Cart (0)

A majority of state and local licensing authorities use exams to verify that the applicant's many hours of work experience and training have helped them understand how to comply with established electrical codes.

At JADE Learning, our goal is to help you overcome the test-day jitters and teach you how to pass your state's exam on the first try. That's why we created comprehensive exam prep programs for new electrical license applicants.

Our simulated practice tests are designed to maximize your learning and exam readiness, including:

  • Sample questions that are based on topics typically found within actual state exams throughout the U.S.
  • Explanations for incorrect answers, including specific electrical code references, will help you learn from every mistake.
  • A bank of over 600 questions, based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), that randomizes before each practice session, making no two evaluations alike!

After completing the abbreviated test, you can review your results to pinpoint which topics need improvement, then purchase the full-length version tailored to your state to continue your preparation.

An Overview of the Examination

Because every state adopts its own version of the NEC, there is no single national journeyman test that applies to every state. Here, we'll describe what most tests have in common so you can have a general idea of what to expect.

Prerequisite Details

Generally, someone pursuing a journeyman license must complete a specified number of hours of hands-on work experience under the supervision of a licensed professional, a formal training program, or a combination of both. Most apprenticeship programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor require between four and five years of on-the-job learning.

Registration

Applicants usually register for their exams while completing their state's licensing application. This process will likely include a registration fee that ranges from $50 to $100 or more.

Several states partner with third-party testing companies to administer the exam. For example, Texas and California use PSI Services LLC, while Florida and Wisconsin works with Pearson VUE. Once your application is processed, the testing company will send specific instructions on how to schedule and complete your exam.

You should also expect to provide the state or external testing provider with things that prove you meet all of the applicable prerequisites. This may include items such as signed work experience forms, professional character references, and criminal background information.

Common Subjects

Exams assess your knowledge and understanding of electrical safety regulations, though the exact content varies by state and local codes. For example, Oregon's exam includes questions on the state's NEC amendments and the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC).

Here is a list of topics that show up on most exams:

  • Math and Theory (like Ohm's Law)
  • Plan Reading
  • State and National Requirements for Electrical Installations
  • Wiring Methods and Materials
  • Single Family and Multifamily Calculations
  • Feeders, Branch Circuits, and General Use Equipment

The best place to find detailed information on your specific exam is from your local licensing authority or the test provider they are using. Providers typically provide candidate bulletins that describe every aspect of your exam, from test-day rules to pass/fail details.

Format Details

While no state's assessment is the same, most utilize similar formats. Expect yours to:

  • Utilize a time limit, typically somewhere between one and four hours.
  • Ask multiple-choice questions.
  • Be "open book," meaning you can bring very specific materials, like a code book or written notes. Double-check your state's rules to determine what you are allowed to bring.
  • Use a pass or fail grading system, with a passing grade usually being at least 70%.

Using our practice tests is a great way to simulate the conditions of your exam from home. They are timed and utilize a bank of hundreds of multiple-choice questions that cover the same topics as your state's exam. They also help you determine what areas to study based on what you answered incorrectly.

Select your state on this page to get access to the full version of your specific practice quiz.

Study Tips

Certain states may allow you to reference code books or notes, but that doesn't mean you can skip taking time out of your week to study. Use the time given to you between registering for your exam and your test day to create a study plan that works best for you.

These general guidelines can help you get started:

  1. Give yourself time! The exam is designed to assess your knowledge of the NEC, not just what you've learned through hands-on experience in the field. Give yourself time to learn how the codebook is organized, refresh your understanding of skills you may not use every day, and take some mock evaluations so you feel confident walking in on test day.
  2. Focus on the difficult subjects. Math not your strong suit? Work on memorizing exactly where to find information in the code book for other types of questions. That way, you can move quickly through the material you know well and give yourself plenty of time to double-check your calculations. Getting comfortable with the NEC tables and index can save valuable minutes during the exam, especially when you're faced with more complex problems.
  3. Be kind to yourself. You don't need a perfect score to succeed; you only need to know enough to pass. If you don't pass the first time, don't be discouraged. Many electricians need to take the exam more than once. Think of each try as a chance to strengthen your code navigation skills and build confidence for the next attempt.

For further reading, we recommend checking out these articles that explain how to prepare for your electrical exam and provide five helpful study tips.