1. Labor Commissioner's Office

Electrician certification program

How to obtain a certification

Examination Scheduling Procedures

Exam results

Sample electrician certification test questions

Special Accommodations/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Multiple choice test taking tips

Preparing for tests

Reducing test anxiety

Number of test questions and time for each category

Examination content outline

How to Obtain a Certification

1. Before you can take the examination, you must apply and be approved by DLSE. Applications may be obtained from DLSE or online at www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ecu/ElectricalTrade.html.
Phone: (510) 286-3900 www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ecu/ElectricalTrade.html
2. The completed application, any other required supporting documentation and the application fee should be sent to DLSE at the address below.
   
   • Department of Industrial Relations
     P O Box 511286
     Los Angeles, CA 90051-7841
     Phone: (510) 286-3900
     Email: ECUINFO@dir.ca.gov
3. Once DLSE has approved you for testing, you will receive an eligibility notice.
   
   Denied candidates are notified by DLSE of the elements they need to complete in order to be approved.
   
   All questions and requests for information about examinations should be directed to PSI.
   • PSI Services LLC
     3210 E Tropicana
     Las Vegas, NV 89121
     (888) 818-5831 • Fax (702) 932-2666
     www.psiexams.com

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Examination Scheduling Procedures

Once you have been approved by DLSE, you are responsible for contacting PSI to schedule an appointment to take the examination. You may either schedule via the Internet at www.psiexams.com, or schedule over the telephone at (888) 818-5831.

Your examination(s) must be taken within one year from the date of your eligibility notice. If you do not take your examination(s) during this timeframe, you will need to resubmit a new application and pay the required application and testing fees again.

If you do not pass the exam, you must wait 60 days from the day you took the exam before sending in your application for re-test. You must also send in another exam fee of $100. A re-test application form is available online at www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ecu/ElectricalTrade.html

NOTE: REGISTRATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE OR TRANSFERABLE

Telephone Scheduling

To schedule for your test, call (888) 818-5831 to speak to a live operator between the hours of 4:30am and 7:00pm, Monday through Friday, and between 8:00am and 2:00pm, on Saturday (Pacific Time). Or you may schedule thru the automated registration system, which is available 24 hours a day.

Internet Scheduling

You may schedule for your test via the internet, 24 hours a day, at www.psiexams.com. In order to schedule online, you will need your Driver’s license number and the exact spelling of your name. CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE AN EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT You may cancel and reschedule an examination appointment without forfeiting your fee if your cancellation notice is received 2 days before the scheduled examination date. For example, for a Monday appointment, the cancellation notice would need to be received on the previous Saturday. You may call PSI at (888) 818-5831. Please note that you may also use the automated system, using a touch-tone phone, 24 hours a day in order to cancel and reschedule your appointment. Note: A voice mail message is not an acceptable form of cancellation. Please use the Internet, automated telephone system (IVR), or call (888) 818-5831.

For more information about scheduling the exam, review the Electrical Certification Candidate Information Bulletin.

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Exam results

You will receive your score results immediately upon completion of your exam.

• Upon passing the exam: You must have a minimum of 70% in order to pass. When you pass, your certification card will be mailed to you within two weeks from the date of your exam.
• If you fail the exam: You must retake the exam by completing the Retest application form. There is a 60 day waiting period from the date you failed.

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Sample electrician certification test questions:

These are actual questions that have been extracted (and now eliminated) from the test.

Sample General Electrician test questions

1) Of the following output characteristics, which is NOT required to be compatible to the output of a generator or other electric power production source operating in parallel with an electrical supply system?
  1.     Voltage
  2.     Amperage
  3.     Wave Shape
  4.     Frequency

2) What is the MINIMUM bending radius for a power and control tray cable with a metallic shielding?
  1.     Six times the overall diameter of the cable
  2.     Eight times the overall diameter of the cable
  3.     Ten times the overall diameter of the cable
  4.     Twelve times the overall diameter of the cable

3) The working space in front of fire or electrical equipment may be used to store
  1.     nothing.
  2.     electrical panels.
  3.     fluorescent lamps.
  4.     janitorial equipment.

4) Surface nonmetallic raceways that have limited smoke-producing characteristics shall be
  1.     listed for the purposes.
  2.     approved for use.
  3.     permitted to be so identified.
  4.     suitable for installation.

