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Exam Review

Key Facts: MA Electrician Exam

70%

Passing Score on Each Part

Massachusetts candidate information bulletin

110

Total Questions (80 + 30)

Massachusetts candidate information bulletin

240 min

Total Testing Time (180 + 60)

Massachusetts candidate information bulletin

2026

Current Enforced Massachusetts Electrical Code

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services; effective April 24, 2026

The Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician examination is open-book and has two independently scored parts: 80 trade questions in 180 minutes and 30 applied questions in 60 minutes. A score of 70% is required on each part. Massachusetts adopted a 2026 NEC-based electrical code effective April 24, 2026, but the examination item bank changes on a delayed schedule; verify the exact code book listed in your PSI authorization.

Sample MA Electrician Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the MA Electrician exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 352+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the NEC as adopted by Massachusetts, 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 18 inches for direct-buried cables or conductors under one- and two-family dwelling driveways and outdoor parking areas used only for dwelling-related purposes. The 24-inch cover applies under streets, highways, roads, alleys, and commercial driveways/parking lots.
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.
5In Massachusetts, which edition of the NEC is currently adopted for the journeyman electrician exam?
A.NEC 2017
B.NEC 2023
C.NEC 2014
D.NEC 2026
Explanation: Massachusetts currently uses the NEC 2023 for its journeyman electrician licensing exam. It is critical to study the correct edition, as code requirements can change significantly between editions. Always verify the current adopted edition with the Board of State Examiners of Electricians (OCABR).
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 MA Electrician Exam

Massachusetts state journeyman-electrician examination administered by PSI. Part I tests thirteen trade-code subjects; Part II tests calculations, plans, materials, troubleshooting, Massachusetts amendments, and licensing rules. Massachusetts now enforces a 2026 NEC-based electrical code, while the Board said examination changes should appear by November 2026. Candidates must use the code edition named in their current PSI materials.

Exam sponsor: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

110 questions

Time Limit

Part I: 180 minutes; Part II: 60 minutes

Passing Score

70% on each part

Exam / Certification Fees

$226 application and examination fees

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.

Part I — 8 items

General Knowledge

Core definitions, installation rules, working space, safety, and code navigation

Part I — 11 items

Services

Service conductors, equipment, ratings, disconnects, and clearances

Part I — 7 items

Grounding and Bonding

Electrodes, grounding conductors, equipment grounding, and bonding

Part I — 18 items

Wiring Methods and Devices

Conductors, cables, raceways, boxes, devices, fill, ampacity, and installation

Part I — 4 items

Motors

Motor conductors, overloads, short-circuit protection, and disconnecting means

Part I — 1 item

Transformers

Transformer conductors, overcurrent protection, grounding, and ventilation

Part I — 2 items

Low-Voltage Distribution

Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, communications, and separation rules

Part I — 5 items

Special Occupancies and Equipment

Hazardous locations, healthcare spaces, pools, and emergency systems

Part I — 6 items

Overcurrent Protection

Device ratings, conductor protection, tap rules, and interrupting ratings

Part I — 2 items

Lighting

Luminaires, switching, supports, and location-specific requirements

Part I — 6 items

Alarm Systems

Fire-alarm circuit types, cable selection, separation, and NFPA 72 concepts

Part I — 6 items

Solar

PV circuits, source characteristics, conductor sizing, disconnects, labeling, and rapid shutdown

Part I — 4 items

Battery Storage

Energy-storage scope, disconnects, overcurrent protection, ventilation, and listings

Part II — 5 items

Circuit Calculations

Ohm's law, power, series-parallel circuits, and voltage drop

Part II — 5 items

Electrical Schematics and Plans

Symbols, one-lines, risers, floor plans, schedules, and drawing coordination

Part II — 5 items

Materials and Components

Selecting and identifying conductors, raceways, devices, boxes, fittings, and equipment

Part II — 6 items

Troubleshooting and Testing

Meter selection, safe measurement, symptom isolation, and test interpretation

Part II — 5 items

Massachusetts Amendments

Current 527 CMR 12.00 state amendments and their relationship to the NEC

Part II — 4 items

Licensing Laws and Regulations

M.G.L. c. 141 and 237 CMR licensing, supervision, practice, and education rules

Preparing for the MA Electrician Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% on each part
  • Exam length: 110 questions
  • Time limit: Part I: 180 minutes; Part II: 60 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $226 application and examination fees Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 352 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MA Electrician: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice locating rules in the exact NEC edition and Massachusetts amendments listed in your PSI authorization
2Prioritize wiring methods, services, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, alarms, solar, and energy storage according to the official item counts
3Work circuit, service, feeder, motor, transformer, and voltage-drop calculations without skipping units
4Use the drawing legend and schedules before interpreting symbols on plans
5Study M.G.L. c. 141 and 237 CMR from the current official Massachusetts copies

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Massachusetts journeyman electrician exam structured?

Part I contains 80 trade questions with 180 minutes; Part II contains 30 applied questions with 60 minutes. Each part is scored separately, and 70% is required on each.

Which NEC edition should I bring?

Massachusetts enforces a 2026 NEC-based electrical code effective April 24, 2026, but the Board stated that examination changes should be reflected by November 2026. Bring only the edition and references named in your current PSI authorization and candidate bulletin.

What are the current application and examination fees?

The current state application page totals $226: $60 PSI processing, $80 for the trade portion, $55 for the applied portion, and $31 Massachusetts processing. The $31 fee is waived for eligible military applicants. Licensing after passing is separate.

What experience and education are required?

The Board's current application page requires 600 hours of approved education, a 15-hour Code Update class, and 8,000 work hours over at least four years under a licensed Massachusetts Journeyman. 237 CMR 13 also governs documentation and other eligibility details.