Virginia Master Electrician Practice Exam
Free Practice Exam
Test your knowledge with 10 questions from our pool of 20 free questions.
- 10 questions per attempt
- 30 minute time limit
- Unlimited attempts
- A new mix each time
- Instant results
Full Practice Exam
Complete exam simulation matching the real PSI test format.
- 90 questions (same as real exam)
- 270 minute time limit
- 24 topic areas covered
- 553 questions in pool
- Detailed explanations
Texts preferred · 9am–9pm Central
Virginia Master Electrician Practice Exam Guide
What's on the exam
Questions per topic, out of 90The Virginia Master Electrician exam is a working electrician's test with a law and business edge on it. The official outline runs from Standards of Practice, Standards of Conduct, Renewal and Reinstatement, Definitions, Qualification for Licensure and Revocation of Licensure through the bulk of the trade content: branch circuits, services and feeders, grounding and bonding, conductors and cables, raceways and boxes, motors and controls, special occupancies, signs, low voltage, communications, fire alarm and safety. It is an open book exam, so the skill being measured is how fast you find the right table and apply it, not how much you memorized.
We give you two ways to drill that. The free practice exam hands you 10 questions per attempt, and you can retake it as often as you like. The full practice exam gives you 90 questions with a time limit of 270 minutes, drawn fresh from our question bank on every attempt, so a second sitting is new work rather than a memory check.
Standards of Practice 3 items
These practice questions stay on the paperwork side of the trade. Expect an awarding authority requiring a bidder to submit a license or certificate number before a bid is considered (Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115(A)(6)), the "substantial identity of interest" test built on shared principals, controlling financial interest or the same designated employee (§ 54.1-1110), the recordkeeping duty that rides with an annual electrical permit (NEC 2020, Informative Annex H, Section 80.19(D)), and what unpaid penalty money does to department services (18 VAC 50-30-130(G)).
Standards of Conduct 2 items
These practice items draw mainly on the prohibited acts list. You will see the written report to the board after another state suspends or revokes a license (18 VAC 50-30-190(3)), false promises made to persuade a customer treated as misrepresentation rather than negligence or misconduct (18 VAC 50-30-190(7)), and the written notice owed after certain convictions (18 VAC 50-30-190(11)). One question tests Code language itself: mandatory rules use "shall" or "shall not" (NEC 2020, Section 90.5(A)).
Renewal and Reinstatement 2 items
Small topic, easy points if you know the regulation. Practice items ask how long a tradesman license with an electrical designation runs before it expires and how that date is measured (Page 22, 18 VAC 50-30-120 A), how many hours of continuing education on applicable building code changes are required per designation (Page 21), the renewal fee amount (Page 22, 18 VAC 50-30-120 G), and what happens once renewal requirements are not met within the grace period after expiration (Page 23).
Definitions 1 item
One scored item, but definitions leak into every other topic. Verified questions cover the multiwire branch circuit and its equal voltage to each ungrounded conductor (NEC 2020, Article 100, Definitions, Part I — Branch Circuit, Multiwire), "externally operable" against dead front, enclosed and guarded (Article 100, Definitions, Part I — Externally Operable), the three-hour threshold in the continuous load definition, and the supply-side bonding jumper against main, system and equipment bonding jumpers (NEC Article 100 — Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side).
Qualification for Licensure 1 item
Entry requirements out of the Individual License and Certification Regulations. Practice items ask what falls inside the regulatory definition of electrical work, including observation of installed systems to detect hazards and the need for adjustment, relocation or replacement (Page 7, 18 VAC 50-30-10), the years of practical experience paired with 240 hours of formal vocational training for journeyman examination (Page 11, 18 VAC 50-30-39(B)), the cap on continuing education credited toward vocational training (Page 17, 18 VAC 50-30-48), and one examination exemption date (Page 17, 18 VAC 50-30-50(A)(2)).
Revocation of Licensure 1 item
Expect the same "substantial identity of interest" language used as a basis for denial or revocation (§ 54.1-1110), practicing in a classification or specialty service you are not licensed or certified for, such as fire alarm work without the certification (18 VAC 50-30-190(14)), the board's authority over an electrical inspector's authorization to inspect within a jurisdiction (NEC 2020, Informative Annex H, Section 80.27(D)), and the written reporting window after a qualifying conviction (18 VAC 50-30-190(11)).
