California journeyman electrician exam

California Journeyman Electrician Exam 2024: Your Comprehensive Guide to Certification

Introduction to The California Electrician Exam

Becoming a licensed journeyman electrician in California is a significant achievement for those in the electrical trade. Journeyman electricians are essential for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This certification not only validates your skills and experience but also opens doors to higher-paying job opportunities and career advancement.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of becoming a licensed journeyman electrician in California, from meeting the eligibility requirements to applying for the exam and preparing for it effectively. Understanding each step is crucial for ensuring a smooth journey towards achieving your certification.


Eligibility Requirements for Taking the California General Electrician Exam

california electrical exam

To qualify to submit the application and take the California Journeyman Electrician Exam, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Have 8,000 Hours of On-the-Job Training:
    • You need to have accumulated 8,000 hours of practical, on-the-job experience working under the supervision of a licensed electrician. This experience helps ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform electrical work safely and effectively.
  2. Obtain an Apprenticeship Certificate from a California-Approved Apprenticeship Program:
    • Completing a state-approved apprenticeship program provides you with both hands-on experience and classroom instruction. This comprehensive training equips you with the skills needed to pass the journeyman exam and excel in your electrical career.
  3. Have Another State’s License and Apply for Reciprocity:
    • If you hold a journeyman electrician license from another state, you can apply for reciprocity in California. This process involves submitting proof of your out-of-state license and meeting any additional requirements set by the California Department of Industrial Relations.
  4. Be an Apprentice in the Last Year of Training:
    • If you are currently enrolled in an apprenticeship program and are in your final year of training, you may be eligible to take the journeyman exam. This allows you to transition smoothly from an apprentice to a licensed journeyman electrician.
  5. Be an Electrician Trainee Who Has Completed the Approved Curriculum:
    • Electrician trainees who have completed the required coursework from a state-approved school can qualify to take the journeyman exam. This pathway ensures that trainees have received adequate instruction and practical experience.

By meeting one of these eligibility criteria, you can proceed with the application process to take the California Journeyman Electrician Exam. This step is crucial for ensuring that all candidates have the necessary background and experience to succeed in the electrical trade.

How to Obtain a Certification

california electrician exam

Before you can take the California Journeyman Electrician Exam, you must apply and be approved by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Follow these steps to obtain your certification:

  1. Obtain the Application:
  2. Complete the Application:
    • Fill out your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license, including your full driver’s license number and date of birth.
    • Provide your mailing address accurately. All correspondence from DLSE and PSI Services will be sent to this address.
    • Check the appropriate box for the type of certification exam desired.
    • Submit proof of experience by providing a copy of your state-approved apprenticeship certificate. If you do not have this certificate, you must fill out the on-the-job experience requirement section and provide your Social Security earnings information using form SSA-7050.
    • If you hold a license from another state, it can be used as proof of experience to take the exam.
  3. Submit the Application and Fees:
    • Send the completed application, any supporting documentation, and the application fee to:
      • Department of Industrial Relations P.O. Box 511286 Los Angeles, CA 90051-7841
      • Phone: (510) 286-3900
      • Email: ECUINFO@dir.ca.gov
    • The application fee is $75, and the exam fee is $100. Make checks payable to “DIR – Electrician Certification Fund”.
  4. Eligibility Notification:
    • Once your application is approved, DLSE will send you an eligibility notice. If your application is denied, DLSE will notify you of the elements needed for approval.
    • All questions and requests for information about the examination should be directed to PSI Services LLC:
      • PSI Services LLC 3210 E Tropicana Las Vegas, NV 89121 Phone: (888) 818-5831 Fax: (702) 932-2666 www.psiexams.com

By following these steps, you can ensure that your application is complete and correctly submitted, moving you one step closer to becoming a licensed journeyman electrician in California. Once approved, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam and further details about the examination process.

California Electrical Exam Application

To apply for the California Journeyman Electrician Exam, follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and correctly submitted:

Application Form

You will need to fill out the Electrical Certification Form provided by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). This form collects essential information about your identity, experience, and qualifications.

Application Fees

  • Application Fee: $75
  • Exam Fee: $100
  • Payment: All fees should be made payable to “DIR – Electrician Certification Fund”.

