Are you preparing to take the Massachusetts Journeyman Electrical exam? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the exam process, from eligibility requirements to study tips and exam day procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

Education Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 600 hours of electrical education from approved program
  • Options include:
    1. Vocational Trade School (Form 222)
    2. Public/Private Day/Evening Program (Form 223)
    3. Organization Approved In-House Program (Form 224)
    4. Out-of-State Education Program (requires special form)

Experience Requirements

  • 4 years (8,000 hours) of supervised electrical work
  • Must be documented on Employment Certification Form 272
  • Work must be performed under licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician
  • Experience must be within last 20 years

Application Process

  1. Submit Application Package to PSI
    • Email: MAELAPPS@PSIONLINE.COM
    • Mail: PSI Examination Services 3210 E Tropicana Las Vegas, NV 89121
    • Phone: (855) 834-8745
  2. Required Documentation
    • Completed application form
    • Recent photograph
    • Education documentation
    • Work experience verification
    • CORI authorization form (notarized)
    • 15-hour Code Update certificate
    • Required fees

Examination Structure

The exam consists of two parts:

Part 1: Theory and Code (80 Questions, 180 Minutes)

Part 2: Applied Portion (30 Questions, 60 Minutes)

Exam Fees

  • PSI exam Application Processing Fee: $60
  • Trade portion Examination Fee: $80
  • Applied portion Examination Fee: $55
  • MA exam Application Processing Fee: $31
  • Total: $226 (or $195 if MA fee waived for veterans/military)

Testing Locations

  • Auburn
  • Boston
  • Fall River
  • Lawrence
  • West Springfield

Study Materials Allowed in Exam

  1. Required References:
    • National Electrical Code (current adopted edition)
    • Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00)
    • Massachusetts General Laws (MGL Chapter 141)
    • Board Rules and Regulations (237 CMR 11.00-23.00)
  2. Material Formatting Rules:
    • Original copyrighted materials only
    • Highlighting and underlining allowed
    • Permanent factory tabs allowed
    • No handwritten notes
    • No loose papers
    • No homemade tabs

Exam Day Procedures

  1. Arrival Time
    • 30 minutes before scheduled time
    • Late arrivals not admitted
  2. Required Identification
    • Two forms of ID required
    • Primary must be government-issued with photo
    • Name must match application exactly
  3. Permitted Items
    • Non-programmable calculator
    • Approved reference materials
    • Basic examination supplies (provided)
  4. Prohibited Items
    • Cell phones
    • Smart watches
    • Personal belongings
    • Unauthorized reference materials

Scoring and Results

  • Passing score: 70% for each part
  • Results provided immediately
  • Must pass both parts within one year
  • If failed:
    • Must wait 24 hours to reschedule
    • After 3 failed attempts, must complete additional education
    • After 6 failed attempts, must repeat full education requirement

Post-Exam Process

If you pass:

  • License printed and issued same day if fees paid
  • Valid for minimum 25 months up to 36 months
  • Must complete renewal requirements before expiration

If you fail:

  • Diagnostic report provided
  • Can review missed questions immediately after exam
  • Must submit retest application with appropriate fees

Additional Information

Veterans Benefits:

  • 5 points added to each exam part
  • MA application fee waived
  • Must provide DD-214 documentation

Special Accommodations:

  • Available for candidates with disabilities
  • Must request in advance through PSI
  • Documentation from licensed professional required

Remember that thorough preparation, understanding of both the NEC and Massachusetts-specific requirements, and careful attention to exam procedures are key to success. Take advantage of the ability to use your reference materials effectively during the exam.

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