Take JCR's free 25-question 2017 NEC practice test, written to the code edition that Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona and Kansas still use on their electrical exams. Most free practice tests online are written to the 2020 or 2023 NEC, or are old 2014-era samples. This one uses 2017 section numbers and 2017 rules, so the answers you learn match the answers your exam scores. Enter your email, pick your state and start. No credit card. Not sure your test is on the 2017 code? Check the list of electrical exams that still use the 2017 NEC. Want to see how the questions work first? Read five 2017 NEC practice questions with full answers.
Start the free 2017 NEC practice test
Open your 2017 NEC, answer each question, then check the code reference. Time yourself so you track lookup speed as well as accuracy.
Take the free 25-question test
Want the full exam rehearsal? The 100-question, 6-hour timed mock comes in the 2017 NEC self-study package ($495).
Testing on the 2020 NEC instead? Use JCR's free 2020 NEC electrical practice test.
Why practice on the 2017 NEC?
Your exam is graded on one edition. If you study from 2020 material, you learn the wrong section numbers. The ampacity table is Table 310.15(B)(16) in 2017 and Table 310.16 in 2020. The dwelling 83% rule is 310.15(B)(7) in 2017 and 310.12 in 2020. Pick the 2020 number on a 2017 exam and it is marked wrong.
Some rules changed too. The 2017 GFCI list in 210.8(A) covers 125-volt, 15- and 20-amp receptacles only, and only the unfinished parts of basements. The 2020 edition widened it. On a 2017 exam, the 2017 rule is the right answer.
What the free 25 questions include
- 25 questions on the 2017 NEC. They cover topics such as load calculations, conductor ampacity, motors, overcurrent protection and fixed electric heat.
- Instant feedback. You see right away whether each answer is correct.
- An NEC reference for every answer. Look up the section and read the rule behind it.
- Free, email sign-up only. No payment and no credit card.
How the state picker works
When you start, choose Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas or Other / not sure. The quiz then shows the exam format for that state: question count, time limit and passing score. It also points you to the right course. Tennessee goes to the Tennessee package. Nevada, Arizona and Kansas go to the multi-state 2017 NEC package. The questions are written to the 2017 NEC whichever state you choose.
Journeyman, master and contractor exams on the 2017 NEC
| State | Exam | Test vendor | Questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | LLE (Limited Licensed Electrician) | Prov | 40 | 2 hours | 73% |
| Tennessee | CE electrical contractor (plus Business and Law) | Prov | 100 | 5 hours | 73% |
| Nevada | C-2 electrical contractor trade exam | PSI | 80 | 4 hours | 70% (56 correct) |
| Arizona | R-11 residential | PSI | 110 | 240 minutes | 70% |
| Arizona | C-11 commercial and CR-11 dual | PSI | 110 | 240 minutes | 70% |
| Kansas | KGD Master | ICC, at Pearson VUE | 100 | 5 hours | 75% |
| Kansas | KGH Journeyman | ICC, at Pearson VUE | 80 | 4 hours | 75% |
| Kansas | KGX Residential | ICC, at Pearson VUE | 60 | 3 hours | 75% |
Testing in Memphis or Shelby County, Tennessee? Those local exams use the 2020 NEC, not the 2017 NEC. Full details for each state: Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona and Kansas.
What score to aim for on the 25 questions
Turn your state's passing percentage into a 25-question target. Round up, because you can't get part of a question right.
- Nevada and Arizona, 70%: 25 × 0.70 = 17.5, so at least 18 correct.
- Tennessee, 73%: 25 × 0.73 = 18.25, so at least 19 correct.
- Kansas, 75%: 25 × 0.75 = 18.75, so at least 19 correct.
Twenty-five questions are a check-up, not a prediction. Aim a question or two above your target to leave margin, then rehearse at full length.
Ready for the full 100-question timed mock?
The free test shows where you stand. The real exam is a long, timed lookup race. JCR's 2017 NEC self-study packages ($495) for Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona and Kansas include:
- A digital mock with 300+ online questions, including the full 100-question, 6-hour timed mock (you can pause it)
- A printed mock exam booklet
- 100 video lessons (21 hours)
- A 152-page printed 2017 NEC study manual
- Permanent code tabs
2017 vs. 2020 exam traps
- Ampacity table: Table 310.15(B)(16) in 2017, Table 310.16 in 2020.
- Ambient temperature correction: Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) in 2017, Table 310.15(B)(1) in 2020.
- More than three current-carrying conductors: Table 310.15(B)(3)(a) in 2017, Table 310.15(C)(1) in 2020.
- Dwelling services at 83%: 310.15(B)(7) in 2017, 310.12 in 2020.
- Ground rod contact, 8 feet: 250.53(G) in 2017, 250.53(A)(4) in 2020.
5 sample questions from the 2017 NEC practice exam
Here's a taste of the format. Work with your code book open and write your answers down before opening the key.
