Electrical Systems Technology (EST)

This curriculum provides an opportunity for you to prepare for employment or enhance your current job skills in the electronics, electrical, controls, and communications industries. Job opportunities are in residential, commercial or industrial settings.

You can start this program without any prior experience in the electrical fields. Most courses include both lecture and lab and have been approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) to qualify you as an Electrician Trainee in the state of California.

The EST department classroom labs are well equipped with equipment representative of industry. This affords the you the opportunity to gain not only textbook knowledge, but also a 'hands-on' experience. We believe the emphasis on hands-on experiences is what sets FCC's training apart from other institutions.

Learn About Our Programs

Electrical Systems Technology (EST) Overview (0:33)

Electrical Systems Technology (EST) Programs (3:40)

 

Degrees

Certificates

Join Now

To learn more about the Electrical Systems Technology (EST) program and courses, contact an Applied Technology counselor.

Call 559.442.8273 or schedule a counseling appointment with our Tech & Trades Pathway counselors. 

Counselors are available in the Applied Technology Division Office to assist students with creating a Student Education Plan for an Electrical Systems Technology Degree or Certificate.

Courses and Information

To see recommended courses, see the Catalog.  To see upcoming scheduled classes, see the Schedule of Classes. 

EST Club

The EST Club meets on Tuesdays from 12 to 1. The main objective of the EST Club is to help promote the electrical systems program at Fresno City College. In addition to promoting the program, EST club provides support to those students who are in the program by sharing old textbooks sharing job listings and creating a network of students who share common goals. In the past the EST Club has done volunteer work with Grid Alternatives doing photovoltaic installations and volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. In addition to the volunteer work the club has done off campus, EST club members participate in conjunction with Student Activities Office volunteering at various campus events.

FAQs

What is the cost for certificate courses?

Tuition for the California Community College system is $46 per unit.

A student will have the option of choosing one out of 10 certificates of achievement available within the EST program:

    1.  Electricity Fundamentals I - Major #8191 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                      i.  AT-10          Technical Computer Applications                                   3.0 units
                     ii.  EST-50        Introduction to Electrical Systems                                  2.0 units
                    iii.  EST-51        Direct Current Fundamentals of Electronics               3.0 units
                    iv.  EST-52        Alternating Current Fundamentals of Electronics     3.0 units
                     v.  EST-53        Lab Safety Practices                                                             2.0 units
                    vi.  EST-54        Integrated Devices                                                               3.0 units
Students will need 16 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $736 in tuition costs.
     

     2.  Electricity Fundamentals II - Major #8192 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                       i.  EST-56A    Wiring Methods                                                                    3.0 units
                      ii.  EST-61       Network Fundamentals                                                     3.0 units 
                     iii.  EST-96D    National Electronic Code - Electrical Safety                3.0 units
                                               Plus 2 National Electrical Code Courses (6 units)
                     iv.  EST-96A    National Electrical Code Pt 1                                            3.0 units
                      v.  EST-96B    National Electrical Code Pt 2                                            3.0 units
                     vi.  EST-96C    National Electrical Code Pt 3                                            3.0 units
Students will need 18 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $828 in tuition costs.
 

     3.  Industrial Automation I - Major #8188 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                      i.  EST-50        Introduction to Electrical Systems                                 2.0 units
                     ii.  EST-55C      SCADA Systems                                                                   3.0 units
                    iii.  EST-56B      Motor Controls                                                                    3.0 units
                    iv.  EST-57C      Voice and Data Cabling                                                     3.0 units
                     v.  EST-58        Programmable Logic Controllers                                   3.0 units
                    vi.  EST-59        Instrumentation Systems                                                 3.0 units
Students will need 17 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $782 in tuition costs.
  

    4.  Industrial Automation II  - Major #8195 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                      i.  EST-56C      Variable Frequency Drives & Motion Control             3.0 units
                     ii.  EST-61         Network Fundamentals                                                    3.0 units
                    iii.  EST-83A      Robotics, Industrial-Introductions                                 3.0 units
                    iv.  EST-83B      Robotics, Industrial-Advance Applications                  3.0 units
Students will need 12 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $552 in tuition costs.
                          

    5.  Electromechanical I - Major #8193 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                       i.  AT-140       Introduction to Machine Shop                                         3.0 units
                      ii.  AT-150       Pneumatic & Hydraulic Systems                                      3.0 units
                     iii.  EST-56B    Motor Controls                                                                      3.0 units
                     iv.  EST-61       Network Fundamentals                                                      3.0 units
                      v.  WELD-2A  Introduction to Welding Technology                             6.0 units
Students will need 18 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $828 in tuition costs.

