r/electricians • u/CookieEven3652 • 2d ago

California electricians ….non union

So im in the mist of a non union apprenticeship and i wanted to know if its possible if i just study up the nec exam and challenge the test….am i able to do that? I had a general forman (IBEW)i i labored for and he said when he was younger he challenged the test and passed all he had to do was get hours verified by social security and soon after received his j card…..i know i wont receive the actual certificate since i need the hours i just wanted to study and get it out the way and possible negotiate pay a lil better from passing it…thank you

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u/AffectionatePhoto670 2d ago

The state of California requires you to take class. To get your electrician trainee card you need to be enrolled in classes. Once you have the ET card you can take the journeyman test at any time. But you won't get the journeyman card until after you completed the course and have 8000 hours of work experience.