Virginia Journeyman Electrician

Virginia Journeyman Electrician

If you wire houses, storefronts, or plants in Virginia and you want your own journeyman card, the exam stands between you and that card. This guide tells you what the test covers, what the questions look like, and how to study so you walk out of the test center done with it.

Virginia Journeyman Electrician License: Everything You Need to Pass the Exam in 2026

The Virginia Journeyman Electrician license is issued by the Virginia Board for Contractors through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. You can read the agency's own material at the licensing agency website. The exam itself is delivered by PSI, which also handles registration. The official bulletin carries the current administrative details.

The regulations list what electrical work includes (the list is not exhaustive), and the exam expects you to know it: planning and layout, measuring, cutting, bending, threading, assembling and installing electrical conduits, maintenance on electrical systems, observation of installed systems or apparatus to detect hazards and the need for adjustments, relocation or replacement, and repairing faulty systems (18 VAC 50-30-10).

Experience and training are tied together in the entry rules. An applicant for examination to be licensed as a journeyman electrician with 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade needs four years of practical experience; with 160 hours of training, five years (18 VAC 50-30-39(B)). Board-approved continuing education counts toward the formal vocational training requirement up to a maximum of 40 hours (18 VAC 50-30-48).

This is an open book exam. That changes how you prepare — you are not memorizing every number, you are learning to find numbers fast.

Exam Overview

Here are the exam's current details:

On exam day

• You must present one valid, non-expired photo and signature identification whose first and last name match your registration.
• You should arrive at the examination site at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
• Candidates must bring their own bound, unmarked reference books, and although any edition of a reference may be used, Code questions are based only on the listed edition of the Code book.
• Highlighting, underlining and indexing before the exam are permitted, writing in references is not, and only permanent tabs may be used.
• Handheld calculators are prohibited items at the examination.
• Test center candidates receive an LCD writing tablet for notes, remote candidates may not have scratch paper, and personal items such as electronic devices, paper and writing devices are prohibited.

References you may bring

• Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations
• National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 (2020)
• Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, NFPA 70E

Scheduling, changes and retakes

• Candidates register and schedule either by calling PSI at (855) 340-3910 or online at https://test-takers.psiexams.com/vacon.
• You must be approved by the Board before testing, and your examination fee is valid for one year from the date of payment.
• You keep your fee only if PSI receives your cancellation notice two days before the exam date, made through the PSI website or by speaking with a representative at (855) 340-3910.
• Missing the appointment, arriving late, not being checked in by the start time, or lacking proper ID results in forfeiture of the examination fee.
• Your score appears on screen at the end of the exam and is emailed, with a diagnostic report included for failing candidates.
• You may not rebook on the same day you tested, but may be able to retest within two business days if space is available.

Source: Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Individual License and Certification Candidate Information Bulletin, 7/23/2026. Check the bulletin before test day: fees and rules can change.

Topics Covered on the Virginia Journeyman Electrician Exam

The official outline breaks the exam into these topics, heaviest first.

Conductors and Cables — 7 items (10%). Where cable types are permitted and where they are not. Type NM, for example, is permitted to be installed or fished in air voids in masonry block or tile walls (NEC 2020, Sections 334.10(A) and 334.12). Also minimum conductor size — 14 AWG copper for ratings up to and including 2000 volts (NEC 2020, Section 310.3(A)) — stranding of 8 AWG and larger in raceways (NEC 2020, Section 310.3(C)), identification of grounded conductors 6 AWG and smaller (NEC 2020, Section 200.6(A)), securing Type MC at intervals not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft) (NEC 2020, Section 330.30(B)), and the rules for conductors in parallel.

Raceways and Boxes — 7 items (10%). Pull and junction box sizing: in a straight pull with conductors 4 AWG or larger, the box length is not less than eight times the trade size of the largest raceway (NEC 314.28(A)(1)). Bends between pull points in IMC top out at the equivalent of four quarter bends, 360 degrees (NEC 342.26). EMT may support a conduit body no larger than the largest trade size of the tubing (NEC, Section 358.12(2)). Working space depth also shows up here — 3 ft for 151–600V, Condition 1 (NEC 2026, Table 110.26(A)(1)).

Grounding and Bonding — 6 items (9%). Aluminum is not permitted as a grounding electrode (NEC, Section 250.52(B)). Where service-entrance conductors are paralleled in two or more raceways, the grounded conductor in each is not smaller than 1/0 AWG (NEC 250.24(C)(2)). A common grounding electrode conductor of the wire type for multiple separately derived systems is not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum (NEC 250.30(A)(6)(a)(1)). High-impedance grounded neutral systems are permitted on 3-phase systems of 480 to 1000 volts (NEC 250.36). A detached structure fed by a feeder needs its own grounding electrode system (NEC 250.32(A)).

Service and Feeders — 5 items (7%). Disconnects per supply at a structure: not more than six switches or six circuit breakers (NEC 2020, Section 225.33(A)). Optional dwelling calculations use 100 percent of the first 10 kVA plus 40 percent of the remainder (NEC 2020, Section 220.82(B)). Expect load math that ends in picking a standard overcurrent device size, plus transfer equipment rules for emergency and legally required standby systems.

