If
you want to know how to become an electrician, the first step depends
on whether you're still in high school or not.  If you are, take
classes that are related to your field, such as electronics, mechanical
drawing, science and math.  Also, you may want to consider working as
an electrician's helper as an after school job or a summer job so you
can see the work from the viewpoint of an electrician and determine if
it's for you.  Electricians need to be patient, hardworking, analytical
and good with their hands.  If that describes you, read on to see the
more specific steps in how to become an electrician.

The next step in how to become
an electrician has a few different options.  One excellent option is to
join the military and enroll in an electrician training program there. 
When you're done with your military stint you'll have received an
excellent education in the electrician field and can pretty much find a
job anywhere. 

However, if you don't want
to enter the military, there are other routes in how to become an
electrician.  One is to enroll in electrician school.  There are many
such programs offered in all geographical areas, and there are even
some well-respected online electrician programs, so find one that fits
your needs and give it a try.   

Another option in how to
become an electrician is to join an apprenticeship program.  In fact,
this method is the way most electricians go, even though it takes the
longest amount of time.  Contact one of the organizations that offers
apprenticeship programs for electricians—the National Electrical
Contractors' Association or the National Joint Apprenticeship and
Training Committee- to determine how to enroll in one of their
programs.  These programs are time-intensive; you'll have lots of
classroom instruction and even more on-the-job training, and they can
take up to five years to complete, but at the end of the program you'll
know as much as most experienced electricians. 

Once you've completed your
training in how to become an electrician, the next step is to get your
license.  License requirements vary by state so contact your local
union or state licensing board in order to determine the most up to
date requirements.  You'll have to pass a licensing exam, so find a
study group or study preparation materials and do your best.  This
process will require you memorizing code on local, state and national
levels, so it may sound like a bit of a challenge, but the practical
experience you've gained from your education will be extremely helpful. 

Once you have your
license, congratulations, you're now a full-fledged electrician. 
Determine where and how you want to practice— for example, will you be
a private contractor that helps people in their homes, or work for a
local builder and be out on construction sites all day?  Once you've
made this decision you're ready to start the exciting, rewarding and
prestigious career of being an electrician.