Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Virginia Master 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
90
Passing score
70%
Exam time
270 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Virginia State Portion 90 questions
Standards of Practice
3 Q · 3%
Prohibited acts and unlicensed contracting activityGrounds for license denial, suspension, and revocationLicense reinstatement requirements and status during lapsed periodDisciplinary authority of the Virginia Board for ContractorsContractor classification definitions and monetary thresholds (Class A, B, C)Exemptions from contractor licensing requirementsAuthority having jurisdiction enforcement powers and inspection rightsPermit requirements, issuance, and revocation procedures
Standards of Conduct
2 Q · 2%
Prohibited acts and grounds for disciplinary actionDisciplinary penalties (remedial education, monetary fines, license revocation/suspension)Misrepresentation and false promises in licensure or practiceAiding or abetting unlicensed contractors; prohibited use of license by othersReporting requirements for criminal convictions and out-of-state disciplinary actionsFailure to obtain required permits or inspectionsAbandonment of contracted work and misapplication of fundsNEC enforcement authority and role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Renewal and Reinstatement
2 Q · 2%
License expiration periods by trade designationContinuing education requirements for renewal and reinstatementRenewal fees by license and certification typeReinstatement fees and grace period deadlinesMaximum reinstatement window and new application requirementsRenewal notice procedures and regulant obligationsGrounds for denial of renewal
Definitions
1 Q · 1%
Grounding and bonding terminology (grounded conductor, grounding electrode, bonding jumper types, EGC, separately derived system)Overcurrent protection terms (overcurrent, overload, fault current, interrupting rating, selective coordination, circuit breaker types)Branch circuit classifications (general-purpose, individual, appliance, multiwire)Service and feeder terminology (service point, service conductors, service drop, service lateral, service-entrance conductors, feeder)Accessibility and location classifications (accessible, readily accessible, concealed, exposed, damp/dry/wet locations)Wiring system components and devices (raceway, outlet, receptacle, panelboard, switchboard, switchgear, disconnecting means)Protection device definitions (GFCI, AFCI, SPD types, ground-fault protection of equipment, surge arrester)Hazardous location and special-system definitions (Class 1/2/3 circuits, combustible dust, associated apparatus, AHJ, listed, labeled, identified)
Qualification for Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Experience and education requirements for master electrician licensureExperience and education requirements for journeyman electrician licensureMinimum age and identification documentation requirementsApplication procedures and completion timelinesExamination requirements and conduct rulesExemptions from examination requirementCriminal conviction and prior disciplinary action disclosure requirementsReciprocity and out-of-state license recognition
Revocation of Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Grounds for disciplinary action (violations triggering revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew)Prohibited acts constituting grounds for board disciplineSubstantial identity of interest as basis for denying or revoking a licenseReporting requirements for out-of-state license suspension/revocation and criminal convictionsBoard authority to revoke or suspend electrical inspector certificates (NEC Annex H)Revocation of permits for false statements or code violations (NEC Annex H)Notification procedures following license revocationEligibility for relicensure after revocation
General Electrical Knowledge
4 Q · 4%
Grounding and bonding requirements and definitionsGrounding electrode system types and installationEquipment grounding conductors and bonding jumpers sizing and installationBranch circuit requirements including GFCI and AFCI protectionOvercurrent protection devices ratings and location requirementsService entrance conductor requirements and disconnecting meansLoad calculations for branch circuits feeders and servicesWorking space clearances and general installation requirements
Requirements for Electrical Installations
3 Q · 3%
Equipment approval, listing, and labeling requirementsElectrical connections, splices, and terminal temperature ratingsWorking space and clearance requirements around electrical equipment (1000V or less)Arc-flash hazard warning and field marking requirementsProtection of conductors and cables against physical damageGuarding of live parts and enclosure type selectionUnderground wiring installation requirements and minimum cover depthsWiring in environmental air-handling spaces and ducts
Electrical-Electronic Fundamentals
5 Q · 6%
