Electrical & Electronics Technician Schools
Electrical and electronics technician schools teach practical skills for working with circuits, controls, wiring, motors, test equipment, electronics, industrial systems, and diagnostic tools.
This path is related to electrician training, but it is not the same thing. Electricians usually focus on installing and maintaining wiring systems, following electrical code, and meeting state or local licensing requirements. Electrical and electronics technicians often focus more on testing, diagnosing, maintaining, repairing, calibrating, and supporting electrical or electronic equipment.
That equipment can include industrial machinery, control panels, sensors, motors, circuit boards, communications systems, low-voltage systems, automation equipment, and lab or field-service tools.
If you want a hands-on technical path that connects electricity, electronics, maintenance, and automation, this page can help you compare relevant training options near you or online.
Electrical and Electronics Technician Training: Quick Answer
Electrical and electronics technician training teaches you how electrical and electronic systems work, how to test them, and how to find problems in real equipment.
Programs may cover AC and DC circuits, wiring, motors, controls, electronics, soldering, programmable logic controllers, schematics, test equipment, safety, and industrial troubleshooting. Some programs lean toward electrical maintenance and industrial systems. Others focus more on electronics, components, communications, engineering support, or automation.
The best program depends on the kind of work you want to do. A shorter certificate or diploma may help you build focused job skills. An associate degree in electrical technology, electronics technology, or electronics engineering technology may provide broader preparation for technician or engineering-support roles. Bachelor-level engineering technology programs can go deeper into systems, testing, advanced technical work, and project support.
Which Electrical Path Fits Your Goal?
A search for “electrical school” can point to several different paths. Sorting them out first can help you avoid choosing a program that does not match your career goal.
| If you want to... | A better starting point may be... |
|---|---|
| Install wiring in homes, businesses, or construction projects | Electrician training or an apprenticeship |
| Troubleshoot motors, control panels, electrical systems, and industrial equipment | Electrical technician or industrial electrical training |
| Work with circuit boards, components, signals, devices, and diagnostic tools | Electronics technician training |
| Support engineers with testing, prototypes, measurements, and technical systems | Electrical or electronics engineering technology |
| Work with PLCs, sensors, robotics, and automated equipment | Automation, robotics, mechatronics, or industrial electronics training |
| Work on low-voltage systems like security, AV, communications, or fire alarm systems | Electronic systems technician or low-voltage training |
If your goal is to become a licensed electrician, start with our guides to electrician schools, how to become an electrician, or electrician apprenticeships. Technician training can be useful, but it may not replace the supervised work hours, code training, exams, or licensing steps required for electrician work in your state.
Electrical Technician vs. Electronics Technician vs. Electrician
These jobs overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Employers also use job titles differently, so it helps to compare the work itself instead of relying on the title alone.
| Path | Main focus | Common work settings | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical technician | Testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems and equipment | Manufacturing, utilities, commercial facilities, field service, industrial maintenance | More focused on systems, equipment, maintenance, and diagnostics than building-wiring licensure |
| Electronics technician | Testing, repairing, assembling, or maintaining electronic components and devices | Labs, manufacturing, repair facilities, communications, field service, engineering support | Often works with components, boards, devices, signals, and diagnostic tools |
| Electrical/electronics engineering technician | Helping engineers test, build, modify, and evaluate systems or equipment | Engineering labs, manufacturing, product testing, automation, research and development | Usually more technical and measurement-focused; associate degree commonly expected |
| Electrician | Installing, maintaining, and repairing wiring and electrical systems according to code | Residential, commercial, industrial, construction, maintenance | Often tied to apprenticeship, licensing, and electrical code requirements |
Electrical technician
An electrical technician may help test, maintain, repair, or troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment. Depending on the employer, the work may involve motors, controls, panels, industrial equipment, instrumentation, power systems, preventive maintenance, or field service.
Electronics technician
An electronics technician may assemble, test, maintain, calibrate, or repair electronic equipment. That can include circuit boards, sensors, communications systems, control devices, test equipment, consumer or commercial electronics, or manufacturing systems.
Electrician
An electrician usually works more directly with building wiring, electrical installation, code compliance, and state or local licensing. Electricians may work in residential, commercial, industrial, maintenance, or construction settings.
Engineering technician
An electrical or electronics engineering technician often supports engineers. That can involve building prototypes, running tests, collecting measurements, adjusting equipment, troubleshooting systems, writing reports, or helping improve products and processes.
