Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Alabama Electrical Contractor Exam
Alabama · PROV
Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
110
Passing score
75%
Exam time
300 min
Administered by
PROV
Format
Reference materials allowed
Alabama State Portion 110 questions
Business Organization
1 Q · 1%
Business legal structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC) — characteristics, advantages, and disadvantagesLiability exposure by business structure typeTaxation differences among business entity typesFormation documents required for each business structure (DBA filing, partnership agreement, articles of incorporation, operating agreement)Joint ventures — formation, management, and licensing considerationsBusiness naming, fictitious names/DBA registration, and trademark basicsBusiness plan elements and purpose (planning, loan/investor, benchmarking tool)New business startup checklist — organizational steps and professional advisors
Risk Management
2 Q · 2%
Risk assessment fundamentals and probability of lossTypes of property insurance for contractors (builder's risk, inland marine, equipment floater)Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance coverage and exclusionsSurety bonds: types, qualifying requirements, and bond languageEmployment-related insurance (workers' compensation, unemployment, Social Security)Insurance coverage requirements for subcontractorsMiller Act and Little Miller Acts bonding requirements for federal projectsCoverage gaps, overlaps, and business owner's policies (BOPs)
Project Management
2 Q · 2%
Scheduling methods: calendar, bar chart, and critical path method (CPM)Scheduling process elements: sequence of tasks, activity duration, contingency time, and float timeScheduling and cash flow managementProject manager and supervisory team roles (superintendent, foreman, materials expediter)Budget tracking and cost overrun controlsMaterials management: just-in-time delivery, purchase orders, and receivingCustomer communication, change order handling, and negotiation basicsSubcontractor selection, site rules, and employee vs. independent contractor classification
Estimating
4 Q · 4%
Bid documents and bid package componentsEthics in bidding (bid shopping, bid peddling, bid rigging)Estimate planning and site visit considerationsEstimating framework and quantity take-off methodDetermining direct costs (labor, materials, equipment)Labor burden and overhead calculationsMarkup, profit margin, and cost-based pricingJob cost recording system and estimating technology tools
Safety and Environmental
2 Q · 2%
OSHA standards and recordkeeping requirements (Forms 300, 300A, 301)OSHA penalty types and violation classificationsEmergency action plan requirementsSafety Data Sheets (SDS) and Hazard Communication StandardUnderground utility and overhead power line safetyEnvironmental laws and EPA regulatory frameworkAsbestos and lead-based paint regulations and renovation requirementsHazardous and non-hazardous solid waste identification and disposal
Labor Laws
3 Q · 3%
Alabama Workers' Compensation coverage requirements and employer exemptionsSecuring workers' compensation payment: insurance vs. self-insurance optionsEmployer reporting obligations for injuries and compensation settlementsDrug-free workplace program requirements and workers' compensation premium discountsFair Labor Standards Act: minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirementsHiring minors: working hour restrictions and prohibited hazardous tasks in constructionEmployment eligibility verification: Form I-9 requirements and documentationAnti-discrimination laws: ADA, Title VII, ADEA, and Equal Pay Act applicability
Payroll and Employment Taxes
4 Q · 4%
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) requirements and applicationSocial Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) — calculation and employer/employee withholdingFederal income tax withholding — W-4 and W-2 formsFederal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) — rates, thresholds, deposit schedules, and Form 940Alabama Unemployment Compensation (UC) employer liability and registration — Form SR-2Alabama UC taxable wage base, contribution rates, and experience ratingAlabama quarterly contribution and wage report filing — Form UC-CR4, deadlines, penalties, and interestAlabama new-hire reporting requirements and procedures
Financial Management
4 Q · 4%
Bookkeeping practices and the accounting cycleFinancial statements (balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows)Financial ratio analysis (liquidity, quick, activity, debt, profitability, return on assets)Cash and accrual methods of accountingContract accounting methods (completed contract, percentage of completion, cost comparison)Cash flow management, accounts receivable collection, and progress paymentsEquipment depreciation methods (straight-line and accelerated/MACRS)Payroll accounting (gross pay, deductions, net pay, payroll journal)
Contracts
3 Q · 3%
Required elements of a binding contract (offer, acceptance, consideration, competent parties, legal purpose)Types of construction contracts (lump-sum, unit-price, cost-plus, turnkey, fast-track)Contracting methods (single prime, multiple prime, design/build, construction management, partnering)Contract provisions (payment terms, progress payments, retainage, final payment, obligations of parties)Breach of contract (material vs. immaterial breach, liquidated damages, statute of limitations)Change orders and contract modificationsAlternative dispute resolution (negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, arbitration)Subcontractor agreements and employee vs. independent contractor classification
Lien Laws
