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According to the NEC as adopted by Massachusetts, what is the definition of a 'branch circuit'?

The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlets

Any circuit that supplies power to a building

The main service conductors from the utility transformer

A circuit that connects two panelboards together

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Free Journeyman Electrician Practice Test by State 2026: 3,700+ NEC Questions24 min read

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MA Electrician Exam

75%

Passing Score

Board of State Examiners of Electricians (OCABR)

Exam Questions

Massachusetts exam format

4 hours

Time Limit

PSI

2023

NEC Edition

Massachusetts adoption

The Massachusetts journeyman electrician exam is administered by PSI and overseen by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians (OCABR). The exam has 80 multiple-choice questions with a 4 hours time limit, requiring 75% to pass. The exam is based on the NEC 2023. Most testing centers allow a bound copy of the NEC as a reference during the exam. Massachusetts requires a 75% passing score and includes questions on Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR). The exam incorporates state-specific amendments to the NEC.

Sample MA Electrician Practice Questions

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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 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.

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 licensing exam based on the NEC 2023. Covers NEC code compliance, branch circuits, grounding and bonding, wiring methods, motors and transformers, services and feeders, special occupancies, and electrical calculations. Massachusetts requires a 75% passing score and includes questions on Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR). The exam incorporates state-specific amendments to the NEC.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

$78 (Board of State Examiners of Electricians (OCABR))

MA Electrician Exam Content Outline

20%

NEC General Knowledge & Definitions

NEC Article 100 definitions, general installation requirements, working spaces, and Massachusetts-specific electrical code amendments

25%

Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services

Branch circuit sizing, overcurrent protection, GFCI/AFCI requirements, service entrance, and feeder calculations

20%

Wiring Methods & Materials

Conduit sizing and fill, cable assemblies (NM, AC, MC), conductor ampacity, box fill calculations, and raceway installations

20%

Grounding, Bonding & Motors

Grounding electrode systems, equipment grounding, bonding requirements, motor circuits, overload protection, and transformer connections

15%

Special Occupancies & Load Calculations

Hazardous locations, healthcare facilities, swimming pools, dwelling unit calculations, commercial load calculations, and voltage drop

How to Pass the MA Electrician Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75%
Exam length: 80 questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam fee: $78

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MA Electrician Study Tips from Top Performers

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 using NEC Articles 220 and Table 220.42 until you can do them quickly and accurately

4Memorize conductor ampacity from NEC Table 310.16 and understand temperature correction and adjustment factors

5Review Massachusetts-specific electrical code amendments and licensing requirements that may appear on the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Massachusetts journeyman electrician exam?

The Massachusetts journeyman electrician exam is challenging with an estimated ~55% pass rate. The exam has 80 questions based on the NEC 2023 and requires 75% to pass. Strong knowledge of NEC code navigation and electrical calculations is essential.

What NEC edition does Massachusetts use for the electrician exam?

Massachusetts currently uses the NEC 2023 for its journeyman electrician licensing exam. A bound copy of the NEC is typically allowed as a reference during the exam. Always verify the current edition with the Board of State Examiners of Electricians (OCABR).

How much does the Massachusetts electrician exam cost?

The Massachusetts journeyman electrician exam fee is $78. Additional costs may include application fees, NEC code book (~$100-170), and study materials. Check with the Board of State Examiners of Electricians (OCABR) for the most current fee schedule.

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

To qualify for the Massachusetts journeyman electrician exam, candidates must have: Completion of at least 600 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of practical experience under a licensed master or journeyman electrician. Contact the Board of State Examiners of Electricians (OCABR) for detailed eligibility requirements.