Red Seal Construction Electrician vs Industrial Electrician: What’s the Difference?
Master Electrician NEC Exam: What Changes from Journeyman to Master
The Journeyman Electrician licensing exam is the gateway to working independently as an electrician in the United States. The vast majority of state exams are based on the NEC. If you are in Canada, the equivalent credential is the Red Seal Construction Electrician (309A) or Industrial Electrician (442A) — see our comparison. If you are entering through the IBEW, see our guide to the IBEW Apprentice Aptitude Test.
The Exam Format
Most state exams have 80–100 multiple-choice questions, 3–4 hours. Many states split into open-book (NEC code book) and closed-book sections. Pass mark is typically 70–75%. Administered by PSI or Prometric.
What the Exam Covers
Grounding and Bonding (Articles 250, 100): the most heavily weighted topic, 10–15 questions.
Branch Circuits, Feeders, and Services (Articles 210, 215, 220, 225, 230): load calculations, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection.
Wiring Methods and Materials (Articles 300–398): conduit fill, box fill, conductor ampacity. Tables 310.16, 314.16, and Chapter 9.
Motors and Transformers (Articles 430, 440, 450): FLC tables, branch circuit protection, overload protection.
Overcurrent Protection (Articles 240, 110): fuse and breaker sizing, next standard size up.
Special Occupancies and Equipment (Articles 500–590, 600–695): hazardous locations, healthcare, swimming pools, solar PV, fire pumps.
How to Prepare
Weeks 1–3: closed-book memorisation (Table 310.16, motor FLC values, standard OCD sizes, EGC sizes). Weeks 4–6: open-book navigation speed drills. If your long-term goal is the master electrician licence, see our guide to the Master Electrician NEC exam.
The Journeyman Electrician NEC Exam Prep book gives you 1,000 practice questions across 8 full-length tests, all referenced to the NEC.
[Get the Journeyman Electrician NEC Exam Prep book on Amazon →]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the journeyman electrician exam open book?
Most states split into open-book and closed-book sections. Some are entirely open-book.
Which NEC edition is tested?
As of 2026, most states are on the 2023 NEC. Check your state licensing board.
How many questions?
80–100 multiple-choice, 3–4 hours, varying by state.
Do all states require it?
No. Requirements vary. Some states licence at state level, others delegate to local jurisdictions.
