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Key Facts: KY Electrician Exam

70%

Passing Score

815 KAR 35:060

80

Exam Questions

ICC and Prov 2026 candidate bulletins

3-4 hours

Time Limit

ICC 703: 4 hours; Prov: 3 hours

2023

NEC Edition

DHBC (effective January 1, 2025)

Kentucky's Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) licenses journeyman electricians under KRS 227A. Candidates need 8,000 hours of verifiable experience (one approved substitute can replace 4,000) and must pass an approved exam with at least 70%. ICC 703 has 80 questions in 4 hours with the 2023 NEC and Ugly's; Prov has 80 questions in 3 hours with the 2017, 2020, or 2023 NEC plus Ugly's. Licenses renew every two years with 6 hours of continuing education per year.

Sample KY Electrician Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the KY Electrician exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 350+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the NEC as adopted by Kentucky, what is the definition of a 'branch circuit'?
A.The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlets
B.Any circuit that supplies power to a building
C.The main service conductors from the utility transformer
D.A circuit that connects two panelboards together
Explanation: Per NEC Article 100 (as adopted under the NEC 2023), a branch circuit is defined as the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s). This definition is fundamental to understanding circuit design and protection requirements.
2What does the NEC define as 'readily accessible'?
A.Capable of being reached quickly without climbing or removing obstacles
B.Within 6 feet of the floor
C.Visible from the main entrance of a room
D.Accessible only with the use of special tools
Explanation: NEC Article 100 defines 'readily accessible' as capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as climbing or removing obstacles. This term is used throughout the NEC for disconnecting means and overcurrent devices.
3Per the NEC, what is the minimum cover requirement for direct-buried UF cable under a one-family dwelling driveway?
A.12 inches
B.18 inches
C.24 inches
D.6 inches
Explanation: NEC Table 300.5 requires a minimum cover of 24 inches for direct-buried cables or conductors under a one-family dwelling driveway. This depth requirement protects the cables from damage caused by vehicle loads.
4According to the NEC, what is the maximum voltage permitted for lighting circuits in a dwelling unit?
A.120 volts
B.150 volts
C.277 volts
D.240 volts
Explanation: NEC Section 210.6(A) limits the voltage on lighting branch circuits in dwelling units to 120 volts between conductors. While 277-volt lighting is permitted in commercial and industrial occupancies, dwelling units are restricted to 120-volt lighting circuits for safety.
5Which is the MOST RECENT edition of the NEC that Kentucky's Prov-administered journeyman electrician exam currently allows candidates to reference?
A.NEC 2017
B.NEC 2023
C.NEC 2014
D.NEC 2026
Explanation: Per the Prov, Inc. Candidate Information Bulletin for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Electrical Licensing Division, items on the Journeyman Electrician exam are selected to comply with the 2017, 2020, and 2023 editions of the NEC, and candidates may use any one of these three editions as their open-book reference. NEC 2023 is the most recent of the three currently accepted editions.
6According to the NEC, what is the minimum size copper conductor permitted for use as a branch circuit?
A.18 AWG
B.16 AWG
C.14 AWG
D.12 AWG
Explanation: NEC Section 210.3 specifies that branch circuit conductors shall have an ampacity not less than the maximum load to be served, and NEC Table 310.16 shows 14 AWG copper as the minimum size for branch circuits rated at 15 amperes. While smaller conductors exist, 14 AWG is the minimum for standard branch circuits.
7What does the NEC term 'approved' mean regarding electrical equipment?
A.Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
B.Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
C.Manufactured by an approved company
D.Meeting the minimum requirements of the NEC
Explanation: NEC Article 100 defines 'approved' as acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ has the final authority on whether equipment, materials, and installations meet the requirements. This is distinct from 'listed' or 'labeled,' which involve third-party testing.
8Per NEC Article 100, what distinguishes a 'separately derived system' from other electrical systems?
A.It operates at a different voltage than the main service
B.It has no direct connection to supply conductors of another system
C.It is powered by a generator or solar panels only
D.It requires a separate grounding electrode
Explanation: NEC Article 100 defines a separately derived system as a premises wiring system whose power is derived from a source of electric energy or equipment other than a service, and that has no direct connection(s) to circuit conductors of any other system other than those established by grounding and bonding connections. This definition is crucial for proper grounding per Article 250.
9According to NEC Section 110.26, what is the minimum headroom requirement for working spaces about electrical equipment rated 600 volts or less?
A.6 feet
B.6 feet 6 inches
C.7 feet
D.6 feet 3 inches
Explanation: NEC Section 110.26(A)(3) requires a minimum headroom of 6 feet 6 inches (2.0 m) for working spaces about electrical equipment rated 600 volts, nominal, or less. This clearance ensures safe access for maintenance and operation of electrical equipment.
10Per the NEC, what is the purpose of equipment grounding conductors?
A.To carry normal operating current
B.To provide an effective ground-fault current path back to the source
C.To reduce voltage drop on long circuits
D.To serve as a neutral conductor for 240-volt circuits
Explanation: NEC Section 250.4(A)(5) states that equipment grounding conductors provide an effective ground-fault current path from the point of a ground fault on a wiring system back to the electrical supply source. This path facilitates the operation of the overcurrent protective device to clear the fault.