1 Q · 1%
Who qualifies for a mechanic's or materialman's lien (eligible claimants and covered work)Filing requirements for verified lien statement (contents, form, and probate court recordation)Deadlines for filing lien statements by claimant type (original contractor, day laborer, other persons)Priority of mechanic and materialman liens relative to prior mortgages and subsequent encumbrancesNotice requirements for subcontractors and materialmen before filing a lien statementTime limitations for enforcement actions and consequences of failure to actTransfer of lien from real property to alternate security (bond or money deposit)Lien satisfaction, acknowledgment of release, and penalties for failure to release
Licensing Laws
4 Q · 4%
Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors composition, appointment, and termsQualifications and experience requirements for electrical contractor licensureQualifications and experience requirements for journeyman electrician licensureLicense application, examination administration, and passing standardsLicense fees, renewal, late renewal, and reinstatement proceduresInactive status certification requirements and reinstatement to active licenseLicense exemptions from state electrical licensing requirementsContinuing education requirements, approved providers, and contact hour computation
General Electrical Knowledge
10 Q · 9%
Ohm's Law and basic DC circuit calculations (voltage, current, resistance, power)Series, parallel, and combination circuit types and current/voltage distributionAC fundamentals: sine waves, frequency, electrical degrees, and phase relationshipsElectrical units and definitions (ampere, volt, ohm, watt, impedance, capacitance, inductance)NEC definitions and terminology for wiring systems (branch circuit, feeder, service, bonding, grounding)General installation requirements of NEC Article 110 (approval, listing, examination, terminations, deteriorating agents)Voltage drop and single-phase / three-phase power calculations
Grounding and Bonding
9 Q · 8%
Grounding electrode system types and selection (NEC 250.52)Grounding electrode conductor sizing using Table 250.66Equipment grounding conductor types, sizing, and identification (NEC 250.118–250.122)Main bonding jumper and system bonding jumper requirementsBonding of services, piping systems, and structural metal (NEC 250.92–250.104)Grounding of separately derived systems and generatorsEffective ground-fault current path requirements for grounded and ungrounded systemsGrounding electrode installation methods and connection requirements (NEC 250.53–250.70)
Conductors and Cables
10 Q · 9%
Conductor insulation types, temperature ratings, and type designations (e.g., THHN, XHHW, RHW, TW)Ampacity tables and correction/adjustment factors for conductors rated 0–2000 voltsConductor material, size, and stranding requirements (copper, aluminum, copper-clad aluminum; AWG and kcmil)Grounded conductor identification methods and color codingUses permitted and uses not permitted for specific cable types (NM, NMC, MC, AC, MI, SE, USE, UF, TC, ITC, FC, FCC, IGS, Type P)Securing, supporting, and bending radius requirements for cable assembliesFlexible cords and fixture wires — types, ampacities, permitted uses, and marking requirementsConductor marking requirements and conductor properties (Chapter 9 Table 8)
Raceways and Boxes
8 Q · 7%
Conduit fill calculations and conductor count limits (NEC Chapter 9 Tables)Raceway and conduit selection by wiring method type (RMC, IMC, EMT, FMC, LFMC, PVC, ENT, RTRC, LFNC)Securing and supporting requirements for conduits, tubing, and racewaysBox fill calculations and volume allowances (Article 314)Pull box and junction box sizing for conductors 4 AWG and largerUnderground installation requirements and minimum cover depths for racewaysWireway and auxiliary gutter conductor fill, splices, and ampacity rulesCable tray installation, fill requirements, and permitted wiring methods
Special Occupancies and Equipment
4 Q · 4%
Hazardous location classification (Classes I, II, and III; Divisions 1 and 2)Wiring methods and sealing requirements for hazardous locationsHealth care facility essential electrical systems (Type 1 and Type 2 EES)Patient care space grounding, bonding, and receptacle requirementsSwimming pools, spas, and fountains — GFCI protection, bonding, and underwater luminairesSolar PV systems — circuit sizing, overcurrent protection, rapid shutdown, and arc-fault protectionElectric vehicle power transfer system (EVSE) installation and overcurrent protectionFire pump power sources, disconnecting means, and continuity of power requirements
Electrical Power
3 Q · 3%
Transformer installation requirements and NEC Article 450 complianceTransformer overcurrent protection (primary and secondary, 1000 V and below)Transformer types, cooling methods, and insulation classesEmergency system power sources and automatic transfer equipment (NEC Article 700)Generator installation, marking, overcurrent protection, and disconnecting means (NEC Article 445)Legally required standby systems and critical operations power systems (NEC Articles 701 and 708)Energy storage systems and stationary standby batteries (NEC Articles 706 and 480)Interconnected electric power production sources and parallel operation requirements (NEC Article 705)
Motors
6 Q · 5%
Motor branch-circuit conductor sizing and ampacity requirementsMotor overload protection selection and settingsBranch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device ratingsMotor controller types, ratings, and enclosure classificationsDisconnecting means requirements for motors and controllersAC motor types and operating characteristics (squirrel-cage, wound-rotor, synchronous)DC motor types, speed control methods, and starting requirementsHermetic refrigerant motor-compressor circuit requirements
