Ugly’s Electrical References Free Exam

Pass your NEC Electrical License Exam for Free

4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars (based on 9 reviews)

Struggling with the NEC exam? Don’t waste time flipping aimlessly through pages—master Ugly’s Electrical References with our free, unlimited practice test. With only 30 minutes to answer 15 questions, you need to know where to find the right answers fast. Unlike static PDFs, our timed practice exam mimics the real Pearson Vue test, helping you build confidence under pressure. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, refining your lookup skills is the key to passing. Take your free practice test now and gain the edge you need to succeed!

Are You Ready to Pass Your Electrical License Exam?
Stop Worrying and Start Preparing

Master Your Open Book Exam Skills - It's About Navigation, Not Memorization

Have you ever stressed about memorizing every electrical code for your NEC exam? Stop right there! Open book tests like the electrical licensing exams don’t require you to memorize answers—they require you to memorize how to navigate resources like Ugly’s Electrical References quickly. Our practice exams simulate the real Pearson Vue testing center experience with a similar format. The best part? You can take our unlimited free exam as many times as you want, perfecting your Ugly’s navigation skills until you can find any electrical code reference in seconds.

PDF vs. Timed Practice: A Realistic Approach

Why struggle with static PDF practice tests when you could be experiencing the actual pressure of a timed electrical licensing exam? Unlike basic PDF resources, our practice exams mirror the exact conditions you’ll face at the Pearson Vue testing centers—including the strict time limits that make Ugly’s Electrical References so valuable. Each question is carefully crafted to match the difficulty level of real ICC exams, forcing you to develop the quick reference skills that separate passing candidates from failing ones. Does that sound like the preparation you need for your Journeyman or Master Electrician license?

Why Ugly’s Electrical References Matters for Everyone

Think Ugly’s Electrical References is just for electrical apprentices? Think again! Even 30-year veterans of the electrical trade keep this invaluable guide in their toolbox. For newcomers, it simplifies complex NEC requirements into digestible formats. For professionals preparing for Master Electrician licensing, it provides quick access to rarely-used calculations and electrical codes that might appear on your exam. The ability to rapidly locate information in Ugly’s doesn’t just help you pass the test—it makes you more efficient and accurate in real-world electrical work.

Take Your Electrical Career to the Next Level Today

Ready to transform your relationship with Ugly’s Electrical References from occasional reference to exam-passing superpower? Our practice exam system is the missing link between simply owning the book and truly mastering its contents for your electrical licensing exam. Don’t leave your ICC exam success to chance—start practicing with our timed, realistic NEC exam simulations today and discover exactly how to navigate Ugly’s under pressure. Your future in the electrical trade is just one practice exam away. What are you waiting for?

Take the Next Step: Start Practicing Now

Don’t leave your success to chance—take control of your preparation today. Our free practice exam is the perfect way to test your skills and build confidence before sitting for the NEC exam. Click below to start your first attempt and sharpen your Ugly’s Electrical References mastery now!

Remember that while Ugly’s Electrical References is enormously helpful, it works best as part of a comprehensive study approach that includes thorough understanding of the NEC, practical experience, and dedicated preparation. With these elements combined, you’ll be well-positioned to pass your electrical licensing exams and advance in this challenging and rewarding profession.

close report window Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

Report a question

You cannot submit an empty report. Please add some details.
tail spin Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice
/15
19

Ugly's Electrical References

Ready to Test Your Electrical Knowledge With Our Free Ugly's Electrical References Exam?

Before You Begin: This practice exam simulates the official Pearson Vue testing environment to help you build confidence and speed.

Exam Details

Time Limit
30 minutes
Questions
15 randomly selected
Question Bank
75 unique questions

Test-Taking Tips

Use your time wisely - Just 2 minutes per question
Not sure about an answer? Use the bookmark feature to flag questions for review
Cost per attempt: Unlimited Free Attempts
Format: Open book, just like the real exam

Ready to start improving your test-taking skills? Click "Start" below to begin your practice exam.

Please enter your following information to get started:

1 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

A(n) ______ is one of the five basic types of distributed generation systems.

2 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

What item(s) are required to be shown on an arc-flash equipment label?

3 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

What may be the result of contact with an energized circuit or of equipment failure?

