Electrician Exam Prep / Pennsylvania
Electrician Exam — PA
Journeyman Electrician Exam in Pennsylvania
Everything you need to know about getting your journeyman electrician license in Pennsylvania — licensing body, exam details, NEC edition, and study tips.
Exam Details
- Licensing Body
- Local Municipality Licensing
- Exam Provider
- Varies by municipality
- Code Edition
- 2017 NEC
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Question Count
- Varies
- Exam Fee
- Varies
- Experience Required
- 4 years
Note: Requirements change — always verify current details with Local Municipality Licensing before applying.
How Pennsylvania Compares Nationally
- It still uses the 2017 NEC, a cycle or two behind the 2023 NEC some states have adopted — confirm the exact edition before you test.
Pennsylvania Electrician License — What to Know
Pennsylvania has no statewide electrician license. Requirements vary by city and county. Philadelphia has a robust licensing program.
What the 2017 NEC Covers
The 2017 NEC is the foundation of the Pennsylvania electrician exam. Key articles you must know cold: Article 100 (Definitions), Article 210 (Branch Circuits), Article 220 (Load Calculations), Article 230 (Services), Article 240 (Overcurrent Protection), Article 250 (Grounding & Bonding), Article 310 (Conductors for General Wiring), and Chapter 9 (Tables). Calculation questions based on these articles typically make up 30–40% of the exam.
How to Prepare for the Pennsylvania Exam
Most successful candidates spend 60–100 hours studying over 4–8 weeks. Tab your NEC by article number so you can find answers in seconds, not minutes. Focus on voltage drop calculations (NEC 210.19 informational note), conductor ampacity tables (Table 310.12), and demand factor applications (Article 220). VoltExam pairs web-based NEC practice with a built-in voltage drop calculator — the same type of tool you'll use on the job.
How to Get Your Electrician License in Pennsylvania
- 1
Meet experience requirements
Most states require 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented apprenticeship or on-the-job experience under a licensed electrician before you can sit the journeyman exam. Keep detailed records of your hours and employer contacts.
- 2
Complete an approved apprenticeship or training program
Many states require completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program (JATC or similar). The apprenticeship typically runs 4–5 years and includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction in the NEC and electrical theory.
- 3
Pass the journeyman electrician exam
The exam is administered by Varies by municipality and covers the 2017 NEC. It is Varies questions with a 70% passing score. The exam fee is Varies. Most exams are open-book (NEC codebook allowed).
- 4
Apply for your journeyman license
Submit your application to Local Municipality Licensing with proof of experience, exam results, and any required documentation. Processing times vary by state.
- 5
Maintain your license and advance to Master
Journeyman licenses typically renew every 1–3 years. After additional years of experience (usually 2+ as a journeyman), you can sit the master electrician exam and take on contractor work independently.
Try it free — no signup, instant feedback
Answer a few Electrician (NEC) questions now
Electrician (NEC) · Question 1 of 5
What is the minimum size copper grounding electrode conductor required for a service supplied by 3/0 AWG copper service-entrance conductors?
Pick an answer to see the explanation + an instant AI breakdown.
Start on the web
Practice for the Pennsylvania electrician exam
Use this licensing guide to understand the requirements, then drill NEC practice in your browser with explanations and calculator tools. Web access and native app purchases are separate.
Pennsylvania Electrician Exam — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my journeyman electrician license in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the journeyman electrician license is issued by Local Municipality Licensing. The exam is administered by Varies by municipality and uses the 2017 NEC. You need 4 years of experience, and the exam fee is Varies. You must score 70% to pass. Pennsylvania has no statewide electrician license. Requirements vary by city and county. Philadelphia has a robust licensing program.
What NEC edition is used on the Pennsylvania electrician exam?
The Pennsylvania journeyman electrician exam is based on the 2017 NEC. The exam is administered by Varies by municipality with Varies questions. A score of 70% is required to pass.
What is the best app to study for the Pennsylvania electrician exam?
VoltExam offers Pennsylvania journeyman electrician exam prep on the web with NEC practice questions, explanations, state guidance, and a built-in voltage drop calculator. Native iOS and Android apps are available separately for offline mobile study.
How much does the Pennsylvania journeyman electrician exam cost?
The Pennsylvania journeyman electrician exam costs Varies and is administered by Varies by municipality. You need 4 years of qualifying work experience to be eligible to sit for the exam.