General Electrical Knowledge 4 items
Foundation material. The verified questions define ampacity as the maximum current a conductor carries continuously without exceeding its temperature rating (NEC 2020, Article 100, Definitions), require all electrodes present at a building to be bonded together into one grounding electrode system (NEC 2020, Section 250.50), limit multiwire branch circuits to line-to-neutral loads unless all ungrounded conductors are opened simultaneously by the branch-circuit overcurrent device or the circuit supplies only one utilization equipment (NEC 2020, Section 210.4(C)), and stop neutral continuity in a multiwire branch circuit from depending on a device connection (NEC 2020, Section 300.13(B)).
Requirements for Electrical Installations 3 items
Working space and physical protection carry this topic. Practice items ask for the depth in front of a 240-volt panel and the clearance for a 480-volt switchboard with exposed live parts front and rear (NEC 2020, Section 110.26(A)(1), Table 110.26(A)(1)), the minimum free conductor left at each outlet, junction and switch point (NEC 2020, Section 300.14), and the setback of a bored hole from the edge of a wood member (NEC 2020, Section 300.4(A)(1)).
Electrical-Electronic Fundamentals 5 items
A mix of identification, clearances and demand factors. Verified questions cover identification of an insulated grounded conductor 6 AWG or smaller (NEC 2020, Section 200.6(A)), overhead service conductor clearance over streets and areas subject to truck traffic (NEC 230.24(B)(4)), the demand factor permitted for four or more fastened-in-place appliances in a dwelling (NEC 220.53), and the number of switches or circuit breakers permitted per supply grouped in one location (NEC 225.33(A)).
Branch Circuits 7 items
Heavy topic, dwelling-unit focused. Practice items ask how many 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits a dwelling needs and which outlets they serve (NEC 210.11(C)(1); NEC 210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B)), the simultaneous disconnect required for each multiwire branch circuit at its origin (NEC 210.4(B)), and GFCI protection for receptacles in non-dwelling kitchens and areas with a sink and food preparation provisions (NEC 210.8(B)(2)). One item is a straight single-phase voltage drop calculation on a long feeder.
Service and Feeders 8 items
The biggest calculation block, along with Grounding and Motors. You convert a calculated VA load at 240 volts into a minimum service or feeder ampacity, apply the optional dwelling method of 100 percent of the first 10 kVA plus 40 percent of the remainder (NEC 220.82(B)), read the first 3,000 volt-amperes of dwelling lighting load at 100 percent (NEC Table 220.42), count disconnects per supply (NEC 225.33(A)), and set overhead clearance for open conductors over truck traffic (NEC 225.18(4)).
Grounding and Bonding 8 items
Expect electrode material questions where one listed material is not permitted as an electrode, the size cap on a grounding electrode conductor run to a driven rod, the voltage range in which a high-impedance grounded neutral system is permitted (NEC 250.36), the minimum grounded conductor in each raceway when service-entrance conductors are paralleled (NEC 250.24(C)(2)), the minimum common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems (NEC 250.30(A)(6)(a)(1)), and equipment grounding conductor sizing against the overcurrent device rating.
Conductors and Cables 7 items
Table work. One item sizes a one-family dwelling service using the 83 percent allowance and the 75°C copper column (NEC 310.12(A) and Table 310.12(A) (2017 NEC: 310.15(B)(7)); Table 310.16; 240.6(A)). Others list the five characteristics paralleled conductors must share (NEC 2020, Section 310.10(G)(2)), sort permitted from prohibited uses of Type NM cable (NEC 2020, Sections 334.10(A) and 334.12), require conductors 8 AWG and larger in raceways to be stranded (NEC 310.3(C)), and run a voltage drop estimate.
Raceways and Boxes 7 items
Installation detail and fill math. Verified questions cover the one piece of equipment EMT may support, the minimum length of a pull box in a straight pull with conductors 4 AWG or larger (NEC 314.28(A)(1)), the volume allowance per 12 AWG conductor (Table 314.16(B)), the maximum setback of a cabinet front edge in concrete or other noncombustible walls (NEC 312.3), and the box type that may not be used where locknuts or bushings land on the side (NEC 314.2).
Special Occupancies 4 items
Classified locations and health care. Practice items ask the minimum number of branch circuits at a patient bed location, the Class II group equivalent to Group IIIC combustible metal dust (NEC 506.6(A)), the height below which arcing equipment in a commercial garage must be totally enclosed or built to prevent the escape of sparks or hot metal particles (NEC 511.7(B)(1)(a)), and which article governs fuel-dispensing units inside a building plus the ventilation interlock that goes with them (NEC 511.4(B)(1)).
