Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Virginia Journeyman Electrician
Virginia · PSI Services Contractor
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
70
Passing score
70%
Exam time
210 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Virginia State Portion 70 questions
Standards of Practice
3 Q · 4%
Contractor license classifications and contract value thresholds (Class A, B, C)Prohibited acts and penalties for unlicensed contractingGrounds for license denial, suspension, or revocationExemptions from contractor licensing requirementsLicense application requirements and designated employee responsibilitiesLicense expiration, renewal, and reinstatement proceduresAuthority Having Jurisdiction roles and enforcement powers under NEC Annex HElectrical permit requirements, inspections, and approval procedures
Standards of Conduct
2 Q · 3%
Grounds for disciplinary action by the boardProhibited acts resulting in disciplinary actionNegligence or incompetence in licensed professionMisrepresentation and false promisesAiding or abetting unlicensed contractorsCriminal conviction reporting requirementsFailure to obtain required permits or inspectionsAbandonment of contracted work
Renewal and Reinstatement
2 Q · 3%
License expiration periods for electricians (three-year term)Continuing education requirements for electrical license renewal (three hours, code changes)Renewal fees for tradesman license ($160)Reinstatement fees for tradesman license ($210) and reinstatement window (within 30 days of expiration)Maximum reinstatement period (24 months) and requirement to reapply after expirationRenewal notice procedures and regulant obligation to renew regardless of notice receiptBoard authority to deny renewal for same reasons as initial licensure refusal or discipline
Definitions
1 Q · 1%
Definitions of accessibility terms (accessible, readily accessible, concealed, exposed)Grounding and bonding terminology (grounded conductor, grounding electrode, bonding jumper types, equipment grounding conductor)Branch circuit types and definitions (general-purpose, individual, multiwire, appliance)Overcurrent protection terms (overcurrent, overload, fault current, interrupting rating, selective coordination)Service and feeder terminology (service point, service conductors, service drop, service lateral, feeder)Location classifications (damp, dry, wet locations) and enclosure-related terms (enclosed, guarded, weatherproof, watertight)Dwelling and occupancy definitions (dwelling unit, one-family, two-family, multifamily, bathroom, kitchen, guest room)Protection device definitions (AFCI, GFCI, surge-protective device, circuit breaker types)
Qualification for Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Education and experience combinations required for journeyman electrician licensureDefinition of journeyman electrician and scope of electrical workMinimum age and general application requirements for licensureVerification of experience and formal vocational training documentationExemptions from examination for journeyman electrician licensureContinuing education credit allowable toward formal vocational training hoursDisclosure of criminal convictions and prior disciplinary actions on applicationsOut-of-state licensure and substantial equivalency requirements
Revocation of Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Grounds for revocation or suspension of a license or certificationProhibited acts that may result in disciplinary actionBoard authority to revoke, suspend, or deny license renewalRevocation of permits due to code violations or misrepresentationEffect of revocation on eligibility for future licensureNotification requirements upon revocation or suspension by another jurisdictionSubstantial identity of interest as grounds for revocationRevocation and suspension of inspector authority by the Electrical Board
General Electrical Knowledge
3 Q · 4%
NEC Article 100 definitions and terminologyBranch circuit types, ratings, and requirementsOvercurrent protection devices and their applicationGrounding and bonding terminology and conceptsService entrance conductors and service equipmentGFCI and AFCI protection requirementsFeeder conductor sizing and load calculationsWorking space and equipment installation requirements
Requirements for Electrical Installations
2 Q · 3%
Equipment approval, examination, and listing requirementsWorking space and clearance dimensions around electrical equipmentElectrical connections, conductor terminations, and temperature limitationsConductor materials, sizes, and wiring integrityMarking requirements for equipment, hazard labels, and disconnecting meansGuarding of live parts and arc-flash hazard warningEnclosure type selection for indoor and outdoor useUnderground installation cover requirements and protection
Electrical-Electronic Fundamentals
2 Q · 3%
Grounding and bonding requirements for electrical systems (Article 250)Grounding electrode system types, installation, and sizingEquipment grounding conductor types, identification, and sizingConductor types, insulation ratings, ampacity tables, and temperature limitations (Article 310)Working space, clearances, and guarding of live parts around electrical equipment (Article 110)Identification and use of grounded conductors (Article 200)Bonding of piping systems, structural metal, and service equipmentSurge-protective devices and overvoltage protection (Article 242)
