Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician (Certificate B) Exam Day: What to Expect

Rhode Island Journeyperson Electrician (Certificate B) Exam Day: What to Expect

Rhode Island's journeyperson exam for Certificate B (the Class B license) is written and given by the Department of Labor and Training (DLT), Division of Professional Regulation, with the Board of Examiners of Electricians. It is a written exam of 80 questions in 4 hours, answered in ink, closed book by rule, and you need 70%. Here is what to expect.

Before the day

You cannot book a seat online. Mail DLT the notarized application, your documents and the $75 fee so it arrives at least 15 working days before an exam date. Once you are approved, DLT mails you the time and place of your exam. Exams are given first come, first served, and space is limited; only approved applicants are admitted.

If you need an interpreter for the hearing impaired, tell Professional Regulation at (401) 462-8580 at least three business days before the exam. The application also asks whether you need the exam in a language other than English.

Where you test

DLT sets the place in your notice. State law requires exam sittings in Providence at least twice a year and allows other convenient places in the state. DLT Professional Regulation's office is at 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston.

Closed book means closed book

The Board's rule is blunt: anyone "found referring to notes or books during an examination, except by permission by the board will be disqualified." DLT does not publish whether the Board currently allows the NEC at journeyperson sittings, and prep providers disagree. Plan for no book, and ask DLT when your notice arrives. Bring what your notice lists; answers are written in ink unless you are told otherwise.

Pacing a closed-book exam

You have 4 hours for 80 questions, about three minutes each, so there is time to think but not to dwell. Answer the questions you know first: theory, definitions and everyday NEC rules. Mark the ones that need a calculation or a second look and come back to them. With no book, there is nothing to gain by staring at a question you cannot recall.

Results, review and retakes

You need 70% to pass. With 60% or more you may review your exam with members of the Board, which is a chance to see where you went wrong. To retake, apply for a later exam; ask DLT whether a new application fee applies. After you pass, DLT invoices you for the $72 two-year license fee.

Practice first

Our Rhode Island Journeyperson practice test is built on the 2023 NEC; answer each question from memory before you read the explanation. For the content, see what is on the Journeyperson exam.