If you’re looking for a career that offers stability and a lot of opportunities, then becoming an electrician is the perfect choice. However, you should be aware of the path that must be taken to become a journeyman electrician.
Typically, electrical apprentices attend a technical school or enroll in an apprenticeship program to learn the trade. This can take several years to complete.
A journeyman electrician is the second level of an electrical career, following an apprenticeship. They may work for local, regional or national electrical contractors. They often specialize in residential, commercial or industrial projects. Some may also choose to focus on a specific area of technology. Practice with the free Journeyman Electrician’s practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (16 questions with answer explanations).
In addition to performing core electrical tasks, such as wiring circuit breakers and switches, installing lighting and security systems, and working with electrical fixtures, a journeyman electrician must be familiar with building code regulations. They can also serve as mentors for apprentice electricians, teaching and training them to perform these same tasks.
While formal education isn’t necessary for becoming a journeyman electrician, some may choose to complete a vocational school program to learn more about the trade. In any case, the path to becoming a journeyman electrician takes four years and around 8,000 hours of supervised work experience. During this time, they’re typically paid a fair wage and receive health, dental and retirement benefits from their employers.
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Try our IBEW aptitude test.| What is a journeyman electrician? | A journeyman electrician is a licensed professional who has completed apprenticeship training and passed certification exams. They can work independently on electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance under general supervision but cannot pull permits in most jurisdictions. |
| Journeyman electrician vs master electrician? | A journeyman electrician works under supervision and has less experience, while a master electrician has advanced credentials, can work independently, pull permits, supervise others, and often runs their own electrical contracting business. |
| What does a journeyman electrician do? | Journeyman electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They read blueprints, troubleshoot electrical problems, ensure code compliance, and work on wiring, lighting, motors, and control systems under supervision. |
| Can a journeyman electrician pull permits? | In most states, journeyman electricians cannot pull permits independently. Only master electricians or licensed contractors can obtain electrical permits. However, journeymen can perform the work under a master's supervision and permit. |
| How many questions are on the journeyman electrician exam? | Most journeyman electrician exams contain 80-100 multiple-choice questions covering the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, circuits, motors, and safety. The exact number varies by state, with some having 50 questions and others up to 100. |
| What is on the journeyman electrician test? | The journeyman electrician test covers National Electrical Code requirements, electrical theory, load calculations, branch circuits, grounding, bonding, motors, transformers, conduit bending, blueprint reading, and safety procedures. Many states use the PSI or Pearson VUE testing format. |
| How long is the journeyman electrician exam? | Most journeyman electrician exams allow 4-5 hours to complete, though the actual exam typically takes 2-4 hours. Test-takers can bring an open-book NEC code book and approved calculators to reference during the examination. |
| What score do you need to pass the journeyman electrician exam? | Most states require a minimum score of 70% to pass the journeyman electrician exam, though some jurisdictions require 75%. The passing score varies by state testing authority, so candidates should verify requirements with their local licensing board. |
| How to register for journeyman electrician exam? | To register for the journeyman electrician exam, complete your state's application form, submit proof of completed apprenticeship hours, provide required documentation, pay the exam fee (typically $100-$300), and schedule your test appointment through the designated testing center. |
| Where to take journeyman electrician test? | Journeyman electrician tests are administered at PSI, Pearson VUE, or state-approved testing centers. Contact your state licensing board to find approved locations, register online through the testing provider's website, and schedule an appointment at your nearest facility. |
| How much does the journeyman electrician exam cost? | The journeyman electrician exam typically costs between $100-$300 depending on your state. Additional fees may include application processing ($50-$150), license issuance ($50-$200), and study materials. Total initial licensing costs often range from $300-$700. |
| Do you need to renew journeyman electrician license? | Yes, journeyman electrician licenses must be renewed every 1-3 years depending on state requirements. Renewal typically requires continuing education credits (8-24 hours), payment of renewal fees ($50-$150), and maintaining current certifications and insurance. |
| How hard is the journeyman electrician test? | The journeyman electrician test is moderately challenging with pass rates typically between 60-75%. Success requires thorough NEC knowledge, understanding of electrical theory, and practical experience. Proper preparation with practice tests and code book familiarity significantly improves passing chances. |
