State licensing boards (NEC-based)
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Journeyman Electrician License Exam
The state licensing exam an apprentice electrician must pass to work independently as a journeyman. Administered per state (often through PSI or Prometric) and based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Blueprint-complete program: 4 decks, 158 cards.
What's on the exam
Typical state journeyman blueprint (NEC-based; verify against your state's candidate bulletin)
General Electrical Knowledge
~15%Definitions and NEC structure · Electrical theory and Ohm's law · Calculations and units · Plans, specifications, and code navigation
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
~20%Service sizing and load calculations · Feeder sizing · Branch-circuit requirements · Overcurrent protection · Panelboards and switchboards
Grounding and Bonding
~15%Grounding electrode systems · Equipment grounding conductors · Bonding requirements · Sizing grounding and bonding conductors · GFCI and ground-fault protection
Conductors and Wiring Methods
~15%Conductor ampacity and derating · Raceway fill and sizing · Cable types and uses · Boxes and enclosures · Conductor terminations and splices
Motors and Controls
~10%Motor circuit conductor sizing · Motor overload protection · Short-circuit and ground-fault protection · Disconnecting means · Control circuits
Equipment and Devices
~10%Transformers · Appliances and HVAC equipment · Luminaires and lighting · Receptacles and switches
Special Occupancies and Conditions
~8%Hazardous (classified) locations · Dwelling-specific requirements · Pools, spas, and fountains · Temporary installations
Safety and Plan Reading
~7%Job-site safety practices · Lockout/tagout basics · Blueprint and symbol reading · Working clearances
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Journeyman Electrician Exam cost?
Fees vary. Set per state; exam fees commonly run $30–$150, plus separate state license fees.
How long is the Journeyman Electrician Exam and how many questions does it have?
Varies by state (commonly 80–100 questions) — Varies by state (commonly 3–4 hours).
What do you need to pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam?
Varies by state; commonly a scaled score around 70–75%.
Can you retake the Journeyman Electrician Exam?
Permitted after a state-set waiting period; rules vary by state.
What is the best way to study for the Journeyman Electrician Exam?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (General Electrical Knowledge ~15%, Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits ~20%, Grounding and Bonding ~15%, Conductors and Wiring Methods ~15%, Motors and Controls ~10%, Equipment and Devices ~10%, Special Occupancies and Conditions ~8%, Safety and Plan Reading ~7%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Ready to prepare?
Our Electrician Journeyman program follows this exact blueprint — every domain covered, scheduled by spaced repetition, with a journey from first card to test day.