Varies from place to place. I'm in Southern California, and things are changing a bit here.
Historically, there have been electricians, Journeyman Electricians (Inside Wiremen or Journeyman Wireman), and Electrical Contractors, all separate classifications. We do not have Master Electricians out here.
Contractors have to pass a comprehensive examination and document several years of trade experience. The exam has gotten tougher over the last few years, and the number of "Pass your contractor's test or pay nothing" businesses has dwindled substantially.
Without getting into the union / non-union issue, it used to be that the IBEW had the only state approved apprecticeship training program that turned out Journeyman Wiremen (just talking inside wiremen here, not outside work). Nowdays, there is another avenue for perspective apprentices to go other than the union. Typically the apprenticeship programs are 4 or 5 years to become a Journeyman Wireman (JW).
There is a new development here, the state has begun licensing electrical workers, and they do so by administering an examination. But becoming a licensed electrician is NOT the same as becomming an Electrical Contractor or even a JW. And there is still no Master Electrician.
Might seem sorta confusing, but heck, that's what we pay bureaucrats for, right?
Radar