Application Submission

  1. Fill Out Personal Information:
    • Ensure your name is exactly as it appears on your driver’s license.
    • Include your full driver’s license number and date of birth.
    • Provide your mailing address accurately to receive correspondence from DLSE and PSI Services.
  2. Select the Exam Type:
    • Check the appropriate box for the type of certification exam you wish to take (General Electrician).
  3. Provide Proof of Experience:
    • Submit a copy of your state-approved apprenticeship certificate. If you have this certificate, you do not need to fill out the on-the-job experience section.
    • If you do not have a completion certificate, provide your Social Security earnings information obtained using form SSA-7050.
    • For those with an out-of-state license, include a copy as proof of experience.
  4. Sign and Date the Application:
    • Make sure to sign and date the application form.
  5. Prepare Payment:
    • Include a check or money order for the exact amount. Ensure the check is properly signed and made payable to “DIR – Electrician Certification Fund”.
  6. Submit the Application:
    • Mail the completed application form, supporting documents, and payment to:
      • Department of Industrial Relations P.O. Box 511286 Los Angeles, CA 90051-7841
      • Phone: (510) 286-3900
      • Email: ECUINFO@dir.ca.gov

Application Review and Notification

  • Review Process: Once DLSE receives your application, they will review it for completeness and accuracy. If any information is missing or incorrect, DLSE will notify you and provide instructions on how to correct the issue.
  • Eligibility Notification: After your application is approved, you will receive an eligibility notice from DLSE. If your application is denied, DLSE will inform you of the specific elements you need to complete for approval.

Scheduling the California Electrician Exam

California PSI electrical exam
  • PSI Services: Once approved, your application will be forwarded to PSI Services, which handles the exam scheduling. You will receive a “Candidate Information Bulletin” from PSI with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
  • Schedule Your Exam: Call the number listed in the bulletin or visit the PSI website to schedule your exam date, time, and location.

By carefully following these application steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process, bringing you closer to taking the California Journeyman Electrician Exam and achieving your certification.

California Electrical Exam Outline

Understanding the structure and content of the California Journeyman Electrician Exam is crucial for effective preparation. Here is a detailed overview of what you can expect on the exam:

Exam Structure

  • Number of Questions: The exam consists of 100 questions.
  • Duration: You will have 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam.
  • Exam Fee: The fee for taking the exam is $100.

Content Breakdown

The exam is based on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Below is the content outline, including the number of items in each subject area:

General Electrician Topic/Sub Topic CategoriesNo. Items%
A. Safety6%
General Electrical Knowledge2
Wiring and Protection3
Wiring Methods and Materials1
B. Determination of Electrical System Requirements22%
1B Theory5
2B Symbols and Diagrams2
3B Feeder and Branch Circuit Sizing4
4B Motors4
5B Circuit Protection3
6B Grounding and Bonding4
C. Installation66%
1C Wiring Methods6
2C Special Equipment5
3C Special Occupancies4
4C Lighting3
5C Motors3
6C HVAC/Refrigeration2
7C Low Voltage Systems1
8C Devices4
9C Communications1
10C Fire Systems3
11C Box Sizing3
12C Conduit Sizing4
13C Conductor Sizing5
14C General Equipment3
15C Service Sizing3
16C Lighting and Panel Boards3
17C Clearances3
18C Terminations2
19C Grounding and Bonding5
20C Overcurrent Devices3
D. Maintenance and Repair6%
1D Testing Equipment3
2D Devices1
3D Branch Circuits1
4D Overcurrent Devices1
Total No. Questions100

Allowed Materials

CA journeyman electrical exam
  • NEC Code Book: You are not allowed to bring your own NEC code book. The testing center will provide one for you during the exam.
  • Calculator: You are permitted to bring your own calculator. Ensure it is a basic model without advanced features or internet connectivity.

Preparation Tips

  • Familiarize Yourself with the NEC: Since the exam is based on the 2020 NEC, make sure you are thoroughly familiar with this code. Pay special attention to the areas highlighted in the content breakdown.
  • Practice Time Management: With 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete 100 questions, managing your time effectively during the exam is crucial. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to build your pacing.
  • Use Reliable Study Resources: Utilize prep courses, study guides, and practice exams to reinforce your knowledge and improve your confidence.

California Journeyman Electrician Exam Results

Understanding the process for receiving and interpreting your exam results is crucial as you complete the California Journeyman Electrician Exam. Here’s what you need to know:

Receiving Results

  • Immediate Results:
    • Upon completion of the exam, you will receive your score results immediately. This instant feedback allows you to know right away whether you have passed or failed.

Passing the Exam

CA electrical exam score
  • Minimum Passing Score:
    • You must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass the California Journeyman Electrician Exam.
  • Certification Card:
    • If you pass the exam, your certification card will be mailed to you within two weeks from the date of your exam. This card is an official document that verifies your status as a licensed journeyman electrician in California.

