Journeyman Electrician Exam
The most common electrical license exam covering all aspects of commercial and residential electrical work.
Overview
The Journeyman Electrician exam is the most widely taken electrical licensing exam in the United States. It tests your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) with a strong emphasis on wiring and protection (Chapter 2), wiring methods and materials (Chapter 3), and equipment for general use (Chapter 4). This exam is required in most states and jurisdictions before you can work independently as a licensed electrician. The exam is based on the edition of the NEC adopted by your state or jurisdiction and covers both commercial and residential electrical installations.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Apprentice electricians who have completed the required hours of on-the-job training (typically 8,000 hours or 4 years)
- Electricians with equivalent military or industrial electrical experience
- Individuals who have completed an accredited electrical apprenticeship program
- Licensed electricians from other jurisdictions seeking reciprocity
Exam Format & Details
Number of Questions
80
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
70%
Reference Materials
Open book (NEC code book allowed)
Testing Provider
PSI, Prometric, or state-specific testing centers
Chapter Weight Distribution
The chart below shows how questions are distributed across NEC chapters on this exam. Focus your study time proportionally to these weights.
Key Topics Covered
- Branch circuit calculations and overcurrent protection (Articles 210, 240)
- Conductor sizing, ampacity tables, and derating factors (Article 310)
- Wiring methods including NM cable, conduit, and raceways (Articles 334, 344, 358)
- Grounding and bonding requirements (Article 250)
- Motor circuits, disconnects, and overload protection (Articles 430, 440)
- Box fill calculations and device installations (Article 314)
- Service entrance requirements and load calculations (Articles 220, 230)
- Receptacle and lighting outlet placement requirements
- GFCI and AFCI protection requirements (Articles 210, 406)
- Transformer connections and overcurrent protection (Article 450)
Study Tips & Strategies
Master the NEC table of contents and index — speed in finding code sections is critical for the open-book format
Focus heavily on Chapters 2-4 which make up approximately 85% of the exam
Practice load calculations and conductor sizing problems repeatedly until they become second nature
Use tabbed NEC code book markers for frequently referenced articles like 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 310, and 430
Take timed practice exams to build speed — many candidates run out of time
Study Article 250 (Grounding and Bonding) thoroughly as it appears across multiple question types
Learn to read and interpret NEC tables, especially Tables 310.16, 314.16, and Chapter 9 tables
Career Outlook
Salary Range
$45,000 – $85,000 per year
Job Demand
High — 9% projected growth through 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Journeyman electricians are in strong demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. With the growth of renewable energy installations, EV charging infrastructure, and smart building technology, the demand for skilled electricians continues to increase. Many journeyman electricians go on to pursue master electrician or contractor licenses for higher earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Journeyman Electrician exam?
The Journeyman Electrician exam typically has 80 multiple-choice questions. You are given 4 hours to complete the exam. The exact number may vary slightly depending on your state or testing provider.
Is the Journeyman Electrician exam open book?
Yes, the Journeyman Electrician exam is open book. You are allowed to bring the NEC code book (the edition specified by your state or testing provider) into the exam. However, no other reference materials, notes, or highlighted tabs with written notes are permitted. Pre-printed tabs are generally allowed.
What score do I need to pass the Journeyman exam?
Most states require a minimum score of 70% to pass the Journeyman Electrician exam. This means you need to answer at least 56 out of 80 questions correctly. Some jurisdictions may require a higher passing score.
How much work experience do I need before taking the exam?
Most states require 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of supervised electrical work experience under a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Some states accept completion of an accredited apprenticeship program in lieu of or in combination with work hours.
What is the difference between Journeyman and Master Electrician?
A Journeyman Electrician can perform electrical work independently but typically cannot pull permits or supervise other electricians. A Master Electrician has additional experience and licensing that allows them to supervise journeymen, pull permits, and often run their own electrical business. The Master exam covers more advanced code topics and has a broader chapter distribution.
How should I prepare for the Journeyman exam?
Focus your study on NEC Chapters 2, 3, and 4, which make up about 85% of the exam. Practice with timed mock exams, learn to navigate the NEC code book quickly, and use tab markers for frequently referenced articles. Apps like NEC Mastery provide weighted practice questions tailored to each exam type.
Quick Facts
- Questions
- 80 multiple choice
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Format
- Open book (NEC code book allowed)
- Salary Range
- $45,000 – $85,000 per year
Practice for This Exam
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