Electrical & Electronics Technician Schools
Sponsored Listings
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech offers electrical/electronics training options at multiple campuses.
- Electrical/Electronics
Lincoln Tech
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Electrical/Electronics
United Education Institute
- Morrow, Georgia
- Stone Mountain, Georgia
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Houston, Texas
- Dallas, Texas
- Electrical Technology
Tulsa Welding School
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Dallas, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Electrical Applications
- Electrical Technologies
Fortis
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Wayne, New Jersey
- Lawrenceville, New Jersey
- Electrical Systems Technology
- Electronic Systems Technician
San Joaquin Valley College
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Multiple California campuses
- Electrical Technology
How Program Names Usually Differ
Schools use a lot of different names for programs in this area. The names are not always consistent, so look past the label and check the courses, labs, equipment, and career outcomes.
| Program name | Usually means | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Technology | Training in electrical systems, circuits, wiring, motors, controls, safety, and troubleshooting | May or may not support electrician licensing |
| Electrical Technician | Practical training for maintaining, testing, or supporting electrical systems and equipment | Check whether it is industrial, commercial, low-voltage, or electrician-adjacent |
| Electronics Technology | Training in circuits, components, boards, test equipment, soldering, and electronics troubleshooting | Hands-on lab access matters a lot |
| Electronics Technician | Practical preparation for electronics repair, testing, assembly, calibration, or field service | Ask what equipment you will actually use |
| Electronics Engineering Technology | A more technical degree path involving electronics, systems, testing, math, and engineering support | Not the same as electrical engineering |
| Electrical & Industrial Maintenance | Electrical systems plus industrial equipment, motors, PLCs, and maintenance practices | May overlap with industrial maintenance programs |
| Electronic Systems Technician | Often low-voltage systems such as security, fire alarm, AV, communications, or networking | Some low-voltage work may be regulated by state or local rules |
| Mechatronics / Automation | A blend of electrical, mechanical, controls, robotics, sensors, and manufacturing systems | Can overlap with robotics, automation, and industrial maintenance |
Before choosing a school, ask what jobs the program is designed for, what equipment you will train on, and whether the program connects to any certifications, licenses, apprenticeships, or employer partnerships.
What These Programs Usually Cover
Electrical and electronics technician programs vary, but strong programs usually combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work.
Circuits, wiring, and electrical fundamentals
You may study AC and DC circuits, voltage, current, resistance, power, Ohm’s Law, circuit calculations, electrical measurements, wiring practices, transformers, motors, relays, switches, sensors, electrical drawings, diagrams, and schematics.
Electronics, components, and test equipment
Electronics-focused programs may include resistors, capacitors, inductors, semiconductors, circuit boards, soldering, component replacement, analog and digital electronics, microcontroller basics, signal tracing, multimeters, oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, and troubleshooting methods.
Motors, controls, PLCs, and industrial systems
Industrial and maintenance-focused programs may cover motor control circuits, programmable logic controllers, industrial sensors, variable frequency drives, automation basics, robotics fundamentals, preventive maintenance, equipment documentation, fault diagnosis, lockout/tagout awareness, and control panels.
Safety, schematics, and documentation
Good technician training should also teach you how to work carefully, document problems, read technical information, and recognize when a task requires a licensed professional.
Program Options
Electrical and electronics technician schools may offer certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, or bachelor-level technology programs. The right choice depends on your goals, timeline, budget, and target jobs.
| Program type | Typical length | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Several months to about 1 year | Focused skills, career changers, existing workers, or students testing the field | May be too narrow for some employers |
| Diploma | Often about 6 to 12 months | Job-focused technical training with more structure than a short certificate | Credits may not transfer easily |
| Associate degree | Often about 18 to 24 months | Broader technician, technologist, or engineering-support preparation | Takes longer and includes more general education |
| Bachelor’s in engineering technology | Often about 4 years, or shorter for completion programs | Advanced technical, systems, testing, or management-oriented paths | Not the same as a traditional engineering degree |
| Online or hybrid program | Varies | Theory, flexible schedules, career changers | Must include real hands-on practice somehow |
Certificate and diploma programs
Certificate and diploma programs are often focused on practical skills. They may include circuits, wiring, test equipment, safety, industrial controls, and troubleshooting. They can be a good fit if you want shorter training or already have some mechanical, maintenance, military, or technical experience.
