State licensing boards (NEC-based)

Master Electrician Exam

Master Electrician License Exam

The state licensing exam a journeyman electrician must pass to become a master electrician, authorized to pull permits, design installations, and supervise other electricians. Administered per state (often through PSI or Prometric) and based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Varies by state (commonly 4–5 hours or more; Texas allows 320 minutes across its NEC knowledge and calculations portions)Required to practice

What's on the exam

Typical state master electrician blueprint (NEC-based; verify against your state's candidate bulletin)

Code Calculations and Load Computation

~22%

Dwelling and commercial load calculations · Service and feeder sizing · Demand factors · Conductor ampacity and derating · Voltage drop

Services, Feeders, and Distribution

~18%

Service entrance requirements · Feeder design · Overcurrent protection coordination · Panelboards and switchboards · Transformers and secondary systems

Grounding and Bonding

~13%

Grounding electrode systems · Equipment grounding conductors · Bonding of services and equipment · Sizing grounding/bonding conductors · Ground-fault protection

Wiring Methods and Materials

~15%

Raceway fill and sizing · Cable and conductor types · Boxes, enclosures, and fittings · Conductor terminations · Support and securing requirements

Motors, Controls, and Equipment

~12%

Motor circuit conductor and overload sizing · Motor controllers and disconnects · Air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment · Generators and standby systems · Capacitors

Special Occupancies and Systems

~12%

Hazardous (classified) locations · Health care facilities · Pools, spas, and fountains · Emergency and standby power systems · Low-voltage and signaling circuits

Plan Reading, Business, and Safety

~8%

Blueprint and specification interpretation · Permits and inspections · Estimating and project supervision · Job-site safety and working clearances

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Master Electrician Exam cost?

Fees vary. Set per state; exam fees commonly run $50–$150, plus separate state master license fees.

How long is the Master Electrician Exam and how many questions does it have?

Varies by state (commonly 80–110 questions) — Varies by state (commonly 4–5 hours or more; Texas allows 320 minutes across its NEC knowledge and calculations portions).

What do you need to pass the Master Electrician Exam?

Varies by state; commonly a scaled score around 70–75%.

Can you retake the Master Electrician Exam?

Permitted after a state-set waiting period; rules vary by state.

What is the best way to study for the Master Electrician Exam?

Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Code Calculations and Load Computation ~22%, Services, Feeders, and Distribution ~18%, Grounding and Bonding ~13%, Wiring Methods and Materials ~15%, Motors, Controls, and Equipment ~12%, Special Occupancies and Systems ~12%, Plan Reading, Business, and Safety ~8%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.

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