VA licensed master electricians

[rebel1851]

I have decided to take the test and become a licensed electrician in Virginia. I have a few questions about the test, any input would be appreciated .

1. Other than a NEC code book, what are some other good study books/guides.

2. Any good sources online for practice tests.

3. What did you do to prepare for the test.

4. How hard is the test and how many times did you have to take it before you passed.

5. I meet all the requirements to take the master test, is there any benefit to taking the journeyman test first, then wait a year to take the master, or should i just go ahead and take the master.

I would like input from guys that taken the Virginia test, but i am sure other states are similar so any advice would be helpful.

 

[johno]

I'm a Canadian electrician, so I'm only going to address #5 .
As I have no experience with VA.

Take the tests while all the school/theory is fresh in your mind, because you're going to forget a lot of it, because you won't use it every day.

IMO.

 

[kd3pc]

1. That would be the best, as it is the only book you can take in with you. Make sure which "version" you can take in and what the NEC date is allowed. Check on details, as when I took it a few years back, you could not have tabs or any writing, highlight was OK, but NO writing or notes at all.

2. There are many, I read Mike Holt's place and forums, some are pricey and of marginal value for the test you are taking.

3. I got to know the code book forward and backward.

4. The test is tough and asks quite a bit of obscure details. I took it once and passed with an 86, long time to sit, and I did take over 3 hours to complete it.

5. If you qualify and DPOR let's you apply, go for the Master.

Best of luck. BTW, it is a state license, but you may have to take a locality test, to do work in that locality. There may be some "test" questions on your test, and VA used to have a two part test, the first about state contracting and state information test..again my test was several years ago, so check what is current.

PSI does them all, if I recall correctly and are computer based, and they have rules to adhere to. Photo ID, no phones, etc the usual stuff.

 

[555]

Jade Electric courses http://www.jadelearning.com/

Mostly for continuing education, but the material is geared toward the current NEC.
Also, see if Virginia has a unified electric code and review a copy. When I took my test many years ago I was tested on both the NEC and the state requirements.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Im licensed in the midwest,no virginia experiance.
Is it a block and associates test?
Id say spend some time on mike holts site reading,As far as taking the actual test try not to over whelm yourself by thinking too hard/much.
Ive never taken a test for any of my licenses more than once,answer the easy stuff first then go back and do the parts that require thinking.

 

[rebel1851]

Lots of good suggestions and advice, thanks guys. There is book called American Electricians Handbook 16th edition that is recommended as a study guide, it's also the only book other than a NEC code book that I'm allowed to have when i take the test Gonna order one and study as much as I can while I save up the extra cash for the fee and get all the paperwork in order. I'll keep y'all updated when I get the results.

 

[RAM2940]

I took the mechanical Masters test for the state of Va. 3 years ago. the test are through PSI, on computer, strict rules about marks in books and only certain style calculators. It is open book. I took a course, 1 night a week for 8 weeks that was extremely benefical to learning the code book. You have to know the location in the code book, where all the info is or i dont believe you could complete the test in the 3 hrs given, my test was 95 questions and it took every minute to look up to verify the correct answer. Good luck, you need to know book inside and out, and where everything is located.