Where should I start?

[jafar]

I have been in the field a few years and I purchased the full Journeyman Prep books and Disks. Where should I start to get my licence as soon as possible. Should I start with Theory or something else. I have a basic knowledge of theory, however do I really need to know about valence electrons to pass my test?

 

[petersonra]

I have been in the field a few years and I purchased the full Journeyman Prep books and Disks. Where should I start to get my licence as soon as possible. Should I start with Theory or something else. I have a basic knowledge of theory, however do I really need to know about valence electrons to pass my test?

What does the state or locality that licenses whatever it is you want to become require of you to get that license? Most places require provable experience. Some require a formal apprenticeship. Most places will not allow you to just take a test.

My understanding is most of the electrician tests have nothing to do with theory and everything to do with what the NEC requires.

 

[Jmccoll77]

Assuming you have the requisite hours and school required in your state, I would focus primarily on the NEC and code navigation. Having taken the Journeymans exam in 3 states, that is their primary focus. There may be some basic theory and calculations but I would expect the focus to be on the NEC. If your state uses PSI or pearsonVue, they post a breakdown of test questions on their websites. How many deal with theory, general knowledge, etc...

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Coppersmith]

At the time I took my test, my state listed 13 different references they pulled questions from for the unlimited licence. I opted to get and study six of them by making the assumption there would only be one or two questions from each of the rest and I only needed a 70% to pass. I remember seeing three questions total on things I didn't study including one on the gases used to make neon type signs.

 

[JFletcher]

At the time I took my test, my state listed 13 different references they pulled questions from for the unlimited licence. I opted to get and study six of them by making the assumption there would only be one or two questions from each of the rest and I only needed a 70% to pass. I remember seeing three questions total on things I didn't study including one on the gases used to make neon type signs.

Was the answer Neon?

Without knowing the question, I would guess would be the noble gases. Neon, Xenon, Argon, etc.

In my humble opinion, the best way to take any test is to answer all questions you know or think you know immediately then move on to the next question. If you do not know the immediate answer that question, move on to the next one, and the next one. You might run into a string of five questions that you are unsure of the answer, do not let these five questions burn an hour of your time, move on. Chances are the next 20 questions will be a piece of cake, or much easier then the ones you did not know. This has nothing to do with a specific test, rather test-taking in general.

Here, in Virginia, you need an 80% + score to pass a driver's test...DMV. usually it's 25 questions, as soon as you get 20 right, the test ends, it doesn't matter if you haven't even looked at the last page questions yet. Conversely, as soon as you get six wrong answers, the test is over, you failed. Go to what you know then come back and play multiple guess or research later when you have time, don't burn up all your time early on questions that may not matter for a passing grade.

 

[tom baker]

The Washington test has a theory section, series, parallel circuits...
I would look for the following from your state licensing agency
1. What does it take to qualify for the electrical exam?
2. What are the tests based on and recommended study materials

In Washington you must have 8,000 hours of documented experience as a trainee or be an apprenticeship school graduate. In a few years anyone wanting to be a Journeylevel electrican must be an apprenticeship school graduate, no more learning on the job. The first time pass rate for on the job journeylevel applicants is about 55%, for residential electricians (4,000 hour specialty) its about 22%, which is sad.

I used to get a lot of emails from carpenters, technicians, CAD, who taught they could take a few classes and become an electrician.

 

[growler]

I have been in the field a few years and I purchased the full Journeyman Prep books and Disks. Where should I start to get my licence as soon as possible. Should I start with Theory or something else. I have a basic knowledge of theory, however do I really need to know about valence electrons to pass my test?

Normally you can get sample or practice test for whatever license you are trying to get. Take some of those test and they will show what areas you are weak in.

Back when I was trying to get a license I found I didn't know jack about residential codes. Things have changed since then so it's good to know your weak areas.