4 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

In the combination resistor circuit (Figure IA), the ohm values are as follows: Rl = 30, R2 = 40, R3 = 20, R4 = 60, RS= 120, R6 = 120, R7 = 90, R8 = 60, R9 = 30, RIO= 30. Using the information on combination circuits, calculate the current flow in the circuit when Vl = 120 volts. (A list of figures can be found in a separate PDF file with the name "FIGS".)

5 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

Type "P" cables are commonly used for ______ applications.

6 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

The B phase of an ungrounded high leg delta conductor must be _______ or tagged.

7 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

The total resistance of a number of equal resistors, in parallel, is equal to the resistance of one resistor divided by ______.

8 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

The most common pulley configuration consists of a motor with a pulley attached to its shaft, connected by a belt to a second pulley.

9 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

How many trigonometry functions are there?

10 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

Using the formula I= (KVA x 1000) -c- (Ex 1.73), what is the current that a 230 volt, 4 kVA, three-phase generator operating at full load will deliver?

11 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

Using the formula, Hours= Lamp cost x 1000 + Watts saved x kWhr, if a 75 watt incandescent lamp i sreplaced with a 26 watt energy saving lamp, having the same light output (lumens), the cost per kilowatt hour (kWhr) is 12 cents, and the lamp cost is $3, how many hours would the new lamp need to operate to pay for itself?

12 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

According to NEC 200.6A, grounded conductors are required to be __________.

13 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

The specific resistance of copper is _______ .

14 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

In order to change rotation in a compound wound motor, all three sets of leads may be reversed at the same time.

15 / 15

bookmark empty Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

In no case shall the feeder or service calculated load be _________ than the sum of the largest two kitchen equipment loads.

Results Calculated By CPE Free Ugly's Electrical Reference Exam | NEC Practice

Your score is

The average score is 42%

0%

Looking for more Electrical Practice?

 

 

Try our NFPA 70 Practice Exam.

Mastering Ugly’s Electrical References

Your Key to NEC Exam Success

When preparing for electrical licensing exams, particularly those based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), having the right resources at your fingertips can make the difference between passing and failing. Among these essential resources, Ugly’s Electrical References stands out as a compact yet comprehensive guide that has earned its place in the toolbox of professional electricians and exam candidates alike.

This pocket-sized reference book, despite its somewhat unflattering name, has become legendary in the electrical industry for its ability to condense vast amounts of critical information into an accessible format. In timed, open-book exams where efficiency is paramount, knowing how to navigate Ugly’s Electrical References can give you the edge you need to succeed.

4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars (based on 9 reviews)

Let us know what you think!

Last Updated: February 26, 2025
Pass your NEC Exam with a free Ugly's Electrical References Exam
Why Every Electrician Should Know Ugly's Electrical References

Ugly’s Electrical References has been a trusted companion for electricians, apprentices, and engineers for decades. Here’s why it is invaluable for those preparing for the NEC exam:

1. Quick Access to Essential Information

The book provides a concise, easy-to-use format that helps electricians quickly find key formulas, wire sizing charts, conduit fill tables, and motor calculations. This efficiency is critical in an exam setting where time management can make or break your success.

2. Simplifies Complex Electrical Concepts

Instead of sifting through the NEC codebook’s extensive text, Ugly’s distills complex information into charts, diagrams, and quick-reference tables, making it easier to understand and apply during the exam.

3. Enhances NEC Code Familiarity

Although Ugly’s Electrical References is not a substitute for the NEC codebook, it complements it by summarizing key electrical codes and calculations in a practical, user-friendly manner. Frequent use of Ugly’s helps test-takers retain and recall critical NEC concepts faster.

4. Improves Exam Navigation Skills

Because the NEC exam is open-book, success depends on how well candidates navigate reference materials. Practicing with Ugly’s before the test helps develop efficient lookup skills, reducing time spent searching for answers during the exam.

Ugly’s Electrical References excels in this high-pressure environment for several reasons:

  • Its compact size (typically around 200 pages) makes it significantly faster to navigate than the complete NEC book
  • Information is logically organized with a detailed table of contents and index
  • Color-coded sections allow for quick reference during the exam
  • Essential tables, formulas, and diagrams are presented in a clear, easy-to-read format
Key Electrical Codes and Information Covered in Ugly's

NEC Code References and Interpretations

While Ugly’s Electrical References is not a substitute for the complete NEC, it effectively summarizes many of the most frequently referenced code sections, particularly those likely to appear on licensing exams. Some of the important NEC content you’ll find includes:

  • Article 110 – Requirements for Electrical Installations
  • Article 210 – Branch Circuits
  • Article 250 – Grounding and Bonding
  • Article 300 – Wiring Methods
  • Article 430 – Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controllers

The guide presents these complex code requirements in simplified, accessible language while still maintaining technical accuracy.

