Tennessee CE and LLE and Nevada C-2 exams still use the 2017 NEC as of October 2026. Some Arizona and Kansas electrical exams also use it. Buy materials for your exact exam name and classification: another electrical test in the same state may use a different code edition.
South Carolina's Residential Electrical exam leaves the 2017 NEC on November 1, 2026. From that date the PSI bulletin lists the 2020 or 2023 NEC. Use JCR's South Carolina 2020 NEC package.
Where to check your 2017 NEC exam
| State | 2017 NEC path | Check this distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | CE contractor and LLE | Use the Prov bulletin. Local licensing examinations can differ. |
| Nevada | C-2 Electrical Contracting | The C-2 contractor exam uses the 2017 NEC. Local journeyman and master card exams are separate. |
| Arizona | ROC electrical contractor trade examinations | Match the R-11 or C-11/CR-11 outline. NASCLA alternatives use different references. |
| Kansas | KGD Master, KGH Journeyman and KGX Residential Electrician | Confirm the exam code and local acceptance using the Kansas bulletin. |
Find your exam name in the linked bulletin, then check its reference list and any announced change date. A state name alone is not enough to choose your book.
Choose prep for your exam’s NEC edition
Learn to find answers in the code book, work through calculations and practice for test day.
For the 2017 NEC exams discussed here, choose 2017 self-study. Live Zoom and NC classroom courses teach the 2020 NEC. Also study for any required state business-and-law exam.
Why the adopted code can mislead you
Your jobsite and your licensing exam can use different NEC editions. The local jurisdiction sets the installation code. The licensing program sets the exam’s reference books. A newer construction code does not automatically change your test.
A search for “electrical code in Nevada” may tell you about construction requirements without answering which book the C-2 contractor test permits. Read our adoption versus exam edition guide for that distinction.
Wisconsin is no longer a 2017 example
Wisconsin’s journeyman electrician exam uses the 2023 NEC or Handbook. Choose 2023 prep for that exam, and confirm the reference requirements for any other Wisconsin credential.
Can you use a 2020 book for a 2017 exam?
Use the listed edition. Article locations and requirements change. A familiar table may have a different number, and the right answer under newer text may be wrong for the exam you’re taking.
For example, the familiar ampacity table is Table 310.15(B)(16) in the 2017 NEC and Table 310.16 in the 2020 NEC. Learn the location in the book you’ll use on test day. Don’t spend exam time translating from another edition. For 10 more examples, see 2017 vs. 2020 NEC trap questions.
A three-minute check before buying prep
- Write down the license classification and exam name from your application.
- Open the board’s current testing-provider link.
- Read that examination’s content outline and permitted-reference list.
- Check for an effective date or announced transition.
- Match the book, study course and practice questions to that edition.
If your authorization letter conflicts with a general webpage, get clarification from the board or testing provider before buying replacement books.
Common questions
Is 2017 prep outdated?
It’s the correct choice for an exam still based on 2017. The edition must match the test. For installation work, follow the code adopted by the jurisdiction.
Do all Tennessee electricians take the same test?
No. State CE and LLE paths differ from some local credentials. See the Memphis and Shelby County guide before assuming the statewide book list applies.
References checked October 25, 2026. Confirm the current bulletin for your exam date.
