Construction Electrician is a Diploma program offered by Centura College in Norfolk, VA. The program takes 48 weeks (12 months) to complete, with a total tuition of $26,280.
Program Overview
The Construction Electrician program provides students with the technical skills to set up, install, repair, and maintain the electrical systems that deliver heating, cooling, lighting, communications, and power distribution for residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
Coursework sharpens industry expertise across electrical theory, safety, wiring methods, blueprint reading, electric equipment selection, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and the preventive and corrective maintenance of electrical equipment, and includes the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Levels I–IV.
The program runs 48 weeks (12 months) and 36 credit hours and is offered at the Norfolk and Newport News campuses.
What sets this Program apart
Centura's Construction Electrician program mirrors real jobsite work in the lab.
- Hands-on training across theory, wiring, blueprint reading, PLCs, and equipment maintenance, aligned to NCCER Levels I–IV.
- Industry certification available: OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification.
- Coursework serves as a prerequisite toward licensure as a Virginia journeyman tradesman — Centura is an Approved Tradesman Formal Vocation Training Provider recognized by the Virginia Board for Contractors.
- Day and evening cohorts, offered at two campuses (Norfolk and Newport News).
Admission Requirements and Process
Personalized plans for each student. The Admissions Department will assist with completing the application process: get connected with one of our Admissions Reps who will help you complete your application, then meet with a financial advisor and create your personalized plan.
General Requirements
- Application and $25 FeeApplicants must submit an Application for Admissions and a $25 application fee in order to be considered for admission. The application fee is waived for veterans with proof of…
- Age RequirementApplicants must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance and have an approved cosigner if under the age of 18.
- High School Diploma or GEDApplicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from high school, a General Education Diploma, or equivalent. If the applicant provides an international/foreign transcript,…
- Government-Issued Photo IDApplicants must submit a government issued photo ID, such as a copy of a state issued driver’s license, state issued identification card, or passport.
Application Process
- 1Review General RequirementsReview the general requirements: a $25 application fee, and applicants must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance and have an approved cosigner if under the age of 18.
- 2Interview With AdmissionsAll applicants must complete an interview with an Admissions Representative. If the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should be present.
- 3Complete Your ApplicationGet connected with one of our Admissions Reps who will help you complete your Application for Admission along with the $25 application fee (waived for veterans with proof of service).
- 4Meet a Financial Aid Advisor and Complete the FAFSAOnce the application and application fee have been submitted, the Admissions Representative will schedule a preliminary appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor. Your advisor will help you develop a financial plan, discuss financial aid qualifications and obtain any necessary applications.FAFSA Code for Norfolk Campus: 023344Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Acceptance and Enrollment AgreementApplicants who have met all admissions criteria will be recommended for acceptance. An applicant’s signed Student Enrollment Agreement does not constitute a contract until it has been approved by the Campus Executive Director or designee. The applicant will be notified of the admission decision in writing.
Program Schedule
Centura's academic year is built from 5-week blocks: a term is three consecutive 5-week blocks (15 weeks), with one course taken per block. The Construction Electrician diploma runs 48 weeks (12 months) and 36 credit hours.
Scheduling options at the Norfolk and Newport News campuses:
- Day: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Evening: 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Our start dates are as follows:
- January 20, 2026
- February 23, 2026
- March 30, 2026
- May 11, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- July 20, 2026
- August 24, 2026
- September 28, 2026
- November 2, 2026
- December 7, 2026
- December 07th, 2026
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
Tuition for the Construction Electrician diploma is $26,280 ($730 per credit × 36 credits). Tuition does not include textbooks, tools, or supplies. Additional fees include a $25 application fee (waived for veterans), a $125 administrative fee, and a one-time $12 library fee; program materials and uniform/security items vary by program and are itemized on the Enrollment Agreement. Courses delivered by distance education carry a $25-per-credit technology fee.
Financial Aid
Centura College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal Title IV student aid programs. Aid available to those who qualify includes:
- Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®), the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Military Tuition Assistance
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and Vocational Rehabilitation
- The Centura Scholarship Match Program (dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of tuition, books, and fees against qualifying outside scholarships)
- Institutional payment plans
Curriculum
The Construction Electrician diploma comprises nine courses totaling 36 credit hours:
The required courses below are from Centura College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COR 100 | Introductory Craft Skills | 4 |
| ELE 111 | Introduction to Construction Electrician | 4 |
| ELE 121 | Basic Electricity | 4 |
| ELE 131 | Wiring Methods | 4 |
| ELE 141 | Electric Services | 4 |
| ELE 151 | Electric Conduit Methods | 4 |
| ELE 161 | Electric Motor Principles | 4 |
| ELE 171 | Electrical Controls | 4 |
| ELE 181 | Life Safety Specialty Systems | 4 |
| Totals | 36 |
Career Outcomes
The Construction Electrician diploma prepares graduates for entry-level employment wiring and maintaining electrical systems. Building on the program's hands-on coursework, graduates pursue roles such as:
- Residential / Commercial Electrician
- Smart-Home Installation Technician
- Marine Electrician
- Deck Electrician
- Electrical Maintenance Technician
Employers span electrical contracting and wiring installation, building and construction services, manufacturing, government, and self-employed contract work. Graduates may earn OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification, complete NCCER Levels I–IV, and use the coursework as a prerequisite toward Virginia journeyman tradesman licensure.
What to expect as a Centura College student
As a Centura College student, you will spend most of your time in the electrical lab, wiring circuits, reading blueprints, and working with PLCs and real electrical equipment under experienced instructors who mimic on-the-job conditions.
Centura welcomes veterans and active-duty military (GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and Military Tuition Assistance), and a financial aid team helps you build a plan before you start. Programs are short and start often, with new cohorts beginning roughly every month.
Testimonials
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited institution means your education has met rigorous, independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
This program: All Centura College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Construction Electrician program aligns to NCCER Levels I–IV, offers OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification, and serves as a prerequisite toward Virginia journeyman tradesman licensure through the Virginia Board for Contractors.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Norfolk Campus (IPEDS, 2024).