Electric Utility Planner Certification Program
Electric Utility Planner Certification Program
The need for Electric Utility Planners is estimated to increase by 20% in the next five years due to an anticipated increase in new construction projects, grid modernization, aging infrastructure, and employee retirements. The program at the College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) at Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) will prepare anyone pursuing the Electric Utility Planner career path to meet the demands of the workforce industry.
The program includes two (7-week) Core Classes (UPC 100 & UPC 101) and one (5-10 week) Elective Class.
UPC 100 & UPC 101 Core Classes include an introduction to electric utility planning; rules, rates, and tariffs; basic electrical theory; planner roles & responsibilities, meter spotting; overhead and underground material recognition, right-of-way; work order mapping; design construction concepts; overview of the distribution and the electrical grid.
Students must also complete one Elective Class, either C.P.M. Scheduling, AutoCAD, Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc. or Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards
Required Courses (2 Courses)
Course topics include:
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Intro and Rules
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Electric theory I
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Electric theory II
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Electric theory III
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OH Materials
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UG Materials
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Final Exam
The class will include weekly assignments and a final exam.
CEUs: 2.8 CEUs
Class begins on August 16, 2025. Class ends on October 4, 2025. (These meetings will be virtual via ZOOM)
Note: No class on August 30 due to Labor Day holiday.
Course topics include:
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Civil Maps & RW
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Utility Maps
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Single & Three Phase Design
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Meter Spotting
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Field Applications
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Planner Tools
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Final Exam
The class will include weekly assignments and a final exam.
CEUs: 2.8 CEUs
Class begins on October 18, 2025. Class ends on December 6, 2025. (These meetings will be virtual via ZOOM)
Note: No class on November 29 due to Thanksgiving holiday.
FAQ
- Students should have an interest in pursuing a career in Electric Utility Planning
- Students should have an interest in technical applications
- Strong attention to detail
- An interest in developing project management and customer service skills
The program takes approximately 15 weeks in total to complete the two core courses:
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UPC 100 – 7 weeks
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One-week break between courses
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UPC 101 – 7 weeks
An additional 5 to 10 weeks is required to complete one elective course, which may be taken at any time once it becomes available.
- Two Required Classes
- Electric Utility Planning 100
- Electric Utility Planning 101
- One Elective Class (choose one of the below)
- AutoCAD
- C.P.M. Scheduling
- Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc
- Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards
No, specific utility system training will not be taught.
UPC 100 & UPC 101 are conducted online via Zoom and Cal Poly’s Learning Management System. The electives are to be determined if those courses will be offered online or in person.
Core courses will only be offered during Fall and Spring semesters. All core classes will be held on consecutive Saturdays. The schedule may include either 8:00 am - 12:30 pm or 8:30 pm. - 12:30 pm.
Elective courses will be offered at various times throughout the academic year.
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C.P.M. Scheduling – Weeknights
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Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards – Weeknights
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Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc – Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- AutoCAD – Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please note that course schedules are subject to change.
| Course Title | CEUs Awarded |
|---|---|
| Electric Utility Planning 100 | 2.8 CEUs |
| Electric Utility Planning 101 | 2.8 CEUs |
| AutoCAD | 2.8 CEUs |
| Construction Management | 2.5 CEUs |
| Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc | 2.0 CEUs |
| Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards | No CEU Credit |
Note: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) cannot be applied toward an academic degree.
Two Required Classes:
Electric Utility Planning 100: $1345 (subject to change)
Electric Utility Planning 101: $1345 (subject to change)
One Elective Class (must choose from one of the areas listed below):
C.P.M. Scheduling: $475 (subject to change)
AutoCAD: $1,195 (subject to change)
Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc: $1,195 (subject to change)
Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards: $1,195 (subject to change)
- There is no job placement
- The content of the program includes the basic skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position.
- Students are encouraged to inquire with each individual utility by contacting the HR department.
No. Core courses must be taken consecutively within the same cohort, as future sessions are not guaranteed and may be subject to cancellation.
Make-up classes are not available.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. Make-up sessions during the course are not offered, and incomplete participation due to absences or missed tests may result in unsuccessful completion of the program.
The Utility Planner Certification Program will be offered twice a year, during the Fall and Spring semesters. Typically, the Spring semester begins in late January or early February, and the Fall semester starts in September.
No. To earn a certificate, students must successfully complete both core courses and at least one elective course. A certificate will not be awarded if only the core classes are completed.
