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
FMC (Flexible Metal Conduit)vsLFMC (Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit)
FMC shall not be used in wet locations (348.12(1)), while LFMC is permitted where flexibility or protection from machine oils, liquids, vapors, or solids is needed and is permitted for direct burial where listed and marked for that purpose (350.10).
NEC 2020 Section 350.10Straight pull box sizingvsAngle or U pull box sizing
For conductors 4 AWG or larger, a straight pull box length must be at least 8 times the trade size of the largest raceway, while an angle or U pull requires at least 6 times the largest raceway in the row plus the sum of the diameters of all other raceway entries on that same wall.
NEC 2020 Section 314.28(A)(1)Elevator and dumbwaiter driving machine motorsvsEscalator and moving walk driving machine motors
Elevator and dumbwaiter driving machine motors are duty-rated intermittent (620.61(B)(1)), whereas escalator and moving walk driving machine motors shall be rated continuous (620.61(B)(2)).
NEC 2020 Section 620.61(B)(2)Grounded conductor at a separate building/structure fed by a feedervsGrounded conductor on the load side of the service disconnect
At a separate building or structure, any installed grounded conductor shall not be connected to the equipment grounding conductor or to the grounding electrode(s) (250.32(B)(1)); likewise a grounded conductor shall not be reconnected to ground on the load side of the service disconnecting means except as otherwise permitted — it is not an unrestricted allowance (250.24(A)(5)).
NEC 2020 Section 250.32(B)(1)Round boxesvsOther (non-round) boxes
Round boxes shall not be used where conduits or connectors requiring locknuts or bushings are connected to the side of the box; other box shapes may be used for such side connections (314.2).
NEC 2020 Section 314.2RMC support distance from terminationsvsFMC support distance from terminations
RMC must be securely fastened within 900 mm (3 ft) of each termination — 1.5 m (5 ft) is permitted only where structural members do not readily permit fastening within 3 ft (344.30(A)(1)) — while FMC must be fastened within 300 mm (12 in.) of each box, cabinet, conduit body, or other termination (348.30(A)).
NEC 2020 Section 344.30(A)(1)Inside a temporary membrane enclosure (spray application)vsWithin 5 ft outside the membrane enclosure
The area within the membrane enclosure is Class I, Division 1, while the 1.5 m (5 ft) zone outside the enclosure is Class I, Division 2 (516.18).
NEC 2020 Section 516.18Closed-top, open-face/open-front spray boothvsEnclosed spray room with automated spray equipment and interlocked doors
Outside a closed-top, open-face or open-front booth, wiring within 915 mm (3 ft) of any opening must be suitable for Class I, Division 2 (516.5(D)(2)); with automated spray equipment, the area outside the access doors is unclassified provided the door interlock prevents spray operations when the door is open (516.5(D)(4)(2)).
NEC 2020 Section 516.5(D)(2)Cabinet front edge setback in concrete/tile/noncombustible wallsvsSurface-type enclosure mounting in damp or wet locations
In noncombustible walls the cabinet front edge shall not be set back more than 6 mm (¼ in.) from the finished surface (312.3), whereas in damp or wet locations a surface-type enclosure must be mounted with at least 6 mm (¼ in.) airspace off the wall — with an exception for nonmetallic enclosures on concrete or masonry (312.2).
NEC 2020 Section 312.3Common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systemsvsGrounding electrode conductor to concrete-encased electrode(s) only
A common GEC of the wire type shall not be smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum (250.30(A)(6)(a)(1)), while a GEC connected only to single or multiple concrete-encased electrode(s) that does not extend to other electrode types is not required to be larger than 4 AWG copper (250.66(B)).
NEC 2020 Section 250.30(A)(6)(a)(1)Permitted grounding/bonding connection methodsvsSolder-dependent connections
Listed pressure connectors, exothermic welding, and machine screw-type fasteners engaging not less than two threads are permitted (250.8(A)), but connection devices or fittings that depend solely on solder shall not be used (250.8(B)).
NEC 2020 Section 250.8(A) and 250.8(B)Discontinuing some grounding connections to correct objectionable currentvsDisconnecting all grounding connections
Where multiple grounding connections cause objectionable current and 250.4(A)(5) or (B)(4) is still met, it is permitted to discontinue one or more but not all of the grounding connections; removing all grounding connections is not permitted (250.6(B)).
NEC 2020 Section 250.6(B)Key Terms
Continuous load NEC 2020 Article 100 (Definitions, Part I — Continuous Load)
A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more (NEC Article 100), which matters for sizing conductors and overcurrent devices.
Externally Operable NEC 2020 Article 100 (Definitions, Part I — Externally Operable)
Capable of being operated without exposing the operator to contact with live parts (NEC Article 100); compare 'dead front' (no live parts exposed on the operating side), 'enclosed' (surrounded by a case or housing), and 'guarded' (covered or shielded to remove the likelihood of approach to danger).
Zone 20 location NEC 2020 Section 506.5(B)(1)
A location in which ignitible concentrations of combustible dust or ignitible fibers/flyings are present continuously or for long periods of time (506.5(B)(1)).
Group IIIC NEC 2020 Section 506.6(A)
Combustible metal dust, considered equivalent to Class II, Group E (506.6(A)).
