Curriculum

Online Electrician Training Curriculum

Ensure your workers are prepared for on-the-job success with comprehensive, online electrician training. Designed with job-readiness in mind, the Residential Electrician Training Program curriculum covers the fundamental skills needed to be an electrician, including working with electrical systems and understanding the National Electrical Code.

Residential Electrician

Career Diploma

Accredited

Full Program Overview

45.6 continuing education units (CEUs)
9 courses
28 exams

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 7 months
Average time = 11 months

The estimated completion times are based on completion times for consumer learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals. Enterprise Solution rates may be higher but are highly dependent upon implementation choices.

In this course, your learners will learn tips for how to be a good Penn Foster student.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Understand how to use their student portal
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
- Connect with Penn Foster on various social media sites
- Electrical Fundamentals
In this course, your learners will get a general overview of the skills and knowledge required of a residential electrician. They will learn about the job opportunities for electricians; basic electrical terms and concepts such as power, voltage, and current; and how power is supplied to and throughout a residence. Then, they will discover how both AC and DC circuits are formed and how to calculate the power supplied through these circuits. Finally, your workers will learn the math needed to perform electrical measurements, calculations, and conversions.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Define an electrician’s role and how to get started in the electrical field
- Describe the nature of electricity
- Explain circuits and Ohm’s Law
- Define alternating current
- Summarize how to use basic math operations for trade professions
In this course, your learners will study the major electrical classifications and describe the job functions associated with each. They will learn about how the National Electrical Code applies to manufacturers, installers, and users of electrical equipment. They will also find out about the hand tools they will use as an electrician.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Explain how to work safely with electricity
- List the various tools an electrician uses
- Describe how to use a multimeter
Schematic diagrams and blueprints are vital for both the planning and installation phases of a residential electrician’s work. Understanding the wiring job in full allows an electrician to be prepared and complete the job efficiently. In this course, your learners will discover how schematics and blueprints are prepared. They will also learn to read schematics and diagrams and to trace wiring diagrams for motor controls.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Analyze electrical drawings, block diagrams, wiring diagrams, and electrical schematic diagrams
- Analyze electrical blueprints, logic controller diagrams, and wiring plans for residential and light commercial applications
In this course, your learners will discover how to identify the physical and electrical properties and characteristics of conductors. They will also learn about the types and characteristics of conduits. Both of these areas of knowledge are essential for any wiring job you’ll work on throughout your entire career. Many of the skills you’ll learn later on in your program build on these basic fundamentals.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Describe how to select and install various types of conductors, wires, and cables
- Identify how to install various types of conduit fittings and supports
In this course, your learners will study several common types of wiring equipment. They will also learn to identify various types of control devices, including hand-operated switches, automatic switches, magnetically controlled devices, and remote-control systems.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Explain how to install various types of control and protective devices
- Describe several common types of wiring equipment, electrical fittings, and boxes, cabinets, and panels
In this course, your learners will learn to identify and understand common wiring terms and symbols and to use diagrams and plans to connect branch circuits. They will also learn about transformers and how they’re used to transmit electrical power. Then, they will study how to connect electrical equipment and conductors to wire new circuits. Finally, your learners will apply what they have learned about wiring new circuits to old work. They will also discover how electricians use circuit measurement techniques to troubleshoot problems.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Describe the types and requirements of different circuits used for specific applications
- Explain the uses, operations, and types of transformers
- Describe how to install various electrical components in new work
- Describe how to install various electrical components in existing structures and how to update old work
In this course, your learners will gain an understanding of different heating sources and some of the benefits of electric heating. They will also discover the function of common components within a building’s HVAC system, a pneumatic automatic control system, and an electric automatic control system.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Explain the fundamentals, uses, and control mechanisms of electric heating
- Describe the functions and components of air conditioning systems
This course is designed to teach your learners how to use the National Electrical Code (NEC) as a practical tool to ensure their work complies with the NEC’s codes. Engineers, designers, and technicians actually installing systems and components need to comply with the NEC. It’s important for them to think of the NEC as a tool in their collection - as something they will need and use as often as cutting pliers and wire strippers. This course will teach them how to use and interpret the NEC so they can be sure their work complies with code.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- Describe how to use the NEC to find wiring codes for residential applications
- Summarize the NEC codes regarding load calculations, electrical service, and conductors
- Explain the NEC Articles pertaining to grounding, bonding, wiring, and raceways
- Summarize the NEC codes related to equipment, including switching devices, panelboards, fixtures, and appliances
- Summarize the NEC codes covering commercial and industrial installations
- Determine whether various electrical scenarios comply with the National Electrical Code
In this course, your workers will learn about the concept of troubleshooting and the methods of approach applied in troubleshooting. These troubleshooting techniques will apply all of the skills learned throughout their program. Then, they will learn about the potential career paths for residential electricians. This course covers the important considerations of starting an electrical contracting business, including the advantages, disadvantages, skills required, and finances.

By the end of this course, your learners will be able to:
- List the methods of approach and steps to electrical troubleshooting
- Identify the considerations involved in starting an electrical contracting business