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According to the NEC, what is the definition of a 'branch circuit'?

The circuit conductors between the service point and the main disconnecting means

The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s)

Any circuit that supplies power to a motor

The conductors between the transformer and the first overcurrent device

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

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Key Facts: SD Electrician Exam

70%

Passing Score

SD Electrical Commission

Exam Questions

PSI

4 hrs

Time Limit

PSI

$50-$75

Exam Fee

PSI

The SD Journeyman Electrician exam requires 70% to pass across 80 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours. It is open-book, allowing a bound copy of the 2023 NEC. The exam fee is $50-$75. The SD Electrical Commission oversees all electrician licensing and NEC enforcement in South Dakota.

Sample SD Electrician Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SD 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, what is the definition of a 'branch circuit'?

A.The circuit conductors between the service point and the main disconnecting means

B.The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s)

C.Any circuit that supplies power to a motor

D.The conductors between the transformer and the first overcurrent device

Explanation: Per NEC Article 100, 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 how the NEC organizes and regulates different parts of an electrical system.

2In South Dakota, the Electrical Commission oversees electrician licensing. What NEC edition has South Dakota adopted?

A.NEC 2017

B.NEC 2020

C.NEC 2023

D.NEC 2026

Explanation: South Dakota has adopted the 2023 NEC through the SD Electrical Commission. The Commission oversees all electrical licensing and code enforcement in the state.

3Per NEC 210.8(A), GFCI protection is required for all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles in which of the following dwelling unit locations?

A.Living rooms

B.Bedrooms

C.Kitchens

D.Closets

Explanation: NEC 210.8(A) requires GFCI protection for 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles in dwelling unit kitchens, along with bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, basements, and other specified locations. The 2023 NEC expanded GFCI requirements significantly.

4What is the minimum size equipment grounding conductor required for a 60-ampere circuit per NEC Table 250.122?

A.14 AWG copper

B.12 AWG copper

C.10 AWG copper

D.8 AWG copper

Explanation: Per NEC Table 250.122, a 60-ampere overcurrent device requires a minimum 10 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor. This table is based on the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the circuit, not the conductor ampacity.

5According to NEC 250.66, what is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 2/0 AWG copper service conductor?

A.8 AWG copper

B.6 AWG copper

C.4 AWG copper

D.2 AWG copper

Explanation: Per NEC Table 250.66, for service conductors sized 2/0 AWG copper (or 4/0 AWG aluminum), the minimum grounding electrode conductor is 4 AWG copper or 2 AWG aluminum. This table correlates the size of the largest service-entrance conductor with the required grounding electrode conductor.

6What is the standard voltage drop recommendation for branch circuits per NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note No. 4?

A.2%

B.3%

C.5%

D.8%

Explanation: NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note No. 4 recommends that voltage drop on branch circuits should not exceed 3%, and the total voltage drop for feeders and branch circuits combined should not exceed 5%. While these are recommendations rather than requirements, they represent good practice.

7Per NEC Table 310.16, what is the ampacity of a 6 AWG THWN-2 copper conductor at 75°C column?

A.40 amperes

B.55 amperes

C.65 amperes

D.75 amperes

Explanation: Per NEC Table 310.16, a 6 AWG copper conductor with a 75°C insulation rating (such as THWN-2 used at 75°C) has an ampacity of 65 amperes. THWN-2 is rated for 90°C but is commonly used at the 75°C column when terminated at equipment rated for 75°C.

8According to NEC 314.16(B), what is the volume allowance for each 12 AWG conductor in a box fill calculation?

A.2.00 cubic inches

B.2.25 cubic inches

C.2.50 cubic inches

D.3.00 cubic inches

Explanation: Per NEC Table 314.16(B), each 12 AWG conductor requires a volume allowance of 2.25 cubic inches in a box fill calculation. This includes equipment grounding conductors counted as one conductor, device yokes counted as two conductors, and clamps counted as one conductor.

9Per NEC 430.52, what is the maximum size dual-element time-delay fuse permitted for motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection for a standard AC motor?

A.125% of motor FLC

B.150% of motor FLC

C.175% of motor FLC

D.250% of motor FLC

Explanation: Per NEC Table 430.52, the maximum rating for a dual-element time-delay fuse used for motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection is 175% of the motor's full-load current. If 175% does not correspond to a standard fuse size, the next higher standard size may be used.

10What is the minimum height above grade for service drop conductors over a residential driveway?

A.10 feet

B.12 feet

C.15 feet

D.18 feet

Explanation: Per NEC 230.24(B)(1), service drop conductors must maintain a minimum clearance of 12 feet above residential driveways and commercial areas not subject to truck traffic. This clearance ensures safe passage of vehicles beneath the conductors.

About the SD Electrician Exam

The South Dakota Journeyman Electrician exam is administered by PSI for the SD Electrical Commission. Based on the 2023 NEC, it covers electrical theory, code compliance, grounding and bonding, wiring methods, load calculations, motors, transformers, and special occupancies.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$50-$75 (SD Electrical Commission / PSI)

SD Electrician Exam Content Outline

20%

NEC General & Theory

Definitions, electrical theory, NEC navigation, working space requirements, and installation fundamentals

20%

Branch Circuits & Overcurrent Protection

Circuit sizing, receptacle spacing, GFCI/AFCI requirements, overcurrent protection, and lighting outlets

15%

Grounding & Bonding

Grounding electrode systems, equipment grounding, bonding requirements, and ground-fault protection

20%

Wiring Methods & Materials

Conductor ampacity, conduit fill, cable assemblies, box fill calculations, and raceway types

25%

Services, Feeders, Motors & Special Occupancies

Service entrance requirements, load calculations, motor circuits, transformers, hazardous locations, and healthcare facilities

How to Pass the SD Electrician Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 80 questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam fee: $50-$75

Keys to Passing

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

SD Electrician Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master NEC Article 250 (Grounding and Bonding) — the most heavily tested topic on every state exam

2Practice dwelling unit load calculations from NEC Article 220 until you can do them quickly

3Learn to navigate the NEC index efficiently — fast lookups are critical during the 4-hour exam

4Focus on conductor ampacity from Table 310.16 and temperature/conduit fill adjustment factors

5Study motor circuits (Article 430) and HVAC compressor requirements (Article 440)

Frequently Asked Questions

What NEC edition does South Dakota use for the electrician exam?

South Dakota has adopted the 2023 NEC through the SD Electrical Commission. The PSI-administered exam allows a bound copy of the 2023 NEC as the only reference material.

How many questions are on the South Dakota electrician exam?

The exam has 80 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour time limit. You need 70% (56 correct answers) to pass. The exam is open-book with the NEC 2023.

How hard is the South Dakota electrician exam?

The exam is challenging with an estimated 55% first-time pass rate. Strong NEC code navigation skills and practice with load calculations are essential for success.

What does the South Dakota electrician exam cost?

The exam fee is approximately $50-$75 through PSI. Additional costs include the NEC codebook ($100+) and study materials. Apply through the SD Electrical Commission first.