Motors and Controls — 5 items (7%). Conductors for a single continuous-duty motor: not less than 125 percent of full-load current (NEC 2020, Section 430.22). Multispeed motors use the highest nameplate full-load current on the line side of the controller (NEC 2020, Section 430.22(B)). Wye-start, delta-run conductors between controller and motor: 72 percent (NEC 2020, Section 430.22(C)). Feeders for several motors: 125 percent of the largest motor plus the sum of the rest (NEC 2020, Section 430.24).

Branch Circuits — 4 items (6%). Nominal voltages used in branch-circuit and feeder calculations (NEC 2020, Section 220.5(A)), Edison-base fuseholders made to accept Type S fuses with adapters (NEC 2020, Section 240.52), and Type SE cable used for interior wiring following Part II of Article 334 (NEC 2020, Section 338.10(B)(4)(a)).

Utilization Equipment — 4 items (6%). Cord length for an in-sink waste disposer, 18 to 36 inches (NEC, Section 422.16(B)(1)). Branch circuits supplying two or more outlets for fixed electric space-heating equipment, rated not over 30 amperes (NEC, Section 424.4(A)). Closet luminaire clearances and motor conductor sizing repeat here.

Safety — 4 items (6%). Lockout/tagout and employer responsibilities, establishing and verifying an electrically safe work condition, arc flash risk assessment and the arc flash boundary, PPE selection, shock approach boundaries, energized work permits, and safety-related maintenance.

Standards of Practice — 3 items (4%). An awarding authority shall require a bidder to submit his license or certificate number before considering a bid (Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115(A)(6)). Holders of an annual electrical permit keep records of all work done and transmit them periodically to the electrical inspector (NEC 2020, Informative Annex H, Section 80.19(D)). Unpaid penalties assessed by order delay or withhold renewal, reinstatement, and new application processing (18 VAC 50-30-130(G)).

Special Occupancies — 3 items (4%). Group IIIC is equivalent to Class II, Group E (NEC 506.6(A)). Arcing equipment less than 3.7 m (12 ft) above a commercial garage floor must be totally enclosed or built to contain sparks (NEC 511.7(B)(1)(a)). Inside a spray application membrane enclosure, the area is Class I, Division 1 (NEC 516.18).

General Electrical Knowledge — 3 items (4%). Ampacity and other Article 100 terms, bonding all electrodes present into one grounding electrode system (NEC 2020, Section 250.50), and multiwire branch circuit limits (NEC 2020, Section 210.4(C)).

Standards of Conduct — 2 items (3%). Reporting a suspension or revocation by another state in writing (18 VAC 50-30-190(3)), misrepresentation and false promises (18 VAC 50-30-190(7)), and informing the board in writing within 30 days of a qualifying conviction (18 VAC 50-30-190(11)).

Requirements for Electrical Installations — 2 items (3%). At least 6 in. of free conductor at each outlet, junction, and switch point (NEC 2020, Section 300.14); bored holes not less than 1-1/4 in. from the edge of the wood member (NEC 2020, Section 300.4(A)(1)); 75°C termination limits over 100 amperes (NEC 2020, Section 110.14(C)(1)(b)).

Electrical-Electronic Fundamentals — 2 items (3%). The earth is not an effective ground-fault current path (NEC 2020, Section 250.4(A)(5)); SPD line and grounding conductors not smaller than 14 AWG copper or 12 AWG aluminum (NEC 2020, Section 242.28).

Special Equipment — 2 items (3%). Elevator supply not over 300 volts between conductors (NEC 2020, Section 620.3), EVSE overcurrent protection at 125 percent (NEC 2020, Section 625.41), 11 kVA per electrified truck parking space (NEC 2020, Section 626.11(A)), and 2½ ft working space at crane controls (NEC 2020, Section 610.57).

Lighting — 2 items (3%). Closet luminaire clearance of 12 in. for surface-mounted enclosed sources (NEC 2020, Section 410.16(C)(1)), luminaire replacement where no equipment grounding conductor exists (NEC 2020, Section 410.44), 25-ampere maximum output on low-voltage power supplies (NEC 2020, Section 411.3), and 18 AWG minimum fixture wire (NEC 2020, Section 402.6).

Renewal and Reinstatement — 2 items (3%). Tradesman licenses issued to electricians expire three years from the last day of the month in which they were issued (18 VAC 50-30-120 A). Renewal requires three hours of continuing education on applicable building code changes. Miss the 30-day window and reinstatement applies.

Definitions — 1 item (1%). Multiwire branch circuit, externally operable, and continuous load — a load where maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more (NEC 2020, Article 100 (Definitions, Part I — Continuous Load)).

Qualification for Licensure — 1 item (1%). Training and experience tiers and the definition of electrical work.