5) What is the MAXIMUM number of branch circuit conductors permitted in a recognized wiring method between luminaries connected together on a single phase 120/240 volt system?
  1.     2 conductors
  2.     3 conductors
  3.     4 conductors
  4.     5 conductors

6) In what location are disconnecting means NOT required for individual luminaries with fluorescent double ended lamps and ballasts?
  1.     Dwelling unit
  2.     Hazardous
  3.     Industrial
  4.     Commercial

7) The top of a 12 inch deep wall cabinet, installed in a room with electric space heating cables embedded in the ceiling, shall be below the ceiling no less than
  1.     3 inches.
  2.     6 inches.
  3.     12 inches.
  4.     18 inches.

8) Non-heating leads from fixed outdoor electric deicing and snow melting embedded resistance heating panels shall be permitted to be protected by
  1.     electrical non-metallic tubing.
  2.     non-metallic rigid conduit.
  3.     grounding sheath.
  4.     cable armor.

9) What is the MAXIMUM ac control voltage to ground for permanent amusement attractions?
  1.     30 volts
  2.     50 volts
  3.     120 volts
  4.     150 volts

10) The site-isolating device installed at the distribution point for agricultural buildings shall be
  1.     surface mounted.
  2.     flush mounted.
  3.     pole mounted.
  4.     isolated.

General Electrician Answer Key

1. 2
2. 4
3. 1
4. 3
5. 4
6. 1
7. 3
8. 3
9. 4
10. 3

Sample Residential Electrician test questions

1) A MAXIMUM continuous load on an overcurrent device is limited to 90 percent of the device rating.  If the protective device is rated 80A, what is the MAXIMUM continuous load permitted?
  1.     40A
  2.     60A
  3.     72A
  4.     92A

2) How many sets of 5-wire feeders sharing the same common neutral are allowed?
  1.     One
  2.     Two
  3.     Three
  4.     Four

3) What type of receptacles are permitted on a 40-amp branch circuit with multiple receptacles?
  1.     15 and 20 amp.
  2.     20 and 30 amp.
  3.     30 and 40 amp.
  4.     40 and 50 amp.

4) The equipment grounding conductor inside an underground feeder and branch-circuit cable is
  1.     required to be bare.
  2.     required to be insulated.
  3.     not permitted to be insulated.
  4.     permitted to be insulated or bare.

5) Which National Electrical Code article covers telephone, telegraph, outside wiring for fire and burglar alarm systems and similar central station systems?
  1.     500-1
  2.     600-1
  3.     700-1
  4.     800-1

6) At what distance from entering the building must the metal sheath of communication cable be grounded or interrupted?
  1.     Within 5 feet of the point of entrance
  2.     Within 10 feet of the point of entrance
  3.     Within 20 feet of the point of entrance
  4.     As close as practicable to the point of entrance

7) Multiwire branch circuits supply only line to neutral loads EXCEPT where they supply only one utilization equipment or
  1.     the circuit is rated 30 amps or less.
  2.     the circuit is rated less than 250 volts to ground.
  3.     where the ungrounded conductors are opened simultaneously by the branch-circuit overcurrent device.
  4.     where handle devices are used on the overcurrent devices supplying the ungrounded conductors of the circuit.

8) In a dwelling unit garage, GFCI protection of 15 and 20 ampere receptacles are required for
  1.     all receptacles.
  2.     all receptacles EXCEPT those supplying fire alarms.
  3.     all receptacles EXCEPT those for garage door openers.
  4.     all receptacles EXCEPT single receptacles for dedicated equipment.

9) Where a counter-mounted cooking unit is mounted in a corner, the space behind the unit is exempt from wall countertop receptacle spacing requirements when the measurement from the back of the unit to the corner of the wall is less than
  1.     6 inches.
  2.     12 inches.
  3.     18 inches.
  4.     24 inches.

10) When are conductors required to be protected?
  1.     When the amperage exceeds .5 amps
  2.     When the voltage exceeds 50 volts
  3.     When the conductors are subject to physical damage
  4.     When the rating of the circuit exceeds 50 volt amps

Residential Electrician Answer Key

1. 3
2. 2
3. 4
4. 4
5. 4
6. 4
7. 3
8. 1
9. 3
10. 3

Sample Fire Life Safety test questions

1) What component permits voltage to be stepped up or down?
  1.     Capacitor
  2.     Rectifier
  3.     Resistor
  4.     Transformer

2) Where required, mitigating measures shall be implemented for the period that a system is impaired, only when acceptable to the
  1.     owner.
  2.     fire alarm company.
  3.     insurance underwriter.
  4.     authority having jurisdiction.