     

     6.  Electromechanical II - Major #8194 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                      i.  AT-160        Mechanical Power Drive Systems                                    3.0 units
                     ii.  EST-56C      Variable Frequency Drives & Motion Control              3.0 units
                    iii.  EST-58         Programmable Logic Controllers                                   3.0 units
                    iv.  EST-59         Instrumentation Systems                                                  3.0 units 
                     v.  EST-83A      Robotics, Industrial-Introductions                                  3.0 units
                    vi.  EST-83B      Robotics, Industrial-Advance Applications                  3.0 units
Students will need 18 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $828 in tuition costs.

 

     7.  Biomedical Equipment Technician - Major #6086 - Certificate

                  a.  Courses include:
                               i.  BIOL-5         Human Biology                                                                    4.0 units
                              ii.  EST-55A      Digital Concepts                                                                  3.0 units
                             iii.  EST-57A      Analog Communications                                                   3.0 units
                             iv.  EST-57B      Digital Communications                                                    3.0 units
                              v.  EST-57C      Voice and Data Cabling                                                      3.0 units
                             vi.  EST-60         A+PC Maintenance and Repair                                        3.0 units
                            vii.  EST-83A      Robotics, Industrial-Introductions                                  3.0 units
                           viii.  EST-84A      Introduction to Biomedical Electronics                        3.0 units
Students will need 25 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $1150 in tuition costs.

 

     8.  Facility Control - Major #8189 - Certificate

                  a. Courses include:
                                i.  EST-55A     Digital Concepts                                                                   3.0 units
                               ii.  EST-55B     Facility Automation                                                             3.0 units
                              iii.  EST-57C     Voice and Data Cabling                                                      3.0 units
                              iv.  EST-59        Instrumentation Systems                                                  3.0 units
                               v.  EST-61        Network Fundamentals                                                     3.0 units
                              vi.  EST-62       Commercial & Industrial Networking                             3.0 units
Students will need 18 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $828 in tuition costs.

 

     9.  Photovoltaics - Major# 8186 - Certificate

                  a.  Courses include:
                                 i.  EST-50        Introduction to Electrical Systems                                 2.0 units
                                ii.  EST-55A     Digital Concepts                                                                  3.0 units
                               iii.  EST-56A     Wiring Methods                                                                   3.0 units
                               iv.  EST-57C     Voice and Data Cabling                                                     3.0 units
                                v.  EST-61       Networking Fundamentals                                               3.0 units
                              vi.   EST-81       Photovoltaic Systems                                                         3.0 units
Students will need 17 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $782 in tuition costs.

 

  10.  Low Voltage - Major# 8187 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                                i.  EST-50       Introduction to Electrical Systems                                  2.0 units
                               ii.  EST-57A    Analog Communications                                                    3.0 units
                              iii.  EST-57B    Digital Communications                                                     3.0 units
                              iv.  EST-57C    Voice and Data Cabling                                                       3.0 units
                               v.  EST-60       A+ PC Maintenance and Repair                                        3.0 units
                              vi.  EST-61       Networking Fundamentals                                                3.0 units
Students will need 17 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $782 in tuition cost.

 

Financial Aid, if available to the student, can cover tuition.  Review our Financial Aid website for further information. 

How much will course textbooks and/or materials cost me?

1.  Electricity Fundamentals I = $164.50

a.  AT-10:  No Textbook

b.  EST-50, 51, 52, & 54:

$164.50 Contemporary Electronics:  Fundamentals, Devices, Circuits, and Systems ISBN: 9780073373805 (FCC bookstore) 

2.  Electricity Fundamentals 2 = $395.19

a.  EST-56A:

$48.75 Residential Wiring & Smart Home Technology 4th edition, ISBN: 9780826918338

b.  EST-61:

$74.99 (new rental) / $91.75 (digital) Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach 8th edition ISBN: 9780136681557 (FCC bookstore)

c.  EST-96D:

$118.00 NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2021 ISBN: 9781455926244 (FCC bookstore)

Plus 2 National Electrical Code Courses (6 units)

d.  EST-96A, 96B, 96C:

$142.25 National Electrical Code 202-NFPA70, ISBN: 9781455922970 (FCC bookstore)

Recommended:  $11.20 Ugly’s Electrical References, 2020 Edition, ISBN: 9781284194531 (Amazon.com)

3.  Industrial Automation I = $798 - $602

a.  EST-50:

$164.50 Contemporary Electronics: Fundamentals, Devices, Circuits, and Systems ISBN: 9780073373805 (FCC bookstore)

b.  EST-55C:

$213.50 (new) / $91.75 (digital) Digital Systems:  Principle sand applications, ISBN: 9780134220130 (FCC bookstore)

c.  EST-56B:

$154.00 Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems, 5th edition, ISBN: 9780826912268 (FCC bookstore)

e.  EST-57C:

$89.00 Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking, 5th edition, ISBN: 9781118807323 (FCC bookstore)

f.  EST-59:  No Textbook

4.  Industrial Automation II = $368.99 - $385.75

a.  EST-56C:

$154.00 Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems, 5th edition, ISBN: 9780826912268 (FCC bookstore)

b.  EST-61:

$74.99 (new rental) / $91.75 (digital) Computer Networking: ATop-Down Approach (RRPHE), 8th edition, ISBN: 9780136681557 (FCC bookstore)

c.  EST-83A:

$140.00 Industrial Robotics Fundamentals, 4th edition, ISBN: 9781649259783 (FCC bookstore)

d.  EST-83B: No Textbook

5.  Electromechanical I = $254.99 - $271.75

a.  AT-140: No Textbook

b.  AT-150: No Textbook

c.  EST-56B:

$154.00 Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems, 5th edition, ISBN: 9780826912268 (FCC bookstore)

d.  EST-61:

$74.99 (new rental) / $91.75 (digital) Computer Networking: A Top- Down Approach (RRPHE), 8th edition, ISBN: 9780136681557 (FCC bookstore)

e.  WELD-2A:

$26.00 Fresno City Custom Lab Manual for Welding 2A & 2B, 2nd edition, ISBN 9780840177049 (FCC bookstore)

6.  Electromechanical II = $396.75 - $471.00

a.  AT-160: No Textbook

b.  EST-56C:

$154.00 Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems, 5th edition, ISBN: 9780826912268 (FCC bookstore)

c.  EST-58:

$177.00 (new) / $102.75 (digital) Programmable Logic Controllers, 6th edition, ISBN: 9781264446841 (FCC bookstore)

d.  EST-59: No Textbook

e.  EST-83A:

$140.00 Industrial Robotics Fundamentals, 4th edition, ISBN: 9781649259783 (FCC bookstore)

f.  EST-83B: No Textbook

7.  Biomedical Equipment Technician = $597.75 - $856.24

a.  BIOL-5:

$112.00 Human Biology with Access Card, 16th edition, ISBN: 9781260993035 (FCC Bookstore)

b.  EST-55A:

$91.75 (digital) / $213.50 (new) Digital Systems: Principles and applications, ISBN: 9780134220130 (FCC bookstore)

c.  EST 57A & 57B:

$92.00 (digital) / $210.75 (new) Principles of Electronic Communication Systems, 4th edition, ISBN: 9780073373850 (FCC bookstore)

d.  EST-57C:

$72.00 (digital) / $89.99 (new) Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking, 5th edition, ISBN 9781118807323 (FCC bookstore)

e.  EST-60:

$90.00 A+ Guide to IT Technology Support (LoosePgs), 10th edition, ISBN: 9780357108369 (FCC bookstore)

f.  EST-83A:

$140.00 Industrial Robotics Fundamentals, 4th edition, ISBN: 9781649259783 (FCC bookstore)

g.  EST-84A: No Textbook

8.  Facility Controls = $252.69 - $409.19

a.  EST-55A:

$91.75 (digital) / $213.50 (new) Digital Systems: Principles and applications, ISBN: 9780134220130 (FCC bookstore)

b.  EST-55B: No Textbook

c.  EST-57C:

$72.00 (digital)/ $89.99 (new) Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking, 5th edition, ISBN 9781118807323 (FCC bookstore)

d.  EST-59: No Textbook

e.  EST61:

$74.99 (new rental) / $91.75 (digital) Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (RRPHE), 8th edition, ISBN: 9780136681557 (FCC bookstore)

f.  EST-62:

$13.95 Industrial Network Basics: Practical Guides for the Industrials Technician, Book 3, ISBN: 9781736423202 (Amazon.com)

9.  Photovoltaics = $451.99 - $608.49

a.  EST-50:

$164.50 Contemporary Electronics: Fundamentals, Devices, Circuits, and Systems ISBN: 9780073373805 (FCC bookstore)

b.  EST-55A:

$91.75 (digital) / $213.50 (new) Digital Systems: Principles and applications, ISBN: 9780134220130 (FCC bookstore)

c.  EST-56A:

$48.75 Residential Wiring & Smart Home Technology 4th edition, ISBN: 9780826918338

d.  EST-57C:

$72.00 (digital) / $89.99 (new) Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking, 5th edition, ISBN 9781118807323 (FCC bookstore)

e.  EST-61:

$74.99 (new rental) / $91.75 (digital) Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (RRPHE), 8th edition, ISBN: 9780136681557 (FCC bookstore)

f.  EST-81: Industry manual and text no direct textbook

10.  Low Voltage = $493.49 - $646.99

a.  EST-50:

$164.50 Contemporary Electronics: Fundamentals, Devices, Circuits, and Systems ISBN: 9780073373805 (FCC bookstore)

b.  EST-57A & 57B:

$92.00 (digital) / $210.75 (new) Principles of Electronic Communication Systems, 4th edition, ISBN: 9780073373850 (FCC bookstore)

c.  EST-57C:

$72.00 (digital)/ $89.99 (new) Cabling: The Complete Guide to Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking, 5th edition, ISBN 9781118807323 (FCC bookstore)

d.  EST-60:

$90.00 A+ Guide to IT Technology Support (Loose Pgs),10th edition, ISBN: 9780357108369 (FCC bookstore)

e.  EST-61:

$74.99 (new rental) / $91.75 (digital) Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (RRPHE), 8th edition, ISBN: 9780136681557 (FCC bookstore)

What other fees are involved?

A.  Required Fees:

  • Health fee ($21 per semester, $13 if off campus/online per semester)
  • Associated Student Body fee ($2 per semester, but opportunity to waive the fee at time of registration if the student so chooses)

     Optional fees:

  • Parking pass ($30 per semester)
    • Fall 2022 semester:  Parking is waived
    • Spring 2023 semester:  Parking is waived
  • Student ID Card ($5) 

B.  Some courses require additional materials fee for the following courses:

EST no lab fees unless specifically these certificates

  • AT-140: Lab material fee $43.00
  • AT-150: Lab material fee $32.00
  • AT-160: Lab material fee $18.00

* Cost for required materials/equipment - must be purchased by the end of the first week:  EST-50, EST-51, EST-53.

Some Courses require additional materials what will be required or recommended to ensure that you are successful in the program.

Cost:                        Materials/supplies:
$12.99                     Safety Glasses (Amazon.com)
$13.99                     Soldering Kit (30 pieces or more) - Instructor will explain (Amazon.com)
$19.95                     USB Drive (3 pk) (FCC bookstore)
$25.99                     TI-30X IIS Scientific Calculator (FCC bookstore)
$9.99                       Jumper Wires (Amazon.com)
$35.70                     Breadboard - Makeronics (Amazon.com)
$44.99                     Arduino Kit - Elegoo Uno with tutorial (Amazon.com)
$0.84                       Line Paper - College Ruled (Walmart)
$3.88                       Pencils (Walmart)

 

Estimated cost for fees and materials/equipment:  $261.32

*Materials can be purchased through other vendors if available. Instructors will review items during the first week of classes and will expect all students to have them ready by the second week of classes. 

C. Vendor Recommendations:

The Electrical Systems certificate recommends that electronic/component/tools can be purchased at any general location. Amazon.com is a commonly used website to purchase any materials that will be required for courses.

Other local or online vendors that are available to purchase materials would be the following:

  • Fresno "D" Distributing
  • Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED)
  • Work World
  • Boot Barn
  • Home Depot
  • Lowes
  • Digikey
  • Mouser (online)
  • Allied Electric
  • Electric Motor Supply

D.  Technology Requirements:

The Electrical Systems Technology program recommends a higher-level performance device which typically requires the most modern processor.

  • A laptop or Desktop (8 GB and 500 GB storage) with Microsoft Windows 10 Operating Systems:
    • Windows 10
    • Mac:  MacOS 10.12 and above, must be able to run Windows 10 or above
    • iOS:  11.0 and above (iPad only) Must have a compatible LMS integration
    • 1 TB SSD (minimum)
  • Memory:
    • Windows:  75 MB permanent space on the hard drive
    • Mac:  120 MB permanent space on the hard drive
  • Additional Equipment:
    • High Speed Internet
    • Mouse with mouse wheel
    • A cloud-based file storage platform, such as iCloud, Google Drive, DropBox, or similar

Fresno City Library offers the opportunity for students to use the computer lab or to check out a laptop if available.  For additional information and hours of operations.

How can I pay for this certificate?