Branch Circuits
4 Q · 6%
GFCI protection requirements by location for dwelling and non-dwelling unitsAFCI protection requirements for dwelling units and other occupanciesBranch circuit ratings and permissible loads for 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50-ampere circuitsRequired branch circuits in dwelling units (small appliance, laundry, bathroom, garage)Minimum conductor ampacity and sizing for branch circuitsMultiwire branch circuit requirements including disconnecting means and line-to-neutral loadsReceptacle outlet placement and spacing requirements in dwelling unitsBranch circuit voltage limitations by occupancy and equipment type
Service and Feeders
5 Q · 7%
Service disconnecting means location, rating, and maximum numberService-entrance conductor sizing, ampacity, and wiring methodsFeeder disconnecting means for buildings supplied by feeders or branch circuitsService and feeder overcurrent protection requirements and locationGrounding of service-supplied AC systems and grounding electrode conductorsNumber of services and feeders permitted and exceptions for additional suppliesOverhead and underground service conductor clearances and installation requirementsFeeder and service load calculations including demand factors for dwellings and other occupancies
Grounding and Bonding
6 Q · 9%
Grounding electrode system types, installation, and sizing requirementsEquipment grounding conductor types, sizing, and identificationBonding requirements for services, piping systems, and structural metalMain bonding jumper and system bonding jumper requirementsGrounding of service-supplied and separately derived AC systemsEffective ground-fault current path requirementsGrounding electrode conductor installation, sizing, and connection methodsGrounding and bonding of DC systems and high-impedance grounded neutral systems
Conductors and Cables
7 Q · 10%
Conductor ampacity tables and temperature ratings (Table 310.16, 310.17, 310.18, 310.19)Ambient temperature correction factors and adjustment factors for more than three current-carrying conductorsConductor insulation types, applications, and permitted uses by location (dry, damp, wet, direct burial, sunlight exposure)Minimum conductor sizes, materials, and stranding requirementsConductors in parallel: requirements and restrictionsConductor and cable marking requirementsCable type uses permitted and not permitted (NM, NMC, AC, MC, MI, SE, USE, UF)Single-phase dwelling service and feeder conductor sizing (Table 310.12)
Raceways and Boxes
7 Q · 10%
Box fill calculations and conductor count requirements (Article 314.16)Pull and junction box sizing for straight pulls and angle/U pulls (Article 314.28)Securing and supporting requirements for conduit types (EMT, RMC, IMC, FMC, PVC)Physical protection of cables and raceways through wood members, framing, and structural elements (Article 300.4)Underground installation requirements and minimum cover depths (Table 300.5)Uses permitted and not permitted for specific raceway types (EMT, RMC, IMC, FMC, PVC, LFMC)Protection against corrosion for raceways and boxes in various environments (Article 300.6)Wiring in ducts, plenums, and other air-handling spaces (Article 300.22)
Special Occupancies
3 Q · 4%
Area classification for hazardous (classified) locations in specific occupancies (commercial garages, aircraft hangars, motor fuel dispensing facilities, bulk storage plants, spray application areas, health care facilities)Wiring methods and equipment requirements within classified and non-classified areas of special occupanciesGrounding and bonding requirements specific to special occupanciesSealing requirements at boundaries of Class I hazardous locations in special occupanciesEssential electrical systems (EES) for health care facilities including life safety, critical, and equipment branchesGFCI protection requirements in special occupancies including health care facilities, swimming pools, spas, and fountainsSwimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and fountain electrical installations including bonding, grounding, and luminaire requirementsEmergency disconnects, special equipment restrictions, and battery charging limitations in hazardous occupancies
Special Equipment
2 Q · 3%
GFCI protection requirements for pools, spas, hot tubs, and fountainsBonding and grounding requirements for aquatic installationsReceptacle placement and protection distances for pools and spasDisconnecting means for elevators, escalators, and similar equipmentWiring methods for elevator hoistways, machine rooms, and carsOvercurrent protection for electric welders and arc welding equipmentElectric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installation and branch circuit requirementsEmergency shutoff and safety requirements for spas and hot tubs
Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting
1 Q · 1%
