PracticeBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free MD Electrician Practice Questions

Pass your Maryland Journeyman Electrician License Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
~55% Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 100
Question 1
Score: 0/0

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

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MD Electrician Exam

75%

Passing Score

Maryland Board of Master Electricians

80

Exam Questions

Maryland exam format

4 hours

Time Limit

PSI

2020

NEC Edition

Maryland adoption

The Maryland journeyman electrician exam is administered by PSI and overseen by the Maryland Board of Master Electricians. The exam has 80 multiple-choice questions with a 4 hours time limit, requiring 75% to pass. The exam is based on the NEC 2020. Most testing centers allow a bound copy of the NEC as a reference during the exam. Maryland requires a 75% passing score, higher than most states. The exam is based on the NEC 2020 edition.

Sample MD Electrician Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MD Electrician exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the NEC as adopted by Maryland, 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 2020), 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 Maryland, which edition of the NEC is currently adopted for the journeyman electrician exam?
A.NEC 2017
B.NEC 2020
C.NEC 2014
D.NEC 2026
Explanation: Maryland currently uses the NEC 2020 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 Maryland Board of Master Electricians.
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 MD Electrician Exam

Maryland state journeyman electrician licensing exam based on the NEC 2020. Covers NEC code compliance, branch circuits, grounding and bonding, wiring methods, motors and transformers, services and feeders, special occupancies, and electrical calculations. Maryland requires a 75% passing score, higher than most states. The exam is based on the NEC 2020 edition.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

$65 (Maryland Board of Master Electricians)

MD Electrician Exam Content Outline

20%

NEC General Knowledge & Definitions

NEC Article 100 definitions, general installation requirements, working spaces, and Maryland-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 MD Electrician Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Exam length: 80 questions
  • Time limit: 4 hours
  • Exam fee: $65

Keys to Passing

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

MD Electrician Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the NEC 2020 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 Maryland-specific electrical code amendments and licensing requirements that may appear on the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Maryland journeyman electrician exam?

The Maryland journeyman electrician exam is challenging with an estimated ~55% pass rate. The exam has 80 questions based on the NEC 2020 and requires 75% to pass. Strong knowledge of NEC code navigation and electrical calculations is essential.

What NEC edition does Maryland use for the electrician exam?

Maryland currently uses the NEC 2020 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 Maryland Board of Master Electricians.

How much does the Maryland electrician exam cost?

The Maryland journeyman electrician exam fee is $65. Additional costs may include application fees, NEC code book (~$100-170), and study materials. Check with the Maryland Board of Master Electricians for the most current fee schedule.

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

To qualify for the Maryland journeyman electrician exam, candidates must have: Completion of 7 years of experience installing electrical wiring, or 4 years of experience plus completion of an approved apprenticeship program. Contact the Maryland Board of Master Electricians for detailed eligibility requirements.