Two portions, each scored on its own
You need 70% on each section — a strong NEC score does not carry a weak Washington Codes score, and you retake only the section you fail. We give you a full-length practice exam for the NEC and Theory section and one for Washington Codes.
NEC and Theory
60 scored · 180 min- Article 90 — introduction1
- Articles 100–110 — definitions, general requirements3
- Articles 200–225, 280–285 — branch circuits, feeders, surge protection3
- Article 230 — services4
- Article 240 — overcurrent protection6
- Article 250 — grounding and bonding6
- Articles 300–398 — wiring methods and materials10
- Articles 400–427, 455–480 — equipment for general use3
- Articles 430–450 — motors, A/C, generators, transformers3
- Article 490 — equipment over 1000 V1
- Articles 500–516 — hazardous locations2
- Articles 517–590 — special occupancies4
- Articles 600–695 — special equipment3
- Articles 700–702 — emergency and standby systems2
- Articles 705–780 — special conditions1
- Articles 800–830 — communications systems1
- General trade knowledge and theory7
Washington Codes
17 scored · 60 min- RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B17
On the 2020 NEC — not the 2023
Washington installations follow the 2023 NEC, but the exams stay on the 2020 edition until July 2027. Material written for 2023 renumbers these rules. 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 01 General Journeyman exam structured?+
Two sections, each scored on its own: NEC and Theory, 60 questions in 3 hours, and Washington Codes (RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B), 17 questions in 1 hour. You need 70% on each. Up to 10 unscored trial questions may be added.
Which code edition is the exam on?+
The 2020 NEC. Washington installations moved to the 2023 NEC on April 1, 2024, but L&I has kept the exams on the 2020 edition; its September 2026 newsletter says they will move straight to the 2026 NEC in July 2027. Study material written for 2023 cites several load-calculation rules under different numbers.
Is it open book?+
Yes. You may bring any original published code book, a silent non-programmable calculator, and RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B printed and bound in a three-ring binder. Highlighting and permanent tabs are allowed; handwritten notes and removable tabs are not. L&I publishes "exam friendly" printable versions of the RCW and WAC.
What if I fail one section?+
You retake only the section you failed. You must wait 14 days after a failed attempt, and after three failures of the same section within a year, 90 days. Every section must be passed within one year of L&I approving you, or you start over.
How often do I renew?+
Every three years, on your birthday. You need 24 hours of continuing education, including at least 8 on NEC code update and 4 on RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B.
What do I need before I can sit the exam?+
8,000 hours in a registered electrical apprenticeship, at least 4,000 of them in new commercial or industrial work. The route for trainees outside an apprenticeship closed on July 1, 2026. L&I approves you and sends the ID you use to book with PSI; PSI bills by the hour, $75 for the four hours of the 01 exam.
Can I use a Washington license in another state?+
Washington has reciprocity with Oregon only: a 01 general journeyman certificate and Oregon’s journeyman licenses are exchanged without retesting.
Ready to pass your exam?
Practice both portions on the current code, with every calculation worked out.
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