Neon secondary-circuit wiring methods and conduit requirements over 1000 voltsTransformer and electronic power supply ratings and secondary-circuit ground-fault protectionElectrode connections, enclosures, and support requirements for neon tubingClass 2 power sources and secondary wiring for sign illumination systemsNeon secondary-circuit wiring 1000 volts or less and conductor insulation requirementsDisconnecting means and grounding requirements for electric signsPhotovoltaic-powered sign wiring, equipment listing, and disconnecting meansRetrofit kit installation requirements and field-installed skeleton tubing
Motors and Controls
5 Q · 7%
Motor branch-circuit conductor ampacity requirements (125% rule for single motors)Motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device ratings (Table 430.52)Motor overload protection requirements and trip current percentages (430.32)Disconnecting means location, type, and ampere rating requirements (430.102, 430.109, 430.110)Motor controller ratings, design requirements, and types (430.82, 430.83)Conductors for multiple motors and combination loads (430.24)Motor control circuit overcurrent protection and wiring requirements (430.72, 430.74)Motor feeder short-circuit and ground-fault protection ratings (430.62)
Utilization Equipment
4 Q · 6%
Luminaire installation requirements by location (wet, damp, corrosive, closets, bathtubs)Appliance branch-circuit sizing and overcurrent protection requirementsDisconnecting means for appliances, motors, and fixed heating equipmentMotor branch-circuit conductor ampacity and overload protectionAir-conditioning and refrigerating equipment branch-circuit and disconnecting means requirementsFixed electric space-heating equipment branch-circuit sizing and overcurrent protectionLuminaire support, grounding, and wiring methodsGenerator installation, overcurrent protection, and disconnecting means
Lighting
2 Q · 3%
Luminaire installation in specific locations (wet, damp, corrosive, bathtub/shower areas)Luminaires in clothes closets — permitted types and clearance requirementsRecessed luminaire requirements — clearance, thermal protection, and insulation contact (Type IC vs. non-Type IC)Luminaire support methods — outlet boxes, suspended ceilings, poles, and fasteningGrounding of luminaires and lighting equipmentWiring of luminaires — conductor insulation, polarization, splices, and temperature ratingsLighting track installation — permitted locations, connected load, support, and constructionLow-voltage lighting systems (Article 411) — voltage limits, listing, secondary circuit requirements, and branch circuit
General Low Voltage Requirements
1 Q · 1%
Scope and voltage limits for low-voltage lighting systems (Article 411)Listing requirements and system components for low-voltage lightingSecondary circuit requirements: grounding, isolation, and bare conductorsSpecific location requirements including walls, floors, and proximity to waterBranch circuit supply requirements for low-voltage lighting systemsCircuits and equipment operating at less than 50 volts (Article 720) conductor and receptacle requirementsClass 2 and Class 3 power source requirements and circuit classificationsSeparation of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits from power and Class 1 conductors
Communication Systems
1 Q · 1%
Grounding and bonding requirements for communications cables and primary protectors (Article 800/805)Cable types, listings, and permitted applications by location (plenum, riser, general-purpose, limited-use)Separation requirements between communications cables and electric light/power conductorsOverhead aerial communications wires and cables entering buildings (clearances and installation)Primary and secondary protector requirements and placement for communications circuitsInstallation methods within buildings including raceways, cable routing assemblies, and cable traysCATV coaxial cable systems grounding and installation requirements (Article 820)Network-powered broadband communications systems power limitations and cable classifications (Article 830)
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
1 Q · 1%
Non-power-limited fire alarm (NPLFA) circuit power source and branch circuit requirementsFire alarm circuit classification: NPLFA vs. PLFAOvercurrent protection for NPLFA circuit conductorsFire alarm circuit identification and marking at terminal and junction locationsMechanical execution of work and cable support requirements for fire alarm circuitsSeparation of fire alarm cables from other circuit conductorsFire alarm circuit integrity (CI) cable installation and support requirementsAbandoned fire alarm cable removal requirements
Safety
4 Q · 6%
Lockout/tagout program requirements and employer responsibilitiesEstablishing and verifying an electrically safe work conditionArc flash risk assessment and arc flash boundaryPersonal protective equipment (PPE) selection and arc flash PPE categoriesElectric shock risk assessment and approach boundaries (limited and restricted)Energized electrical work permit requirements and exemptionsSafety-related work practices and other precautions for personnelSafety-related maintenance requirements for electrical equipment
Key Distinctions
Mandatory NEC RulesvsPermissive NEC Rules
Mandatory rules use 'shall' or 'shall not' and identify specifically required or prohibited actions, while permissive rules use 'shall be permitted' or 'shall not be required.'
