New Mexico ER-1J Residential Journeyman Electrician
Practice both PSI portions of the New Mexico ER-1J Residential Electrician exam — Part 1, Code (open book) and Part 2, Theory (closed book), each scored like the real test, on the 2020 NEC, with every answer explained and cited.
Two portions, each scored on its own
You need 75% on each part, scored separately: 30 of 40 on Part 1 and 19 of 25 on Part 2. These are the question counts in PSI’s bulletin. Part 2 is closed book, so our Part 2 practice exam asks only what you can answer without the code book. A hands-on practical is also required; our prep covers the written parts.
Part 1, Code (open book)
40 scored · 90 min- General Knowledge and Electrical Installation Requirements5
- Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits6
- Overcurrent Protection4
- Grounding and Bonding4
- Conductors and Cables6
- Raceways and Boxes4
- Special Occupancies and Special Equipment, including Pools2
- Lighting and General-Use Equipment2
- New Mexico State Code5
- Low Voltage2
Part 2, Theory (closed book)
25 scored · 60 min- General Knowledge and Electrical Installation Requirements9
- Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits4
- Overcurrent Protection2
- Grounding and Bonding2
- Conductors and Cables2
- Raceways and Boxes2
- Special Occupancies and Special Equipment, including Pools1
- Lighting and General-Use Equipment1
- Low Voltage2
About the New Mexico ER-1J Residential Journeyman Electrician
Granted by New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
New Mexico CID ER-1J residential journeyman certificate exam (PSI): Part 1 Code, 40 open-book questions in 90 minutes, and Part 2 Theory, 25 closed-book questions in 60 minutes, 75% on each. Questions follow the 2020 NEC as amended by the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (14.10.4 NMAC).
Eligibility Requirements
Two years (4,000 hours) of residential electrical experience within the last 10 years, verified on CID’s experience form; approved training can count for up to half (14.6.4 NMAC).
On the 2020 NEC, as New Mexico amends it
New Mexico’s journeyman exams test the 2020 NEC with the state’s amendments in the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (14.10.4 NMAC). Much of today’s study material is written for the 2023 edition, which renumbered some of these rules. Every question here cites the 2020 section, and none rests on a rule New Mexico amends unless it cites the state code.
| 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.
Scheduling & Fees
Where to take it
- Administered by
- PSI
- Reschedule policy
- Cancel or reschedule at least two days before the exam, or the fee is forfeited. You must test within six months of CID’s approval.
- Retake policy
- You need 75% on each part, scored separately, and retake only the part you failed. At most two attempts in any 30-day period; after two failures, wait 30 days from the first attempt. The exam fee is good for one year.
Fees
- Application fee, per classification (CID)
- $75
- Exam fee, each written part (PSI)
- $68.88
- Both written parts and the practical, combined (PSI)
- $206.64
Keeping Your Certification Active
Renewal requirements
- Cycle
- Every three years
Reciprocity
None: New Mexico’s reciprocity agreements cover only the EE-98J certificate.
Sources: PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, State of New Mexico Journeyman Examinations (4/13/2023) · New Mexico Journeyman Certificate Application (2025) · 14.6.4 NMAC, Journeyman Certification · New Mexico CID Electrical Bureau
Frequently asked questions
How is the New Mexico ER-1J exam structured?+
Two written parts and a practical. Part 1, Code, is 40 open-book questions in 90 minutes on the 2020 NEC and the New Mexico Electrical Code, 5 of them on the state code. Part 2, Theory, is 25 closed-book questions in 60 minutes. You need 75% on each part. The practical covers doorbells, lighting, conduit bending and materials identification.
What do I need before I can sit the exam?+
Two years (4,000 hours) of residential electrical experience within the last 10 years, verified on CID’s experience form; approved training can count for up to half. Apply to CID first; once approved, you register with PSI.
Does New Mexico accept a license from another state?+
Not for ER-1J. New Mexico’s reciprocity agreements cover only the EE-98J journeyman certificate, so residential candidates take the New Mexico exam.
How often do I renew?+
The certificate runs three years; check CID’s current continuing-education requirement for ER-1J when you renew.
Which code edition is the exam on?+
The 2020 NEC with New Mexico’s amendments, the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (14.10.4 NMAC), in force since March 28, 2023. PSI’s bulletin says code questions use only the listed edition. No move to the 2023 NEC has been announced.
Is it open book?+
Part 1 (Code) is open book: you bring your own bound 2020 NEC and the New Mexico Electrical Code, with highlighting and permanent tabs allowed but no handwritten notes. Part 2 (Theory) is closed book: nothing comes into the room except a silent, non-programmable calculator.
Is there a hands-on test?+
Yes. Both certificates also require a practical exam scored out of 100 points, with 75 to pass. Our practice exams cover the two written parts only.
What does it cost?+
A $75 application fee to CID for each classification, then PSI’s exam fees: $68.88 per exam, or $206.64 for the two written parts and the practical together. Your exam fee is good for one year.
Where and how do I take it?+
At PSI test centers in Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, Roswell and Santa Fe, and in nearby Colorado and Texas cities, after CID approves you. You must test within six months of approval. Cancel at least two days ahead to keep your fee.
What if I fail?+
You need 75% on each part, scored separately, so you retake only the part you failed. You may test at most twice in any 30-day period; after two failures, wait 30 days from your first attempt.
Ready to pass your exam?
Practice both portions on the current code, with every calculation worked out.
Start Studying Today →