The Kansas Standard electrician exams from the International Code Council (ICC) are open book on the 2017 NEC, cost $115 and need 75% to pass. KGD Master is 100 questions in 5 hours, KGH Journeyman is 80 questions in 4 hours and KGX Residential is 60 questions in 3 hours. You take them at a Pearson VUE test center.
Kansas has no statewide electrician license. Cities and counties license electricians, and state law (K.S.A. 12-1526) sets the 75% passing score and the experience minimums they must use. Facts below come from ICC's State of Kansas bulletin, published October 12, 2026.
| Quick facts | Kansas Standard electrician exams |
|---|---|
| Exam writer and vendor | ICC writes them. Pearson VUE books and gives them (1-877-234-6082). |
| KGD Master | 100 questions, 5 hours, $115 |
| KGH Journeyman | 80 questions, 4 hours, $115 |
| KGX Residential | 60 questions, 3 hours, $115 |
| Passing score | 75% on every exam (K.S.A. 12-1526) |
| Books | 2017 NEC and Ugly's Electrical Reference (any edition) |
| Who licenses you | Your city or county, such as Wichita/Sedgwick County (MABCD) or Johnson County |
Who can take the Kansas journeyman and master electrician exams?
ICC doesn't screen you. Anyone can book a Kansas Standard exam at Pearson VUE. The experience rules apply when your city or county issues the certificate.
- Journeyman or residential: 2 years of field experience under a journeyman, residential or master electrician. Up to 1 year can come from trade school of 930 hours or more (K.S.A. 12-1526(e)).
- Master: a valid journeyman certificate held for at least 2 years (K.S.A. 12-1526(f)).
- Proof: Wichita/Sedgwick County wants documented hours on company letterhead with a description of the work (MABCD).
See how each city handles licensing in JCR's Kansas electrical license guide.
Booked for KGD, KGH or KGX? All three are graded on the 2017 NEC, and JCR's 2017 NEC package is built on that edition.
What you get for $495: step-by-step video lessons, JCR's study manual (2017 NEC edition) with a six-week plan, a printed mock exam booklet, digital practice exams and permanent code tabs, which ICC allows in your book.
What's on the KGD, KGH and KGX exams?
ICC lists the share of questions in each area. KGD and KGH use the same weights. KGX shifts toward services and branch circuits.
| Content area | KGD and KGH | KGX |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring methods and materials | 26% | 13% |
| Branch circuits and conductors | 19% | 25% |
| Equipment and devices | 13% | 8% |
| Services and service equipment | 11% | 22% |
| Special occupancies, equipment and conditions | 11% | 7% |
| General knowledge (theory, load calculations, definitions) | 6% | 12% |
| Motors and generators | 6% | Not listed |
| Feeders | 4% | 13% |
| Control devices | 4% | Not listed |
Load calculations show up in general knowledge, services and feeders on all three exams.
What can you bring into the Kansas electrical exam?
The bulletin approves two books for all three exams:
- The 2017 NEC
- Ugly's Electrical Reference, any edition
ICC's test-site rules:
- Books must be bound: the original binding, a three-ring binder or stapled. No photocopies of copyrighted books.
- Ink notes and highlighting are fine if done before exam day.
- Tabs must be permanently attached, so they can't come off without tearing the page.
- Bring a basic four-function calculator. No printing calculators and no construction calculators.
- Pearson VUE gives you a small whiteboard and marker. Writing in your books with that marker can get you disciplined.
Scheduling, fees and retakes
- Book at pearsonvue.com/icc or 1-877-234-6082. Give the exam ID (KGD, KGH or KGX).
- Fee: $115 per exam, paid to Pearson VUE.
- Results show right after you finish.
- Retakes: wait 10 days after a fail.
- Proof for your city: MABCD wants an official pass letter showing the exam taken (MABCD). Pearson VUE sends duplicate letters free for exams taken there since January 1, 2014.
Old exams are closing. The 2014 NEC versions (554 Master, 558 Journeyman, 565 Residential) can't be booked through Pearson starting December 1, 2026. Exams already scheduled still run. KGD, KGH and KGX on the 2017 NEC stay open.
Which exam does your Kansas city accept?
Each jurisdiction lists the exams it takes. Check before you pay $115.
| Jurisdiction | Exams accepted | What else you need |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita and Sedgwick County (MABCD) | Journeyman: KGH or 558. Residential: KGX or 565. Master: KGD, 554, F16, G16 or T16. | 75% or better, experience letters, the trade certificate application and $35 |
| Johnson County | KGD for the Class DE electrical contractor license | The company's qualifying individual scores 75% or better. $100 application plus $225 per license type, and $1 million general liability insurance. |
ICC's bulletin also lists the national T16 Master, T17 Journeyman and T18 Residential exams. Those use the 2020 NEC and cost $120. Wichita names T16 for master. Johnson County says it may consider national exams, without a promise (application instructions, January 2026).
Kansas electrical exam prep: how to pass
- Pace at 3 minutes a question. All three exams give you the same rate.
- Study the 2017 NEC, not your city's code. Wichita and Sedgwick County enforce the 2023 NEC (MABCD), but the exam still grades on the 2017.
- Journeyman or master? Tab Chapter 3. Wiring methods and materials is about 1 in 4 questions.
- Plan 6–8 weeks, about an hour a night, and end with timed practice exams.
Moving a Kansas certificate to another city or state? Read how Kansas licenses transfer.
Kansas electrician exam FAQ
What NEC edition is on the Kansas journeyman electrician exam?
The 2017 NEC. KGD, KGH and KGX all list the 2017 NEC and Ugly's Electrical Reference as the approved books.
How many questions are on the Kansas master electrician exam?
KGD has 100 questions in 5 hours. You need 75% to pass, and the fee is $115.
Is the Kansas electrical exam open book?
Yes. Bring the 2017 NEC and Ugly's Electrical Reference. Ink notes, highlighting and permanent tabs are allowed if added before exam day.
How soon can I retake a Kansas electrician exam?
After 10 days. ICC recommends studying the approved books before you register again.
Can I still take the 558 journeyman exam?
Only if you book it before December 1, 2026. After that date, the 2014 NEC exams can't be booked through Pearson, so plan on KGH.
Pass KGH, KGX or KGD on the 2017 NEC
Kansas Standard exams are timed code lookups and calculations. JCR's 2017 NEC self-study package drills both on the edition ICC grades.
It costs $495. Videos and digital practice exams open right after checkout, and printed materials ship the same business day.
Get the 2017 NEC package — $495
Want a baseline first? Try 25 free NEC practice questions.
More Kansas guides
Sources JCR checked
- ICC State of Kansas bulletin (October 12, 2026)
- ICC: What to bring to the test site
- Pearson VUE: ICC exams
- K.S.A. 12-1525: Standard exams
- K.S.A. 12-1526: Passing score and experience
- MABCD: Trade certificates
- MABCD: Electrical division
- Johnson County: License types
- Johnson County: Application instructions (January 2026)
JCR checked these exam details against ICC's Kansas bulletin, Kansas statutes and the Wichita/Sedgwick County and Johnson County pages on October 21, 2026. Cities set their own exam lists, so confirm with your city or county before you book.