fields and Faraday’s Law
- Course 4: Maxwell’s Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn about the physics of electricity and magnetism. This includes students, professionals, and anyone interested in this topic.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- You will learn the basic concepts of electricity and magnetism.
- You can analyze electric circuits and solve problems involving magnetic fields.
- You will be familiar with Maxwell’s equations the fundamental equations of electromagnetism.
- You will be prepared for further coursework or independent study in science or engineering.
13. Introduction to Basic Electrical Drawings and Test Equipment
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time:1-5 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Introduction to Basic Electrical Drawings and Test Equipment course on Alison is a free online course that teaches you the basics of electrical drawings and test equipment.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Introduction to electrical drawings
- Electrical symbols
- Electrical layouts
- Electrical plans
- Scale drawings
- Power plans
- Lighting floor plans
- Electrical details
- Diagrams, etc
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the basics of electrical drawings and test equipment. It is particularly useful for construction professionals, electrical engineers, and anyone who wants to gain a practical understanding of the electrical trade.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The different types of electrical drawings and their uses
- The basic electrical symbols and their meanings
- How to read and interpret electrical drawings
- The different types of electrical test equipment and their uses
- How to operate electrical test equipment safely
- The principles of operation of a moving-coil meter
- The safety precautions for working with electrical test equipment
14. Electrical Measuring Instrumentation
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Electrical Measuring Instrumentation course on Alison is a free online that teaches you the basics of electrical measuring instruments. If you want to learn more about electrical measuring instruments, I recommend taking the Electrical Measuring Instrumentation course on Alison. This comprehensive and informative course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to measure electrical quantities accurately and reliably.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- Introduction to electrical measuring instruments
- Measuring resistance
- Using an ohmmeter
- Calculating voltage drop
- Repairing electrical measuring instruments
- Thermocouple-type instruments
- Calibrating an oscilloscope
- Using a function generator
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The course is designed for anyone who wants to learn about electrical measuring instruments, including electrical engineers, technicians, and students. It is a self-paced course that you can complete at your own time and convenience.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The different types of electrical measuring instruments
- How to choose the right instrument for the job
- How to use the instruments safely and effectively
- How to troubleshoot and repair electrical measuring instruments
- The latest advances in electrical measuring instrumentation
15. Introduction to the Electrical Trade – Revised
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 1-5 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.
The Introduction to the Electrical Trade – Revised course on Alison is a free online course that introduces the electrical trade. The course covers the basics of electricity, electrical safety, and the different types of electrical work. It also discusses the career opportunities available in the electrical trade.
Online Electrician Courses to Take
- The Electrical Trade
- Electrical Safety
- Electrical Circuits
- Electrical Wiring Systems
- Electrical Tools and Equipment
- Electrical Testing and Troubleshooting
- Careers in the Electrical Trade
Who is This Online Electrician Course For?
The Introduction to the Electrical Trade – Revised course on Alison is for anyone interested in learning about the electrical trade.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Electrician Course
- The basic principles of electricity
- The different types of electrical wiring systems
- The different types of electrical tools and equipment
- The importance of electrical safety
- How to troubleshoot electrical problems
- The different career opportunities available in the electrical trade
Frequently Asked Questions
The time to become an electrician varies depending on the state and your chosen apprenticeship program. However, most electricians complete their apprenticeship in four to five years.
The salary for an electrician varies depending on experience, location, and job title. However, the median annual salary for electricians in the United States is $56,180.
The job prospects for electricians are good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of electricians will grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
The demand for electricians is growing, and online electrician courses can be a great way to get the training you need to start a career in this field. Many different online electrician courses are available, so it is important to do your research and choose one that is accredited and reputable.
No matter which route you choose, becoming an electrician is a rewarding career that offers good job security and high pay. By taking an online electrician course, you can take the first step towards a successful career in this growing field.
References
- Alison.com– Free Online Courses to Become an Electrician
- Stayinformedgroup.com– 20 Free Online Electrical Courses with Certificates in 2023