| What happens if you fail the journeyman electrician exam? | If you fail the journeyman electrician exam, you can retake it after a waiting period (typically 2-4 weeks). You'll need to pay the retest fee ($50-$150), review weak areas, and reapply. Most states allow unlimited attempts with waiting periods between tests. |
| How long does it take to get journeyman electrician test results? | Most computerized journeyman electrician exams provide preliminary results immediately upon completion. Official passing documentation and license certificates typically arrive by mail within 2-4 weeks. Some states post results online within 24-48 hours after the examination. |
| Is the journeyman electrician exam open book? | Yes, most journeyman electrician exams are open-book, allowing candidates to bring their National Electrical Code book and approved reference materials. However, you must be proficient in navigating the NEC quickly since time is limited during the examination. |
| How to study for journeyman electrician test? | Study for the journeyman electrician test by mastering the NEC code book, taking practice exams, reviewing electrical theory and calculations, using tab dividers for quick reference, joining study groups, and enrolling in exam prep courses. Dedicate 2-3 months of focused preparation. |
| Journeyman electrician practice test free? | Free journeyman electrician practice tests are available online through electrical training websites, state licensing boards, and educational platforms. These practice exams cover NEC code, electrical theory, calculations, and safety, helping identify knowledge gaps before the actual examination. |
| Best study guide for journeyman electrician exam? | The best study guides for journeyman electrician exams include Mike Holt's Exam Preparation, Tom Henry's Code Electrical Classes, the NEC Handbook, and state-specific prep books. Combine these with practice tests and hands-on code book navigation for comprehensive preparation. |
| How long to study for journeyman electrician exam? | Most candidates study 2-3 months for the journeyman electrician exam, dedicating 10-15 hours weekly. Those with strong NEC knowledge may need 4-6 weeks, while others benefit from 3-4 months of intensive preparation including practice tests and code book familiarization. |
Interactive Journeyman Electrician’s Exam resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Prepare for the Journeyman Electrician’s Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
The process of becoming a journeyman electrician takes between three to four years and around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. To begin, aspiring electricians must first enroll in an apprenticeship program and complete classes at local technical schools that provide education on electrical theory and state codes.
During the apprenticeship, electricians will work alongside master electricians and learn through observation and practice. They will also attend training courses that prepare them for a written exam that caps their apprenticeship programs. Passing this test qualifies them to become journeymen elect and can lead to a career as a master electrician.
A successful career as a journeyman electrician requires an aptitude for physical labor, strong problem-solving skills, and good communication abilities. The work often involves long hours and requires working in cramped spaces, so it’s not suitable for everyone. Additionally, the job entails the handling of electricity, which poses inherent risks. As such, it’s important for journeymen to follow all safety protocols and procedures when working on a project. Lastly, journeymen must be able to work as part of a team and manage others. Try our NCCER practice test.
Try these questions from our free Journeyman Electrician’s Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
An electrician is installing wiring in a patient bed location within a general care area of a hospital. Which type of receptacle is required at this location?
Answer: C. A hospital-grade receptacle
According to NEC Article 517.18(B), all receptacles provided for patient bed locations in general care areas must be listed as "hospital grade" to ensure higher durability and more reliable connectivity for medical equipment.
An electrician is wiring a new, permanently installed 240-volt, single-phase circulation pump motor for a swimming pool. What specific type of protection is required for the outlet supplying this motor?
Answer: A. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection
NEC Article 680.21(C) mandates that outlets supplying single-phase pool pump motors connected to 120-volt through 240-volt branch circuits must be provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel.
An electrician is installing a 200A service with 3/0 AWG copper service-entrance conductors. The grounding electrode is a single ground rod. What is the minimum size copper grounding electrode conductor (GEC) required?
Answer: D. 6 AWG
Per NEC 250.66(A), the grounding electrode conductor connected to a single rod, pipe, or plate electrode is not required to be larger than 6 AWG copper, regardless of the size of the service-entrance conductors.
An electrician is installing a motor on a rooftop air-conditioning unit. The motor controller is located inside a mechanical room on the floor below. According to the NEC, what is required for the disconnecting means?
Answer: C. A disconnecting means must be located in sight from the motor.
NEC 430.102(B)(1) requires that a disconnecting means for a motor be located 'in sight from' the motor location and the driven machinery location. Article 100 defines 'In Sight From' as being visible and not more than 50 feet away from the equipment. While an exception exists if the controller's disconnect is lockable, the primary and most direct requirement is to have a disconnect within sight.