High-impedance grounded neutral system NEC 2020 Section 250.36
A system in which a grounding impedance limits ground-fault current to a low value; permitted for 3-phase AC systems of 480 volts to 1000 volts when all specified conditions are met (250.36).
Supply-side bonding jumper (separately derived system) NEC 2020 Section 250.30(A)(2)
The jumper that must be installed with the circuit conductors from the source enclosure to the first disconnecting means enclosure when the source of a separately derived system and the first disconnecting means are in separate enclosures (250.30(A)(2)).
Main bonding jumper that is a screw only NEC 2020 Section 250.28(B)
Where the main or system bonding jumper is a screw only, the screw shall be identified with a green finish that is visible with the screw installed (250.28(B)).
Effective ground-fault current path NEC 2020 Section 250.4(A)(5)
The intentional low-impedance path for fault current; the earth shall not be considered an effective ground-fault current path (250.4(A)(5)).
Objectionable current NEC 2020 Section 250.6(B)
Current resulting from multiple grounding connections that may be corrected by permitted alterations such as discontinuing one or more but not all of those connections, provided 250.4(A)(5) or (B)(4) is still met (250.6(B)).
Supplemental electrode NEC 2020 Section 250.53(A)(2)
An additional electrode of a type in 250.52(A)(2) through (A)(8) required to supplement a single rod, pipe, or plate electrode, unless the single electrode has a resistance to earth of 25 ohms or less (250.53(A)(2)).
Grounding at a building/structure supplied by a feeder or branch circuit NEC 2020 Section 250.32(A)
Such a building or structure must have a grounding electrode system and grounding electrode conductor per Part III of Article 250; where no electrode exists, the electrode(s) required by 250.50 shall be installed (250.32(A)).
Type S flexible cord NEC 2020 Table 400.4
A 600V hard-service cord with thermoset insulation and thermoset outer covering, suitable for pendant or portable use in damp locations with an extra-hard-usage rating (Table 400.4).
Ampacity adjustment factor (more than 3 current-carrying conductors) NEC 2020 Table 310.15(C)(1)
Percentage applied to table ampacity per Table 310.15(C)(1): 4–6 conductors = 80%, 7–9 = 70%, 10–20 = 50%, 21–30 = 45%, 31–40 = 40%, 41 and above = 35%.
Field-installed drainage openings (damp/wet location boxes) NEC 2020 Section 314.15
Approved drain openings not smaller than 3 mm (⅛ in.) and not larger than 6 mm (¼ in.) in diameter are permitted in the field in boxes or conduit bodies listed for damp or wet locations (314.15).
Take-up (EMT hand bending) Ugly's Electrical References — EMT 90° stub-up (take-up chart)
The bender allowance subtracted from the desired stub height to locate the bend mark; the printed chart gives 6 in. for ¾ in. EMT.
Regulant reporting duty (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), 18 VAC 50-30-190(11)
A regulant must inform the Board in writing within 30 days of conviction of any felony or a misdemeanor involving lying, cheating, stealing, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, physical injury, or relating to the practice of the profession (18 VAC 50-30-190(11)).
Formulas to Know
Minimum straight-pull box length (conductors 4 AWG or larger)
Length ≥ 8 × trade size of largest raceway (e.g., 8 × 2 in. = 16 in.)Minimum angle/U pull dimension (conductors 4 AWG or larger)
Distance from raceway entry to opposite wall ≥ (6 × trade size of largest raceway in the row) + sum of diameters of all other raceway entries on the same wall; e.g., (6×2)+1 = 13 in.; (6×3)+2 = 20 in.; (6×3) alone = 18 in.; (6×2½)+2½ = 17½ in.; (6×3)+(1½+2½) = 22 in.Branch-circuit overcurrent protection for EVSE (continuous duty)
OCPD rating ≥ 125% × maximum equipment load (40 A × 1.25 = 50 A)Maximum marked rating of cord-and-plug room air conditioner sharing a circuit with lighting outlets or general-use receptacles
Rating ≤ 50% × branch-circuit rating (50% × 20 A = 10 A)Minimum bending radius, Type MC cable with interlocked armor or corrugated sheath
Radius (inner edge of bend) = 7 × external diameter of metallic sheath (7 × 1 in. = 7 in.)Conductor ampacity between controller and part-winding connected motor
Ampacity ≥ 62.5% of motor full-load current (50% × 1.25 = 62.5%)Maximum ultimate trip current of integral thermal protector (motor FLC 9 A or less)
Trip current ≤ 170% × motor full-load current from Table 430.248 (8 A × 1.70 = 13.6 A)EMT offset bend layout: mark spacing and shrink (30° offset)
Distance between bend marks = multiplier × offset depth (30° multiplier 2.0: 2.0 × 4 in. = 8 in.); shrink = 3/8 in. per inch of offset depth (3/8 × 4 in. = 1½ in.); add the shrink to the measured distance to the obstruction so the marks move toward the far end (e.g., 36 in. + 4½ in. shrink = 40½ in. first mark, for the separate Figure EO-6 offset)EMT 3-point saddle bend layout
Side marks = 2.5 × obstruction height each side of center mark (2.5 × 3 in. = 7½ in.); center bent 45°, sides bent 22½°; shrink = 3/16 × obstruction height (3/16 × 3 = 9/16 in.)EMT 90° stub-up bend mark
Mark from end of conduit = stub height − take-up (30 in. − 6 in. take-up for ¾ in. EMT = 24 in.)