Interested in a career in the electrical industry? 

Earn a continuing education certificate in Electrical and Residential Wiring. Learn and develop skills to embark on a career as an electrician for electrical installation, repair, and maintenance jobs. You will also learn how to complete electrical and wiring jobs for construction and residential projects. 

how to enroll and register

This certificate is awarded upon completion of the following courses listed below. 

About Our Courses

Electrical Level 1

The following materials are required for the class sessions:

  • Electrical, Level 1: NCCER textbook.
  • National Electric Code (NEC) 2020 Handbook.
  • Calculator.
ELC-301 Electrical Level 1 (2.7 CEUs)

First-level course of the NCCER curriculum for electrical students. Topics include an orientation to the trade, electrical safety, electrical circuits, and electrical theory.

ELC-308 Residential Wiring 1: Part 1 (2.7 CEUs)

Continuation of the NCCER Level 1 electrical curriculum to prepare students to wire a residence accordion to the NEC. Topics include an introduction to the NEC, device boxes, and hand bending. Prerequisite: ELC-301.

ELC-311 Residential Wiring 1: Part 2 (2.7 CEUs)

Continuation of the NCCER Level 1 residential wiring curriculum for electrical students. Topics include basic electrical construction drawings, residential electric services, and electrical test equipment. Prerequisite: ELC-308.

ELC-322 Residential Wiring 1: Part 3 (3.0 CEUs)

Completes the NCCER Level 1 curriculum for electrical students. Topics include raceways and fittings, and conductors and cables, with emphasis on appropriate NEC requirements. Prerequisite: ELC-311.

Electrical Level 2

The following materials are required for the class sessions:

  • Electrical, Level 2: NCCER textbook.
  • 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) Handbook.
  • Calculator.
ELC-312 Electrical Level 2 (5.8 CEUs)

First course in the NCCER Level 2 electrical curriculum. Topics include alternating current, grounding and bonding, circuit breakers and fuses, and electric lighting. Hands-on lab included. Prerequisite: ELC-311.

ELC-323 Construction Electricity 2: Part 1 (4.8 CEUs)

Continuation of the NCCER Level 2 electrical curriculum to prepare students for the construction industry. Topics include theory and application of AC and DC motors; components, circuits, and connections; conduit bending; and selection and sizing of pull and junction boxes and handholes. Prerequisites: ELC-322 and ELC-312.

ELC-324 Construction Electricity 2: Part 2 (3.8 CEUs)

Completes the NCCER Level 2 electrical curriculum. Topics include conductor installations, cable tray, conductor terminations and splices, and control systems and fundamental concepts. Prerequisite: ELC-323.

Electrical Level 3

The following materials are required for the class sessions:

  • Electrical, Level 3: NCCER textbook.
  • 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) Handbook.
  • Calculator.
ELC-346 Electrical Level 3: Part 1 (6.0 CEUs)

First course in the NCCER Level 3 electrical curriculum. Topics include load calculations-branch circuits, conductor selection and calculations, practical applications of lighting, and hazardous locations. Prerequisite: ELC-312.

ELC-347 Electrical Level 3: Part 2 (6.0 CEUs)

Continuation of the NCCER Level 3 electrical curriculum. Topics include overcurrent protection, distribution equipment, transformers, and commercial electrical services. Prerequisite: ELC-346.

ELC-348 Electrical Level 3: Part 3 (3.5 CEUs)

Continuation of the NCCER Level 3 electrical curriculum. Topics include motor calculations, voice, data, video, and motor controls. Prerequisite: ELC-347.

Electrical Level 4

The following materials are required for the class sessions:

  • Electrical, Level 4: NCCER textbook.
  • 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) Handbook.
  • Calculator.
ELC-349 Electrical Level 4: Part 1 (6.5 CEUs)

First course of the NCCER Level 4 electrical curriculum. Topics include load calculations feeders and services, health care facilities, standby and emergency systems, basic electronic theory, and fire alarm systems. Prerequisite: Electrical Level 3.

ELC-350 Electrical Level 4: Part 2 (5.5 CEUs)

Continuation of the NCCER Level 4 electrical curriculum. Topics include specialty transformers, advanced controls, hvac controls, heat tracing, and freeze protection. Prerequisite: ELC-349.

ELC-351 Electrical Level 4: Part 3 (6.0 CEUs)

Continuation of the NCCER Level 4 electrical curriculum. Topics include motor operation and maintenance, medium voltage terminations/splices, special locations, and fundamentals of crew leadership. Prerequisite: ELC-350.

CST-376 National Electric Code: Journeyman Preparation 4.2 CEUs

This course prepares students for the journeyman electrician examination. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the National Electric Code with trade experience.

Required textbook: National Electrical Code 2020 Handbook.

CST-453 NEC Update 2017 (1.1 CEUs)

This course provides a review of significant areas of the National Electrical Code. The focus is on the application of changes made during the 2017 NEC update. This course meets the 10 hours of continuing education required to maintain a master's license, although it is not limited master specific. Classes are held on Saturdays.

Textbook required: National Electrical Code 2017 Handbook.

ELC-321 Basic Electronics and Motor Controls (5.2 CEUs)

This is a basic course designed for journeymen and apprentice electricians, building maintenance engineers, property managers, plant operators, and facilities maintenance, elevator, escalator, refrigeration, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) service personnel. Students develop knowledge of how controls are assembled, theory application, and review the use of schematics for functional circuits and timers. The NCCER curriculum in electronic theory, motor calculations, and motor controls is covered with preventative maintenance tips throughout the course. Proficiency of 70 percent is required to receive a certificate. Prerequisite: ELC-301.

Textbook required at first class session: Electrical, Level 4: NCCER

ELC-330 Master’s Electrical Exam Prep (6.0 CEUs)

This course is designed for journey electricians who are preparing for the master electrician's license exam offered by the Maryland Board of Master Electricians.

Topics include layout of the National Electrical Code and general code requirements, which include grounding and bonding, minimum required clear working space, and the proper installation of branch circuits, feeders, and services.

Contact Information

Bree Cosh, Program Coordinator | Technology, Engineering, and Construction Department 
Phone: 301-546-8514
Email: coshba@pgcc.edu