The Memphis master electrician exam is ICC's T16: 100 questions in 5 hours, open book on the 2020 NEC, booked through Pearson VUE for $120. ICC says the master exam takes 75% correct to pass. The journeyman exam, T17, is 80 questions in 4 hours on the same code, per the ICC National Contractor/Trades bulletin (June 30, 2026).
The license itself comes from the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement (OCCE), not the state. ICC (the International Code Council) only writes and scores the exam.
| Quick facts | Memphis and Shelby County electrical exams |
|---|---|
| Licensing office | OCCE, under the Memphis and Shelby County Joint Electrical Code |
| Exam writer and test company | ICC, given at Pearson VUE test centers |
| T16 Master Electrician | 100 questions, 5 hours, 2020 NEC, $120. 75% to pass. |
| T17 Journeyman Electrician | 80 questions, 4 hours, 2020 NEC, $120 |
| R16 and R17 | Same question counts and times, on the 2023 NEC |
| Books | Open book. The NEC edition for your exam plus Ugly's Electrical Reference (any edition). Permanently attached tabs allowed. |
| Retakes | Wait 10 days after a failed attempt |
Is a Memphis electrical license the same as a Tennessee license?
No. All of Shelby County, including Memphis, is on the state's list of places that don't take part in the State Electrical Program. The county runs its own permits, inspections and electrician licenses.
- Local license: Master or Journeyman from OCCE, earned with an ICC exam on the 2020 NEC (T16 or T17)
- State license: the LLE or CE from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, earned with a Prov exam on the 2017 NEC
A state license doesn't replace the local one inside Shelby County. If you'll work in both places, see JCR's Tennessee license guide too.
Booking the T16 or T17? JCR's Memphis/Shelby package is built on the 2020 NEC that ICC grades both exams on. For $495 you get 100 video lessons (21 hours), JCR's 152-page workbook with a six-week plan, a 500+ question mock exam in print and online, and permanent tabs for your code book.
T16 or R16: which Memphis master electrician exam do you take?
The Joint Electrical Code asks for an ICC letter showing you passed the "National Standard" Master (Section 1305.1.2) or Journeyman (Section 1403.2) Electrician exam. It doesn't name a code edition. ICC offers two current versions of each:
- T16 Master and T17 Journeyman: 2020 NEC. That's the edition the Joint Electrical Code adopts for work in Memphis and Shelby County.
- R16 Master and R17 Journeyman: 2023 NEC
JCR's Memphis/Shelby package teaches the 2020 NEC, so it fits the T16 and T17. It isn't the right edition for the R16 or R17.
What's on the T16 master and T17 journeyman electrician exams?
ICC's bulletin splits both exams into nine content areas. The R16 and R17 use the same split on the 2023 NEC.
| Content area | T16 Master | T17 Journeyman |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring methods and materials | 19% | 26% |
| Branch circuits and conductors | 16% | 19% |
| Services and service equipment | 16% | 11% |
| Equipment and devices | 10% | 13% |
| Special occupancies, equipment and conditions | 12% | 11% |
| General knowledge (theory, load calculations, definitions, plan reading) | 12% | 6% |
| Motors and generators | 8% | 6% |
| Feeders | 4% | 4% |
| Control devices | 3% | 4% |
What can you bring into the ICC electrician exam?
Bring your own books. Neither ICC nor Pearson VUE supplies them.
- T16 or T17: the 2020 NEC
- R16 or R17: the 2023 NEC
- Ugly's Electrical Reference, any edition (all four exams)
ICC's test-site rules:
- Books must be bound: original binding, a three-ring binder or stapled.
- Ink notes and highlighting are allowed.
- Tabs must be permanently attached (they can't come off without tearing the page). Permanent NEC tabs meet this.
- No photocopies, inserted pages or loose paper.
- Pearson VUE gives you a small whiteboard and marker. Writing in your books with it can get you disciplined.
- Calculator: a basic, nonprogrammable four-function model that can't store data or print. Construction calculators aren't allowed.
- ID: an original, unexpired, signed government photo ID that matches the name on your exam record.
How do you get licensed after you pass?
- Book your exam through Pearson VUE and pass it. Results show right after you finish. ICC reports a passing result as "PASS" with no number.
- Apply in person to OCCE within 6 months of your passing date, with ICC's pass letter.
- List 3 people from the electrical industry who recommend you on the application.
- Wait at least 30 days while OCCE checks your experience.
Experience the Joint Electrical Code requires:
- Master: age 24 or older, plus 4 years as a journeyman electrician (or equal). An electrical engineering graduate needs 2 years in electrical construction instead.
- Journeyman: age 20 or older, plus 3 years installing electrical work within the last 4 years. This license is optional in Memphis and Shelby County.
Memphis electrical exam fees
- ICC exam: $120 to Pearson VUE for T16, T17, R16 or R17
- Master, OCCE: $150 examination fee, $100 initial license, $150 a year to renew (fee schedule)
- Journeyman, OCCE: $50 examination fee, $50 a year to renew
A new Master must pay the initial license fee within 60 days of being notified, or the Board may make them pay an extra fee and retest.
Memphis electrician exam prep: how to pass
- Pace at 3 minutes a question on both exams.
- Answer everything. ICC takes no points off for wrong answers.
- Journeymen: drill wiring methods. At 26%, it's the biggest T17 area.
- Masters: practice service and feeder calculations. Services alone are 16% of the T16.
- Plan 6–8 weeks, about an hour a night, ending with timed practice tests.
Prefer a teacher? Since the T16 and T17 test the 2020 NEC, JCR's live Zoom exam prep classes are another way to prepare.
Memphis electrical exam FAQ
What exam do I need for a Memphis master electrician license?
ICC's National Standard Master Electrician exam. The T16 version tests the 2020 NEC, and the R16 tests the 2023 NEC.
Is the Memphis electrical exam open book?
Yes. Bring the NEC edition for your exam and Ugly's Electrical Reference. Ink notes, highlighting and permanently attached tabs are allowed.
What score do I need to pass the T16 master electrician exam?
75% correct. ICC reports a pass as "PASS" without a number.
Can I use my Tennessee LLE in Memphis?
No. All of Shelby County runs its own electrical permits and licenses, so you need a local license from OCCE.
How soon can I retake a failed ICC electrician exam?
After 10 days. Each attempt costs $120 at Pearson VUE.
Prepare for the 2020 NEC on the T16 and T17
JCR's Memphis/Shelby County Electrical Exam Prep follows the 2020 NEC on ICC's T16 Master and T17 Journeyman exams. For $495 you get video lessons, the JCR workbook, a 500+ question mock exam and permanent code tabs. Booking the R16 or R17 instead? Those test the 2023 NEC, and this package isn't built for them.
Videos and digital practice exams open at checkout. The printed workbook and mock exam ship the same business day.
Get the Memphis/Shelby course — $495
Want to test yourself first? Try 25 free NEC practice questions.
More Memphis and Tennessee guides
Sources JCR checked
- ICC National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin (June 30, 2026)
- ICC: What score do I need to pass?
- ICC: What to bring to the test site
- ICC: How often can I test?
- Pearson VUE: ICC Contractor/Trades exams
- Memphis and Shelby County Joint Electrical Code
- OCCE electrical licensing fees
- Tennessee: jurisdictions not in the State Electrical Program
JCR checked these exam details against ICC's June 30, 2026 bulletin, ICC's help pages and the Joint Electrical Code on October 21, 2026. Confirm with OCCE which ICC exam it wants before you book.