Electric Utility Planner Certificate
About the Program
The Electric Utility Planner Certificate Program prepares participants for entry-level careers in the electric utility industry through comprehensive training in utility planning, electrical theory, utility design, mapping, right-of-way requirements, meter spotting, and distribution system fundamentals.
The program consists of two required core courses—Principles of Utility Planning I and Principles of Utility Planning II—followed by one elective course in AutoCAD, C.P.M. Scheduling, Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc, or Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards. This curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in the technical knowledge and practical skills required to support utility planning, engineering, construction coordination, and infrastructure development.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be well prepared to pursue career opportunities with electric utility companies, engineering consulting firms, contractors, and other infrastructure-related organizations. The program is ideal for individuals seeking to enter the electric utility industry, transition into a utility planning role, or expand their knowledge of utility operations and design practices.
Graduates of the program will receive an Electric Utility Planner Certificate issued by Cal Poly Pomona's College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE), recognizing their successful completion of the program and readiness for careers in the utility planning field.
At A Glance
GET STARTED
Registration Opens July 16th
What You Will Learn
- Understand the structure and operation of electric utility distribution systems.
- Apply fundamental electrical theory and utility planning principles.
- Interpret utility maps, construction drawings, and engineering plans.
- Identify overhead and underground distribution system components and their functions.
- Perform meter spotting and service planning activities.
- Understand right-of-way requirements and permitting considerations.
- Utilize industry-standard utility design concepts and practices.
- Develop foundational skills in utility project planning and coordination.
- Analyze utility design standards and their practical applications.
- Gain exposure to industry software and tools such as AutoCAD and SPIDA®calc.
- Understand utility construction processes, safety considerations, and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare for entry-level roles in utility planning, engineering support, and utility operations.
Who Should Enroll
- Individuals seeking to start a career in the electric utility industry.
- Utility planners and designers looking to strengthen their technical knowledge.
- Engineering technicians and engineering support staff.
- Utility company employees seeking professional development opportunities.
- Construction coordinators and project support professionals working on utility infrastructure projects.
- Recent graduates interested in utility planning, engineering, or infrastructure careers.
- Career changers looking to enter the growing electric utility sector.
- Contractors and consultants who support electric utility planning and design projects.
- Municipal and public agency employees involved in utility infrastructure development.
- Anyone interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of electric utility planning and distribution systems.
- Individuals must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program. As a professional development program, the curriculum is designed for adult learners seeking to develop or advance their careers in the electric utility industry.
Program Outline
Course topics include: Intro and Rules/ Electric theory I/ Electric theory II/ Electric theory III/ OH Materials/ UG Materials
The class is fully online via ZOOM, with 7 weeks per core course, 4-hour sessions each Saturday, weekly assignments, and a final exam
Class begins on August 22, 2026. Class ends on October 10, 2026
Course topics include: Civil Maps & RW/ Utility Maps/ Single & Three Phase Design/ Meter Spotting/ Field Applications/ Planner Tools
The class is fully online via ZOOM, with 7 weeks per core course, 4-hour sessions each Saturday, weekly assignments, and a final exam
Class begins on October 24, 2026. Class ends on December 12, 2026
Students must complete one elective course from the list below:
Please visit each course's webpage for more information, including availability and updated information.
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:
-
UPC 100 – 7 weeks
-
One-week break between courses
-
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.
-
C.P.M. Scheduling – Weeknights
-
Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards – Weeknights
-
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.
