What Does the Arizona A-17 License Cover?

The A-17 Electrical and Transmission Lines classification covers major electrical construction associated with transmission lines and public right-of-ways.

The scope includes work such as:

• Installing, altering, and repairing transmission lines.
• Erecting utility poles.
• Installing guying systems.
• Constructing tower lines.
• Working on cellular and communication towers.
• Installing street lighting of all voltages.
• Installing underground electrical systems.
• Installing ducts for signal and communication systems.
• Installing transformers.
• Installing circuit breakers.
• Installing capacitors.
• Installing primary metering devices.
• Performing related commercial electrical construction.

This distinction is important when deciding whether A-17 is the correct Arizona license for your business.

Step 1: Confirm A-17 Is the Classification You Need

Before buying books or scheduling an exam, confirm that the A-17 scope matches the work you plan to perform.

Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for the A-17 Electrical and Transmission Lines classification.

The current classification requirements also list:

• The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, or SRE.
• The A-17 trade examination.

Arizona also identifies a solar warranty requirement when solar work is performed under this classification.

Always review the Arizona Registrar of Contractors classification requirements before beginning the licensing process.

Step 2: Know the A-17 Exam Numbers

That sounds like plenty of time until a conductor-sizing question sends you wandering through the NEC for seven minutes.

Successful preparation should combine electrical knowledge with fast reference navigation.

Step 3: Learn the A-17 Exam Breakdown

PSI currently divides the 90 scored questions across 11 subject areas.

Five categories each contain 10 questions: General Electrical Knowledge, Transformers, Conductors, Equipment and Safety, and Photovoltaics.

Together, those five categories account for 50 of the 90 questions. That is more than half the entire exam.

Step 4: Strengthen Your General Electrical Knowledge

General Electrical Knowledge contributes 10 questions and supports nearly every other category.

Review:

• Ohm's law.
• Power formulas.
• Single-phase and three-phase concepts.
• Voltage.
• Current.
• Resistance.
• Power factor.
• Electrical calculations.
• Overcurrent protection.
• Electrical equipment ratings.

Do not simply memorize formulas. Practice deciding which formula applies to the problem.

A calculator is very useful, but it remains stubbornly unwilling to tell you which equation you should have used.

Step 5: Make Transformers a Major Study Area

Transformers account for 10 questions.

Review:

• Transformer operation.
• Primary and secondary systems.
• Voltage relationships.
• Current relationships.
• Single-phase transformers.
• Three-phase transformers.
• Connections.
• Protection.
• Grounding.
• Transformer sizing.
• Installation requirements.

Practice transformer calculations until the basic relationships feel familiar.

The exam may combine calculation skills with NEC or National Electrical Safety Code requirements.

Step 6: Study Conductors Carefully

Conductors also contribute 10 questions.

Become comfortable with:

• Conductor materials.
• Conductor sizes.
• Ampacity.
• Temperature ratings.
• Insulation types.
• Voltage drop.
• Parallel conductors.
• Overhead conductor considerations.
• Underground conductor considerations.
• Conductor protection.

Learn the important NEC tables and understand how temperature, terminals, installation conditions, and conductor type can affect the answer.

If a question gives you six pieces of information, there is a good chance at least five of them are there for a reason.

Step 7: Learn Grounding and Bonding

Grounding Methods contributes eight questions.

Review:

• System grounding.
• Equipment grounding.
• Grounding electrodes.
• Bonding.
• Grounding conductors.
• Utility grounding practices.
• Transformer grounding.
• Grounding at supply stations.
• Grounding of structures and equipment.

Grounding questions can become confusing when similar terms are treated like they mean the same thing.

Learn the vocabulary carefully and practice finding grounding requirements in both the NEC and NESC.

Step 8: Study Poles, Structures, and Guying Systems

Poles and Structures accounts for eight questions.

Study:

• Utility pole construction.
• Pole installation.
• Guy wires.
• Anchors.
• Towers.
• Clearances.
• Structural loading concepts.
• Hardware.
• Support requirements.
• Safe work practices.

The National Electrical Safety Code is especially important because it addresses utility-supply systems and clearances that are outside the normal focus of inside-building electrical work.

Step 9: Review Overhead and Underground Lines

Overhead Lines and Underground Lines each contain six questions, giving you 12 questions when combined.