Essential Tables and Calculations

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Ugly’s for exam purposes is its collection of tables that would otherwise require extensive searching in the NEC. These include:

  • Conductor ampacity tables with correction factors
  • Voltage drop calculations and tables
  • Conduit fill tables
  • Box fill calculations
  • Motor full-load current tables
  • Transformer calculations
  • Service and feeder load calculations

These tables are frequently referenced in exam questions, and having them readily accessible in Ugly’s can save crucial time.

Electrical Formulas and Applications

Ugly’s excels at providing practical applications of electrical formulas, including:

  • Three-phase power calculations
  • Power factor correction
  • Transformer sizing
  • Motor circuit design
  • Voltage drop calculations
  • Conduit bending calculations
  • Raceway fill calculations

The guide not only provides these formulas but also shows examples of how to apply them correctly, which is invaluable for the application-based questions common on the NEC exam.

ICC Exams That Use Ugly’s Electrical References

Several International Code Council (ICC) exams include Ugly’s Electrical References as an approved reference book. Understanding this resource is crucial for candidates pursuing electrical and building-related certifications. Some of these exams include:

  • ICC Electrical Inspector Exam (E1, E2, E3) – Tests knowledge of NEC codes and electrical installations.

  • ICC Master Electrician Exam – Requires expertise in NEC compliance, electrical calculations, and installations.

  • ICC Residential Electrical Inspector Exam – Focuses on electrical systems in residential buildings.

  • ICC Commercial Electrical Inspector Exam – Covers electrical requirements for commercial structures.

Electrical Licenses Where Ugly’s Electrical References is Essential

Mastering Ugly’s Electrical References is beneficial for obtaining various electrical licenses and certifications, including:

  • Journeyman Electrician License – Required for electricians performing unsupervised electrical work.

  • Master Electrician License – Advanced certification for electricians overseeing installations and obtaining permits.

  • Electrical Contractor License – Necessary for business owners conducting electrical services.

  • Residential Wireman License – Focused on electrical installations in residential properties.

  • Industrial Electrician License – Required for electricians working in industrial settings with heavy electrical machinery.

How Practicing with Our NEC Exam Can Help

To ensure success in the NEC exam at a Pearson Vue testing center, we offer a practice test consisting of 15 questions randomly selected from a bank of 75. You will have 30 minutes to complete the test and must achieve a 70% passing score. Since no two exams are the same, each attempt helps strengthen your familiarity with electrical references and NEC codes.

By practicing with our timed exam, you will:

  • Improve your ability to locate answers quickly within Ugly’s Electrical References and the NEC codebook.

  • Develop a better understanding of key electrical concepts through real exam-style questions.

  • Gain confidence in navigating open-book exams, ensuring you perform well on test day.

Strategies for Effectively Using Ugly's During the NEC Exam

Pre-Exam Preparation with Ugly’s

To maximize the effectiveness of Ugly’s Electrical References during your NEC exam:

  • Tab important sections with color-coded markers for quick access
  • Highlight frequently used tables and formulas
  • Practice locating information quickly through timed drills
  • Familiarize yourself with the table of contents and index
  • Create your own quick-reference notes on blank pages provided

This preparation can dramatically reduce the time needed to find critical information during the exam.

Time Management During the Exam

With roughly 3 minutes available per question, strategic use of Ugly’s is essential:

  • Scan the question to identify the specific code issue being tested
  • Go directly to the relevant section in Ugly’s using your tabs
  • Look for keywords in the index if the information is not immediately found
  • Use the tables and formulas first before attempting complex calculations
  • When stuck, move on and return to challenging questions later

Search our Database on Electrical Exams!

NEC 2023 Practice Test

NEC 2023 Practice Test

NEC 2023 Practice ExamPass your Electrical License Exam with Confidence[site_reviews_summary assigned_posts="4897"...

Submit a Review