Pass the California General Electrician Exam
Free 10-question diagnostic. No signup to start. Get instant results, category breakdowns, and NEC code references — then study exactly where you're weak.
What's on the California General Electrician Exam
The California General Electrician certification exam is administered by PSI Services for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). It covers four content domains in a single sitting — no split portions.
Installation (66%)
~66 questions · The bulk of the exam
Motors, wiring methods, branch circuits, services, devices, terminations, conduit and box fill, special equipment and occupancies. This is where the exam is won or lost.
System Requirements (22%)
~22 questions · Theory & calculations
Electrical theory, grounding and bonding, circuit protection, load calculations, conductor sizing, and service calculations.
Safety (6%)
~6 questions · Don't leave points on the table
General electrical knowledge, wiring methods and materials, OSHA requirements, PPE, and lockout/tagout procedures.
Maintenance & Repair (6%)
~6 questions · Practical troubleshooting
Overcurrent protection troubleshooting, branch circuit diagnostics, equipment maintenance, and systematic troubleshooting methods.
- Passing score
- 70% (70 of 100)
- NEC edition
- NEC 2023
- Time limit
- 4 hours 30 min
How to Study for the California General Electrician Exam
The candidates who pass on the first try do three things differently:
- 1
Start with a diagnostic
Don't start by reading the NEC cover to cover. Take a free diagnostic quiz first to find out which categories you're weak in — then study those.
- 2
Focus on Installation — it's 66% of the exam
Two-thirds of the California exam is Installation questions. Master wiring methods, motor circuits, and device requirements. Use our voltage drop, box fill, and conductor sizing walkthroughs to build confidence.
- 3
Simulate the real exam conditions
The California exam is 100 questions in 4.5 hours — that gives you 2 minutes 42 seconds per question. Practice under timed conditions so you learn to pace yourself and use the NEC codebook efficiently.
Sample Questions (From Our Real Question Bank)
Here are 3 real questions from our 800+ question bank. The NEC content tested in California overlaps heavily with other states — these questions are directly relevant to the CA General Electrician exam.
1. According to NEC 110.26(A)(1), what is the minimum clear working space depth in front of electrical equipment operating at 120 volts to ground with exposed live parts on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side (Condition 1)?
- A2.5 feet
- B3 feet
- C3.5 feet
- D4 feet
Show explanation
Per NEC 110.26(A)(1), Condition 1 requires a minimum depth of 3 feet for equipment operating at 120V with exposed live parts on one side only.
2. Per NEC 210.8(A), GFCI protection is required for all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles in dwelling unit bathrooms that are rated how?
- A20 amperes or less
- B30 amperes or less
- C50 amperes or less
- D150 volts or less to ground
Show explanation
NEC 210.8(A) requires GFCI protection for receptacles rated 150V or less to ground in bathrooms, regardless of amperage.
3. According to NEC 210.12(B), AFCI protection is required in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, and similar areas on what type of branch circuits?
- AAll 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits
- BOnly 15-ampere branch circuits
- CAll 120-volt and 240-volt circuits
- DAll 120-volt, single-phase, 10-, 15-, and 20-ampere branch circuits
Show explanation
NEC 210.12(B) requires AFCI protection for all 120-volt, single-phase, 10-, 15-, and 20-ampere branch circuits in specified dwelling unit areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the California general electrician practice test really free?
Yes. The 10-question diagnostic quiz is completely free, no signup required. You get instant results, category breakdowns, and NEC code references for every question. If you want more practice, the full 800+ question bank is available with a 7-day free trial.
What is the format of the California general electrician exam?
The California General Electrician certification exam is 100 multiple-choice questions in a single 4-hour 30-minute session. Unlike some states that split the exam into portions, California tests everything — NEC knowledge, calculations, safety, and troubleshooting — in one block. You need 70% to pass.
Which NEC edition does the California exam cover?
The California general electrician exam currently references the 2023 NEC. California adopted the 2023 NEC as part of the 2025 triennial code cycle. Always check the Candidate Information Bulletin from DIR before your test date to confirm the current edition.
Is the California electrician exam open-book?
Yes, the California exam is open-book. Unlike Texas where you bring your own codebook, California provides the NEC reference materials at the testing center on exam day. You do not need to bring your own copy.
What score do I need to pass?
You need 70% or higher on the 100-question exam — that means at least 70 correct answers. Since it is a single exam (not split into portions), your overall score is what matters.
How many hours of experience do I need?
You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience under a certified electrician to qualify for the General Electrician exam. This typically takes about 4 years of full-time work. You also need 150 hours of classroom/lab training per year of your apprenticeship or training program.
How long should I study before taking the exam?
Most candidates need 6–10 weeks of focused study — about 8–10 hours per week. Since the California exam blends NEC knowledge, calculations, safety, and troubleshooting into one test, you need to be comfortable across all areas. Start with the free diagnostic quiz to identify your weak spots.
What is the pass rate for the California electrician exam?
The California General Electrician exam has approximately a 56% pass rate — meaning nearly half of all test-takers fail. The Residential Electrician exam is even harder at 31%. Proper preparation makes a significant difference in your chances of passing on the first attempt.
How much does the California electrician exam cost?
The total cost is $175: a non-refundable $75 application fee plus a $100 exam fee. If you need to retake, you pay the $100 exam fee again each time. Passing on your first attempt saves you real money.
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