Program Overview
Whole Residential Electrician & Non-Residential Lighting Technician
Start your career in the electrical trade with the Electrician Trainee Program at Cerritos College's Continuing Education Division. We offer two state-approved programs that are approved by the California Department of Industrial Relations ➔ and equip you with the skills to work legally as an Electrician Trainee for licensed contractors.
STEP 1: APPLY TO THE PROGRAM
The application period for the Fall 2026 Semester begins May 1st, 2026 and closes June 30th, 2026. Applicants will be contacted regarding next steps for the program July 1st, 2026. Our two-part application will consist of the Electrical Trainee Microsoft Form Application and a Cerritos College Application. When applying to the college please select the major "Non Residential Lighting Technician" OR "Whole Residential Electrician".
Program Timeline Important Dates:
July 1st, 2026
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Please note that this year we will be offering two summer preparatory courses for students who may need additional support in math or assistance with career readiness skills, including resume development, employer outreach, and interview preparation.
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These preparatory courses are highly encouraged for students who struggle with math or would benefit from guidance in creating a resume, cold calling employers, and strengthening their interviewing skills.
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The Math Preparation and Occupational Training courses will be held in June and July. Each course will run for three weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Seats are limited for these preparation courses. Students will be contacted after submitting their Electrical Trainee Microsoft Forms application to be registered if they are interested
August 1st, 2026
Group 2: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
STEP 2: EARN YOUR TRAINEE CARD
Applicants accepted into the program will complete the Electrician Trainee Number
registration process with the DIR during Orientation.
STEP 3: SECURE AN EMPLOYER SPONSOR
Before starting classes, students need a licensed C-10 Electrical contractor as their
sponsor.
PROGRAM TIMELINE IMPORTANT DATES
Application Period
- May 1st, 2026 - June 30th, 2026
July 1st, 2026
- All applicants will be contacted to complete the English and Math Exam. Applicants have two opportunities to successfully pass the exam. Applicants must pass with an 80% or higher to move on to the group interview process.
Please note that this year we will be offering two summer preparatory courses for students who may need additional support in math or assistance with career readiness skills, including resume development, employer outreach, and interview preparation.
- These preparatory courses are highly encouraged for students who struggle with math or would benefit from guidance in creating a resume, cold calling employers, and strengthening their interviewing skills.
- The Math Preparation and Occupational Training courses will be held in June and July. Each course will run for three weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Seats are limited for these preparation courses. Students will be contacted on a first-come, first-serve basis after submitting their Electrical Trainee Microsoft Forms application to be registered if they are interested. Please Note that the Math Preparation course begins before the application closing date.
August 1st, 2026
Applicants accepted into the program will be notified to complete orientation and
will be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester. A total of 48 applicants will be accepted
for Fall 2026. Students will be divided into two cohorts:
Group 1: Monday–Friday, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Group 2: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Residential Electrician Program
Become a Residential Electrician and work on electrical systems in homes, apartments, hotels, and more. As a Residential Electrician, you’ll also install panel boards and feeders for mixed-use buildings.
Requirements for Certification
- Training Hours
4,800 hours under a licensed C-10 Electrical contractor. - Curriculum
Complete 18 state-approved classes.
Certificate of Completion
- Energy Corps
- Renewable Energy
Certificate of Achievement
- Non-Residential Lighting Technician
- Requires a total of 17.5 units.
- Whole Residential Electrician
- Requires a total of 27 units.
Non-Residential Lighting Technician Program
This program prepares you to repair, maintain, and upgrade lighting systems in commercial buildings.
Requirements for Certification
- Training Hours
2,000 hours under a licensed C-10 Electrical contractor. - Curriculum
Complete 8 state-approved classes.
Certificate of Completion
- Energy Corps
- Renewable Energy
Certificate of Achievement
- Non-Residential Lighting Technician
- Requires a total of 17.5 units.
- Electrician Trainee Card Application
$25 - State Exam Application
$75 + $100 per exam - CPR/First Aid Card Fees
$35 - Textbooks and Tools
Provided for in-class use. For other fees, visit the Admissions Fees Page ➔
Student Resources
Class Location
La Mirada Educational Center, 15920 Barbata Road, La Mirada, CA 90638