The electrical training ALLIANCE Electrical Craft Certification Examinations are designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of candidates through five required performance evaluations. Craft Certification requires completion of four core 2-hour performance evaluations, plus one additional 2-hour performance evaluation selected from a list of additional performance evaluations. For details on these individual evaluations, click the tab titled “The Performance Evaluation†of this webpage.
The etA continually works to enhance the Craft Certification program. The program was originally developed in collaboration with the American Institute for Research’s (AIR) Inside Wireman Job Analysis conducted in 2005. This analysis was a comprehensive study of the duties and tasks performed by Inside Wiremen, derived by input from electrical contractors, Journeyman electricians, apprentices, training directors, and industry leaders. The etA Craft Certification Committee (involving JATC training directors, training partners, and IBEW/NECA administrators) regularly reviews and updates the performance evaluations process to ensure that they remain current and accurate.
In 2017, the etA conducted a DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) research study to triangulate the validation of the original AIR Job Analysis. DACUM is a job analysis method used to identify the duties and tasks performed in a specific occupation by engaging experienced professionals with a trained facilitator. In our case, it involved a group of on-the-job electricians with professional DACUM facilitators. The process produced a DACUM Chart outlining the skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed in the electrical industry. This chart is used for curriculum development, training design, and performance assessments to ensure the Craft Certification evaluations align with today’s industry standards. The etA has scheduled another DACUM study in 2025 to again be progressive with today’s needs.
Performance evaluation tools are administered locally by JATCs that have completed specialized Craft Certification training and certification. To conduct a performance evaluation, the JATC must maintain properly configured evaluation spaces, such as 2-hour evaluation stations or 4-hour JL (Journey-Level) booths, equipped with pre-installed materials and equipment. All evaluations use online scoring software to ensure consistency and accuracy across all IBEW/NECA training centers.
To learn more, login to the etA website and download the JATC Craft Certification Guide under the Resources/Downloads/Craft-Certification Webpage.
Performance Evaluations are hands-on practical evaluations that require the candidate to be evaluated to complete a variety of tasks independently, using only the drawings and specifications provided by the evaluation packets. These tasks are based on the candidate’s interpretation of a blueprint drawing and a job specification document, and are designed to measure knowledge, skills, and abilities. All evaluations are scored utilizing a general criterion of theory/functionable, code or standards compliancy, professional-like manner installation, and adherence to job specifications. The Evaluation packages contain all the assessment documents to complete each evaluation.
There are currently eight performance evaluations available. Craft Certification requires completion of five 2-hour evaluations: four core 2-hour performance evaluations along with one additional 2-hour performance evaluation chosen from a list of supplementary options. This pathway toward Craft Certification is primarily intended for participants in the 720-hour Inside apprenticeship program.
In addition to the five 2-hour performance evaluation pathway, Craft Certification can also be achieved with the 4-hour comprehensive booth performance evaluation (Journey-level) pathway, which is primarily designed for existing JWs, organized personnel, participants in the CE/CW program, and individuals undergoing placement evaluations.
All eight available evaluations are structured to assess specific tasks within focused topic areas. These evaluations are not tied to any particular year of training but are designed to evaluate the proficiency of Electrical Workers.
Each of the 2-hour performance evaluations must be completed within a 2-hour timeframe. The 4-hour performance evaluation must be completed in 4 hours excluding a short break halfway. The following descriptions provide detailed information about each level of Incremental Performance Evaluation.
Primarily for apprenticeship
Primarily for Journeyman, organized, and CW/CE evaluation and placement
The JL performance evaluation is a Journey-Level evaluation which addresses several selected topic areas such as:
Tasks include the installation of raceways, wiring, and devices and the configuration of equipment to meet the needs of the project. As with the 2-hour evaluations, candidates completing the Journey-level Evaluation must complete the evaluations with only the materials and reference documents provided by the trained Performance Evaluator assigned to proctor the evaluation.
In addition to evaluating skills, the performance evaluation also evaluates knowledge, as many of the tasks require analysis and configuration to complete the described systems. The evaluation is conducted as if it were a jobsite, and candidates being evaluated are treated as Electrical Workers with full responsibility for completing the project.
JATCs that need trained Performance Evaluators to proctor performance evaluations should check the etA course schedule at https://electricaltrainingevents.org to select a training location to complete training and certification.
All Craft Certification performance evaluations must be completed in a validated evaluation space registered with the etA and must be performed by an IBEW Journeyman Wireman who has completed performance evaluation training provided by the etA. All performance evaluations must be completed using documents available from the etA.
The level of study required for any of the performance evaluations is comparable to that of an individual enrolled in comprehensive training courses on the respective topics. The etA provides training materials and courses for each subject area.
To successfully complete the performance evaluations, candidates should have substantial, hands-on preparation—this may include classroom lab training, field experience, or onthejob training relevant to the topics assessed. In addition, they must have successfully completed either the etA Inside Core courses or other courses approved by the local JATC committee.
Individuals who have completed the etA Performance Evaluation Training Course can become qualified to deliver performance evaluations to individuals in their program. Evaluators must be registered with the etA to receive evaluation packets along with access to the online scoring software. In addition, evaluations can only be performed in Performance Evaluation Stations, approved by the etA.
Individuals in the electrical industry are welcome to attend this course to gain knowledge of Craft Certification. However, to obtain an evaluator number for proctoring and scoring Craft Certification performance evaluations, you must meet one of the following requirements: (1) a minimum of three years as an Electrical Journeyman with actual jobsite installation experience (apprenticeship years are not included), or (2) possession of a Craft Certification certificate.
Please note, there are no exceptions to these requirements. If you do not meet one of these criteria, you are still welcome to attend the Craft Certification Evaluator course, but you will not receive proctor credentials for administering performance evaluations. Often time an administrator needs to understand the process of Craft Certification with no plans of being an actual evaluator.
Each evaluator should have a Setup Guide for each of the 2-Hour Performance Evaluation that they evaluate. This guide explains how to prepare the 2-hour Performance Evaluation space and a general overview of the evaluation. Unlike the need to purchase an Evaluation package for each student, only one Setup Guide is needed per evaluator.
All 2-Hour Evaluation materials for a single individual are included in a single packet. The packet includes the Performance Evaluation Workbook and Guidelines (for the evaluator), the pink Evaluator Guidelines (for the evaluator), the yellow Instructions for the evaluation (for the student), and the student’s package that contains the blue specifications and drawing. One Evaluation package is required for each candidate.
Each evaluator should have a Setup Guide for the 4-Hour Performance Evaluation that they evaluate. This guide explains how to set the 4-hour Performance Evaluation space (Booth) and a general overview of the evaluation. Unlike the need to purchase an Evaluation package for each candidate, only one JL Setup Guide is needed per evaluator.
One JL Performance Evaluation packet is required for each candidate to be evaluated. The packet includes the Performance Evaluation Workbook and Guidelines (for the evaluator), the pink Evaluator Guidelines (for the evaluator), the yellow Instructions for the evaluation (for the student), and the student’s package that contains the blue specifications and drawing.
All Setup Guides and Performance Evaluations are purchased from the etA Bookstore. In addition, the magnetic transformers and motors labels are available from the etA Bookstore.
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