State Licensing Practice Tests

State-specific electrician licensing exam prep for all 50 states.

1 tests · 93 questions · Free · No signup · NEC 2020 · 2023 · 2026
Based on the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) — NEC 2020, 2023 & 2026 editions covered.  ·  Last reviewed Jun 2026
Full-Length Journeyman Practice Exam New
Timed, state-style exam simulation — pick your state, see a full category-by-category score report.
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How State Electrician Licensing Works

There is no national electrician license in the United States. Every state runs its own licensing program with its own exam, experience requirements, and fees. Some states have city or county licensing on top of the state license. Before you sit for any exam, go directly to your state electrical licensing board website to get the official requirements — they change, and these tests are no substitute for the official exam outline.

Most states offer these license levels:

  • Apprentice / Wireman: Works under a journeyman. Usually no exam, just registration.
  • Journeyman: Can work independently, pull permits in most states. Requires 4 years apprenticeship + written exam.
  • Master: Can design systems, supervise, and run a contracting business. Requires journeyman license + 2–4 years experience + harder exam.
  • Electrical Contractor: Business license to operate an electrical contracting company. Some states combine this with the master license; others issue it separately.

Which NEC Edition Does Your State Use?

States adopt NEC editions on their own schedule — most lag 1–3 years behind the current published edition. As of 2026, many states are on NEC 2023. Some are beginning to adopt NEC 2026. A few states are still on NEC 2020.

StateNEC Edition (approx. 2025–2026)Notes
TexasNEC 2023TDLR administers — check tdlr.texas.gov
FloridaNEC 2023DBPR administers — includes Florida amendments
CaliforniaTitle 24 (NEC-based)California Electrical Code — state amendments apply
GeorgiaNEC 2020State + local jurisdictions — verify before exam
North CarolinaNEC 2023State board + local licensing in some counties
New YorkVaries by jurisdictionNYC has its own electrical code; rest of state varies
IllinoisNEC 2023State + local licensing — Chicago has separate requirements

These are approximate. Always verify at your state licensing board before exam day.

NEC 2026 Adoption Note: Several states are expected to adopt NEC 2026 by 2027. If your state is in the process of adopting, make sure your study materials match the current adopted edition — not the newest published edition. Check your state board website for the official adoption date.
Texas TDLR Exam Prep California C-10 License Florida EC License State NEC Amendments Local Codes Journeyman & Master Exams

To become a licensed journeyman electrician in California, candidates take an exam administered by DIR / PSI. The exam has 100 questions, 70% passing score. The exam is open-book — you can bring an NEC codebook, so knowing how to navigate it quickly matters as much as knowing the rules themselves.

Our free California full-length practice exam is built to match this format — same question count, same time limit, same passing score — so you walk in already used to the real pacing, not just the material.

Real California exam format Reported
100Questions
70%Passing score
Open BookBook policy
DIR / PSIProvider

General Journeyman exam ~100 questions. Note: the separate C-10 Electrical Contractor exam (CSLB) is 115 questions, 3.5 hours, closed book, plus a separate 115-question closed-book Law & Business exam — different exam, do not conflate.

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Texas Electrician License — Key Facts

Texas is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The licensing path is: Apprentice → Journeyman (80-question exam, NEC 2023, 70% to pass) → Master → Electrical Contractor. Testing is through PSI Exams at testing centers around the state. You can bring a tabbed NEC codebook and a calculator.

Texas requires 4 years as a licensed apprentice (8,000 hours documented) before sitting for the journeyman exam. Master requires 2 additional years as a licensed journeyman.

Florida Electrician License — Key Facts

Florida has two types: Certified (valid statewide, issued by DBPR) and Registered (local jurisdiction only). The certified journeyman exam is 100 questions, NEC 2023, 75% to pass. Florida adds state-specific amendments to the NEC — know those amendments for the Florida exam specifically.

Florida requires 4 years of documented electrical work experience (some of which can be replaced with formal education) before the journeyman exam.

California Electrician License — Key Facts

California does not have a statewide journeyman license in the same format as other states. The main license is the C-10 Electrical Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It requires passing both a law and business exam and a trade exam, plus 4 years of experience. California uses the California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), which is the NEC with California-specific amendments.

Reciprocity Between States

Some states honor electrician licenses from other states through reciprocity agreements. If you move to a new state, you may be able to get a license by endorsement rather than retaking the full exam. States that commonly offer reciprocity include Texas, Florida, and many southeastern states. Contact the receiving state's licensing board for current reciprocity agreements — they change.

State Licensing — FAQ

Can I work in multiple states with one license?

No, unless the states have a reciprocity agreement. You need to apply separately in each state. Some states offer a faster endorsement process for active licensees from other states, but you still need to apply and pay fees.

If I move to a new state, do I have to retake the exam?

Sometimes. Many states offer reciprocal endorsement for active licenses from other states — you submit your license and experience records instead of retaking the full exam. Check with the receiving state's licensing board.

Do I need a state license to do electrical work on my own home?

In most states, homeowners can do electrical work on their own primary residence without a license. But you usually still need a permit and inspection. Rules vary by state and municipality — confirm with your local building department.

How often must I renew my electrician license?

Most states require renewal every 1–3 years with continuing education (CE) hours. Common CE topics required: NEC code changes, workplace safety, and state law updates. NEC 2026 adoption is a common CE topic right now as states update their code editions.

What happens if I do electrical work without a license?

Working without a required license is illegal in most states. Penalties include fines, stop-work orders, and in some states criminal charges. More importantly, uninspected work can create fire and shock hazards and may make your homeowner's insurance void in the event of a claim.