Examinations
What to Study
NC Electrical Contractors Licensing Law: General Statutes 87-4 and Title 21, Chapter 18b
(found in Exam Information Handbook)
National Electrical Code (NEC): 2020 Edition (available at www.nfpa.org)
NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management: North Carolina Electrical Edition
(available at www.nascla.org)
National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72): 2013 Edition (available at www.nfpa.org)
What to Expect
All exams are computer based. You will receive your examination score the same day.
Upon arrival you will be required to present 2 forms of ID; 1 must be government issued with a photograph (drivers license).
You MUST bring your own book(s). Calculators and all other necessities will be provided at the site.
The examination is designed as an “open book” test; you’re allowed to refer to any part of the NEC and the NFPA books during the exam.
Results of the Exam
A minimum grade of 70 is required to pass the exam for any class of electrical contracting license.
Examinees will receive their results immediately after finishing their exam at PSI. The examinees score results will be on file with the Board on the following business day.
Retesting
Those who fail the examination will not be eligible to take the same classication of examination until three months after the date of the failed examination. Examinees must wait 90-days before they will be allowed to take the same examination again.
An examinee can reapply to take an exam in an alternate classification immediately after an unsuccessful attempt only if the examinee meets the experience requirements for the classification.
Examination Review
Examinees can review their failed examination one time. Reviews offer the examinee a chance to view their wrong answers and receive clarification/help with any questions. Exam reviews are held as group sessions monthly at the Board’s office. The review fee is $25.00.
To register for a review, complete the Exam Review form on our Forms and Documents page.
Book Information
Bring your own books for use during examinations (NEC book and NFPA 72 book).
Books above are the ONLY items allowed in the exam center. Any additional materials will be confiscated.
Books can be softbound, spiral, or hardbound. Loose leaf references are not allowed. No partial books will be allowed.
Reference materials may be written in prior to the exam. Any notes MUST be highlighted.
Books may not be written in during the examination session. Any candidate caught writing in the references during the exam will be reported to the Board.
Writing in the books, bringing additional papers into the test center or presence of improper tabs, shall be considered evidence of cheating and grounds for invalidation of the exam, disqualification for future exams, and discipline.
Books may be tabbed with permanent tabs only.
Acceptable Tabs: Redi-Tag Self-Stick Permanent Adhesive Index Tabs, NFPA 70/NEC Self-Adhesive Index Tabs, Avery Printable Self-Adhesive Tabs (permanent). Tabs must be PERMANENT.
Limited, Intermediate & Unlimited Exams
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 6-hours to complete exam
Fire Alarm/Low Voltage Exams
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 3-hours to complete exam
Special Restricted Exams
Single Family Detached (SP-SFD), Plumbing Heating (SP-PH), Electric Sign (SP-ES), Elevator (SP-EL), Groundwater Pump (SP-WP)
- 40 multiple-choice questions
- 3-hours to complete exam
Swimming Pool Exams
- 25 multiple-choice questions
- 1-hour to complete exam
Telephone Number: (919) 733-9042
Fax Number: (800) 691-8399
E-mail Address: office@ncbeec.org