Grounding and bonding purposes and performance requirements (NEC 250.4)Grounding electrode system types, installation, and sizing (NEC 250.52, 250.53, 250.66)Equipment grounding conductors — types, identification, and sizing (NEC 250.118, 250.119, 250.122)Main bonding jumpers and system bonding jumpers — materials, sizing, and installation (NEC 250.28)Grounding of service-supplied AC systems and separately derived systems (NEC 250.24, 250.30)Identification and use of grounded (neutral) conductors (NEC Article 200)Conductor ampacity tables, temperature ratings, and correction/adjustment factors (NEC Article 310)Surge-protective devices and surge arresters — installation and connection requirements (NEC Article 242)
Branch Circuits
7 Q · 8%
GFCI protection requirements by location (dwelling and non-dwelling)AFCI protection requirements for dwelling units and similar occupanciesBranch-circuit ratings and permissible loads (15A, 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A circuits)Minimum conductor ampacity and sizing for branch circuitsRequired branch circuits for dwelling units (small-appliance, laundry, bathroom, garage)Multiwire branch circuit requirementsReceptacle outlet placement requirements in dwelling unitsBranch-circuit load calculations and demand factors
Service and Feeders
8 Q · 9%
Service disconnect requirements and ratingsOverhead service conductor clearances and installationUnderground service conductor installation and wiring methodsService-entrance conductor sizing and ampacityService overcurrent protection and ground-fault protection of equipmentFeeder conductor sizing and overcurrent protectionLoad calculations for feeders and servicesGrounding and bonding requirements at service equipment
Grounding and Bonding
8 Q · 9%
General requirements and purposes of grounding and bonding (250.4)Grounding electrode system and permitted electrode types (250.50, 250.52)Grounding electrode conductor sizing and installation (250.64, 250.66)Equipment grounding conductors — types, sizing, and identification (250.118, 250.119, 250.122)Main bonding jumper and system bonding jumper requirements (250.28)Bonding of piping systems, structural metal, and service equipment (250.92, 250.104)Grounding of separately derived systems (250.30)Identification and use of grounded conductors (Article 200)
Conductors and Cables
7 Q · 8%
Conductor insulation types and temperature ratings (Article 310 Table 310.4(A))Ampacity tables and selection for conductors in raceways, cable, and free airAmbient temperature correction factors and adjustment factors for bundled conductorsConductors in parallel: requirements and restrictionsCable type uses permitted and not permitted (Types NM, NMC, MC, AC, SE, USE, UF)Securing, supporting, and bending radius requirements by cable typeGrounded conductor identification methods by size and cable typeFlexible cord and fixture wire types, uses permitted, and ampacity
Raceways and Boxes
7 Q · 8%
Conduit fill calculations and conductor count limits (Chapter 9, Table 1)Securing and supporting requirements for each raceway type (intervals and fastening distances)Permitted and prohibited uses of each raceway type (RMC, IMC, EMT, FMC, LFMC, LFNC, PVC)Bending requirements: minimum radius and maximum number of bends per runBox fill calculations and volume allowances (Article 314)Pull and junction box sizing for conductors 4 AWG and larger (straight pull and angle pull rules)Grounding and bonding of metal raceways and enclosuresProtection against corrosion, physical damage, and installation in wet or underground locations
Special Occupancies
4 Q · 4%
Hazardous location classification (Class I, II, III; Divisions 1 and 2)Protection techniques for hazardous locations (explosionproof, dust-ignitionproof, intrinsic safety, purged/pressurized, nonincendive)Wiring methods and sealing requirements in Class I, II, and III locationsZone classification system (Zone 0, 1, and 2) and equipment marking requirementsSwimming pools, spas, and fountains — GFCI protection, bonding, and equipotential requirementsHealth care facility essential electrical systems (Type 1 and Type 2 EES, life safety and critical branches)Motor fuel dispensing facilities — area classification and wiring requirementsCommercial garages — hazardous area classification and wiring above and within Class I locations
Special Equipment
2 Q · 2%
GFCI requirements for swimming pools, spas, and fountainsEquipotential bonding for pool structures and perimeter surfacesUnderwater luminaire installation and wiring requirementsDisconnecting means and overcurrent protection for elevators and escalatorsWiring methods for elevator hoistways, machine rooms, and traveling cablesContact conductors and disconnecting means for cranes and hoistsElectric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) branch circuits, ratings, and disconnecting meansElectrified truck parking space supply equipment and receptacle requirements
Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting
2 Q · 2%
Listing and labeling requirements for signs, outline lighting, and retrofit kitsRequired branch circuit provisions for commercial occupancies (rating, dedicated use, outlet placement)Disconnecting means requirements (location, lockability, marking, and exceptions)Grounding and bonding of sign equipment and metal partsTransformer and electronic power supply requirements (type, secondary voltage limits, current rating, ground-fault protection)Neon secondary-circuit wiring methods (over and under 1000 volts, conductor type, spacing, and installation)Markings for signs including retrofitted illumination systems and incandescent lampholder ratingsLocation requirements for signs (clearance from vehicles, combustible materials, and wet location drainage)
