New Jersey Contractors, couple questions for you

[M4gery]

Hello, I am new to posting here but I have been reading for a little while.

I joined the IBEW 5 years ago this month, I have just finished my apprenticeship. The first 4 years I worked solid, but last year I got laid off and sat out for many months. Times are slow and jobs are short, I only worked a total of 2.5 months since last September.

I would like the take the test to become a licensed Electrical Contractor in New Jersey. I don't plan on becoming a contractor just yet, but since I have time and just finished the apprenticeship courses I feel this is a good time to take the test.

My concerns are that I don't have a full 5 years of work history, I had time off in the last year. Will I be wasting my time sending in the application? Or will they still consider the last year of partial employment towards the 5 year requirement?

Second, for those of you who have taken the test, what study material do you recommend? I live in northern NJ and will take a course before the test (most likely Bob Frangipane) but I was wondering if there was a good study guide that you used to study for the NJ exam?

I know that there are dozens of books out there, but I was hoping that there was just 1 or 2 that focused on the material in the exam.

Thanks!

 

[KevinVost]

I believe NJ requires 7 years trade time with tools (lay off time doesn't count) before they will let you test for a licence.

Go to Departmet of Public Safety NJ and look for a link to Dept of Consumer Affairs/Board of Electrical Examiners. They will have all the requirements.

Even better: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/electric/

My mistake: NJ = 5 years with tools.

I was licensed in NJ. Took the test back in 2001. Lived in my code book for more than a year before the test and took a class down near White House Station, sorry I don't recall the instructor. Get a copy of the NJ Law book and the NFPA 72 (Fire alarms), you will need both (if the test is the same as when I went). Good Luck!

 

[infinity]

Not sure how they calculate the five years. Even if you were fully employed from September 2005 until September 2010 you still would have had vacation time and holidays off. A few months of unemployment might not matter. Then again it might. Only the people in Trenton will know the answer.

As far as test prep Mike Holt has some excellent stuff. If you search around this forum you can find some information from guys who have used Mike's materials and passed their licensing exams. Also IMO a prep class is also a great idea. It will allow you to have some insight into taking the test that you won't get from reading a book. Good Luck.

 

[M4gery]

Yeah, it would be easier if they just went by hours like the union did, at least you would know exact what you need.

 

[growler]

I joined the IBEW 5 years ago this month, I have just finished my apprenticeship.

My concerns are that I don't have a full 5 years of work history, I had time off in the last year. Will I be wasting my time sending in the application? Or will they still consider the last year of partial employment towards the 5 year requirement?

I don't know how they do things in NJ but the fact that you finished an apprenticeship program should look good on your record. Most states will let you count some class time as experience. I would go ahead and see what happens.

 

[M4gery]

I don't know how they do things in NJ but the fact that you finished an apprenticeship program should look good on your record. Most states will let you count some class time as experience. I would go ahead and see what happens.

What you say is true, I was told that up until a few years ago the state would take someone who finished the IBEW apprenticeship without any other documentation. But they changed it a few years back and want all kinds of proof of employment and stamped letters from licensed electricians that you worked for.

 

[CDELECT]

Hello, I am new to posting here but I have been reading for a little while.

I joined the IBEW 5 years ago this month, I have just finished my apprenticeship. The first 4 years I worked solid, but last year I got laid off and sat out for many months. Times are slow and jobs are short, I only worked a total of 2.5 months since last September.

I would like the take the test to become a licensed Electrical Contractor in New Jersey. I don't plan on becoming a contractor just yet, but since I have time and just finished the apprenticeship courses I feel this is a good time to take the test.

My concerns are that I don't have a full 5 years of work history, I had time off in the last year. Will I be wasting my time sending in the application? Or will they still consider the last year of partial employment towards the 5 year requirement?

Second, for those of you who have taken the test, what study material do you recommend? I live in northern NJ and will take a course before the test (most likely Bob Frangipane) but I was wondering if there was a good study guide that you used to study for the NJ exam?

I know that there are dozens of books out there, but I was hoping that there was just 1 or 2 that focused on the material in the exam.

Thanks!

You think things are slow with the union work, just wait until you get your contractors license, you will see what slow is really like.

 

[goldstar]

I would like the take the test to become a licensed Electrical Contractor in New Jersey. I don't plan on becoming a contractor just yet, but since I have time and just finished the apprenticeship courses I feel this is a good time to take the test.

Bob Frangipane's classes will definitely give you a good prep for the exam. Get used knowing the key words and using the code book. I know that sounds basic but I met guys at the exam who were there for the 4th time. Make sure you don't have anything written in pen anywhere in the book - the proctors will rip out the pages.

From what I recall, and as others have mentioned, you'll need 5 years of proveable employment with 3 letters of recommendation from any of the licensed EC's you've worked for.

There are several expenses that you should be aware of. You mentioned that you didn't plan on becomming an EC just yet however, assuming you pass the exam, after you've paid for the prep classes you'll be required to pay for the test, the license, a seal press, a business permit, surity bond and provide proof of insurance before you'll get the license or the business permit.

Then you can go out and try to make $$

Good luck on the exam.