Are you preparing to take the Michigan 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

Before you can sit for the Michigan Journeyman Electrical exam, you must meet these key requirements:

  1. Age Requirement
    • Must be at least 20 years old
  2. Experience Requirements
    • Minimum of 8,000 hours of practical experience
    • Experience must be obtained over a period of not less than 4 years
    • Work must be related to electrical construction or maintenance of buildings/electrical wiring/equipment
    • Must be performed under direct supervision of a licensed Michigan journeyman or master electrician
    • Maximum credit of 2,000 hours per year allowed
  3. Documentation Required
    • Notarized documentation from all employers verifying experience
    • Must include specific dates (mm/dd/yyyy)
    • Must detail type of electrical experience
    • Must specify hours of experience attained
    • Must identify the supervising Michigan licensed electrician

Exam Format and Content

The Michigan Journeyman Electrical exam consists of:

  • 80 questions
  • 150 minutes (2.5 hours) testing time
  • Minimum passing score: 75%
  • Examination Fee: $100 (paid to PSI)

Content Areas Covered

  • Grounding and bonding
  • Overcurrent protection
  • Wiring methods and installations
  • Boxes and cabinets
  • Services and feeders
  • Motors and motor controls
  • Special occupancies
  • Load calculations
  • Lighting and appliances
  • Box and raceway fill
  • Power limited circuits
  • General electrical trade knowledge
  • Electrical theory

Study Materials and Resources

Required Reference Materials (Allowed During Exam)

  1. 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
    • Must be soft-bound edition
    • May have factory markings/highlights and factory tabs only
    • No handwritten notes or homemade tabs allowed
  2. 2016 PA 407 (Skilled Trades Regulation Act)
  3. Michigan Electrical Code Rules Part 8
    • Must be bound with 3 staples on left edge
    • No highlighting or marking allowed

What's Not Allowed

  • NEC Handbook
  • Loose papers or additional materials
  • Handwritten notes
  • Custom tabs
  • Spiral-bound or ring-bound materials

Testing Locations

PSI testing centers are available in multiple locations across Michigan:

  • Dearborn
  • Holt-Lansing
  • Southfield
  • Grand Rapids
  • Gaylord
  • Marquette

Exam Day Procedures

  1. Arrival Time
    • Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time
    • Late arrivals will not be admitted
    • No refunds for missed appointments
  2. Required Identification
    • Valid government-issued photo ID
    • Name must match exactly with application information
  3. Permitted Items
    • Basic non-programmable calculator
    • Approved reference materials
    • Straight edge rule without calculations
  4. Prohibited Items
    • Cell phones
    • Smart watches
    • Electronic devices
    • Personal belongings
    • Additional papers or notes
    • Recording devices

Testing Process

  1. Computer-Based Testing
    • Tutorial provided (up to 15 minutes, not counted in exam time)
    • One question displayed at a time
    • Can mark questions for review
    • Can return to questions later if time permits
  2. Score Reporting
    • Results provided immediately upon completion
    • Diagnostic report provided if you don't pass
    • Can request duplicate score report via email

Important Notes

  • Limited to 2 attempts within 1 year
  • Must reapply with the state after exceeding attempt limit
  • Examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
  • Valid for one year from payment date

Tips for Success

  1. Preparation Strategy
    • Study the 2023 NEC thoroughly
    • Focus on code calculations and theory
    • Practice using your codebook efficiently
    • Take practice exams under timed conditions
    • Review Michigan-specific regulations
  2. During the Exam
    • Read each question carefully
    • Use process of elimination
    • Manage time effectively
    • Mark uncertain questions for review
    • Double-check calculations
  3. Reference Material Tips
    • Familiarize yourself with NEC organization
    • Practice finding information quickly
    • Use factory tabs effectively
    • Know which sections are most relevant

Additional Resources

For specific questions about:

  • Application status: Contact Board office at (517) 241-9316
  • Exam scheduling: Contact PSI at (855) 579-4635
  • General licensing: Email lara-bcc-licensing@michigan.gov

Remember, thorough preparation and familiarity with the NEC are key to passing the exam. Take advantage of all available resources and give yourself adequate time to study before your test date.

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