A little embarrassing to even ask, but here goes. I have been "installing" electrical wiring in residential settings for a little over 18 years now. I have worked in commercial buildings and installed backup generators also. But the thought of taking a license test is all but absurd to me. I learned everything I know on the job, no codes, no mentoring, no classes, just repetitive installations. I have only had one job turned down in 18 years, but would like to do something with this work, rather than just installing and living from check to check. How in the world does someone even begin to take an unlimited test without having any experience whatsoever with 3 phase work, motors, etc? Reading the code book is often like trying to speak Russian to a Chinese because I don't have a clue what most of it is dealing with. But, I am pretty good hands on, just don't know how to gain the knowledge needed for the test. And, for 18 years, I have looked down on people who have taken the test and passed, but cannot install a receptacle. So, I've worked my way into a jam. Any thoughts on where to go from here? I have no intention of opening up a large company with many employees, just trying to earn a living for me and my wife.
how to do it?
- Thread starter daver828
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Michael15956
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Ohio
Daver,
I would suggest to purchase a couple of code test books to help you study for the test. They will break down to code for you in language you can understand and help you pass the test.
Personally, I went though five code test reference books and passed the test the first time without any problems. Also, had 90 minutes left at the end of the test to review all the questions.
I would suggest to purchase a couple of code test books to help you study for the test. They will break down to code for you in language you can understand and help you pass the test.
Personally, I went though five code test reference books and passed the test the first time without any problems. Also, had 90 minutes left at the end of the test to review all the questions.
russ
Senior Member
- Location
- Burbank IL
The code book can be intimidating. It can be mastered if your a little patient.
Most of us have found out how little we had known as we started out here ourself.
I think you should start with the first four chapters. They are the most used portions of the code book.
So far your on the right track, you're here to learn.
The people on this forum are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions on parts of the code your having trouble understanding.
Most of us have found out how little we had known as we started out here ourself.
I think you should start with the first four chapters. They are the most used portions of the code book.
So far your on the right track, you're here to learn.
The people on this forum are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions on parts of the code your having trouble understanding.
electricalperson
Senior Member
- Location
- massachusetts
check at your local vocational high school sometimes they offer night classes for people wanting to get a journeyman license. the way i passed my test was i studied for 4 -5 hours a night for a month straight before the test. ive done a couple workbooks and just read the code book back to front over and over until i could understand most of it. sounds boring but it pays off trust me
also they do make some electrical reference books you could buy to read up on stuff you dont know too much about to learn more
also they do make some electrical reference books you could buy to read up on stuff you dont know too much about to learn more
russ
Senior Member
- Location
- Burbank IL
The NEC has a companion book called the Hand Book.
It contains the full code book, but has highlighted paragraphs after the code section, which gives an opinion of what they think is the intention of that code.
There are also some picture examples of code compliant uses of certain codes.
It contains the full code book, but has highlighted paragraphs after the code section, which gives an opinion of what they think is the intention of that code.
There are also some picture examples of code compliant uses of certain codes.
Cavie
Senior Member
- Location
- SW Florida
Check with your state. You may be able to get a residential license. You may be able to pass that test with your knowlege. I worked 10 years doing 90% residential work.
start here
start here
register for the test, take it, see how you do,
it's not as hard as you think,
this will show you how far you have to go. pick up mike holts nec exam/ book,
his book is tougher than the test imo, if you can answer his question and answer sections, you should do ok on your exam.
good luck
start here
register for the test, take it, see how you do,
it's not as hard as you think,
this will show you how far you have to go. pick up mike holts nec exam/ book,
his book is tougher than the test imo, if you can answer his question and answer sections, you should do ok on your exam.
good luck
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
In addition to what the others have said, I'd look for someone around your shop willing to study with you. Just yesterday I snared three guys wanting to study towards their test; all they had to do was ask. I'm not really good at teaching, but half the battle is getting the book open and going through some code to get more familiar with it, in many cases.
Last night, they had some 210.23 homework, since it was fairly fresh in mind.
You've been a member of the forum for some time, if you keep your NEC beside you and really scrutinize the discussions, looking for errors and checking all the references mentioned in the discussions, that should help a lot.
See if you can get other guys to do "stupid question of the day" at lunch: one guy flips around the NEC, looking for a question to ask, and the rest go looking for the reference, like a race (if there's enough NECs for that on the job). That can be entertaining, and also get that book cracked.
Last night, they had some 210.23 homework, since it was fairly fresh in mind.
You've been a member of the forum for some time, if you keep your NEC beside you and really scrutinize the discussions, looking for errors and checking all the references mentioned in the discussions, that should help a lot.
See if you can get other guys to do "stupid question of the day" at lunch: one guy flips around the NEC, looking for a question to ask, and the rest go looking for the reference, like a race (if there's enough NECs for that on the job). That can be entertaining, and also get that book cracked.
Krim
Senior Member
- Location
- Maryland's Eastern Shore
Yes,
I highly recommend buying one of the NEC Handbooks , it shows (in pictures) alot of the questionable as well as unquestionable electrical practices in a way that assures that the point or topic of discussion gets across in laymens terms as well as through illustrations . I had purchased one about a year before I even got involved in the trade just to get a better understanding of what the electrical trade consisted of in more detail. The last one I bought was in 2002 and so I'd pre-ordered the 2008 Handbook back in October through Amazon. It is expensive , but in my opinion well worth the cost every few years to purchase.
