Electrician exam calculations

Electrician exam calculations come down to a short list of methods that repeat with different numbers: voltage drop, box fill, conduit fill, motor circuits and dwelling loads. Each page below gives one method step by step, worked problems with the NEC section, and a timed practice set on that subject only.

The five methods

Voltage dropOne formula, two phase factors.Box fillWhat counts as one, what counts as two.Conduit fillThree tables and a percentage.Motor calculationsTable current, 125%, and the protective device.Dwelling loadConnected load first, demand factor second.

How much of the exam is calculations

In Texas the calculations are a portion of their own, timed and scored separately from NEC knowledge, and you need 70% on it. The journeyman portion has 26 questions in 110 minutes, a little over four minutes per question. The master portion has 33 questions in 170 minutes, a little over five minutes per question.

Journeyman calculations: subject areas

Subject area	Scored questions
Calculations and Theory	2
Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems	4
Electrical Feeders	3
Branch Circuit Calculations and Conductors	4
Electrical Wiring Methods and Electrical Materials	2
Electrical Equipment and Devices	2
Motors and Generators	2
Electrical Control Devices and Disconnecting Means	1
Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions	3
Renewable Energy Technologies	1
Total	24

Master calculations: subject areas

Subject area	Scored questions
Calculations and Theory	2
Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems	8
Electrical Feeders	3
Branch Circuit Calculations and Conductors	4
Electrical Wiring Methods and Electrical Materials	2
Electrical Equipment and Devices	2
Motors and Generators	6
Electrical Control Devices and Disconnecting Means	1
Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions	1
Renewable Energy Technologies	1
Total	30

These are the content outlines in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. The counts are scored questions; each portion also carries a few unscored trial questions.

Practice a mixed set

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Journeyman electrician practice testTen calculation problems in 42 minutes.Master electrician practice testCommercial and industrial calculations, ten problems in 52 minutes.Texas journeyman electrician examFormat, fee, book rules and pass rates, from TDLR and PSI.Texas master electrician examBoth portions, requirements and pass rates.

Latest guides

Is the Texas Electrician Exam Open Book? What You Can BringYes, with rules. Which code book is allowed, what you may mark in it, which tabs are accepted and what happens if your book does not comply.

Common questions

Are the calculations a separate part of the electrician exam?

In Texas, yes. Since March 11, 2025 the journeyman exam has two separate parts, a knowledge portion and a calculations portion, and you must pass each with at least 70%. The master exam is split the same way.

How much time do I get per calculation question?

In Texas, 110 minutes for 26 questions on the journeyman calculations portion and 170 minutes for 33 questions on the master portion. That is a little over four and five minutes per question.

Can I use a calculator and my code book?

Yes. The exam is open book on the 2026 NEC, and non-programmable calculators that are silent and battery-operated are allowed. Bring your own soft-bound code book.

Official sources

Facts checked against these sources on 2026-11-12.