Low Voltage
2 Q · 2%
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuit classifications and power source limitationsSeparation requirements between low-voltage and power/light circuitsCable types and substitution hierarchy for power-limited circuits (CL2, CL3, CMP, CMR, PLTC, etc.)Installation of communications cables by building location (plenum, riser, general-purpose, dwelling)Grounding and bonding of communications systems, cable shields, and primary protectorsAntenna system installation, clearances, and grounding requirementsNetwork-powered and premises-powered broadband communications systems (Articles 830 and 840)Class 4 fault-managed power systems and energy management system controls
Lighting
3 Q · 3%
Luminaire installation requirements by location (wet, damp, corrosive, closets, bathtub/shower zones)Luminaire support methods and outlet box requirementsLuminaire grounding and wiring requirementsRecessed luminaire requirements (thermal protection, clearances, insulation contact, IC vs non-IC)Lighting track installation and restrictionsBallasts and auxiliary equipment for fluorescent and HID luminaires (thermal protection, disconnecting means)Low-voltage lighting systems (voltage limitations, secondary circuit isolation, branch circuit requirements)Lamp and light source types (incandescent, fluorescent, HID, LED) and their operating characteristics
Illuminated Signs
2 Q · 2%
Branch circuit requirements for signs (rating, dedicated circuit, and wiring methods)Disconnecting means location and lockout requirementsGrounding and bonding of sign equipment and metal partsListing, labeling, and marking requirements for signs and retrofit kitsTransformers and electronic power supplies (ratings, secondary voltage, ground-fault protection)Neon secondary-circuit wiring (≤1000V and >1000V methods, conductor types, spacing)Location restrictions (height above vehicles, combustible materials, wet location drain requirements)Portable and mobile sign requirements (cord types, GFCI, support)
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
2 Q · 2%
Power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) circuit wiring methods and cable types (FPL, FPLR, FPLP)Non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA) circuit power source and overcurrent protection requirementsBranch circuit requirements and disconnecting means identification for fire alarm systemsSeparation of PLFA conductors from power, Class 1, and NPLFA circuit conductorsFire alarm cable applications in plenums, risers, and general building locationsCircuit integrity (CI) cable and fire-resistive cable system installation requirementsAbandoned fire alarm cable removal and circuit identification requirementsNPLFA and PLFA conductor materials, sizes, and insulation requirements
Safety Information
5 Q · 5%
Electrical Safety Program (ESP) components and requirementsLockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and electrically safe work conditions (ESWC)Arc flash risk assessment and PPE selection methodsShock risk assessment and approach boundaries (limited and restricted)Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, use, and inspectionQualified vs. unqualified person requirements and safety trainingArc flash hazard warning labels and equipment markings (NEC 110.16)Working space and guarding requirements for electrical equipment (NEC 110.26, 110.27)
Overcurrent Protection
6 Q · 5%
Types and classifications of fuses (plug, cartridge, Class H/J/K/L/R/T)Circuit breaker types and operating principles (thermal, magnetic, thermal-magnetic, electronic)Standard ampere ratings for fuses and circuit breakers (NEC Table 240.6(A))Overcurrent device location requirements and tap conductor rules (NEC 240.21)Ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) for services and feeders (230.95, 240.13)Arc energy reduction (NEC 240.87) and current-limiting overcurrent devicesInterrupting ratings and short-circuit current calculationsOvercurrent device installation requirements (accessibility, enclosures, prohibited locations)
Service, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
10 Q · 9%
Branch-circuit ratings, conductor sizing, and overcurrent protection requirementsGFCI and AFCI protection requirements by location and occupancy typeDwelling unit receptacle outlet placement and required branch circuitsService entrance conductor sizing, wiring methods, and clearancesService disconnecting means requirements, ratings, and locationFeeder conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, and identificationPanelboard, switchboard, and switchgear installation and overcurrent protectionSurge-protective device (SPD) types, installation, and connection requirements
Key Distinctions
AddendavsModifications
Addenda are changes made to a construction contract before the contract award, while modifications are changes made after the contract is signed and executed.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Contract Management chapter — Making Changes to the Contract sectionArbitrationvsMediation
In arbitration a third-party arbitrator renders a legally binding decision on all parties, whereas in mediation the mediator only facilitates discussion and the parties themselves set the terms.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Contract Management chapter — Arbitration sectionAll-Risk Builders' Risk InsurancevsNamed Peril Builders' Risk Insurance
All-risk covers direct loss from any peril not specifically excluded, while named peril policies have narrower coverage and list only the specific perils covered (e.g., fire and lightning).
