Skills
Electrician Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in electricians, and how to build and show them.
What skills do electricians need?
Electricians need technical skills such as reading blueprints and schematics, nec code knowledge, and conduit bending, plus people skills like problem-solving and attention to detail. They also use tools such as Digital multimeter and clamp meter and Non-contact voltage tester.
Technical (hard) skills
- Reading blueprints and schematics
- NEC code knowledge
- Conduit bending
- Wiring and terminations
- Electrical testing and troubleshooting
- Lockout/tagout and NFPA 70E safety
People (soft) skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork with other trades
- Customer communication
Tools, equipment and technology
- Digital multimeter and clamp meter
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Conduit benders
- Fish tape and wire pullers
- Insulation resistance tester
- Lockout/tagout devices and arc-rated PPE
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how electricians put their skills to work:
- How to verify a circuit is de-energized (live-dead-live)
- How to bend a 90-degree stub-up in EMT conduit
- How to install a GFCI receptacle
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Reading blueprints and schematics” and “NEC code knowledge.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “problem-solving,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as Journeyman electrician license near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our electrician glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Electrician training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.