To become an EV charger installer in the US, you first become a licensed electrician, then add EV-specific training. The usual path is an electrical apprenticeship, a state or local electrician license, and a certification such as EVITP. EVITP is required for many publicly funded projects. Licensing rules are set by states and sometimes cities, so check with your local licensing board before you start.
Step 1: Get Electrical Training and a License
An EV charger is a dedicated, high-current circuit. In most of the US, that work must be done by a licensed electrician or under one, with a permit and an inspection. Most electricians learn the trade through a registered apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job hours with classroom study, then pass a licensing exam.
- Find your state or city electrical licensing board and read its experience and exam requirements.
- Join a registered apprenticeship program, union or non-union.
- Log your hours, pass the exam and keep your license current with continuing education.
If you only want to install chargers, do not assume a limited license covers the work. Ask your board what is allowed. A good primer on the circuit itself is how an EV charger is wired.
Step 2: Add EV-Specific Certification
The best-known US credential is the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP). According to EVITP, you must be a state licensed or certified electrician to enroll. In states that do not license electricians, you need documentation of at least 8,000 hours of hands-on electrical construction experience. Course instruction and the online exam take about 20 hours combined. EVITP certifies individual electricians, not companies.
Federal NEVI rules (23 CFR 680.106) say electricians installing, operating or maintaining funded chargers must hold EVITP certification or a certificate from a registered electrical apprenticeship that includes charger-specific training. On projects with more than one electrician, at least one must meet that rule and at least one must be enrolled in a registered apprenticeship. Some state and utility rebate programs have similar rules.
| Credential | Who issues it | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician license | State or local board | Almost all charger installations |
| EVITP certification | EVITP | NEVI projects and some state or utility programs |
| Contractor license | State or local board | To bid jobs and pull permits as a business (varies) |
| Manufacturer installer status | Charger brand | Optional; some brands require it for certain installs |
Step 3: Learn the Code and the Equipment
Customers and inspectors expect you to get the details right. Key topics:
- NEC rules: EV charging is a continuous load, so the breaker is sized at 125% of charger current (32 A needs 40 A, 48 A needs 60 A). See what size breaker an EV charger needs.
- Load calculations and panel capacity, including load management.
- Listing: chargers should be certified by an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
- Commissioning: app setup, current limits, Wi-Fi and, for commercial sites, OCPP networking.
Step 4: Set Up the Business Side
Once you are licensed, you can work for an electrical contractor or start your own company. Expect to need a contractor license where required, liability insurance, and a process for permits and inspections. Many installers also join manufacturer programs to get training and leads. Commercial work adds site surveys, utility coordination and maintenance contracts.
It helps to know a few product types well. Popular jobs include hard-wired home units like the EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 wall charger (up to 48 A hard-wired or NEMA 14-50P, ETL/FCC/CE) and dual-gun commercial units like the EV-AC03201T AC station with OCPP 1.6J and RFID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install EV chargers without being an electrician?
In most US jurisdictions, no. Charger circuits are electrical work that needs a licensed electrician, a permit and an inspection. Check your local rules.
How long does it take to become an EV charger installer?
Most of the time goes into becoming a licensed electrician, which usually takes several years of apprenticeship. The EVITP course and exam add about 20 hours.
Is EVITP certification required for home installs?
Not everywhere. It is required for NEVI-funded projects and by some state or utility programs. Check the program rules for each job.
Related Reading
- Can I Install a Level 2 Charger Myself?
- What Affects EV Charger Installation Cost? 8 Factors to Check
- UL and ETL Listing for EV Chargers: How NRTL Certification Works
- OCPP Explained: What Charge Point Operators Need From EV Charger Hardware
Key Takeaways
- Start with an electrical apprenticeship and a state or local license.
- EVITP is the main EV-specific credential and requires a license or 8,000 documented hours.
- NEVI-funded projects require EVITP or an approved apprenticeship certificate.
- Code knowledge, listing checks and commissioning skills win repeat work.