Failing the Exam

  • Retest Application:
    • If you do not pass the exam, you must wait 60 days from the date of your exam before you can retake it.
    • To retake the exam, complete the re-test application form and submit it along with the $100 re-test fee.
  • Re-Examination Fee:
    • Each retest requires a payment of the $100 exam fee. Ensure your payment is ready when submitting the retest application.
  • Eligibility Period:
    • Remember that your eligibility to take the exam lasts for one year from the date of your eligibility notice. If you do not pass within this period, you will need to resubmit a new application and pay the associated fees again.

No Show Policy

  • Missed Exam:
    • If you fail to appear for a scheduled exam, you must repay the exam fee of $100.
    • If your one-year eligibility period expires before you retake the exam, you will need to repay the $175 exam fee for a new application.

Pass Rate of the California Electrical Exam

The California Journeyman Electrician Exam is known for its challenging nature, which is reflected in its pass rates. According to the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), the pass rate for the exam in 2020 was 53.29%, with a repeat pass rate of only 36% (source).

These statistics underscore the importance of thorough preparation and effective study strategies.

Importance of Preparation

Given the difficulty of the exam and the relatively low pass rates, it is crucial to invest time and effort into preparing for the test. Without adequate preparation, candidates are at a high risk of failing, which can lead to delays in obtaining certification and additional costs associated with retaking the exam.

To maximize your chances of passing the California Journeyman Electrician Exam on your first try, consider the following preparation tips:

  • Study Regularly: Create a consistent study schedule that allows you to cover all the exam topics thoroughly.
  • Use Reliable Resources: Utilize study guides, textbooks, and online resources that are up-to-date with the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Practice Exams: Take full-length practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and time constraints of the actual test.
  • Review Weak Areas: Identify and focus on areas where you need improvement to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the material.

Our Prep Course

To assist aspiring journeyman electricians, we offer an extensive prep course specifically designed for the California Journeyman Electrician Exam. Our course is tailored to cover all the essential topics and provide you with the tools needed to succeed. Here’s why our course is the best choice for your preparation:

  • Comprehensive Study Materials: Our course covers all subject areas outlined in the exam content, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of the material.
  • Practice Questions and Exams: We include full-length timed practice exams that mimic the actual test conditions, helping you build confidence and improve your test-taking skills.
  • Expert Instruction: Our course is led by experienced electricians who provide detailed explanations and practical insights.
  • Flexible Learning: Access our course online and study at your own pace, fitting your preparation around your schedule.

2020 California Journeyman Electrical Exam Prep Course

100% Money-Back Guarantee

We are confident in the effectiveness of our prep course and offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If you do not pass the exam after completing our course, we will refund your money in full. This guarantee underscores our commitment to your success and ensures you have nothing to lose by investing in your future.

Free Practice Exam

For those who want to start their preparation journey, we also offer a free practice exam. This practice exam provides a valuable opportunity to gauge your current knowledge level and identify areas that need improvement. It simulates the actual exam experience, helping you build confidence and familiarity with the exam format.

  • Free Practice Exam Features:
    • Realistic questions based on the 2020 National Electrical Code.
    • Instant feedback on your performance.
    • Detailed explanations for each question to enhance your understanding.

By taking advantage of our prep course or starting with the free practice exam, you can significantly improve your chances of passing the California Journeyman Electrician Exam. Don’t leave your success to chance—invest in your preparation and secure your future as a licensed journeyman electrician.

Free California Electrician Practice Exam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I become eligible to take the California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

To become eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria: have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, obtain an Apprenticeship certificate from a California-approved apprenticeship program, hold a license from another state and apply for reciprocity, be an apprentice in the last year of training, or be an electrician trainee who has completed the approved curriculum.

What are the experience requirements for the California Journeyman Electrician license?

You need to have completed at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed electrician or provide proof of equivalent experience through an approved apprenticeship program, out-of-state license, or other qualifying criteria.

How do I schedule my California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

To schedule your exam, visit PSI Exams, sign in or create an account, find the nearest testing center, select a date, and pay the $100 fee.

How much does it cost to take the California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

The fee for the California Journeyman Electrician Exam is $100.

What is the pass rate for the California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

The pass rate for the California Journeyman Electrician Exam in 2020 was 53.29%, with a repeat pass rate of only 36%, according to DLSE data.

What materials am I allowed to bring to the California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

You are allowed to bring a basic calculator. The testing center will provide the NEC code book, so you do not need to bring your own.

Can I bring a tabbed NEC to my California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

No, you cannot bring your own NEC code book. The testing center will provide one for you.

How many questions are on the California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

The exam consists of 100 questions.

What topics are covered on the California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

The exam is based on the 2020 NEC, and covers various topics including Safety, Determination of Electrical System Requirements, Installation, and Maintenance and Repair.

What is the minimum passing score for the California Journeyman Electrician Exam?

You need to score at least 70% to pass the California Journeyman Electrician Exam.