For overhead systems, review:

• Conductors.
• Clearances.
• Supports.
• Crossarms.
• Insulators.
• Guying.
• Roadway and structure crossings.

For underground systems, study:

• Raceways and ducts.
• Direct burial concepts.
• Underground conductors.
• Pulling and installation.
• Protection from damage.
• Depth and separation requirements.
• Manholes and related access.

Learn which requirements come from the NEC and which are better located in the NESC.

Step 10: Study Equipment Over 600 Volts

Equipment Over 600 Volts contributes seven questions and fits directly with the A-17 scope.

Review:

• High-voltage equipment.
• Switchgear.
• Circuit breakers.
• Disconnecting means.
• Protection.
• Clearances.
• Working space.
• Enclosures.
• Access requirements.

Do not prepare for A-17 as though it were an ordinary 120/240-volt building wiring exam.

High-voltage construction is one of the main reasons this classification exists.

Step 11: Know Electrical Supply Stations

Electrical Supply Stations contributes five questions.

Review the basic construction and safety requirements associated with:

• Substations.
• Supply-station equipment.
• Transformers.
• Switching equipment.
• Protective equipment.
• Fencing and access.
• Clearances.
• Grounding.

Five questions may be one of the smaller sections, but that still represents more than 5% of your total score.

Step 12: Make Safety a Major Priority

Equipment and Safety contains 10 questions.

A-17 contractors work around high voltage, heavy equipment, poles, elevated work, excavations, rigging, traffic, and utility systems. Safety is not exactly a side conversation.

Review:

• Electrical safety.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Fall protection.
• Excavation safety.
• Hoisting and rigging.
• Ladders.
• Aerial work.
• Equipment operation.
• Minimum approach concepts.
• Jobsite protection.

Become comfortable using OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 because many safety questions depend on exact requirements rather than general common sense.

Step 13: Do Not Ignore Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics contributes 10 questions, making solar one of the largest individual exam categories.

Review:

• Photovoltaic system fundamentals.
• PV modules.
• Arrays.
• Series and parallel relationships.
• Voltage and current calculations.
• Conductors.
• Overcurrent protection.
• Disconnecting means.
• Grounding.
• Inverters.
• NEC photovoltaic requirements.

Contractor Exam Preps also offers an online review of Solar Photovoltaic Systems based on the NEC for candidates who want additional PV practice.

Ten questions is too large a section to leave until the night before the exam.

Step 14: Get the Correct A-17 Exam References

The current PSI A-17 content outline lists three references that are allowed in the examination center:

• 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA construction regulations, with the latest available amendments, or PSI's applicable selections.
• NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition.
• National Electrical Safety Code, 2017 Edition.

Browse the Arizona contractor exam preparation resources while assembling your study materials.

Candidates using the 2017 NEC may also find the 2017 NEC Key Word Index useful during study for learning how to locate difficult NEC subjects quickly.

Step 15: Know the Study-Only References

PSI identifies several books that may be used to develop exam questions but are not allowed inside the examination center.

They include:

• American Electricians' Handbook.
• Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook.
• Photovoltaic Systems, 2nd Edition.

These references can still be extremely useful while preparing.

The Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook can strengthen your understanding of utility construction, poles, conductors, transformers, lines, and related practices.

Photovoltaic Systems can help with the 10-question solar category.

Just remember that "useful for studying" and "allowed on the desk during the exam" are two very different sentences.

Step 16: Prepare Your Open-Book References Correctly

PSI permits approved references to be prepared before the examination.

Approved materials may be:

• Highlighted.
• Underlined.
• Annotated.
• Indexed.
• Tabbed with permanent tabs.

Permanent tabs must be attached strongly enough that removing them would tear or damage the page.

Temporary tabs, Post-it notes, and removable markers are not permitted.

Unauthorized loose or attached papers are also prohibited.

Candidates may not continue highlighting, underlining, annotating, or indexing references after the examination begins.

Step 17: Learn the Difference Between the NEC and NESC

One of the most important A-17 study skills is knowing which code book should contain the answer.

The National Electrical Code focuses on electrical installations and equipment covered within its scope.

The National Electrical Safety Code is especially important for electric supply stations, overhead lines, underground lines, utility structures, and related utility-system safety requirements.

During practice, ask yourself:

1. Is this an NEC question?
2. Is this a utility or supply-line question that belongs in the NESC?
3. Is this really an OSHA safety question?