Revocation of Licensure — 1 item (1%). Substantial identity of interest (§ 54.1-1110), practicing in a classification or specialty service you are not licensed or certified for (18 VAC 50-30-190(14)), and the Board's authority over an inspector's authority to inspect (NEC 2020, Informative Annex H, Section 80.27(D)).

Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting — 1 item (1%). Conduit for neon secondary wiring over 1000 volts of at least metric designator 16 (trade size 1/2) (NEC 2020, Section 600.32(A)(3)), 1/4 in. spacing to the nearest surface (NEC 2020, Section 600.41(C)), and overhead clearances (NEC 2020, Section 225.18(4)).

General Low Voltage Requirements — 1 item (1%). Article 411 systems supplied from a maximum 20-ampere branch circuit (NEC, Section 411.7), 20-ampere receptacles for under-50-volt circuits in kitchens and laundries (NEC, Section 720.7), and Class 2 separation in shared enclosures (NEC, Section 725.136(D)).

Communication Systems — 1 item (1%). 6 ft separation from lightning conductors where practicable (NEC 2020, Section 800.53), 4 in. separation for coax attached to buildings (NEC 2020, Section 820.44(B)(1)), and the 50 ft limit on unlisted outside plant cable inside a building (NEC 2020, Section 805.48).

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems — 1 item (1%). Red identification on the disconnecting means, accessible only to qualified personnel, marked "FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT" (NEC, Section 760.41(B)).

Sample Virginia Journeyman Electrician Practice Test Questions

Try these cold, then look them up in your Code book. For more questions, take our free practice exam.

1. When conductors are installed in parallel, which of the following is NOT one of the required characteristics that paralleled conductors in each phase must share?

A. Same conductor material
B. Same length
C. Same insulation type
D. Same color identification marking

Tests the parallel conductor rules in Article 310.

2. If fire alarm circuits are installed in metallic raceways, the raceway must:

A. Serve as the sole ground return path
B. Have separate grounding electrode
C. Be bonded to ground at both ends
D. Only be bonded at the panel

Tests fire alarm circuit installation and raceway bonding.

3. For a grounded AC system, the main bonding jumper screw shall be identified by what means?

A. A red finish visible with the screw installed
B. A green finish visible with the screw installed
C. A white finish visible with the screw installed
D. A copper finish visible with the screw installed

Tests main bonding jumper identification in Article 250.

4. A dwelling has 112,500 VA load at 240V. What is minimum service OCPD?

A. 600A
B. 400A
C. 450A
D. 500A

Tests service load math and picking a standard overcurrent device rating.

What Types of Questions to Expect

Our practice questions are mostly four-option multiple choice. Some are true/false statements, such as whether mandatory rules use "shall" and "shall not." Others are short scenario questions: you are on a job, here is the condition, what does the Code require. A handful are straight calculations — volt-amperes divided by voltage, percentages of full-load current, box and pull box sizing.

You get 70 questions and 210 minutes. Passing takes 49 correct answers out of 70 scored questions. That works out to about 3 minutes per question, which sounds generous until you spend ten minutes hunting one table.

The exam is open book. That means the winning skill is lookup speed, not recall.

Study Materials for the Virginia Journeyman Electrician Exam

• NEC 2020 — the National Electrical Code, required. This is the book most of the exam lives in.
• Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, NFPA 70E — required for the safety topic: electrically safe work conditions, arc flash, PPE, approach boundaries.
• Virginia Contractor License Regulations — the Board for Contractors Individual License and Certification Regulations, required for standards of practice, standards of conduct, qualification, renewal, and revocation questions.
• Redi-Tag Permanent White Tabs — divider tabs for building an index to your books so you can find a section without flipping.
• Sharpie Highlighters — chisel-tip fluorescent highlighters for marking the tables and sections you use most.

Study Tips for the VA PSI Exam

Spend your time where the points are. Conductors and cables, raceways and boxes, grounding and bonding, and service and feeders together make up a big slice of the test. Work those first and work them hardest.

Practice finding, not memorizing. For every rule you study, close the book, then open it and time yourself getting back to that page. Do it until your hands know the route. Build your index around the tables you use on the job — ampacity, box fill, working space, motor protection.

Watch the clock. At about 3 minutes per question, you cannot afford to camp on one item. Answer what you know first, flag the long calculations, and come back. If a question names an article, go straight to it instead of reading the whole chapter.

Drill the Virginia regulation material separately. Those questions are about timeframes, fees, terms, and prohibited acts, and they read nothing like Code questions. A week of steady reading covers them.

Finally, take full-length runs. A Virginia journeyman electrician practice test under real time teaches you pacing better than any tip on this page.

Ready to Get Started?

Our practice exams mirror the real outline topic by topic, so the weight of your practice matches the weight of the test. Each full practice exam gives you 70 questions with answers and explanations tied to the Code section behind them.

Start with the free practice exam — 10 questions, no charge — and see where you stand before you schedule. Then keep your NEC, NFPA 70E, and the Virginia regulations open beside you while you drill. Work the book while you work the questions, and the Virginia Journeyman Electrician license is well within reach.