Associate degree programs
Associate degree programs in electrical technology, electronics technology, electrical engineering technology, or electronics engineering technology usually go deeper. They may include more math, science, general education, technical writing, circuits, electronics, digital systems, PLCs, instrumentation, robotics, and engineering support.
Bachelor’s and engineering technology programs
Bachelor’s programs in electronics engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, electronic systems, or mechatronics can support more advanced technical roles. Engineering technology is generally more applied than traditional engineering. That can be a strength if you want practical technical work, but it is not always the same pathway as becoming an engineer.
Online and hybrid training
Some electrical and electronics topics can be taught online, especially theory, safety concepts, formulas, terminology, and schematic reading. But hands-on skills matter in this field.
If a program is fully online, ask whether it includes lab kits, circuit-building projects, simulation software, instructor feedback, practice with test equipment, soldering or component work, clear preparation for employer expectations, and any required campus labs or externship options.
How Much Math Is Involved?
You do not need to start as a math expert, but you should be comfortable learning applied math and using formulas carefully.
Electrical and electronics technician training may involve basic algebra, fractions and decimals, unit conversions, Ohm’s Law, power calculations, basic trigonometry, circuit formulas, and reading charts, meters, and diagrams.
Engineering technology programs may go deeper, especially at the associate or bachelor level. Traditional electrical engineering degrees usually involve more advanced calculus, physics, and theory.
The practical question is not “Am I a math genius?” It is “Am I willing to slow down, follow steps, check my work, and use formulas carefully?” If yes, this field may be more approachable than it looks from the outside.
Career Paths This Training Can Support
Electrical and electronics technician training can lead toward several job families. Exact titles vary by employer, industry, location, and credential level.
- Electrical technician
- Electronics technician
- Electrical engineering technician
- Electronics engineering technician
- Industrial electronics technician
- Electrical maintenance technician
- Field service technician
- Test technician
- Calibration technician
- Controls technician
- Automation technician
- Mechatronics technician
- Manufacturing maintenance technician
- Low-voltage technician
- Electronic systems technician
- Instrumentation technician
Industrial and manufacturing electronics
Technicians in manufacturing or industrial environments may troubleshoot production equipment, motor controls, sensors, PLCs, drives, panels, and automated systems. This path can overlap with industrial maintenance, especially when the job involves both mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
Robotics, automation, and controls
Automation-focused technicians may work with PLCs, sensors, robots, control panels, motors, and manufacturing systems. If that is the direction you want, also compare robotics and automation training.
Electronics repair and field service
Electronics technicians may repair, test, calibrate, or maintain equipment in shops, labs, factories, hospitals, communications companies, or customer sites. Some roles involve travel. Others are more bench-based.
Engineering support
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians may help engineers build prototypes, run tests, record measurements, troubleshoot systems, improve equipment, or support production and research.
Salary and Job Outlook
Salary data for this field can be tricky because “electrical technician” and “electronics technician” are loose job titles. Depending on the actual job, wage data may fall into more than one BLS occupation group.
| BLS occupation group | May 2024 median annual wage | 2024-2034 outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians | $77,180 | 1% growth |
| Electrical and electronics installers and repairers | $71,270 | Little or no change |
BLS also projects about 8,400 annual openings for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians and about 9,600 annual openings for electrical and electronics installers and repairers, on average, from 2024 to 2034. Many of those openings are expected to come from workers transferring to other occupations or leaving the labor force.
Your actual pay can vary by job title, location, industry, employer, shift schedule, credentials, overtime, union status, and experience. For example, technicians working on utility, substation, industrial, or specialized communications equipment may have very different earning potential than entry-level repair or bench technician roles.
Use national wage numbers as a starting point, not a promise. The real question is what employers in your area are hiring for and what credentials, experience, or tools they expect.
Important Certifications and Credentials
There is no single certification that every electrical or electronics technician needs. Credential requirements depend on your job, employer, industry, and state or local rules.
| Credential | Best fit | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| ETA International credentials | Electronics fundamentals and specialty technical areas | Usually optional or employer-preferred |
| ISCET certifications | Electronics technician knowledge and professional validation | Usually optional |
| FCC commercial radio operator licensing | Certain commercial radio, maritime, aviation, or communications-related work | Job-specific, not general electronics work |
| NCCER electrical or electronic systems credentials | Construction, industrial, electrical, or low-voltage career paths | Program- or employer-specific |
| OSHA 10/30 Outreach | Jobsite safety awareness | Safety training, not a technical certification or license |
| EPA Section 608 | HVAC/R work involving refrigerants | Required only for refrigerant-related work |
ETA International
ETA International offers electronics certifications, including the Associate Certified Electronics Technician credential. CETa is designed for technicians with less than two years of experience or training and covers basic electronics theory and applications across electronics disciplines.