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Managing Risk chapter — Insurance sectionUnit Price Estimating MethodvsQuantity Take-Off Estimating Method
The unit price method bundles all cost factors (labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors) into a single price per task, whereas the quantity take-off method estimates each component individually.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Bidding and Estimating chapter — Other Methods of Estimating sectionProject OverheadvsCompany Overhead
Project overhead costs are tied directly to a specific job site (e.g., temporary storage, bonds, dumpsters), while company overhead costs are general business expenses (e.g., office rent, accounting fees, legal fees).
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Bidding and Estimating chapter — Add Project Overhead sectionElevator Raceway Fill (Article 620.33)vsStandard Raceway Fill (Chapter 9, Table 1)
Elevator installations limit raceway fill to 50% of interior cross-sectional area, whereas general wiring follows the standard Chapter 9, Table 1 fill percentages which differ from this special provision.
Article 620.33Direct Burial Cable Cover (General)vsRigid Metal Conduit Cover (General)
Direct-buried cables require a minimum cover of 600 mm (24 in.) in all unspecified locations, while rigid metal conduit or IMC requires only 150 mm (6 in.) in those same unspecified locations.
NEC Table 300.5(A)Direct Burial Cable Under Residential DrivewayvsRigid Metal Conduit Under Residential Driveway
Both direct-burial cable and rigid metal conduit under one- and two-family dwelling driveways (dwelling-related use only) require the same minimum cover of 450 mm (18 in.).
NEC Table 300.5(A)Straight Pull Box LengthvsAngle/U Pull Box Distance
For straight pulls the box length must be at least 8× the largest raceway trade size, while for angle or U pulls the distance from each raceway entry to the opposite wall must be at least 6× the largest raceway trade size.
NEC 314.28(A)(1)Single-Phase Motor Overload Units (2-wire ungrounded)vs3-Phase Motor Overload Units
A single-phase motor on a 2-wire ungrounded supply requires only one running overload unit placed in either conductor, whereas a 3-phase motor requires three overload units, one in each phase.
NEC 2023, Table 430.37Active License StatusvsInactive License Status
An active Alabama electrical contractor license can elect inactive status by notifying the Board at least 30 days before expiration; an expired license is not eligible to elect inactive status at all.
Alabama Supplement to the Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Board Administrative Code 303-X-2-.04, Inactive Status CertificationTHWN-2 (90°C) Conductor AmpacityvsConductor Ampacity with Adjustment Factors
Table 310.16 ampacity values (e.g., 30 A for 12 AWG THWN-2) assume ≤3 current-carrying conductors at 30°C ambient; when 4–6 conductors are present the 80% factor applies, 7–9 conductors use 70%, and 10–20 conductors use 50%.
NEC Table 310.16Key Terms
Inactive Status Certification (Alabama Board Rule 303-X-2-.04) Alabama Supplement to the Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Board Administrative Code 303-X-2-.04, Inactive Status Certification
Alabama Board Administrative Code 303-X-2-.04 allows a licensee to place an active electrical contractor license on inactive status by notifying the Board in writing or via the Board's online form at least 30 days before the license expiration date; expired licenses are ineligible.
Effective Impedance (Ze) — NEC Ch. 9, Table 9, Note 2 National Electrical Code 2023, Chapter 9, Table 9, Note 2
Per NEC Chapter 9, Table 9, Note 2, effective impedance for a circuit power factor other than the table default is calculated as Ze = R × PF + XL × sin[arccos(PF)].
