One exam, 90 questions
You need 70 of 100 points. The ten theory questions are worth 2 points each, so theory is a fifth of your score, and calculations are the largest single area at 30. Our full-length practice exam draws from each area in the same proportions, one point per question.
Master Electrician exam
90 scored · 240 min- Electrical theory (2 points each)10
- Wiring and protection (Art. 100–285)14
- Wiring methods and materials (Art. 300–398)13
- Equipment for general use (Art. 400–490)9
- Special occupancies (Art. 500–590)8
- Special equipment (Art. 600–695)4
- Special communications (Art. 700–830)2
- Calculations30
On the 2020 NEC — not the 2023
Maryland's exam tests the 2020 NEC. Much of today's study material is written for the 2023 edition, which renumbered these rules — including the load-calculation tables behind the calculations section. Every question here cites the 2020 section.
| Topic | 2023 NEC (not on your exam) | 2020 NEC |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling general lighting load (3 VA per ft² in both)220.14(J) | 220.41 | 220.14(J) |
| Non-dwelling general lighting unit loads220.12 | Table 220.42(A) | Table 220.12 |
| Lighting load demand factors220.42 | Table 220.45 | Table 220.42 |
| Non-dwelling receptacle demand factors220.44 | Table 220.47 | Table 220.44 |
| EV charging load in a load calculationArticle 220 | 7,200 VA or the nameplate (220.57) | No such rule |
| Class 1 remote-control and signaling circuitsArticle 725 | Articles 722 and 724 | Article 725 |
What's Included
Every plan gets the same full-access study library.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Maryland Master Electrician exam structured?+
One PSI exam of 90 scored questions worth 100 points, in 4 hours; you need 70 points. Thirty questions are calculations — load calculations, conductor sizing, motors, transformers, voltage drop and box and conduit fill — and ten electrical theory questions count double. The rest are the 2020 NEC.
Which code edition is the exam on?+
The 2020 NEC — the only edition PSI has offered since May 2024, and the one the Board confirmed in November 2025. The Board has proposed enforcing the 2026 NEC and is writing a 2026 version of the exam, but PSI has not announced a date for the switch. Until it does, every scored question is on the 2020 code.
Is the exam open book?+
Yes, with one book: NFPA 70, the 2020 NEC. You may highlight and index it and use permanent tabs, but you may not write notes in it, and no other reference is allowed. PSI provides an online calculator on screen.
Is there a Maryland law or rules section?+
No. Neither outline has a law section — every scored question is on the NEC or electrical theory.
How hard is it to pass?+
Hard. The Board reports 2,730 passes out of 9,659 exams since it started testing — 28% — and 26% for 2025 through October.
What does it cost, and what if I fail?+
The PSI exam fee is $65. If you fail, you can retake it after 30 days. Each exam also carries 5 to 10 unscored trial questions, which count against your time.
Do I also need a county license?+
Possibly. The state license is valid statewide, but a county or city may also require you to register with it before you work there. Limited and low-voltage licenses are issued by counties, not the state.
How are the calculation questions checked?+
Every calculation answer — and every wrong option — is computed by code from the 2020 NEC tables and rules, not written by hand. The explanation walks through each step with the section it comes from.
What do I need before I can sit the exam?+
At least seven years of experience working under the direction of a licensed master electrician, part of which can be credited for approved electrical coursework. Master licenses are recognized by reciprocity with Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia.
Ready to pass your exam?
Practice the full exam on the current code, with every calculation worked out.
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