ISCET
ISCET, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, offers electronics technician training, education, and certification exams for students and experienced technicians. Its associate-level exam is designed for electronics students or technicians with less than four years of experience.
FCC commercial radio operator licensing
FCC commercial operator licenses may matter for some communications-related work, but they are not general electronics technician credentials. The FCC currently issues several commercial operator licenses and endorsements, including the General Radiotelephone Operator License. Applicants must pass the required exam elements through an FCC-authorized Commercial Operator License Examination Manager.
NCCER
NCCER’s Electronic Systems Technician curriculum focuses on telecommunications, security, and fire alarm systems. It uses the first two levels of Electrical training as a starting point for learners pursuing the Electronic Systems Technician path. That can be relevant for low-voltage and construction-adjacent programs, but it is not the default credential for every electronics technician role.
OSHA safety training
OSHA Outreach courses provide hazard-awareness training and may lead to a 10-hour or 30-hour completion card. OSHA says these cards are not a certification or license. Some employers, unions, states, or localities may still require this training for certain worksites.
EPA Section 608
EPA Section 608 certification applies to technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release regulated refrigerants. It is relevant to HVAC/R-related work, not general electrical or electronics technician work.
Do Electrical Technicians Need a License?
Many electrical and electronics technician roles do not follow the same licensing path as electrician jobs. That is because technicians often work on testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, equipment support, or engineering-support tasks rather than independently installing permanent building wiring.
But do not turn that into a blanket assumption. Some work can still be regulated, especially if it involves building electrical systems, low-voltage contracting, fire alarms, security systems, communications infrastructure, or work that overlaps with electrician scope in your state.
Before enrolling, ask:
- Does this program prepare students for technician roles, electrician licensing, or both?
- Does the program count toward any apprenticeship or supervised work requirement?
- Are low-voltage, alarm, security, or communications licenses required in my state?
- What work can graduates legally do without additional licensing?
- Which employers hire graduates from this program?
Credential mismatch is one of the easiest ways to waste time. If your real goal is licensed electrician work, verify that path before choosing a technician program.
What to Look for in a School
A good electrical or electronics technician school should be clear about what it teaches, what tools students use, and what jobs the training is designed to support.
- Hands-on lab time
- Modern test equipment
- Multimeters and oscilloscopes
- Wiring and circuit practice
- Soldering or electronics assembly, where relevant
- PLC or automation exposure
- Motor controls and industrial systems
- Safety training
- Schematic and blueprint reading
- Instructor industry experience
- Career services
- Employer relationships
- Internship or externship options, where available
- Certification preparation
- Clear total cost information
- Transfer-credit information
- Graduate outcome transparency
Also ask what the program does not prepare you for. A good admissions rep should be able to say whether the program is aimed at electrical maintenance, electronics repair, engineering technology, industrial systems, low-voltage work, automation, or electrician licensing.
If they cannot answer that clearly, slow down and ask more questions before committing.
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
- Is this program mainly electrical, electronics, industrial maintenance, automation, low-voltage, or engineering technology?
- What job titles is it designed to support?
- How much hands-on lab time is included?
- What tools and equipment will I use?
- Will I work with multimeters, oscilloscopes, PLCs, motors, circuit boards, or control panels?
- Does the program include soldering, wiring, troubleshooting, or equipment repair?
- Does it prepare students for ETA, ISCET, NCCER, FCC, OSHA, or other credentials?
- Are certification exams included in tuition?
- Does the program include an internship, externship, or employer project?
- Do credits transfer into an associate or bachelor’s program?
- Does the program connect to electrician apprenticeship or licensing requirements?
- What are the full costs, including tools, books, supplies, fees, and exam costs?
- What career services are available?
- Which employers have hired recent graduates?
- What support is available if I struggle with math or lab work?
Is Electrical or Electronics Technician Training Worth It?
