Residential Electrical, Certificate of Competency

Program Overview

The Residential Electrical Certificate of Competency program at Delaware County Community College prepares individuals for a career as a residential electrician. The program covers the safe and proper installation, troubleshooting, and servicing of electricity and its associated equipment and wiring in new home construction, as well as maintenance and repairs in existing homes. Upon successful completion, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of OSHA requirements, interpret the National Electrical Code, and perform various electrical tasks. The program consists of 28 credit hours and can be completed in either a full-time or part-time format.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Residential Electrical Certificate of Competency (ELT) program at Delaware County Community College is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a residential electrician. The program covers the safe and proper installation, troubleshooting, and servicing of electricity and its associated equipment and wiring in new home construction, as well as maintenance and repairs in existing homes. The curriculum has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, for the 144 hours of classroom training required in an electrical apprenticeship program. Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of OSHA requirements for the electrical profession.
• Interpret and apply the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Lay out electrical installations for residential uses.
• Install various electrical components, devices, and circuits.
• Perform specified measurements and tests on current, voltage, resistance, and efficiency of electrical motors, power panels, lighting circuits, electrical outlets, transformers, as well as electrical devices and circuits.
• Troubleshoot and electrical components, devices, and circuits.

Outline:

The program consists of 28 credit hours, which can be completed in either a full-time or part-time format. The full-time academic plan is designed to be completed in two semesters, while the part-time evening schedule is designed to be completed in five semesters. The program's content is divided into five modules:

• First Semester:
• TME 115 Basic Technical Skills (3 credits)
• TCS 105 Workplace Safety (2 credits)
• ELT 110 Introduction to Electricity (4 credits)
• ELT 112 Electrical Code (2 credits)
• ELT 114 Residential Wire (3 credits)
• Second Semester:
• TCS 100 Construction Blueprint Reading (3 credits)
• ELT 116 Advanced Electrical Wire (3 credits)
• ELT 118 Troubleshooting and Old Work Wiring (2 credits)
• ELT 206 Commercial Wire (3 credits)
• ELT 208 Solar Photovoltaic System Design and Installation (3 credits)
• Third/Fourth Semester (Offered Fall Only):
• ELT 206 Commercial Wire (3 credits)
• Third/Fourth Semester (Offered Spring Only):
• ELT 118 Troubleshooting and Old Work Wiring (2 credits)
• ELT 208 Solar Photovoltaic System Design and Installation (3 credits)
• Fifth Semester:
• Any Semester Course (3 credits)

Careers:

Completion of the Residential Electrical Certificate of Competency program can lead to a career as a residential electrician. Residential electricians work in new home construction, as well as maintenance and repairs in existing homes. They install, troubleshoot, and service electrical systems and equipment. The median annual wage for residential electricians was $56,900 in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for residential electricians is expected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.