Motors and Controls
8 Q · 9%
Motor branch-circuit conductor sizing and ampacity requirementsMotor overload protection selection and trip current ratingsBranch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device ratings (Table 430.52)Motor disconnecting means types, ratings, and location requirementsMotor controller ratings, marking, and design requirementsMotor control circuit overcurrent protection and disconnectionHermetic refrigerant motor-compressor branch-circuit protection and conductor sizing (Article 440)Adjustable-speed drive system conductor and overcurrent protection requirements
Utilization Equipment
5 Q · 6%
Luminaire installation requirements by location (wet, damp, corrosive, closets, bathrooms)Motor overload protection selection and sizingMotor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device ratingsDisconnecting means requirements for motors, appliances, and HVAC equipmentAppliance branch-circuit requirements and overcurrent protectionFixed electric space-heating equipment branch-circuit sizing and overcurrent protectionAir-conditioning and refrigerating equipment branch-circuit conductors and motor-compressor protection
Lighting
2 Q · 2%
Luminaire installation requirements by location (wet, damp, corrosive, bathtub/shower areas)Recessed luminaire clearances, thermal protection, and insulation contact (Type IC vs. non-IC)Luminaire support methods (outlet boxes, suspended ceilings, poles, trees)Grounding and equipment grounding conductor requirements for luminairesWiring of luminaires (conductor insulation ratings, polarization, splices, pendant conductors)Lighting track installation, connected load, and prohibited locationsLow-voltage lighting systems (Article 411 scope, listing, secondary circuit requirements, branch circuit limits)Fixture wire types, ampacity, minimum size, and permitted uses (Article 402)
General Low Voltage Requirements
1 Q · 1%
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuit classifications and power source requirementsLow-voltage lighting systems scope, listing, and installation requirements (Article 411)Wiring methods and conductor requirements for circuits operating at less than 50 volts (Article 720)Separation of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits from power and light conductorsCable types, substitution hierarchy, and installation locations for Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC cablesFire alarm circuit types (NPLFA and PLFA) — power sources, wiring methods, and cable listingsGrounding and bonding requirements for communications systems (Article 800)Abandoned cable removal and mechanical execution of work for low-voltage systems
Communication Systems
1 Q · 1%
Grounding and bonding of communications cables and primary protectors (Article 800/805)Cable types, listings, and substitution hierarchies for communications wiring (CMP, CMR, CM, CMX, CATV, BL, BM)Installation methods within buildings: plenum, riser, and general-purpose locationsSeparation requirements between communications circuits and electric light/power conductorsOverhead and underground communications wires and cables entering buildingsAntenna systems for radio and television equipment: grounding, clearances, and protectors (Article 810)CATV coaxial cable systems: grounding, power limitations, and installation (Article 820)Network-powered and premises-powered broadband communications systems (Articles 830/840)
Fire Detection and Alarms Systems
2 Q · 2%
NPLFA vs. PLFA circuit classification and power source requirementsBranch circuit requirements and disconnect identification for fire alarm systemsOvercurrent protection for NPLFA and PLFA conductorsCable types, listings, and application locations (FPLP, FPLR, FPL, NPLFP, NPLFR, NPLF)Separation of PLFA circuits from power, Class 1, and non-power-limited conductorsCircuit integrity (CI) cable and fire-resistive cable system installation requirementsWiring methods for fire alarm cables in plenums, risers, hoistways, and general spacesFire alarm circuit identification, abandoned cable removal, and mechanical execution of work
Safety
4 Q · 4%
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) program requirements and proceduresEstablishing an electrically safe work condition (de-energization steps)Arc flash risk assessment and arc flash boundary determinationElectric shock risk assessment and approach boundaries (limited and restricted)Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and arc flash PPE categoriesEnergized electrical work permit requirements and elementsElectrical safety program requirements, training, and auditingSafe work practices for energized electrical work and personnel precautions
Key Distinctions
Escalator/Moving Walk Motor Duty RatingvsElevator/Dumbwaiter Motor Duty Rating
Escalator and moving walk driving machine motors are rated as CONTINUOUS duty (NEC 620.61(B)(2)), while elevator and dumbwaiter driving machine motors are rated as INTERMITTENT duty (NEC 620.61(B)(1)).
