To schedule a PSI electrical exam, start with your licensing board’s testing link, get any required application approval, and book the exact exam named in your authorization. Check its time limit, passing score and allowed books before studying. PSI runs a separate program for each state, so one state’s rules may not apply to another state’s test.
1. Get the correct candidate bulletin
Write down the board, exam name and classification from your application or approval letter. Then open the bulletin linked by that board.
The NC licensing exam is 100 questions over six hours for Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited candidates. South Carolina Residential Electrical is 60 questions over three hours. Use the NC, SC residential or Hawaii electrician bulletin for the program you are taking.
Also confirm that PSI is still your provider. Tennessee moved new contractor exam scheduling to Prov in July 2026. An old saved link can send you to the wrong place.
2. Check whether approval comes first
Some programs require the licensing board to approve your experience and application before you book. In North Carolina, Board approval starts a 90-day testing window and authorizes one attempt. PSI then sends the eligibility information used to schedule.
Other programs follow a different order. Use the application instructions for yours. If your eligibility hasn’t reached PSI, opening another account usually doesn’t fix the underlying approval issue.
Make your registered name match the identification you’ll present. Save your confirmation and check the location, date, time and cancellation deadline.
Prepare for your electrical exam with JCR
Learn to find answers in the code book, work through calculations and practice for test day.
Live classes teach the 2020 NEC. Check your state’s exam requirements before choosing a course. NC prep includes NC business and law. For another state, also study any business-and-law material required for your license. JCR carries the 2020 NEC softbound code book.
3. Prepare the permitted books
Check all of these separately:
- NEC edition and other required references.
- Code book versus Handbook permission.
- Whether you bring references or the center supplies them.
- Binding, permanent tabs, handwriting and highlighting.
- Calculator and scratch-paper rules.
NC candidates bring the specified references, including the 2020 NEC. Hawaii electrician candidates receive the 2020 NEC at the test center. If your test center supplies the book, practice finding answers without personal notes or tabs.
Use the exam book guide and tab rules as a starting point, then follow the current bulletin.
4. Practice the timing and computer routine
For NC, six hours divided by 100 questions gives 3.6 minutes per question, including review. Practice 25 questions in 90 minutes, then build up to a full mock exam. Quick lookups should leave extra time for calculations and reviewing marked questions.
During practice, flag a question when you’ve stopped making progress. Finish the questions you can answer, then return. Use the exam tutorial to learn the available controls before the scored session begins.
For the day itself, check the required identification, arrival time, prohibited items, storage arrangements and break policy. These details vary by program and location.
5. Read your score report before rebooking
If you don’t pass, use the report’s topic information to rebuild your study plan. Don’t spend another week repeating only the questions you already know.
Retakes can require a new fee, renewed eligibility or a waiting period. NC requires a new Board approval and a three-month wait for another attempt in the same classification. SC residential has its own attempt and eligibility limits. There is no universal PSI electrical retake policy.
Common questions
Can I take the electrical exam online from home?
Choose remote testing only when it is available for your exact exam in the board’s scheduling instructions. PSI’s remote-testing services do not apply to every electrical exam.
What is the passing score?
NC requires 70%. South Carolina Residential Electrical requires 44 correct answers out of 60. Check the requirement beside your exact exam title. PSI does not use one passing score for every electrical program.
What if I need accommodations?
Follow the program’s accommodation process before scheduling. The board or testing provider may need to approve the arrangement first.
References checked October 25, 2026. Confirm the current bulletin for your exam date.