Conductor Ampacity Base Ambient Temperature — NEC 310.16 NEC 310.16
NEC Table 310.16 ampacity values are based on a 30°C (86°F) ambient temperature; correction factors must be applied for other ambient temperatures.
Minimum Service Rating — One-Family Dwelling (NEC 230.79(C)) NEC 230.79(C)
NEC 230.79(C) requires the service disconnecting means for a one-family dwelling to be rated not less than 100 amperes, 3-wire.
Overhead Service Conductor Clearance — Public Streets (NEC 230.24(B)) NEC 230.24(B)
NEC 230.24(B) requires overhead service conductors not exceeding 1000 V to maintain a minimum clearance of 5.5 m (18 ft) over public streets, alleys, roads, and parking areas subject to truck traffic.
Minimum Overhead Service Conductor Size (NEC 230.23(B)) NEC 230.23(B)
NEC 230.23(B) prohibits overhead service conductors smaller than 8 AWG copper or 6 AWG aluminum or copper-clad aluminum.
Stranded Conductor Requirement in Raceways (NEC 310.3(C)) NEC 310.3(C)
NEC 310.3(C) requires conductors 8 AWG and larger installed in raceways to be stranded, unless the Code specifically permits or requires them to be solid.
Free Conductor Length at Outlets (NEC 300.14) NEC 300.14
NEC 300.14 requires at least 150 mm (6 in.) of free conductor, measured from where it emerges from its raceway or cable sheath, at each outlet, junction, and switch point.
Steel Plate Protection Thickness (NEC 300.4(A)(2)) NEC 300.4(A)(2)
NEC 300.4(A)(2) requires cables or raceways laid in notches in wood members to be protected from nail or screw penetration by a steel plate at least 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick.
Box Fill — Device Yoke Volume Allowance (NEC 314.16(B)(4)) NEC 314.16(B)(4)
Each yoke or strap containing one or more devices requires a double volume allowance (based on the largest conductor connected) when calculating box fill.
NMC Sheath Extension into Box (NEC 314.17(B)(2)) NEC 314.17(B)(2)
NEC 314.17(B)(2) requires nonmetallic-sheathed cable sheath to extend not less than 6 mm (1/4 in.) inside the box and 6 mm (1/4 in.) beyond the end of any cable clamp.
Raceway-Supported Enclosure Size Limit (NEC 314.23(E)) NEC 314.23(E)
NEC 314.23(E) limits enclosures supported only by entering raceways (and containing no devices, luminaires, or lampholders) to a maximum size of 1650 cm³ (100 in.³).
Switch Handle Height Maximum (NEC 404.8(A)) NEC 404.8(A)
NEC 404.8(A) requires the center of the grip of a switch or circuit breaker operating handle, in its highest position, to be no more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform.
Type THHN Maximum Operating Temperature (NEC Table 310.4(1)) NEC Table 310.4(1)
Type THHN conductors have a maximum operating temperature of 90°C (194°F) in dry and damp locations.
General-Use Switch as Motor Disconnect — 200% Rule American Electricians' Handbook, 17th Edition, Sec. 383 (Motor switches), item 2
For stationary motors of 2 hp or less at not more than 300 V, a general-use switch may serve as the disconnecting means only if its ampere rating is at least 200% of the motor full-load current rating.
Formulas to Know
Effective Impedance (Ze) at Non-Standard Power Factor
Ze = R × PF + XL × sin[arccos(PF)]Minimum Feeder/Service Conductor Ampacity (Continuous + Noncontinuous Loads)
Ampacity ≥ Noncontinuous Load + (1.25 × Continuous Load)Straight Pull Box Minimum Length
Box length ≥ 8 × (trade size of largest raceway)Angle or U Pull Box — Minimum Entry-to-Opposite-Wall Distance
Distance ≥ 6 × (trade size of largest raceway)Ohm's Law — Total Current
I = E ÷ RConductor Ampacity with Fill Adjustment
Adjusted Ampacity = Table Ampacity × Adjustment Factor (80% for 4–6 conductors; 70% for 7–9; 50% for 10–20)Elevator Raceway Maximum Fill
Sum of conductor cross-sectional areas ≤ 50% of raceway interior cross-sectional areaBox Fill — Device Yoke Volume Allowance
Yoke fill = 2 × (volume allowance for largest conductor connected to device)