NEC 2020, Section 620.61(B)(2)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 installed per NEC 250.53(A)(2).
NEC, Section 250.53(A)(2)Termination Rating for Circuits ≤100 AvsTermination Rating for Circuits >100 A
Circuits rated over 100 amperes (or conductors larger than 1 AWG) must use 75°C (167°F) rated conductors at terminations; circuits 100 A and under default to 60°C unless equipment is listed for higher ratings per NEC 110.14(C)(1)(b).
NEC 110.14(C)(1)(b)Optional Dwelling Calc (NEC 220.82) – First 10 kVAvsOptional Dwelling Calc (NEC 220.82) – Remainder
The first 10 kVA of general loads is calculated at 100%, while all load beyond 10 kVA is calculated at only 40% per NEC 220.82(B).
NEC 220.82(B)Existing Dwelling Optional Calc – No New HVAC (NEC 220.83(A))vsOptional Dwelling Calc – New Construction (NEC 220.82(B))
NEC 220.83(A) (existing dwelling, no new AC/heating) applies 100% to first 8 kVA and 40% to remainder, while NEC 220.82(B) (optional new dwelling) applies 100% to first 10 kVA and 40% to remainder.
NEC 220.83(A)Feeder Disconnect – One-Family Dwelling (NEC 225.39(C))vsFeeder Disconnect – All Other Buildings (NEC 225.39(D))
A feeder disconnect supplying a one-family dwelling must be rated at least 100 amperes, 3-wire, while all other buildings (not one-circuit, two-circuit, or one-family) require a minimum of 60 amperes per NEC 225.39.
NEC 225.39(C)Feeder Disconnect – Two 2-Wire Circuits (NEC 225.39(B))vsFeeder Disconnect – One-Family Dwelling (NEC 225.39(C))
Installations with not more than two 2-wire branch circuits require a minimum 30-ampere disconnect, whereas a feeder to a one-family dwelling requires a minimum 100-ampere, 3-wire disconnect.
NEC 225.39(B)GFCI Protection (Dwelling Kitchen Countertop)vsAFCI Protection (Dwelling Kitchen Countertop)
NEC 210.8(A)(6) requires GFCI protection for receptacles serving countertop surfaces, while NEC 210.12(A) separately requires AFCI protection for all 120V 15/20A branch circuits supplying dwelling unit kitchen outlets—both are required simultaneously.
NEC 210.8(A)(6) and 210.12(A)Grounded Conductor at Separate Building – With EGC (NEC 250.32(B)(1))vsGrounded Conductor at Main Service
At a separate building supplied by a feeder where an EGC is run with the supply, the grounded conductor must NOT be connected to the grounding electrode or EGC at the separate structure; at the main service the grounded conductor is bonded to the grounding electrode system.
NEC 250.32(B)(1)Fixed Electric Space-Heating Load CalculationvsCommercial Kitchen Equipment Demand Factor
Fixed electric space-heating loads must be calculated at 100% of total connected load (NEC 220.51), while commercial kitchen equipment (6 or more units) may use a 65% demand factor per NEC Table 220.56.
NEC 220.51Branch Circuits ≤50 AvsBranch Circuits >50 A
Branch circuits 50 amperes and under may supply both lighting and nonlighting outlet loads, but branch circuits larger than 50 amperes shall supply only nonlighting outlet loads per NEC 210.23(D).
NEC 210.23(D)High-Impedance Grounded Neutral SystemvsStandard Solidly Grounded System
High-impedance grounded neutral systems are only permitted for 3-phase AC systems of 480–1000 volts and limit ground-fault current to a low value via impedance (NEC 250.36), whereas standard systems bond the neutral directly to the grounding electrode without impedance.
NEC 250.36Key Terms
Continuous Load NEC Article 100
A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more, per NEC Article 100.
Interrupting Rating NEC 110.9
The rating that equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels must have, at least equal to the current available at the line terminals of the equipment, per NEC 110.9.
Small-Appliance Branch Circuit (Dwelling) NEC 210.11(C)(1)
A minimum of two 20-ampere branch circuits required to serve all countertop receptacle outlets in a dwelling unit per NEC 210.11(C)(1) and 210.52(B).
