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
34 scored · 120 min- Article 90 — introduction1
- Articles 100–110 — definitions, general requirements2
- Articles 200–225, 280–285 — branch circuits, feeders, surge protection1
- Article 240 — overcurrent protection3
- Article 250 — grounding and bonding3
- Articles 300–398 — wiring methods and materials5
- Articles 400–427, 455–480 — equipment for general use3
- Articles 430–450 — motors, A/C, generators, transformers1
- Articles 500–516 — hazardous locations2
- Articles 600–695 — special equipment1
- Articles 705–780 — special conditions (Class 1, 2 and 3 circuits, fire alarm, optical fiber)6
- Articles 800–830 — communications systems3
- General trade knowledge and theory3
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. The 2023 NEC split Article 725 into three articles, so material written for it sends you to the wrong place. Every question here cites the 2020 section.
| Topic | 2023 NEC (not on your exam) | 2020 NEC |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 remote-control, signaling and power-limited circuitsArticle 725 | Article 724 | Article 725, Part II |
| Class 2 and Class 3 circuitsArticle 725 | Article 725 | Article 725, Part III |
| Cables for power-limited circuits (listing, marking, installation)Article 725 | Article 722 | Article 725, Parts III–IV |
What's Included
Every plan gets the same full-access study library.
Frequently asked questions
How is the 06 Limited Energy exam structured?+
Two sections, each scored on its own: NEC and Theory, 34 questions in 2 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.
Is it only low-voltage articles?+
No. Only 9 of the 34 NEC questions come from Articles 705–830 — Class 1, 2 and 3 circuits, fire alarm, optical fiber and communications. The rest range across the whole code: grounding, overcurrent protection, wiring methods, hazardous locations and general theory. Washington law is a separate 17-question section that you must also pass.
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?+
4,000 hours of supervised work as a 06 trainee, with the classroom training L&I requires. L&I approves you and sends the ID you use to book with PSI; PSI bills by the hour, $65 for the three hours of the 06 exam.
Does a 06 certificate let me work on fire alarm systems?+
It covers installing the wiring and devices of limited-energy systems, including fire alarm. Washington separately requires NICET Fire Alarm certification for fire alarm inspection, testing and design work, so many technicians hold both.
Ready to pass your exam?
Practice both portions on the current code, with every calculation worked out.
Start Studying Today →