About the KY Electrician Exam

Kentucky journeyman electrician licensing exam, taken as ICC 703 through Pearson VUE or with Prov, Inc. Both routes have 80 multiple-choice questions and a 70% cut score. ICC 703 allows 4 hours with the 2023 NEC and Ugly's Electrical References; Prov allows 3 hours with the 2017, 2020, or 2023 NEC plus Ugly's. Topics include general knowledge, services, feeders, branch circuits, wiring methods, equipment, control devices, motors and generators, special occupancies, plan reading, and communications systems.

Exam sponsor: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

80 questions

Time Limit

4 hours (ICC 703) or 3 hours (Prov)

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$80 (Prov) or $100 (ICC 703)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

6%

General Knowledge

NEC organization, Article 100 definitions, Article 110 requirements, electrical theory, and Kentucky licensing rules (ICC 703 outline)

11%

Services and Service Equipment

Service conductors, clearances, disconnecting means, grounding at the service, and surge and ground-fault protection

4%

Feeders

Feeder sizing, outside feeders and branch circuits, and feeder taps

19%

Branch Circuits and Conductors

Branch-circuit ratings, GFCI and AFCI protection, receptacle outlets, conductor ampacity, and adjustment factors

26%

Wiring Methods and Materials

Raceways, cables, boxes, box fill, conduit fill, cabinets, panelboards, wireways, cable trays, and busways

13%

Equipment and Devices

Switches, receptacles, luminaires, appliances, heating equipment, and overcurrent devices

4%

Control Devices

Motor controllers, disconnecting means, and Class 1, 2, and 3 remote-control and signaling circuits

6%

Motors and Generators

Motor full-load current, overload and short-circuit protection, generators, and air-conditioning equipment

11%

Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions

Hazardous locations, health care, pools, PV and EV equipment, signs, fire pumps, emergency systems, and communications

Preparing for the KY Electrician Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 80 questions
  • Time limit: 4 hours (ICC 703) or 3 hours (Prov)
  • Exam / certification fees: $80 (Prov) or $100 (ICC 703) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 350 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

KY Electrician: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study the NEC 2023 thoroughly — the exam is open-book, so learn to navigate the NEC index and table of contents quickly
2Master NEC Article 250 (Grounding and Bonding) as it is heavily tested on every state exam
3Practice dwelling unit load calculations under NEC Article 220, including the Table 220.45 lighting demand factors, until you can do them quickly and accurately
4Memorize conductor ampacity from NEC Table 310.16 and understand temperature correction and adjustment factors
5Review Kentucky licensing law in KRS 227A and 815 KAR 35:060, including experience hours, renewal, continuing education, and exemptions

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Kentucky journeyman electrician exam?

DHBC, ICC, and Prov do not publish pass rates. The exam has 80 questions and requires 70% to pass, so you need fast NEC navigation and accurate calculations. ICC 703 gives you 4 hours (about 3 minutes per question), and Prov gives you 3 hours (2.25 minutes per question).

What NEC edition does Kentucky use for the electrician exam?

Kentucky enforces the 2023 NEC. ICC 703 uses NFPA 70 (2023) plus Ugly's Electrical References, while Prov lets candidates bring one of the 2017, 2020, or 2023 NEC editions plus Ugly's. Check the current candidate bulletin before test day.

How much does the Kentucky electrician exam cost?

The ICC 703 exam costs $100 through Pearson VUE, and the Prov exam costs $80, according to the 2026 candidate bulletins. DHBC also charges a $100 fee for the two-year electrician license, and you will need your own NEC and Ugly's reference books.

What are the experience requirements for the Kentucky journeyman electrician license?

Under KRS 227A.060(3), you need 8,000 hours of verifiable electrical experience since your 16th birthday. Any one of these substitutes for 4,000 hours: an acceptable electrical training course, two years of a four-year training course, an electrical associate degree or diploma, or two years of teaching electrical technology.