Class Description
Electrical is the deepest pathway CCWA offers. Level 1, Level 2, then a four-year accredited apprenticeship that leads toward a journey worker's license — all in the same trades labs at Reynolds Downtown Campus.
You start with NCCER Introductory Craft Skills, the 40-hour CORE credential, and move into Electrical Level 1 the week it ends. You register for both at the same time. One registration, back-to-back dates.
Level 1 covers what employers test for: electrical theory, safety, circuits, the National Electrical Code, conduit, conductors, and test equipment. It's part of the required training for many company apprenticeship programs.
Total Course Hours:
40 hours CORE + 105 hours Electrical Level 1
Full Tuition Cost:
FastForward price for Virginia residents: $366 (CORE) + $833 (Electrical Level 1)
Course Structure & Schedule
This is an in-person hybrid program. You will be in the lab for hands-on work and online for coursework.
Location: Richmond, VA - Reynolds Community College Downtown Campus
Credential: NCCER CORE and NCCER Electrical Level 1
Schedule: Daytime or evening
Part 1 — NCCER Introductory Craft Skills (CORE)
You cover:
- Basic safety
- Hand tools and power tools
- Construction drawings
- Construction math
- Basic communication and employability skills
Part 2 — NCCER Electrical Level 1
Starts the week CORE ends. You cover:
- Orientation to the electrical trade
- Electrical safety
- Electrical circuits and theory
- National Electrical Code
- Device boxes, raceways, fittings, and conduit
- Conductors and cables
- Fasteners and anchors
- Basic electrical construction drawings
- Residential electrical services
- Electrical test equipment
Already have your CORE credential? Call us — you may be able to enter Level 1 directly.
Going further: Electrical Level 2
Level 2 covers alternating current; motors, theory, and application; electrical lighting; conduit bending; pull and junction boxes; conductor installations; cable tray; conductor terminations and splices; grounding and bonding; circuit breakers and fuses; and control systems.
Textbook is included. The National Electrical Code book is required and is the student's responsibility to provide.
Going further: IECC Apprenticeship
After Level 1, you can apply to the IECC Year 1 Electrical Apprenticeship, held in CCWA's renovated trades labs. Four-year program leading toward a journey worker's electrician license. IECC assists with placement at eligible electrical contractors.
Hybrid: virtual Monday evenings, in-person Wednesday evenings. Application fees, assessments and interviews required.
Apply through IECC
What's Included in Tuition?
- Instructor-led classroom and lab training for both CORE and Level 1
- Course materials
- NCCER CORE credential upon successful completion
- NCCER Electrical Level 1 credential upon successful completion
- Registration in the NCCER Registry
Not included: National Electrical Code book (required for Level 2)
Upcoming Class Dates
Daytime — CORE + Electrical Level 1
- Starts 08/19/2026, finishes 11/18/2026
- CORE: 08/19/2026 – 09/16/2026
- Electrical Level 1: 09/17/2026 – 11/18/2026
Evening — CORE + Electrical Level 1
- Starts 08/25/2026, finishes 12/02/2026
- CORE: 08/25/2026 – 09/23/2026
- Electrical Level 1: 09/24/2026 – 12/02/2026
NCCER – Electrical Level 2 08/18/2026 – 01/26/2027
IECC Electrical Apprenticeship (Year 1) 10/19/2026 – 04/19/2027 → apply through IECC
Getting Started
Step 1:
Complete the CCWA Financial Assistance Application if interested in seeing if you qualify to have the last 1/3 of your tuition cost paid for.
If you have any questions, give us a call at 804-523-2296.
John McGarry Coordinator, Trades & Construction 804-523-2284
jmcgarry@ccwa.vccs.edu