NEC 2020, Section 90.5(A)Single Ground Rod (≤25 Ω)vsSingle Ground Rod (>25 Ω)
If a single ground rod measures 25 ohms or less resistance to earth, no supplemental electrode is required; if it exceeds 25 ohms, a supplemental electrode must be added.
NEC, Section 250.53(A)(2)Elevator/Dumbwaiter Driving Machine MotorsvsEscalator/Moving Walk Driving Machine Motors
Elevator and dumbwaiter driving machine motors are rated intermittent duty per 620.61(B)(1), while escalator and moving walk driving machine motors are rated continuous duty per 620.61(B)(2).
NEC 2020, Section 620.61(B)(2)Service PointvsPremises Wiring
The service point is the demarcation where the utility's facilities end and premises wiring begins, with the utility specifying its location; premises wiring is everything on the customer's side of that point.
NEC 2020, Article 100 (Definitions, Part I — Service Point)Class A Contractor (Virginia)vsClass B/C Contractor (Virginia)
A Class A contractor performs or manages work on a single contract or project valued at $150,000 or more (or $1 million or more in any 12-month period); lower classes handle smaller project values.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100Journeyman Applicant with 240 Hours Formal TrainingvsJourneyman Applicant with No Formal Training
An applicant with 240 hours of formal vocational training needs 4 years of practical experience to sit for the Virginia journeyman exam, while one with no formal training needs 8 years.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 11 (Part II - Entry, 18 VAC 50-30-39(B))License Reinstatement (Virginia)vsLicense Renewal (Virginia)
A reinstated license is treated as if the licensee was continuously licensed without interruption (keeping them under board disciplinary authority for the entire gap period), whereas a timely renewal simply continues the license without that retroactive exposure.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-140(B)Earth as Ground-Fault Current PathvsEffective Ground-Fault Current Path
The NEC explicitly prohibits using the earth as an effective ground-fault current path; an effective path must be a low-impedance circuit capable of safely carrying maximum ground-fault current to facilitate overcurrent device operation.
NEC 2020, Section 250.4(A)(5)Grounded Conductor ID ≤6 AWGvsGrounded Conductor ID >6 AWG
Conductors 6 AWG or smaller must be identified by a continuous white or gray outer finish (or three white/gray stripes), while larger conductors have additional permitted identification methods under NEC 200.6.
NEC 2020, Section 200.6(A)SWD/HID Marked Circuit BreakersvsStandard Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers used as switches in 120-volt or 277-volt fluorescent lighting circuits must be listed and marked SWD or HID; standard circuit breakers without this marking are not permitted for that switching application.
NEC 240.83(D)Type SE Cable (Interior Use)vsType NM Cable
Type SE cable used for interior branch circuits or feeders must comply with Article 334 (NM cable) installation requirements, but specifically excludes the ampacity limitation section 334.80.
NEC 2020, Section 338.10(B)(4)(a)AHJ Waiver of NEC RequirementsvsStandard NEC Enforcement
The AHJ may waive specific NEC requirements and permit alternative methods only when assured equivalent safety objectives are achieved and technical documentation is submitted to demonstrate equivalency; otherwise standard Code requirements apply.
NEC 2020, Informative Annex H, Section 80.13(15)Key Terms
License Reinstatement — Continuous Licensure (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-140(B)
Per 18 VAC 50-30-140(B), a regulant who reinstates a lapsed Virginia license is deemed continuously licensed without interruption and remains subject to board disciplinary authority for the entire lapsed period.
