CEI Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CEI exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CEI Exam Format at a Glance

100
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
75%
Passing Score

📚 CEI Topics to Study (69)

✍️ Sample CEI Questions & Answers

1. When should an electrical inspector call for a re-inspection after a failed inspection?
After all cited violations have been corrected and the contractor has notified the inspection office

A re-inspection is appropriate only after the contractor has corrected all cited deficiencies and formally notified the inspection office that the work is ready.

2. What is the purpose of a combiner box in a large PV array installation?
Combine multiple PV source circuits into a single PV output circuit

A combiner box aggregates the output of multiple PV source circuits (strings) into a single PV output circuit, typically including fuses or breakers for each string.

3. What is the main goal of electrical safety regulations?
Protect against hazards and accidents

The main goal of electrical safety regulations is to protect individuals and property from the inherent hazards associated with electricity, such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. These regulations establish minimum standards for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of electrical systems. By enforcing these rules, they aim to minimize risks and prevent accidents, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

4. Which conductor in a feeder must be identified by white or gray insulation, or three continuous white stripes for sizes 6 AWG and smaller per NEC 200.6?
Grounded (neutral) conductor

NEC 200.6 requires grounded conductors (neutral) 6 AWG and smaller to be identified by continuous white or gray insulation, or three continuous white stripes.

5. NEC 705.12(B) sets a limit on the size of a back-fed breaker relative to the panel's busbar rating. What is the '120% rule'?
The sum of the main breaker and the back-fed supply breaker cannot exceed 120% of the busbar rating

The 120% rule states that the sum of the main breaker ampere rating plus the back-fed breaker ampere rating must not exceed 120% of the panel's busbar ampere rating.

6. What is a Zone 0 hazardous location characterized by?
Flammable gases present continuously or for long periods

Zone 0 is the most hazardous zone where flammable concentrations exist continuously or for long periods during normal operation.

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Your CEI Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation
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