3) After installation, when shall a central station be checked for sensitivity?
  1.     Within 30 days
  2.     120 days
  3.     6 months
  4.     Within 1 year

4) What is a Tactile Notification Appliance?
  1.     A notification appliance that marks exits and areas of refuge by sense of hearing
  2.     A notification appliance that conveys a stream of audible information
  3.     A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of touch or vibration
  4.     A notification device that alerts by the sense of hearing

5) Smoke detectors with control output functions shall be verified that the control capability shall remain operable even if the signaling line circuit is in alarm state or
  1.     audible and visual notification devices are in ground fault.
  2.     the trouble signal for the secondary power supply is shown on panel.
  3.     all the initiating devices connected to the same initiating device circuit are in alarm state.
  4.     mechanical, electrosonic and pressure-type waterflow devices are in reset mode.

6) What best describes the purpose of inspection, testing and maintenance of a fire alarm system?
  1.     Evaluate performance of system components
  2.     Evaluate solid state controls to ensure service
  3.     Ensure operational integrity of the system
  4.     Adjust for continued changes in modern buildings

7) One method of defining circuit integrity cable is by establishing a MINIMUM fire resistance rating of how many hours?
  1.     1 hour
  2.     2 hours
  3.     3 hours
  4.     4 hours

8) Which of the following methods is acceptable to show the location of the detector and the area protected on a remote alarm indicator?
  1.     Pencil or ink label
  2.     Embossed plastic tape
  3.     Permanently attached placard
  4.     Permanently attached crayon label

9) A circuit that contains both series and parallel elements is known as
  1.     mixed circuits.
  2.     a series branch circuit.
  3.     combination circuits.
  4.     a multi-purpose circuit.

10) What is the permitted location rule for a supplementary visible notification appliance?
  1.     Within 300 mm (12 inches) below the ceiling
  2.     Within 150 mm (6 inches) below the ceiling
  3.     Not greater than 2440 mm (96 inches)
  4.     Less than 2030 mm (80 inches)

Fire Life Safety Answer Key

1. 4
2. 4
3. 4
4. 3
5. 3
6. 3
7. 2
8. 3
9. 3
10. 4

Sample Voice Data Video Technician test questions

1) Which of the following materials can NOT be used for antennas and their lead-in conductors?
  1.     Copper
  2.     Bronze
  3.     Aluminum
  4.     Plastic

2) Type CATVX cables less than how many inches in diameter are permitted to be installed in multi-family dwellings?
  1.     0.175 inches
  2.     0.375 inches
  3.     0.525 inches
  4.     0.725 inches

3) Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 circuits should be identified at terminal and junction boxes because
  1.     the wires will not be mistaken for abandoned cables.
  2.     it will assist the installer technician during installation.
  3.     it will eliminate the need for a color code of all conductors in the circuit.
  4.     it prevents unintentional interference with other circuits during testing and servicing.

4) Secondary protectors on circuits exposed to accidental contact with electrical light or power conductors operating at greater than 300 volts to ground are
  1.     solely to provide means to safely limit current equal to the current-carrying capacity of the listed indoor communications wire and cable.
  2.     to be installed as close as practicable to the point of entrance.
  3.     to be installed on cable runs over 42 m (140) or more.
  4.     not intended for use without primary protectors.

5) Driven telecommunication primary protector ground rods to supplement intersystem ground connections should be separated from electrodes of other systems by at LEAST
  1.       1.5 m (5 feet).
  2.       1.8 m (6 feet).
  3.       2.4 m (8 feet).
  4.     3 m (10 feet).

6) Where a roof has a slope of NOT less than 100 mm (4 inches) in 300 mm (12 inches) above roof clearance of a communication cable of NOT less than what distance shall be permitted?
  1.       1.0 m (40 inches)
  2.       2.5 m (8 feet)
  3.       1.2 m (4 feet)
  4.     900 mm (3 feet)

7) Class 1 circuit conductors in sizes of 18 American Wire Gauge and 16 American Wire Gauge should be installed as any type EXCEPT
  1.     ZFF.
  2.     ZFFN.
  3.     TFF.
  4.     TFFN.

8) For Radio and Television distribution equipment, a bonding device intended to provide a termination point for the grounding conductor should comply with all  of the following conditions EXCEPT
  1.     it should not interfere with the opening of an equipment enclosure.
  2.     it is permitted to be mounted on a non-removable part.
  3.     it is permitted to be mounted on a non-removable door.
  4.     it should not be mounted on a cover.