Unlicensed Activity After Expiration (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-130(E)
Per 18 VAC 50-30-130(E), any regulated activity performed after a Virginia license expires may constitute unlicensed activity subject to prosecution under Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Electrical Work Definition (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-10(D)
Per 18 VAC 50-30-10(D), electrical work includes planning, layout, installing conduits, maintaining and repairing electrical systems, and observing installed systems for hazards; it does not include gas piping installation.
Prohibited Acts — License Lending (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-190
Per 18 VAC 50-30-190, Item 8, allowing one's Virginia license or certification to be used by an unlicensed or uncertified individual is a prohibited act that may result in disciplinary action against the license holder.
Continuing Education — Electrical Tradesman (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 21
Per 18 VAC 50-30-120(C), individuals holding a Virginia tradesman license with an electrical designation must complete 3 hours of approved continuing education relating to applicable building code changes as a condition of renewal or reinstatement.
Tradesman License Reinstatement Fee (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 23
Per 18 VAC 50-30-130(A) and (B), if a Virginia tradesman license is not renewed within 30 days of expiration, a non-refundable reinstatement fee of $210.00 (inclusive of the renewal fee) is required.
Contractor Sole Responsibility for Uncredentialed Workers (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01
Per Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01, a contractor that employs or contracts with a person lacking a required Board credential is solely responsible for any resulting monetary penalty or sanction.
License Suspension/Revocation Eligibility Bar (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, § 54.1-1110
Per § 54.1-1110, any person whose Virginia contractor license is suspended or revoked is not eligible for a license under any circumstances or any name, except as provided by Board regulations.
Ampacity NEC 2020, Article 100 (Definitions, Part I)
Per NEC Article 100, ampacity is the maximum current in amperes that a conductor can carry continuously under the conditions of use without exceeding its temperature rating.
Service Point NEC 2020, Article 100 (Definitions, Part I — Service Point)
Per NEC Article 100, the service point is the point of connection between the serving utility's facilities and the premises wiring, with the utility specifying its location.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) NEC 2020, Section 90.4
Per NEC 90.4, the AHJ is the entity responsible for making Code interpretations, approving equipment and materials, and granting special permissions.
Multiwire Branch Circuit — Same Panel Requirement NEC 2020, Section 210.4(A)
Per NEC 210.4(A), all ungrounded conductors of a multiwire branch circuit must originate from the same panelboard or similar distribution equipment.
Free Conductor Length at Outlet/Junction/Switch Points NEC 2020, Section 300.14
Per NEC 300.14, at least 6 inches (150 mm) of free conductor must be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point, measured from where the conductor emerges from its raceway or cable sheath.
75°C Termination Rule NEC 2020, Section 110.14(C)(1)(b)
Per NEC 110.14(C)(1)(b), for circuits over 100 amperes, conductor ampacity at terminations must be based on the 75°C column unless the equipment is listed and identified for use with higher-rated conductors.
Minimum Copper Conductor Size (General Wiring) NEC 2020, Section 310.3(A)
Per NEC 310.3(A), the minimum conductor size for copper conductors rated up to 2000 volts for general wiring is 14 AWG.
NEC Purpose NEC 2020, Section 90.1(A)
Per NEC 90.1(A), the purpose of the NEC is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity, and it is not intended as a design specification or instruction manual for untrained persons.
Formulas to Know
Optional Dwelling Service Load (NEC 220.82)
Total Load = 100% of first 10 kVA of general loads + 40% of remaining general loadsSupplemental Electrode Threshold
Supplemental electrode NOT required if single rod resistance ≤ 25 Ω; required if > 25 ΩSteel Plate Protection Threshold (Cable in Framing)
If edge of bored hole < 1-1/4 in. (32 mm) from nearest wood edge → install steel plate ≥ 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) thickMaximum Disconnects per Supply (Detached Structure)
Disconnects per supply ≤ 6 switches or 6 circuit breakers grouped at one locationAdditional Service Permitted (Ampacity Threshold)
Additional service allowed if capacity > 2000 A at supply voltage ≤ 1000 VJourneyman Exam Experience Requirement (Virginia)
With 240 hrs formal training → 4 yrs experience; With 0 formal training → 8 yrs experience