NFPA 70 NEC 2020 Practice Exam

Okay, let’s talk about this giant book. If you’ve ever cracked open the NEC, you know it’s dense—like, “I need a coffee and maybe a shot of espresso” dense. It’s full of technical jargon, cross-references, and tables that can make your head spin. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to know everything in it. You just need to know where to look when the clock is ticking.

That’s why an Electrical Code Practice Exam is a game-changer. It helps you get comfortable navigating the NEC, so when you’re sitting for the real thing, you’re not flipping pages in a panic.

I’ve seen too many folks try to brute-force this exam by cramming, highlighting half the NEC, and praying for a miracle. Trust me, that’s not the way. Here’s what actually works:

1. Get Hands-On with Practice Exams

If you take nothing else from this post, remember this: taking an NEC 70 practice exam is the best way to prepare. The more you practice finding answers in the NEC, the better you’ll do on the test. It’s like training for a marathon—you wouldn’t just read about running; you’d actually hit the pavement. Same idea here.

2. Know Your Keywords

The exam questions are tricky, but they always give you hints. Pay attention to keywords—things like “minimum clearance,” “required grounding,” or “overcurrent protection.” These will help you figure out where to look in the NEC.

3. Use Tabs (But Be Smart About It)

Tabbing your NEC book can be a lifesaver. But here’s the mistake I see all the time: people slap tabs everywhere and then forget what they mean. Keep it simple. Mark the sections you struggle with the most—grounding, conductor sizing, panelboard requirements—and get familiar with them.

4. Learn How the Book is Organized

The NEC is broken into chapters, articles, and tables. If you understand the structure, finding answers gets way easier. For example:

• Chapter 1-4 covers general requirements, wiring, and protection.

• Chapter 5-7 dives into special occupancies and conditions.

• Chapter 8-9 is all about communication and tables.

If a question asks about swimming pool wiring, don’t waste time flipping through Chapter 2. Head straight to Article 680 where it’s covered.

Alright, test day is here. You’ve put in the work, you’ve taken the Electrical Code Practice Exam, and you know how to navigate the NEC. Now what?

• Get There Early – No one needs the added stress of running late.
• Use Your NEC Book – It’s open book for a reason. Don’t be a hero and try to answer from memory.
• Skip the Hard Ones First – If a question stumps you, move on. Come back later.
• Watch the Clock – Time management is key. Don’t get stuck on one question for 10 minutes.

Q1: What resources should I use to prepare?

A: Besides the NEC codebook, try our NFPA 70 online practice exams and other NEC electrical code study guides. These resources offer real-world examples and scenario-based questions.

Q2: Is the NFPA 70 exam open book?

A: Yes, it’s an open-book test. Knowing where to locate information in the codebook quickly is essential.

Q3: What are the main sections to focus on?

A: Focus on chapters 2, 3, and 4, as well as the tables in chapter 9. These areas cover wiring, grounding, and other fundamentals.

NFPA 70 Online Practice Test: A Smart Study Tool

If you’re looking for a way to gauge your readiness, an NFPA 70 online practice test is one of the best study tools available. These tests replicate the format and style of questions you’ll face on the actual exam. You’ll get a feel for the pacing, identify areas that need improvement, and build confidence.

Tips for the NEC Electrical Code Study Plan

To maximize your study efforts, consider these additional tips:

• Break Down Chapters by Topic: For example, focus one week on wiring and protection, and the next on grounding and bonding.
• Set Daily Goals: Aiming to review specific sections each day can help manage the vast content without feeling overwhelmed.
• Seek Support: Online study groups or local workshops offer peer support, allowing you to discuss difficult topics and clarify doubts.

The NFPA NEC 70 exam isn’t about being the smartest electrician in the room—it’s about knowing how to find the right answers. And the best way to do that? Take as many NEC 70 practice exams as you can. It’s hands-down the best way to get comfortable with the codebook and boost your confidence.

So, what do you say? Ready to crush this thing? If you want to test your skills, check out our Electrical Code Practice Exam and see where you stand. The more you practice, the better you’ll get—simple as that.

And hey, if you’ve taken the exam before, drop a comment below and share your experience. What worked for you? What tripped you up? Let’s help each other out!