Free Texas journeyman practice questions, by subject area

How to practice for the two portions

PSI's bulletin (updated 9/15/2026) splits the exam into NEC Knowledge, with 59 items in 130 minutes, and Calculations, with 26 items in 110 minutes. You need 70% on each. Practice each portion alone, on its own clock, because time does not roll over. The ten subject areas and their item counts are in the exam outline guide. Unless a question says otherwise, treat conductors as copper, and do not apply code exceptions or optional methods unless the question directs you to.

2 sample questions

Every question is original and written to the published outline. Open your NEC to the table or section named in each answer and read it yourself.

1. Branch circuits and conductors (Calculations). A branch circuit serves a load of 18 A that runs for more than three hours at a time, and nothing else. What is the minimum calculated ampacity the circuit conductors must carry for that load?

• A. 18 A
• B. 20 A
• C. 22.5 A
• D. 25 A

Answer: C. A continuous load is counted at 125% for the conductor and overcurrent device, so 18 × 1.25 = 22.5 A. Option A leaves out the 125% step. Options B and D are standard ratings, but the question asks for the calculated value, not a device size. Start at 210.19(A)(1) and 210.20(A) (2023 numbering; confirm in your 2026 book).

2. Motors and generators (Calculations). A three-phase, 208 volt, 3 horsepower motor has a nameplate full-load current of 9.8 A. What is the minimum conductor ampacity for a single motor branch circuit, using the table value for full-load current?

• A. 9.8 A
• B. 10.6 A
• C. 12.25 A
• D. 13.25 A

Answer: D. For a motor branch circuit the table value is used, not the nameplate. Table 430.250 gives 10.6 A for this motor, and 430.22 sets the conductor at 125% of it: 10.6 × 1.25 = 13.25 A. Option C applies 125% to the nameplate current. Option B stops before the 125% step, and option A is the nameplate itself. See the calculations guide.

Practice by subject area

Branch circuits and conductors carry 14 of the 80 scored items across both portions, and wiring methods and materials and equipment and devices carry 12 each. Spend your first week on those, then move to services, feeders and motors. After each session, write down the section or table you needed, and tab it in your book with the publisher's tabs only. The NEC book rules guide lists what PSI allows.

Reading your practice score

A practice percentage is not a prediction of your exam result, ours or anyone's. Use it to decide where to spend the next study session. Compare each subject area's score with its share of the exam, and work the heaviest area where you lost the most.

FAQ

Is there a free Texas journeyman electrician practice test?

Yes. Work the two explained questions on this page, then take the free 10-question check. It covers the ten subject areas, needs no signup, explains every answer and scores you by subject area. For open-book speed, the free Texas journeyman lookup drill times you finding NEC tables and sections in your own book.

How many questions are on the Texas journeyman electrician exam?

The exam has two portions, each timed and scored on its own. NEC Knowledge has 59 items in 130 minutes and Calculations has 26 items in 110 minutes. Of those 85 items, 80 are scored (56 and 24) and 5 are non-scored. You need 70% on each portion. The exam outline guide gives the count for each subject area.

Where do these practice questions come from?

Every question is original and written to the published outline in PSI's Candidate Information Bulletin for Texas electricians. Each answer on this page explains why the key is right and why each other option is wrong, and names the section or table to read in your own NEC.

Can I use a 2023 NEC practice test for the Texas exam?

For method and lookup speed, yes. For the numbers, check first. Since 1 September 2026 the Texas journeyman exam is referenced to the 2026 NEC, so confirm every article, section and table a 2023 test cites in your 2026 book. That is why the first question on this page gives 2023 numbering and asks you to confirm it. See 2023 or 2026 NEC? for how to use older practice material.

Can I have my NEC open on a practice test?

Yes, and you should, because the exam is open book. Practice with a soft-bound 2026 NEC that has the publisher's tabs only, since that is the book you bring to PSI, and the NEC Handbook is not allowed. Keep each portion on its own clock, because time does not carry over. The NEC book rules guide lists what PSI allows.

Take the free 10-question check

Start the free 10-question check. It covers the ten subject areas, takes minutes, needs no signup, and explains every answer, so you see your weak area before you book.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by TDLR, PSI or NFPA. NEC and National Electrical Code are registered trademarks of NFPA.

Sources

Show the list

• Candidate Information Bulletin, Texas electricians (updated 9/15/2026), PSI for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Read 24 Oct 2026.
• Electrician exam information, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Read 24 Oct 2026.

Open-book speed is its own skill. The free Texas journeyman lookup drill times you finding five NEC tables and sections in your own book, against a target pace you set.