Carl
I highly recommend buying one of the NEC Handbooks , it shows (in pictures) alot of the questionable as well as unquestionable electrical practices in a way that assures that the point or topic of discussion gets across in laymens terms as well as through illustrations . I had purchased one about a year before I even got involved in the trade just to get a better understanding of what the electrical trade consisted of in more detail. The last one I bought was in 2002 and so I'd pre-ordered the 2008 Handbook back in October through Amazon. It is expensive , but in my opinion well worth the cost every few years to purchase.
Carl
Krim
Senior Member
- Location
- Maryland's Eastern Shore
hillbilly said:
AMEN, Steve.
Carl
crossman
Senior Member
- Location
- Southeast Texas
Also, don't neglect the electrical theory. To understand the NEC, rather than just "memorize" the rules and where to find them, you need to know why the rules are in place. And knowing why makes it easier to remember. At least it is for me. This is especially true of article 250.
And, many JW tests have elementary theory calcs on them.
And, many JW tests have elementary theory calcs on them.
resistance
Senior Member
- Location
- WA
The key is what crossman said, "where to find!" It's not about reading the NEC from front to back, or memorizing the entire book (not practical, or possible). The best way to learn, is to learn how to find things in the NEC.
It's also based on what's on the exam, and who's giving it. Start by doing your homework first. Which will involve: 1. Who's giving the exam 2. What's on the exam. Etc. Etc........
I say do your own homework when gathering information on exam information. This way you want get conflicting information. Start with your local authority (example: State Department), then go from there.
Also, it's a false assumption for someone to feel they can pass the residential exam because they have a specific amount of time on the job! ***I've heard this before, and these same people still haven't passed their residential journeyman’s exam after 3 years.
You will go into the test area with better confidence if you dedicate time to studying. Come here for questions that aren't clear, and trust me, you will get a lucid answer in the end!
It's also based on what's on the exam, and who's giving it. Start by doing your homework first. Which will involve: 1. Who's giving the exam 2. What's on the exam. Etc. Etc........
I say do your own homework when gathering information on exam information. This way you want get conflicting information. Start with your local authority (example: State Department), then go from there.
Also, it's a false assumption for someone to feel they can pass the residential exam because they have a specific amount of time on the job! ***I've heard this before, and these same people still haven't passed their residential journeyman’s exam after 3 years.
You will go into the test area with better confidence if you dedicate time to studying. Come here for questions that aren't clear, and trust me, you will get a lucid answer in the end!
resistance
Senior Member
- Location
- WA
PS: I admire your honesty!
Also, what state are you in? Let us know this, and we can get you started.
Also, what state are you in? Let us know this, and we can get you started.
The forum, and website have helped increase my earning power over the years. I have 15 years of being able to "ride the front of the wave" because of what Mike and his great staff have done for me. Mike's information is simply the best, all his stuff is written in plain english. My recommendation for slaying the monster is to get this book -
Click here for ordering information!
Better yet, click here to read what Mike Holt recommends for Exam Prep.
Click here for ordering information!
Better yet, click here to read what Mike Holt recommends for Exam Prep.
wirebender
Senior Member
- Location
- North Central Texas
Michael15956 said:
I agree wholeheartedly. I recently had to take the Texas Masters Exam and I purchased a study guide with a lot of practice exams in it. This will get you familiar with looking up the answers in the NEC so you won't spend a lot of time on any of the questions.
I also went through my NEC with different colored highlighters and highlighted the different areas. One color for the Part I, Part II etc. Another color for the Article number i.e. 394.30 or 394.42 Another color for the (A) (B) (C) subheadings of each article. This helps in finding the answers quickly.
Here is some free help (Thank Mr. Holt - NOT me):
Free Quizzes and Exams
Journeyman Simulated Online Exam
Master/Contractor Simulated Online Exam
Online Training Course
More goodies over here: Free Stuff
When you're done kicking the tires...you'll probably want to buy something ...or two or three ...and it certainly won't hurt your goal.
Free Quizzes and Exams
Journeyman Simulated Online Exam
Master/Contractor Simulated Online Exam
Online Training Course
More goodies over here: Free Stuff
When you're done kicking the tires...you'll probably want to buy something
...or two or three ...and it certainly won't hurt your goal.test
test
Wow what replies. Much more than I thought. Frankly I thought I'd get much more of a response like "Well there's another ruining the name of our profession." But I was careful to say that I was an "installer" and not an "electrician" just because of this. Anyway, thank you all for your advice, encouragement, and kind words spurring me on. What a great feeling to read these responses.
I look forward to getting more in depth and asking those questions here to boost me along. Even though I have severe test anxiety and have never done well in testing since I was a kid, it's good to know there is help.
Thanks.
test
Wow what replies. Much more than I thought. Frankly I thought I'd get much more of a response like "Well there's another ruining the name of our profession." But I was careful to say that I was an "installer" and not an "electrician" just because of this. Anyway, thank you all for your advice, encouragement, and kind words spurring me on. What a great feeling to read these responses.
I look forward to getting more in depth and asking those questions here to boost me along. Even though I have severe test anxiety and have never done well in testing since I was a kid, it's good to know there is help.
Thanks.
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