Choosing the correct reference before opening a book can save a surprising amount of time.

Step 18: Use a Six-Week A-17 Study Plan

Step 19: Practice Under the Real 225-Minute Limit

At least some practice sessions should match the real examination.

Set a timer for 225 minutes and work through 90 questions.

A useful strategy is:

1. First pass: Answer questions you know without research.
2. Second pass: Handle quick NEC, NESC, and OSHA lookups.
3. Third pass: Return to longer calculations and difficult reference searches.

Do not spend ten minutes on one transformer problem while 20 easier questions are waiting farther down the exam.

Step 20: Practice Electrical Calculations

PSI permits a basic, silent, nonprinting, non-programmable, non-scientific calculator.

Practice:

• Ohm's law.
• Power calculations.
• Single-phase calculations.
• Three-phase calculations.
• Transformer calculations.
• Conductor sizing.
• Voltage drop.
• PV voltage and current relationships.

Practice with the same style of calculator you plan to use during the test.

The calculator should be the least exciting part of your exam day.

Step 21: Watch the Question Wording

Pay special attention to words such as:

• MINIMUM
• MAXIMUM
• NOT
• EXCEPT
• FIRST
• MOST
• LEAST
• REQUIRED
• PROHIBITED

Electrical questions are very good at giving you four answers that look almost reasonable.

Read the question twice when necessary and make sure you are solving the problem that was actually asked.

Step 22: Remember the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam

The A-17 licensing process also includes the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam when required.

The SRE focuses on Arizona contractor laws and rules rather than high-voltage electrical work.

Do not confuse SRE preparation with preparation for the A-17 technical trade exam. They test different knowledge.

Review the Arizona ROC contractor licensing process for current application and examination requirements.

Step 23: Passing the Exam Is Only Part of Getting Licensed

Passing A-17 is a major milestone, but PSI does not issue your Arizona contractor license.

The complete licensing process can include:

• Confirming the A-17 classification.
• Designating a qualifying party.
• Documenting qualifying experience.
• Completing the SRE when required.
• Passing the A-17 trade examination.
• Completing required background checks.
• Obtaining the appropriate contractor license bond.
• Providing required identification.
• Submitting business information.
• Submitting the Arizona ROC license application.
• Meeting applicable solar requirements when solar work is performed.

Follow the Arizona Registrar of Contractors' current instructions when completing the application.

A Simple Arizona A-17 Exam Roadmap

1. Confirm that A-17 matches the transmission and utility electrical work you plan to perform.
2. Verify the current four-year experience requirement.
3. Complete or plan for the Arizona SRE.
4. Review PSI's current A-17 trade outline.
5. Obtain the 2017 NEC, 2017 NESC, and approved OSHA reference.
6. Separate exam-room references from study-only books.
7. Prepare approved books with permanent tabs and highlighting.
8. Strengthen general electrical calculations.
9. Study transformers and conductors heavily.
10. Review grounding methods.
11. Study poles, structures, and guying systems.
12. Review overhead and underground lines.
13. Study equipment over 600 volts.
14. Review electrical supply stations.
15. Give equipment safety and OSHA serious attention.
16. Spend dedicated study time on photovoltaics.
17. Practice deciding whether an answer belongs in the NEC, NESC, or OSHA reference.
18. Complete full 225-minute practice exams.
19. Review every missed question and locate the supporting reference.
20. Complete the Arizona ROC licensing process after satisfying all requirements.

Arizona A-17 Electrical and Transmission Lines Exam Prep Resources

The A-17 examination is broad, but the official subject breakdown gives you a clear plan.

General Electrical Knowledge, Transformers, Conductors, Equipment and Safety, and Photovoltaics each contain 10 questions. Grounding, poles and structures, high-voltage equipment, overhead lines, underground lines, and supply stations make up the rest.

The key is balance. Strong NEC knowledge alone is not enough. You also need utility-system knowledge, NESC navigation, safety preparation, and a real understanding of high-voltage transmission and distribution work.

When you are ready to prepare, explore the Arizona A-17 contractor exam preparation resources from Contractor Exam Preps. Strong electrical fundamentals, organized NEC and NESC references, high-voltage knowledge, serious safety preparation, photovoltaic study, and repeated timed practice can make the Arizona Electrical and Transmission Lines Contractor exam much easier to manage.