Special Equipment 2 items
Nameplate reading and specialty loads. One item makes you size conductors from a marked MCA rather than the MOCP on an air-conditioning unit. Others set the supply voltage limit between conductors for elevators, escalators and similar equipment (NEC 2020, Section 620.3), the overcurrent rating for a branch circuit supplying electric vehicle supply equipment treated as continuous duty (NEC 2020, Section 625.41), and the calculated load per electrified truck parking space (NEC 2020, Section 626.11(A)).
Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting 2 items
Sign questions run to power supplies and neon secondary wiring: the maximum secondary-circuit current rating for sign transformers and electronic power supplies (NEC 600.23(D)), the length limit on secondary conductors from a high-voltage terminal to the first neon tube electrode in metal conduit (NEC 600.32(J)(1)), and spacing of nonmetallic conduit from grounded or bonded parts at 100 Hz or less (NEC 600.32(A)(4)). One verified item in this block classifies the area outside a closed-top, open-face spray booth opening (NEC 516.5(D)(2)).
Motors and Controls 8 items
Another eight-item block, centered on Article 430 and its tables, with hermetic motor-compressor and adjustable-speed drive requirements as well. You size branch-circuit conductors at 125 percent of a single motor's full-load current (NEC 430.22(A)), size line-side conductors for a multispeed motor from nameplate ratings (NEC 2020, Section 430.22), size a feeder from the largest motor plus the rest (NEC 430.24), read full-load current from NEC Table 430.250, and set fuse ratings for time-delay and nontime-delay types, rounding up where the calculation misses a standard size (NEC Table 430.52, NEC 430.52(C)(1), NEC 240.6(A)).
Utilization Equipment 5 items
The verified questions here lean toward classified locations and special equipment wiring: the classification inside a temporary membrane enclosure used for spray application (NEC 516.18), the contacts that may not be depended on for bonding in Zone 20, 21 and 22 locations (NEC 506.25(A)), the minimum conductor size supplying professional-type arc and xenon projector outlets (NEC 540.13), and the condition under which the area outside spray booth access doors is unclassified with automated equipment (NEC 516.5(D)(4)(2)).
Lighting 2 items
Small block, Article 410 and 411. Practice items cover the replacement luminaire exception where no equipment grounding conductor exists at the outlet (NEC 2020, Section 410.44), clearance from clothes closet storage space for a surface-mounted luminaire with a completely enclosed light source (NEC 2020, Section 410.16(C)(1)), the output circuit rating of a low-voltage lighting system power supply under all load conditions (NEC 2020, Section 411.3), and the minimum size permitted for fixture wire (NEC 2020, Section 402.6).
General Low Voltage Requirements 1 item
One scored item, and our practice questions come at it from several directions. Verified questions set the maximum branch circuit rating supplying an Article 411 lighting system (NEC, Section 411.7), the receptacle rating required in kitchens and laundries on circuits operating at less than 50 volts (NEC, Section 720.7), the separation or cable-type option for Class 2 conductors sharing an enclosure with associated power conductors (NEC, Section 725.136(D)), and separation from lightning conductors where practicable (NEC, Section 800.53).
Communication Systems 1 item
Our communications practice items center on separation and length limits: clearance from lightning conductors on buildings (NEC 2020, Section 800.53), separation of coaxial cable attached to buildings from light, power, Class 1 or non-power-limited fire alarm conductors not in raceway or cable (NEC 2020, Section 820.44(B)(1)), the minimum bonding or grounding electrode conductor size for a receiving station antenna system, and how far unlisted outside plant communications cable may run inside from the point of entrance (NEC 2020, Section 805.48).
Fire Detection and Alarms Systems 2 items
Per the outline, this block covers NPLFA versus PLFA circuit classification and power sources, branch circuit and disconnect identification for fire alarm systems, overcurrent protection for the two circuit types, cable listings and where each may be applied, separation of PLFA circuits from power and Class 1 conductors, circuit integrity and fire-resistive cable installation, wiring in plenums, risers and hoistways, and abandoned cable removal. Learn the cable letter families cold; they read almost alike under time pressure.
Safety 4 items
Four items out of the workplace safety standard. The outline lists lockout/tagout program requirements and procedures, the steps that establish an electrically safe work condition, arc flash risk assessment and arc flash boundary determination, shock risk assessment with limited and restricted approach boundaries, PPE selection and arc flash PPE categories, the elements of an energized electrical work permit, program training and auditing requirements, and safe work practices for energized work.
Sample 1 — Service and Feeders
Question: A dwelling load calculates to 46,200 VA at 240V. What is minimum service rating?
