Journeyman Electrician Practice Tests

Practice tests for journeyman electrician licensing exams covering residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work.

40 tests · 799 questions · Free · No signup · NEC 2026
Based on NEC 2026 (NFPA 70) & official state exam content outlines.  ·  Last reviewed Jun 2026

What Is the Journeyman Electrician Exam?

The Journeyman Electrician exam is a state licensing test that proves you can work on electrical systems without a supervisor. Once you pass, you can pull permits, install electrical systems, and work independently on residential and commercial job sites across most of the United States.

Every state runs its own licensing program, but the format is similar everywhere: 80–100 multiple-choice questions, open book (your NEC codebook is allowed), and a passing score of 70–75%. Most states also require 4 years of documented apprenticeship work experience before you can sit for the exam.

What Topics Are on the Journeyman Exam?

The journeyman exam draws questions from across the National Electrical Code. These topics come up most often:

Branch Circuits (NEC Article 210)

Branch circuits are the most tested topic on the journeyman exam — typically 15–20% of all questions. Know circuit ratings (15A, 20A, 30A), receptacle outlet spacing rules for dwelling units, and where GFCI and AFCI protection is required. Article 210 was significantly updated in NEC 2026.

Grounding and Bonding (NEC Article 250)

Article 250 is one of the largest articles in the NEC and one of the most tested. Expect 10–15 questions on grounding electrode systems, equipment grounding conductors, bonding jumpers, and sizing tables. Know Table 250.66 for grounding electrode conductor sizing — it comes up on almost every exam.

Wiring Methods (NEC Articles 300–358)

These articles cover how conductors must be installed — in conduit, in cable assemblies, underground, in wet locations, and more. Know the rules for EMT, IMC, RMC, and NM cable. Clearances, protection from physical damage, and conduit fill limits are common exam topics.

Load Calculations (NEC Article 220)

Load calculations tell you how much electrical capacity a building needs. The exam tests the standard method for dwelling units — calculating the general lighting load, small appliance circuits, laundry circuit, and large appliances to find the minimum service size.

Motors and Motor Controls (NEC Article 430)

Article 430 generates many exam questions. Know how to size motor branch circuit conductors (125% of FLA), overcurrent protection (often 250%), overload protection, and disconnecting means. Use Table 430.250 for three-phase motor full-load current values.

OSHA Electrical Safety

Most state exams include 5–10 questions on OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S — lockout/tagout, safe work distances from energized parts, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

NEC 2026 Update: Article 210.12 now requires AFCI protection for nearly all 120V branch circuits in dwelling units. Article 210.17 is a brand-new requirement — all new single-family homes must have an EV-ready outlet in the garage. Article 230.67 requires surge protection at service equipment. Check your state licensing board to confirm which NEC edition your exam uses.
Branch Circuits (Art. 210) Grounding & Bonding (Art. 250) Wiring Methods (Art. 300–358) Load Calculations (Art. 220) Motors (Art. 430) OSHA & Safety
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How to Use These Practice Tests — Step by Step

If you just want to click and take a test, that works fine. But if you want to pass your exam on the first try, here is a better approach:

  • Week 1–4: Take one test per topic. Read the explanation for every wrong answer, then look up the NEC article it references.
  • Week 5–7: Retake tests where you scored under 80%. Focus on the articles you keep missing.
  • Final week: Take full mixed tests against the clock. The real exam has 80–100 questions in 3–4 hours — practice your pace.

Open-book tip: The journeyman exam allows your NEC codebook. But just having the book is not enough — you need to find answers fast. Practice using the NEC index, not the table of contents. Tab your most-used articles with sticky tabs.

Common Mistakes on the Journeyman Exam

  • Not using the NEC index. The index finds specific rules faster than the table of contents.
  • Missing "EXCEPT" and "SHALL NOT." These words flip the meaning of a question. Read every word carefully.
  • Rushing load calculations. Write out each step on scratch paper. One math mistake = wrong answer.
  • Confusing nominal voltage with calculated voltage. Use the value the question gives you, not a rounded number.
  • Mixing up conductor sizes. Know whether the question is asking for an ampacity, a minimum size, or a derated size.

State Exam Notes — Common States

StateLicense BodyNEC EditionQuestionsPass Score
TexasTDLRNEC 20238070%
FloridaDBPRNEC 202310075%
CaliforniaCSLB (C-10)Title 24 (NEC-based)10070%
GeorgiaState BoardNEC 20208070%
North CarolinaState BoardNEC 20238070%

Always confirm the current NEC edition and exam format at your state licensing board website before exam day — code adoptions change.

Journeyman Electrician Exam — FAQ

How many questions are on the journeyman exam?

Most states use 80–100 questions. Texas (TDLR) uses 80 questions. Florida uses 100. The number varies by state, so check your state board website.

Can I use the NEC book during the exam?

Yes. Most state journeyman exams are open book. You can bring your NEC codebook. Tabs and highlights are usually allowed, but sticky notes and personal annotations rules vary — check with your testing center first.

What score do I need to pass?

Most states require 70–75%. Some states like California set a higher bar. A score under the minimum is a failing score regardless of how close you were.

How many times can I retake the exam if I fail?

Most states allow unlimited retakes but charge a fee each time. Some require a waiting period (30–90 days) between attempts. A few states limit total attempts per year.

Do these practice tests use the same format as the real exam?

Yes — multiple choice, NEC-based, same topic weighting as most state exams. They are not copied from actual exams; they are written to the same subject matter outline and difficulty level.

Which NEC articles are most important to know?

Article 210 (branch circuits), 250 (grounding), 220 (load calculations), 310 (conductors), and 430 (motors) cover the majority of most journeyman exams. Article 100 definitions are tested in almost every exam as well.

Key NEC Articles for the Journeyman Exam

ArticleTopicWhy It Matters
100DefinitionsKnow: OCPD, feeder, branch circuit, dwelling unit, accessible
210Branch CircuitsMost-tested article — GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing
215FeedersFeeder sizing and protection
220Load CalculationsStandard dwelling unit method — minimum service size
230ServicesService entrance location, sizing, and disconnecting means
240Overcurrent ProtectionBreaker and fuse sizing rules, location, accessibility
250Grounding & BondingGEC sizing (Table 250.66), electrode system, EGC
300Wiring Methods — GeneralClearances, fill, physical protection, underground
310ConductorsAmpacity (Table 310.12), insulation types, derate rules
430MotorsConductor, OCPD, overload, disconnect sizing
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