Electrical and electronics technician training can be worth considering if you like hands-on technical problem-solving and want a career path that blends tools, systems, diagnostics, and practical technology.
It may be a strong fit if you enjoy figuring out why equipment is not working, want a field connected to manufacturing or automation, prefer applied math over abstract theory, or want a technical path that is different from a traditional electrician apprenticeship.
It may not be the best fit if you want purely desk-based work, want to avoid math entirely, are mainly trying to become a licensed electrician, need guaranteed remote work, or prefer broad engineering design over applied troubleshooting.
The best program is the one that matches your target job. “Electrical,” “electronics,” and “technology” can mean different things from one school to another, so ask each school to explain exactly what its program is designed to prepare you for.
FAQs About Electrical and Electronics Technician Schools
What is an electrical technician?
An electrical technician helps test, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, or support electrical systems and equipment. Depending on the job, that may include motors, controls, panels, sensors, industrial equipment, power systems, or field-service work.
What is an electronics technician?
An electronics technician works with electronic components, circuits, devices, test equipment, signals, boards, controls, or communications systems. Some electronics technicians repair equipment, while others test, assemble, calibrate, or support systems in manufacturing, engineering, or field-service settings.
Are electrical technicians and electricians the same?
No. Electricians usually focus more on installing and maintaining wiring systems according to code and often need state or local licensure. Electrical technicians usually focus more on testing, troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, or supporting equipment and systems. Some jobs overlap, but the training and legal requirements can be very different.
How long is electrical technician training?
Program length varies. Certificate and diploma programs may take several months to about a year. Associate degree programs often take about 18 to 24 months. Bachelor-level engineering technology programs usually take longer. Always ask schools for exact timelines, schedule options, and lab requirements.
Can I take electronics technician training online?
Some electronics technician training can be completed online, especially theory-heavy coursework. But hands-on practice is important for soldering, circuit building, test equipment, troubleshooting, and equipment repair. If a program is online, ask whether it includes lab kits, simulations, instructor feedback, or required in-person labs.
What do you learn in an electrical technology program?
Electrical technology programs may cover AC/DC circuits, wiring, electrical safety, motors, controls, schematics, test equipment, troubleshooting, and sometimes PLCs, automation, or industrial maintenance. Course content depends on the program’s focus.
Do electrical technicians need a license?
Many electrical technician jobs do not require the same license as electrician jobs, but rules vary by state and by type of work. Some low-voltage, alarm, security, communications, or building electrical work may be regulated. Ask your school and state licensing authority before assuming.
Is electrical/electronics technician training worth it?
It can be worth it if the program includes hands-on practice, current equipment, useful career support, and training that matches your target job. It is less useful if the program is vague, light on labs, unclear about outcomes, or mismatched with your goal.
What jobs can you get with an electronics technology degree?
Possible job titles include electronics technician, electrical engineering technician, test technician, calibration technician, field service technician, industrial electronics technician, controls technician, automation technician, or manufacturing technician. Job titles and requirements vary by employer.
Is electronics engineering technology the same as electrical engineering?
No. Electronics engineering technology is usually more applied and hands-on. Electrical engineering is generally more theory-heavy and math-intensive. Engineering technology programs can prepare students for technical and engineering-support roles, but they may not lead to the same career path as an engineering degree.
What certifications are good for electronics technicians?
ETA International and ISCET credentials may be useful for electronics technician roles. FCC commercial operator licensing may matter for certain communications-related work. NCCER may be relevant for electrical or low-voltage systems pathways. Requirements depend on the employer and job specialty.
Should I choose electrician training or electrical technician training?
Choose electrician training if your goal is licensed wiring, installation, construction, or code-based electrical work. Choose electrical or electronics technician training if you are more interested in troubleshooting, maintenance, electronics, controls, industrial systems, automation, testing, or equipment support.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electricians
- ETA International, Basic Electronics Certifications
- International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
- Federal Communications Commission, Commercial Radio Operator Licenses
- NCCER, Electronic Systems Technician
- OSHA, Outreach Training Program FAQ
- U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements
Find Electrical and Electronics Technician Schools Near You
Electrical and electronics technician programs can help you prepare for practical technical roles in maintenance, electronics, industrial systems, automation, field service, engineering support, and related areas.
Compare programs by more than the title. Look at the labs, equipment, instructors, certification options, employer connections, and whether the training matches your actual goal.
Use the school search tool to compare electrical and electronics technician programs near you or online.