North American Electricians in Israel

From the offices of the AACI

Many North American electricians come to Israel wanting to continue to work in their profession. This article will help them get started.

This information was last updated April 2006

Electricians who wish to work in their profession in Israel must obtain a license from the Unit for Licensing of Electricians in the Ministry of Labor.

The following documents must be submitted to either the Unit for Licensing of Electricians or the Unit for Registration of Engineers and Architects.

• Notarized copies of certificates, diplomas, and/or license plus a notarized Hebrew translation of each document
• Transcripts
• Notarized translation of work ledger including details of duration of electrical work experience, technical details of projects completed including internship requirements and experience in planning installations
• Letter requesting certification and type of license oleh is requesting

After receiving the oleh's documents, the Unit for Licensing of Electricians will send out a set of forms in Hebrew which are to be completed and returned. A committee will then review the oleh's file and decide which courses and/or tests the oleh will have to take and how long the oleh will have to work in Israel in order to obtain the type of electrician's license the oleh has requested.

All olim will be required to take courses and work in Israel before being awarded a license as a certified electrician (chashmalai mousmach). The length of time that the oleh will be required to work will depend on the extent of his previous work experience.

If an oleh has worked independently it is recommended that he prepares a list of approved jobs and proposals and have a declaration from a notarized public regarding his work experience as well as a letter of recommendation.

It is beneficial for an oleh electrician to possess the following when applying for an Israeli license:

• a U.S Electrical Contractor license or any other foreign electrical certificate (submit a notarized translation of this document)
• 4 years experience (submit signed proposals, invoices, declarations of inspections and pictures of projects)

An oleh with no work experience or educational background as an electrician, is required to take a certified electrician course in Israel approved by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor and work for three years in order to be recognized as a certified electrician.
There are three levels that one will go through when completing the course:

• Ozer (assistant) level - upon completion of course
• Ma'asi (practical) level - after 1 year of work under supervision
• Moosmach (certified) - after 2 more years (total of 3 years) of independent work

Contact information:

Unit for Licensing of Electricians
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor
8 King David Street
Jerusalem 94101
Tel: 02-666 2030/32
Fax: 02-624 3042
Reception Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

Unit for Registration of Engineers and Architects
Derech Menachem Begin 86, POB 36049
Tel Aviv 67138
Tel: 03-563 4271/164 - Phone inquiries daily from1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Fax: 03-561 2295
Reception Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

For information regarding offices in other cities, call telephone no. listed above.

The Association of Americans and Canadians In Israel (AACI), a not for profit, tax exempt, volunteer and apolitical Zionist organization, was established in 1951. For 50 years AACI has, and continues with distinction, to fulfill it's mission. It encourages Aliyah; assists persons making Aliyah to adjust into Israeli life; provides a comprehensive set of services for newcomers and veteran residents; makes a positive contribution to Israel by participating in activities which enhance the quality of life; and continues to be a strong advocate for those issues affecting Olim.
Website:  http://www.aaci.org.il     Email:  info@aaci.org.il     Tel:  972-2-5661181     Fax:  972-2-5661186