Question 1: Underground installations
A 240-volt, 30-amp circuit to a detached shop uses UF cable buried directly in the earth under a lawn. There is no concrete cover and the cable is not in a raceway. What is the minimum cover depth under the 2017 NEC?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
Question 2: Service drops
A 120/240-volt service drop crosses over the driveway of a one-family house. What is the minimum vertical clearance above the driveway?
- 10 feet
- 12 feet
- 15 feet
- 18 feet
Question 3: Dwelling load calculations
A dwelling has four fastened-in-place appliances on the same service: a 1,500 VA dishwasher, a 1,000 VA disposal, a 4,500 VA water heater and a 1,200 VA trash compactor. Using the demand factor allowed by the 2017 NEC, what load do these appliances add to the standard calculation?
- 4,100 VA
- 6,150 VA
- 6,560 VA
- 8,200 VA
Question 4: Grounding electrodes
A concrete-encased electrode uses bare copper in the footing. What is the minimum length of 4 AWG or larger bare copper conductor that qualifies?
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
- 20 feet
- 25 feet
Question 5: Swimming pools
A permanently installed pool is added at a one-family dwelling. Where must the required 125-volt, 15- or 20-amp receptacle be located, measured from the inside wall of the pool?
- 5 to 10 feet
- 6 to 20 feet
- 10 to 20 feet
- 6 to 25 feet
Answer key with 2017 NEC sections
Show the answer to question 1Hide the answer to question 1
1. D, 24 inches (2017 NEC Table 300.5, Column 1)
Direct-burial cable in "all locations not specified" needs 24 inches of cover. The 12-inch depth in Column 4 is only for residential branch circuits of 120 volts or less with GFCI protection and 20 amps or less. This circuit is 240 volts and 30 amps.
Show the answer to question 2Hide the answer to question 2
2. B, 12 feet (2017 NEC 230.24(B)(2))
Over residential property and driveways, the clearance is 12 feet when the voltage is 300 volts or less to ground. A 120/240-volt service is 120 volts to ground. The 10-foot value is for the service entrance and pedestrian areas, and 18 feet is for public streets and roads.
Show the answer to question 3Hide the answer to question 3
3. B, 6,150 VA (2017 NEC 220.53)
Add the nameplates: 1,500 + 1,000 + 4,500 + 1,200 = 8,200 VA. With four or more fastened-in-place appliances, 220.53 allows 75%: 8,200 × 0.75 = 6,150 VA. Ranges, clothes dryers, space heating and air conditioning are left out of this group.
Show the answer to question 4Hide the answer to question 4
4. C, 20 feet (2017 NEC 250.52(A)(3))
A concrete-encased electrode needs at least 20 feet of bare copper not smaller than 4 AWG, or 20 feet of ½-inch or larger reinforcing bar. It must be encased in at least 2 inches of concrete in a footing or foundation that is in direct contact with the earth.
Show the answer to question 5Hide the answer to question 5
5. B, 6 to 20 feet (2017 NEC 680.22(A))
At a dwelling with a permanently installed pool, at least one 125-volt, 15- or 20-amp receptacle must be no closer than 6 feet and no farther than 20 feet from the inside wall of the pool. It can be no more than 6 feet 6 inches above the floor, platform or grade, and it needs GFCI protection.
Free 2017 NEC practice test FAQ
Is the 2017 NEC practice test really free?
Yes. The 25-question mock is free. You sign up with your email only. No payment or credit card is needed.
Is the free mock 100 questions?
No. The free mock is 25 questions. The full 100-question, 6-hour timed mock is part of JCR's $495 2017 NEC self-study package.
Which electrical exams still use the 2017 NEC?
Tennessee's statewide LLE and CE exams, Nevada's C-2 exam, Arizona's R-11, C-11 and CR-11 exams, and Kansas's KGD, KGH and KGX exams. Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, use the 2020 NEC.
Does the free test give the answers?
Yes. You get instant feedback and an NEC reference for every answer, so you can read the rule in your own code book.
Are these real exam questions?
No. They are JCR practice questions written to the 2017 NEC. Prov, PSI and ICC write and give the actual exams.
Can I use the free test for a journeyman or master electrician exam?
Yes. Every question is written to the 2017 NEC, the edition Kansas uses for its KGH journeyman and KGD master exams and Tennessee, Nevada and Arizona use for their electrical exams. Pick your state at the start to see its exam format.
Keep practicing for your 2017 NEC exam
Take the free 25 questions first. Then rehearse the full timed exam with the package for your state.
Pick your state's package: Tennessee, Nevada C-2, Arizona or Kansas ($495 each). Another 2017 NEC exam? See the 2017 NEC self-study package.
Moving to a 2020 NEC jurisdiction later? See what changed in the 2020 NEC vs. 2017.
Sources and answer references
- NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2017 edition: Table 300.5, 230.24(B), 220.53, 250.52(A)(3), 680.22(A)
- Exam formats: Prov Tennessee contractor candidate bulletin (version 1.6), PSI Nevada contractor bulletin, the PSI Arizona ROC R-11 and C-11/CR-11 outlines, and the ICC State of Kansas bulletin
Reviewed November 6, 2026. NEC references are to the 2017 edition.