9) Where the MAXIMUM span between supports is more than 35 feet, all of the following materials are approved for use as antenna and lead-in conductors for receiving equipment EXCEPT
  1.     aluminum alloy.
  2.     soft-drawn copper.
  3.     copper-clad steel.
  4.     bronze.

10) All inside conductors associated with the interior installation of transmitting stations should be separated from conductors of any electric light, power or signaling circuits by at least
  1.     4 inches.
  2.     6 inches.
  3.     8 inches.
  4.     12 inches.

Voice Data Video Technician Answer Key

1. 4
2. 2
3. 4
4. 4
5. 2
6. 4
7. 2
8. 3
9. 2
10. 1

Sample Non-Residential Lighting Technician test questions

1) In new construction, luminaries  installed within   1.5 meters (5 feet) of the edge of the water or over a pool, fountain, or similar body of water must be mounted a vertical distance above the maximum water level of no less than
  1.       1.5 meters (5 feet).
  2.     3 meters  (10 feet).
  3.       3.7 meters  (12 feet).
  4.       4.4 meters  (1  4.5 feet).

2) In Class I Division 1 and 2 locations, flexible cords are
  1.     not allowed for fixed equipment.
  2.     allowed only for temporary lighting.
  3.     allowed for fixed and mobile equipment in an industrial setting if the cord is protected and maintained by qualified persons.
  4.     not allowed for any permanent equipment because of the potential for physical damage and becoming the source of ignition in a hazardous environment.

3) Without exceptions, Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC) shall be securely fastened in place by approved means within how many inches of each box, cabinet, conduit body or other conduit termination?
  1.     10
  2.     12
  3.     14
  4.     16

4) Electrical metallic tubing is designed to protect and
  1.     ground conductors and cables.
  2.     route conductors and cables.
  3.     hide conductors and cables.
  4.     secure conductors and cables.

5) Flexible metallic tubing is considered which of the following?
  1.     Housing
  2.     Tube
  3.     Pipe
  4.     Raceway

6) Electrical nonmetallic tubing is used for the installation of which of the following?
  1.     Lighting fixtures
  2.     Electrical fixtures
  3.     Electrical conductors
  4.     Lighting conductors

7) Cord connected luminaries installed in bathtub and shower areas shall NOT have any parts within a zone measured
  1.     8 feet horizontally and 3 feet vertically.
  2.     3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically.
  3.     3 feet horizontally and 3 feet vertically.
  4.     8 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically.

8) When installing surface mount or recessed luminaries in a closet, the lamp must be completely
  1.     open.
  2.     hidden.
  3.     enclosed.
  4.     visible.

9) After installation, outlet boxes must be provided with a cover unless covered by means of a
  1.     J-Box.
  2.     EMT.
  3.     Conduit.
  4.     Luminaire Canopy.

10) Where a metal lampholder is connected to a flexible cord, the inlet shall be equipped with an insulated bushing that, if threaded, is NOT smaller than
    1.     3/8 inch pipe size.
  2.     1/4 inch pipe size.
  3.     1/2 inch pipe size.
  4.     3/4 inch pipe size.

Non-Residential Lighting Technician Answer Key

1. 3
2. 3
3. 2
4. 2
5. 4
6. 3
7. 2
8. 3
9. 4
10. 1

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Multiple choice test taking tips

• Read the question before you look at the answer.
• Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you.
• Eliminate answers you know aren't right.
• Read all the choices before choosing your answer.
• If there is no guessing penalty, always take an educated guess and select an answer.
• Don't keep on changing your answer, usually your first choice is the right one, unless you miss-read the question.
• In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above".
• In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer.
• Usually the correct answer is the choice with the most information.

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Preparing for tests

• Be rested and comfortable. If you take a test when you are hungry or tired you won't perform well.
• Know what to expect. Learn ahead of time the kind of test you will be taking, where and when it will be held and what materials to bring. Arrive on time to avoid last-minute pressure.
• Expect some anxiety. Being concerned will help you do your best on a test.
• Avoid worried test-takers. Extreme nervousness, called test anxiety, will interfere with your work. Remember, test anxiety is contagious and unproductive.

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Reducing test anxiety

• Keep a positive attitude. Decide to do your best and don't blame yourself for what you don't know.
• Concentrate on the test. Don't worry about your ability, the behavior of other people, the number of questions or even short memory lapses. Pay close attention to one question at a time. This kind of concentration reduces anxiety.
• Relax. If you are too nervous to think or read carefully, try to slow down physically. Change your mood by taking several slow deep breaths. Then start to work.

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Number of questions and time for each category

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