A student can pay in one or a combination of ways:

  • Pay in person:  Fee Payments or Tuition, Business office Holds, Refunds/Fee Reversals, Financial Aid Payments/Repayments, Billing, Parking Permits
  • Business Office:  Location OAB 151A (Old Administration Building)
  • Pay online (directly using a credit card):  You may pay online in Self-Service or follow the steps about making a payment.
  • through a grant (review our Financial Aid website for grant information)
  • or with a scholarship or fee waiver through partner programs such as California's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) which provides employment training resources for adults and dislocated workers.  For more information about how to qualify for ETPL.

Q. What kind of job can I get if I complete the program?

The Electrical Systems Technology (EST) certificates have the potential for entry-level and mid-level job placement as an Electrician, Automation, Robotics Telecommunications Equipment Installers, Electrical Repair, Controls,Technologist, or Technician. A potential resource for investigating jobs in the Electrical Systems Technology (EST) field is: O*Net Online or Career Coach.

Would I be able to apply for a 4-year degree program and get credit for these courses?

Yes! The Electrical Systems Technology certificate is stackable — the units count —toward an associate degree in Electrical Systems Technology.

Every 4-year college accepts coursework differently, where they accept coursework as electives for undergraduate work.

What does “stackable” certificate mean?

The Electrical Systems Technology certificate is a “stackable” certificate meaning that your successful completion of this certificate can be used to apply for additional manufacturing- related certificates and/or the Electrical Systems Technology associate degree.

Can I use this certificate of achievement towards a bachelor’s degree or additional certificates in manufacturing-related field of study?

The Electrical Systems Technology certificate is a “stackable” certificate meaning that your successful completion of this certificate can be used as valuable training in conjunction with other manufacturing-related certificates such as Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Industrial Maintenance Mechanics, or Welding programs.

How do I get more information and/or register?

This Electrical Systems Technology program uses the same registration system as all California Community Colleges. A student must apply through CCCApply, if not already a California Community College student, in order to receive a student identification number. Once you have a student identification number, we can arrange for a counselor appointment to discuss the program and/or assist with registration through Self Service.

For more assistance with applying to Fresno City College, please access one or more of the resources below:

Initial Steps

Information to FCC Apply Now (Admissions & Aid)

If you are a first-time student, transfer student, high school student, graduating senior, or returning student, and would like to apply to become a Fresno City College student, start the enrollment process with the application, portal and email, orientation, advising, financial aid, and registration. Or feel free to join a Live Help via Zoom Session and find out more.

Extreme Registration (In person):

January 3rd, 2023: 1pm-6pm at Fresno City College Library

January 4th, 2023: 1pm-6pm at Fresno City College Library

For Extreme Registration

If you are interested in dropping in for some academic counseling support, have registration questions, need financial aid assistance, or have questions about fees and payment, please join in one of the Extreme Registration activities listed above, or call 559-442-8226 during event hours to get placed in the queue or they can sign up through the virtual Kiosk. The Kiosk is closed until the day and time of the event.

RAM Ready

January 3rd, 2023: Virtual

January 4th, 2023: Virtual

RAM Ready is our New Student Welcome event designed to help students navigate their first week and semester of college. The virtual experience will consist of presentations, campus tours, information about on campus resources available for students.

If you have any questions about Ram Ready, please contact the College Relations Office by phone at 559.442.8225 or email at collegerelations@fresnocitycollege.edu and use the subject line “Ram Ready Question”. You can also visit the website to get further information.

New Student Registration Resources

Link for New Student Registration Resources

FCC offers live assistance on Zoom to assist students in filling out the online application, logging into the Student Portal, accessing Canvas and Self-Service, and more. Use the link below to view available support times and register to attend a live workshop.

To make an appointment via zoom.

Student Services

For additional support and guidance about starting at Fresno City college you may visit or contact the Student Services office. The office supports campus wide efforts to improve service delivery, communication, collaboration and the social/personal development of students within the division and the campus as a whole.

Please visit the website to discover the additional student services that are available to support you as a student.

What will my schedule look like?

Each Electrical Systems Technology certificate is designed to deliver 4-5 courses for a total of 12-15.5 units, over a period of nine to eighteen weeks for each course. Typical this can occur over a two-semester period.

Will I be prepared to take industry exams when I complete required courses?

The Electrical Systems Technology will help to prepare you to take any in house testing based on what career path you would like to take.

Is there any form of job placement assistance or paid internships available in this program?

The Electrical Systems Technology certificate instructor(s) can assist with job placement opportunities. In the second semester you could choose to take a course, AT-19, for a paid or unpaid work experience to build your resume and begin working in your field of study.