North Carolina Unlimited Electrician  Practice Exam

Earning an unlimited electrical license in North Carolina opens doors to high-demand career opportunities, but it requires meeting specific criteria. This license is issued by the NC Board of Electrical Contractors, located at 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27609. You can contact them at 919-733-9042, extension 202, or visit their website for more details.

How to Get an Unlimited Electrical License

To apply for the unlimited electrical license, start by reviewing the requirements in the NCBEEC’s application form, available for download here. Generally, candidates need a combination of experience and education. For instance, you typically require at least 5,000 hours of supervised electrical work experience (about 2.5 years full-time), though exact hours can vary based on your background. If you have formal training or an associate degree in electrical technology, it may reduce the hours needed—check the official handbook for precise details.

Once eligible, submit your application along with any required fees and documentation. After approval, you’ll receive a Notice of Approval with an ID number to schedule your exam through PSI. Register online or by calling 855-746-8173.

What Electrical Work Requires a Permit in NC?

In North Carolina, most electrical work must be permitted to ensure safety and compliance with state codes. This includes installations, repairs, or modifications to wiring, lighting, and electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Work that doesn’t require a permit is limited, such as minor repairs or replacements of like-for-like components (e.g., swapping a light switch). However, always verify with local building authorities, as rules can vary by county. Performing unpermitted work can result in fines or legal issues, so it’s crucial to understand these regulations before starting any project.

Reciprocity and Other Key Questions

North Carolina has reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing licensed electricians from those areas to obtain an NC license more easily. You can find forms and details on reciprocity here. Currently, reciprocal states include South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, but confirm the latest list on the NCBEEC website.

Can you do electrical work in North Carolina without a license? No—it’s illegal and unsafe. Only licensed electricians or those under direct supervision can perform electrical work, with exceptions for minor homeowner tasks. Violating this can lead to penalties, so always prioritize proper licensing.

The real Master Electrician Exam at PSI has the same format as the Unlimited exam: 100 questions, 360 minutes, and a 70% passing score. Our practice exam helps you prepare by simulating this breakdown.

The North Carolina Unlimited Electrician Exam is a critical step toward obtaining an unlimited electrical license, which allows electricians to handle a wide range of commercial and residential projects without restrictions. Administered by PSI on behalf of the NCBEEC, this open-book exam tests your knowledge of electrical codes, safety practices, and business regulations. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, with candidates given 360 minutes (six hours) to complete it. To pass, you must score at least 70%, demonstrating a solid understanding of the material.

This exam is based on the NCBEEC’s guidelines, as outlined in their official bulletin. It covers 11 main categories, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of your skills. These include:

• Bonding and Grounding
• Overcurrent Protection
• Wiring Methods and Terminations
• Boxes and Fittings
• Service Entrance and Equipment
• Motors and Control Wiring
• Special Occupancies and Hazardous Locations
• Load Calculations
• Appliances, Equipment, and Lighting
• General Knowledge
• Laws, Rules, Basic Business Practices, and Practical Applications

Our practice exam replicates this structure, drawing from the same topics to give you realistic preparation. By using it, you’ll gain familiarity with the question format and time constraints, reducing test-day anxiety and improving your chances of success.

The unlimited electrical license in North Carolina, administered by the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC), allows qualified electricians to work on any commercial, residential, or industrial electrical project without restriction on project size or scope.

• Licensing Authority:
  NC Board of Electrical Contractors
  3101 Industrial Drive, Ste 206, Raleigh, NC 27609
  Phone: 919-733-9042 Ext: 202
  NCBEEC Licensing Resource

Our North Carolina Unlimited Electrician Practice Exam is designed to mimic the actual PSI test, with a question bank of over 500 items. You’ll tackle 100 questions in a 360-minute session, just like the real exam, and aim for a 70% score to “pass” each attempt. This open-book format encourages you to use reference materials, helping you practice efficient lookup skills.