- A. 150A
- B. 175A
- C. 200A
- D. 225A
Correct Answer: C
Two steps, no shortcuts. Divide the calculated volt-amperes by the system voltage: 46,200 ÷ 240 = 192.5 amperes. That current is the demand, not the service rating, so you move up to the next standard rating, which lands you at 200 amperes. Do the division, then round up.
Sample 2 — Grounding and Bonding
Question: A branch circuit protected by a 150A OCPD feeds metal boxes. What is minimum copper EGC size?
- A. 6 AWG
- B. 4 AWG
- C. 2 AWG
- D. 1 AWG
Correct Answer: A
This is a single table lookup driven by the rating of the overcurrent device ahead of the circuit, not by the circuit conductor size. Enter the equipment grounding conductor sizing table at 150 amperes and read the copper column: 6 AWG. The larger options look safe, and that is the trap. Confirm the row you are on covers a 150-ampere device and that you are in the copper column before you mark it.
Sample 3 — Motors and Controls
Question: A feeder supplies: 20 HP motor (FLA=27A), 15 HP motor (FLA=22A), 10 HP motor (FLA=17A). What is the minimum conductor ampacity?
- A. 75A
- B. 70A
- C. 80A
- D. 85A
Correct Answer: A
Feeder conductors supplying several motors take 125 percent of the largest motor's full-load current plus the full-load currents of the rest (NEC 430.24). So 27 × 1.25 = 33.75 amperes, then add 22 and 17 for 39 amperes, giving about 73 amperes. The answer that covers that is 75 amperes. Option B is short of the calculated value, and the higher answers come from applying 125 percent to every motor instead of only the largest one.
The number that matters on the real exam is 63 correct answers out of 90 scored questions. Score your practice attempt against that and nothing else, and treat the first sitting as a diagnostic rather than a verdict. What you want out of attempt one is the topic breakdown, not the total.
Read that breakdown against the outline item counts. Service and Feeders, Grounding and Bonding, and Motors and Controls are eight items apiece; Branch Circuits, Conductors and Cables, and Raceways and Boxes are seven each. Those six topics are half the scored exam. A weak showing there costs you far more than a miss in Definitions, Qualification for Licensure, Revocation of Licensure, General Low Voltage Requirements or Communication Systems, which are one item each. Fix the eights and sevens first.
Then look at how you missed. A missed calculation means practicing the steps. A missed table lookup means you need to know where that table lives in your references. Retake the full practice exam under the clock, and watch whether your total climbs because you are faster in the book or because you are guessing better. Only the first one holds up on exam day.
Stopping at the calculated amperes. Service and Feeders questions hand you a volt-ampere figure and a voltage, and the division gives a number like 192.5 amperes. The raw calculated number and the next size down are both easy traps. Convert, then move to the next standard rating. The same discipline saves you on motor fuse questions, where you round up to a standard size after applying the Table 430.52 percentage.
Ignoring the dwelling service allowance. In Conductors and Cables, sizing a one-family 120/240-volt service straight out of the 75°C copper column overshoots by a full trade size. The permitted 83 percent of the service rating (NEC 310.12(A) and Table 310.12(A)) is the whole point of the question, and the distractor is exactly the conductor you get without it.
Applying 125 percent to every motor. On a feeder serving several motors, only the largest gets the 125 percent bump; the others come in at full-load current (NEC 430.24). Adding the multiplier across the board pushes your result too high. And for a single motor branch circuit, the 125 percent does apply (NEC 430.22(A)) — know which question you are answering.
Picking the wrong working-space condition. Requirements for Electrical Installations questions give you the voltage and then describe what is across from the equipment. Exposed live parts on both sides of the working space is a different condition than a grounded surface, and Table 110.26(A)(1) changes with both voltage and condition. Read the scenario twice, pick the condition, then read the row.
Putting kitchen countertops on a 15-ampere circuit. In Branch Circuits, the distractor is the reasonable-sounding general-purpose circuit. The required small-appliance branch circuits serving dwelling countertop receptacles are 20-ampere circuits, and there must be at least two of them (NEC 210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B)). Same trap shows up around GFCI protection in non-dwelling kitchens, where the answer is GFCI, not AFCI (NEC 210.8(B)(2)).
Reading the book instead of the clock. Open book cuts both ways. 270 minutes for 90 questions works out to about 3 minutes per question, and a single unfamiliar table can eat far more than that. Answer what you know from experience, flag the lookups, and come back. Practice under the full clock so the pace becomes habit rather than a surprise.
| Questions | 90 questions |
| Time limit | 270 minutes |
| Passing score | 63 correct answers out of 90 scored questions |
| Books in the exam room | Open book |
| Exam fee | $125 |
- 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.