MOS 21Q Transmission and Distribution Specialist (RC)

Civilian Equivalents The following civilian occupations are similar to MOS 21Q. For more information about these occupations from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, click on the civilian equivalent below. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers Electricians

Credential Summary     Certification   Federal License   State License   Apprenticeship

National Certification

Following licensure and practice in this occupation, the following advanced/specialized or other certifications may be useful for career development. For information about the general requirements for these certifications from the certifying boards, use the links below.

Advanced/Specialized and Other Certifications

International Electrical Testing Association (NETA)

• Electrical Testing Technician (ETT) - Levels I - III

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

• General Knowledge: Electrical Power Engineering Technology
• General Knowledge: Electrical Testing Engineering Technology

Prometric (formerly Experior Assessments)

• Construction Code Inspector

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State Licensure

A number of states require licensure for individuals practicing in this field in the civilian workforce. You can search for state licensure requirements on the
U.S. Department of Labor’s Licensed Occupations web site.

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Apprenticeship

Most electricians learn their trade by completing a four- or five-year apprenticeship program. These apprenticeship programs may be sponsored by joint training committees made up of local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association. The typical large apprenticeship program provides at least 144 hours of classroom instruction each year, and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over the course of the apprenticeship. In the classroom, apprentices learn blueprint reading, electrical theory, electronics, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first aid practices. Because of the comprehensive training received, those who complete apprenticeship programs qualify to do both maintenance and construction work.

There is no centralized source of information regarding opportunities for electrician apprenticeships. For details about apprenticeship or other work opportunities in the electrical trade, visit the following Web sites:

• National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors
• Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training)
• America’s Job Bank

Other useful sources include local electrical contractors, firms that employ maintenance electricians, local union-management electrician apprenticeship committees, and local chapters of national associations, such as:

• Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.
• National Electrical Contractors Association
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

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