Exam Breakdown and Sample Questions

The exam breakdown follows the 11 categories mentioned earlier, with questions distributed to reflect the real test’s emphasis. For example, topics like Wiring Methods and Terminations or Load Calculations often make up a significant portion, testing both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

To give you a taste, here are a few sample multiple-choice questions based on common exam topics. Answers include references for verification:

• Question: What is the maximum voltage drop allowed for branch circuits in a dwelling unit according to the National Electrical Code?
  Answer: 5%.
  Reference: NEC 2020, Article 210.19(A)(1) – Found in the 2020 National Electrical Code, available from the NFPA website.

• Question: In North Carolina, what article of the General Statutes governs the licensing and regulation of electrical contractors?
  Answer: Article 4 of Chapter 87.
  Reference: Laws Applicable to Electrical Contractors in North Carolina, included in the NCBEEC Examination Information Handbook, downloadable from www.ncbeec.org/examinations/.

• Question: What is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor required for a service with a 200-ampere capacity?
  Answer: #4 AWG copper or #2 AWG aluminum.
  Reference: NEC 2020, Article 250.66 – Purchase the code from catalog.nfpa.org.

These questions highlight the blend of code knowledge and real-world scenarios you’ll encounter.

Success starts with the right study materials. For the exam, you’ll need to bring your own references, as none are provided. Key books include:

• The 2020 National Electrical Code (purchase from NFPA’s catalog).
• Laws and Rules for North Carolina Electrical Contractors (download the handbook from www.ncbeec.org/examinations/ or access via the Laws & Rules page).
• Lighting and Power Plans (included in the handbook).
• NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management: North Carolina Edition (buy from nascla.org/store).
• The 2013 National Fire Alarm Code (required for certain classifications; order from NFPA).

Remember, you can highlight, underline, or index these materials before the exam, but no writing is allowed during the test. Use permanent tabs only—no removable ones—to avoid issues.

Acquiring an unlimited electrical license in North Carolina requires meeting specific experience and examination requirements:

1. Experience Requirements: You must document at least 7 years of primary experience working under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. This experience must include knowledge of planning, installing, and supervising electrical wiring and equipment.

2. Application Process: Submit a completed New License Application to the NCBEEC along with the required documentation of your experience and the application fee.

3. Examination: After your application is approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Approval with an ID number required to register for the examination with PSI.

What electrical work requires a permit in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, most electrical work requires a permit, including:

• New electrical installations
• Service changes or upgrades
• Adding circuits or outlets
• Rewiring existing systems
• Installing generators or alternative energy systems
• Major appliance installations

Minor repairs and like-for-like replacements may be exempt, but it’s always advisable to check with your local building department.

How many hours do you need for an electrical license in NC?

For an unlimited electrical license, you need approximately 14,000 hours (7 years) of primary experience in the electrical field. At least 4 years of this experience must be primary experience, meaning hands-on installation, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring and equipment.

What states does North Carolina’s electrical license reciprocate with?

North Carolina maintains reciprocity agreements for electrical contractors with:

• South Carolina
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Alabama
• Georgia
• Louisiana

Reciprocity allows licensed contractors from these states to obtain a North Carolina license without retaking examinations, although additional requirements may apply.

Can you do electrical work in North Carolina without a license?

In North Carolina, anyone performing electrical contracting work valued at $30,000 or more must hold an appropriate electrical contractor license. Homeowners may perform electrical work on their own primary residence without a license, provided they personally perform the work and obtain appropriate permits and inspections.

To ensure comprehensive preparation for your North Carolina Unlimited Electrician Exam, consider supplementing your studies with our additional practice exams:

• Free NEC 2020 Exam – Test your knowledge of the latest National Electrical Code
• Free Ugly’s Electrical References Exam – Practice with questions based on this essential reference guide

Our North Carolina Unlimited Electrician Practice Exam offers the most realistic simulation of the actual NCBEEC examination. With 100 questions drawn from our bank of over 500 items and a full 360 minutes to complete the test, you’ll gain invaluable experience and confidence before sitting for the official exam.

Don’t leave your professional future to chance. Prepare thoroughly, practice extensively, and approach your examination with the confidence that comes from comprehensive preparation. Your unlimited electrical license—and the expanded career opportunities it brings—awaits.