Are you preparing to take the Washington State 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

To qualify for the Washington State Journeyman Electrical exam, you must meet one of these paths:

  1. In-State Experience Path
    • Complete 8,000 hours of work experience
    • No more than 4,000 hours can be in specialty work
    • Must complete 96 hours of basic classroom instruction
    • Must be supervised by a licensed electrician
  2. Military Experience Path
    • 8,000 hours of experience in electrical construction trade
    • Experience gained while serving in a construction battalion
    • Must provide DD 214 form or DD Form 4
    • Must provide Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)
  3. Out-of-State License Path
    • Must have completed 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work
    • At least 4,000 hours must be industrial/commercial work
    • Must provide documentation from the state that issued your license
    • Must complete 96 hours of basic classroom training

Exam Format and Content

The Washington Journeyman Electrical exam consists of:

  • 60 questions on NEC & Theory (3 hours)
  • 17 questions on WA Codes (1 hour)
  • Minimum passing score: 70%

Content Outline

Study Materials and Resources

Required Reference Materials (Allowed During Exam)

  1. National Electrical Code (NEC) 2020
    • Must be original copyrighted material
    • May have highlighting and underlining
    • May have permanent factory tabs only
    • No handwritten notes allowed
  2. Washington State Laws and Rules
    • RCW 19.28
    • WAC 296-46B
    • Must be bound with 3 staples on left edge if printed from website
    • No highlighting or marking allowed

What's Not Allowed

  • NEC Handbook
  • Loose papers or additional materials
  • Post-it notes or removable tabs
  • Written-in references
  • Copies of copyrighted material

Testing Locations

PSI testing centers are available throughout Washington State:

  • Arlington
  • Bremerton
  • Everett
  • Kent
  • Olympia
  • Puyallup
  • Richland
  • Seattle (Bellevue)
  • Snohomish
  • Spokane
  • Tacoma
  • Vancouver
  • Yakima

Exam Day Procedures

  1. Required Identification
    • Must provide TWO forms of ID
    • One must be government-issued with photo and signature
    • Second ID must have signature and legal name
    • Name must match application exactly
  2. Arrival Time
    • Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled time
    • Late arrivals will not be admitted
    • No refunds for missed appointments
  3. Permitted Items
    • Non-programmable calculator
    • Approved reference materials
    • Two sheets of paper and pencil (provided)
  4. Prohibited Items
    • Cell phones
    • Smart watches
    • Electronic devices
    • Personal belongings
    • Recording devices
    • Loose papers or notes

Post-Exam Process

  • Results provided immediately upon completion
  • Passing score is 70%
  • If you pass:
    • Results sent electronically to L&I
    • Certificate issued within 1-2 weeks
    • Receipt acts as temporary certificate for 30 days
  • If you fail
    • Must wait 14 days to retest
    • After third failure, must wait 3 months
    • Diagnostic report provided showing areas for improvement

Tips for Success

  1. Study Strategy
    • Review each NEC article thoroughly
    • Focus on grounding, wiring methods, and safety
    • Practice using your codebook efficiently
    • Take practice exams under timed conditions
    • Study Washington-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
    • Tab your codebook effectively
    • Practice finding information quickly
    • Know the structure of the NEC
    • Familiarize yourself with Washington laws

Additional Resources

For specific questions about:

  • Application status: Contact L&I at (360) 902-5269
  • Exam scheduling: Contact PSI at (855) 834-8751
  • General licensing: Email ElectricalProgram@Lni.wa.gov

Remember, thorough preparation and familiarity with both the NEC and Washington State regulations 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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