Multiwire Branch Circuit Disconnect Requirement NEC 210.4(B)
Each multiwire branch circuit must have a means that simultaneously disconnects all ungrounded conductors at the point of origin, per NEC 210.4(B).
Optional Dwelling Unit Load Calculation (NEC 220.82) NEC 220.82(A)
An optional feeder/service calculation method applying 100% to the first 10 kVA of general loads and 40% to the remainder, available only when service/feeder conductors have an ampacity of 100 A or greater per NEC 220.82(A) and (B).
Demand Factor – General Lighting (Dwelling, First 3 kVA) NEC Table 220.42
Per NEC Table 220.42, the first 3,000 volt-amperes of general lighting load for a dwelling unit is applied at a 100% demand factor.
Overhead Conductor Clearance – Truck Traffic Areas NEC 225.18(4)
Open conductors of not over 1000 volts must maintain a minimum clearance of 5.5 m (18 ft) over public streets, roads, and areas subject to truck traffic, per NEC 225.18(4).
Overhead Conductor Clearance – Pedestrian Only NEC 225.18(1)
Open conductors not exceeding 150 volts to ground accessible to pedestrians only must have a minimum clearance of 3.0 m (10 ft) above finished grade per NEC 225.18(1).
Supplemental Grounding Electrode Rule NEC, Section 250.53(A)(2)
Per NEC 250.53(A)(2), a single ground rod must be supplemented by an additional electrode unless resistance to earth is measured at 25 ohms or less.
Main Bonding Jumper Screw Identification NEC 250.28(B)
Per NEC 250.28(B), a main bonding jumper or system bonding jumper that is a screw only must be identified with a GREEN finish visible with the screw installed.
Supply-Side Bonding Jumper (Separately Derived System) NEC 250.30(A)(2)
Per NEC 250.30(A)(2), if the source of a separately derived system and the first disconnecting means are in separate enclosures, a supply-side bonding jumper must be installed with the circuit conductors between those enclosures.
Prohibited Grounding Connection Method NEC 250.8(A) and 250.8(B)
Per NEC 250.8(B), connection devices or fittings that depend solely on solder shall NOT be used for connecting equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode conductors, or bonding jumpers.
Earth as Ground-Fault Current Path NEC 250.4(A)(5)
Per NEC 250.4(A)(5), the earth shall NOT be considered an effective ground-fault current path.
Grounded Conductor – Parallel Service Entrance Raceways NEC 250.24(C)(2)
Per NEC 250.24(C)(2), when ungrounded service-entrance conductors are run in parallel in two or more raceways, the grounded conductor in each raceway shall not be smaller than 1/0 AWG.
Common Grounding Electrode Conductor – Multiple Separately Derived Systems NEC 250.30(A)(6)(a)(1)
Per NEC 250.30(A)(6)(a)(1), a common grounding electrode conductor of the wire type for multiple separately derived systems shall not be smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum.
Vegetation as Conductor Support NEC 225.26
Per NEC 225.26, trees and other vegetation shall NOT be used for support of overhead conductor spans for outside branch circuits and feeders.
Formulas to Know
Optional Dwelling Load Calc (NEC 220.82(B))
Total Load = (100% × first 10 kVA) + (40% × remaining kVA)Existing Dwelling Optional Calc – No New HVAC (NEC 220.83(A))
Total Load = (100% × first 8 kVA) + (40% × remaining kVA)Commercial Kitchen Equipment Demand (NEC Table 220.56, 6+ units)
Demand Load = Total Connected Kitchen Equipment Load × 65%General Lighting Demand – Dwelling (NEC Table 220.42)
Demand Load = (100% × first 3,000 VA) + (reduced % × remainder per table)Fixed Electric Space-Heating Load (NEC 220.51)
Feeder/Service Load = Total Connected Heating Load × 100%Minimum Feeder Disconnect Rating – Two 2-Wire Circuits (NEC 225.39(B))
Minimum Disconnect Rating = 30 A (for ≤ two 2-wire branch circuits)Minimum Feeder Disconnect Rating – One-Family Dwelling (NEC 225.39(C))
Minimum Disconnect Rating = 100 A, 3-wireMaximum Disconnects per Supply – Building (NEC 225.33(A))
Maximum number of disconnects per supply = 6 switches or 6 circuit breakers