Montana State Electrical Board • PSI Examination • 60 Questions • 180 Minutes • 70% Passing • Open Book • 2020 NEC
Ready to prepare for your Montana Journeyman Electrician license? This complete guide explains Montana's statewide electrical licensing process, the PSI Journeyman Electrician examination, approved reference books, practical experience requirements, electrical theory, wiring methods, calculations, and related study materials from Contractor Exam Preps.
Becoming a licensed Journeyman Electrician is an important step in an electrical career.
It shows that you have developed the trade knowledge and practical experience needed to perform electrical work within Montana's licensing requirements.
Electricians help keep homes, businesses, schools, shops, farms, and industrial buildings running.
They install electrical wiring, connect equipment, work with lighting systems, troubleshoot circuits, and help maintain safe electrical installations.
That is a serious responsibility.
One incorrect conductor size, missing protective device, or improper grounding connection can create dangerous conditions.
Electrical systems do not care whether the installer was having a busy Monday!
That is why the National Electrical Code and safe electrical practices matter.
Montana operates a statewide electrical licensing system.
The licensing authority is the Montana State Electrical Board, operating through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
Applicants must meet the Board's licensing requirements before taking the examination.
The Board reviews experience, apprenticeship documentation, education, and other required information.
Applicants who qualify receive approval to take the examination.
After approval, candidates receive an admission letter and contact PSI to pay for and schedule the test.
The Board and PSI have different jobs.
The Board determines eligibility and handles licensing.
PSI administers the examination.
Applicants should not attempt to schedule the examination before receiving approval.
Montana's current published Journeyman Electrician examination contains 60 questions.
Candidates receive 180 minutes, or three hours.
The minimum passing score is 70%.
That means candidates must answer at least 42 of the 60 questions correctly.
The examination is open book.
The Montana State Electrical Board currently identifies the 2020 National Electrical Code as the examination code edition.
The two major examination subjects identified in the Board's PSI bulletin are the National Electrical Code and General Trade Knowledge and Theory.
The bulletin does not assign separate percentage weights to these subjects.
Students should therefore prepare both areas without assuming that unofficial topic percentages represent the actual examination.
With three hours for 60 questions, candidates have an average of three minutes per question.
That may sound generous until a calculation requires several code sections and tables!
The current Board-linked PSI candidate information bulletin identifies these approved references:
The bulletin also permits a silent, nonprinting, nonprogrammable calculator that is not designed for preprogrammed electrical calculations.
Tabs and indexes may be used in the approved NEC under the published rules.
The June 2024 bulletin permits personal highlights, underlining, and notes already present in approved materials.
However, candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the examination.
Loose or attached additional papers are not permitted.
Always follow the latest examination instructions supplied for your actual testing appointment.
The National Electrical Code is updated regularly.
New editions can contain changed requirements, revised tables, different definitions, and updated safety provisions.
The Montana State Electrical Board currently lists the 2020 NEC for its electrical examinations.
This is particularly important because Contractor Exam Preps sells newer electrical study materials based on the 2026 NEC.
Newer books are valuable for learning current electrical concepts and improving codebook skills.
However, a 2026 NEC study guide should not automatically replace the 2020 NEC reference required for Montana's currently published examination.
Prepare with the correct testing edition.
A newer codebook is not always the right codebook for an older examination cycle.
Montana offers several qualification pathways for Journeyman Electrician applicants.
One pathway involves completion of an approved inside wireman apprenticeship program.
The Board also recognizes an appropriate training program conducted by a bona fide union or trade association.
Another pathway involves documenting at least 8,000 hours of legally obtained practical electrical experience.
The experience must meet the applicable Montana statutory requirements and be properly verified.
The Board also describes an electrical maintenance pathway involving at least 20,000 hours of maintenance experience, including a minimum of 8,000 hours of practical experience.
This route requires employer certification and the necessary supporting records.
Candidates should review the official application checklist to confirm which pathway applies to them.
Experience documentation matters just as much as experience itself.
Having worked for many years does not eliminate the need to prove that the work satisfies state requirements.
The Montana Journeyman Electrician application checklist lists a $190 application fee.
The Board's June 2024 PSI candidate bulletin lists a $75 Journeyman Electrician examination fee.
These are separate fees.
The application fee is part of the Board's licensing process.
The PSI examination fee is paid when an approved candidate schedules testing.
Fees may change, so candidates should verify current amounts before paying.
The first official subject is the National Electrical Code.
This includes the rules governing electrical installations and equipment.
Important areas include branch circuits, feeders, services, conductors, wiring methods, grounding, bonding, overcurrent protection, motors, transformers, and special electrical installations.
Students should learn how to locate the correct code provisions and apply them to practical situations.
The second official subject is General Trade Knowledge and Theory.
This subject includes electrical concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, power, circuits, and electrical relationships.
Students should understand Ohm's law, basic alternating-current theory, electrical mathematics, and common installation methods.
They should also understand electrical equipment and basic print reading.
Electrical calculations are important because electricians must understand how loads, conductors, and equipment work together.
Practice Ohm's law, electrical power calculations, conductor sizing, box fill, raceway fill, and voltage drop.
Review service and feeder calculations.
Practice single-phase and three-phase electrical formulas.
Learn how to identify the correct units.
For example, voltage, current, resistance, and power describe different electrical quantities.
Mixing them up can produce incorrect answers even when the arithmetic is perfect.
A calculator cannot rescue a formula that was wrong from the beginning!
Grounding and bonding are essential parts of electrical safety.
Students should review Article 250 of the applicable NEC edition.
Study grounding electrode systems, equipment grounding conductors, bonding connections, grounding conductors, and related protection requirements.
Understand the difference between grounding and bonding rather than treating the two words as interchangeable.
These concepts are important in both electrical examinations and field installations.
Branch circuits supply electrical outlets and equipment.
Feeders carry electricity to downstream distribution equipment.
Services connect the electrical installation to the supply source under applicable code definitions.
Each part has specific sizing, protection, installation, and equipment requirements.
Students should review service disconnects, conductor ampacity, overcurrent protection, feeder sizing, branch-circuit loads, receptacle protection, and panelboard arrangements.
Understanding how these systems connect is especially helpful when reading electrical diagrams.
Montana has electrical amendments that modify certain National Electrical Code requirements.
These amendments are included among the approved examination references.
Candidates should review them alongside the 2020 NEC.
Do not assume that a general NEC rule always applies without a Montana-specific change.
Learning where state amendments apply can prevent mistakes during examination questions and electrical work.
Montana issues separate Electrical Contractor licenses.
A Journeyman Electrician license belongs to an individual.
An Electrical Contractor license authorizes a qualifying business to perform electrical contracting work within its approved classification.
Montana allows a licensed Journeyman Electrician to serve as the responsible electrician for a limited Electrical Contractor, subject to the applicable business licensing rules.
The limited contractor classification has a narrower scope involving qualifying residential construction.
An unlimited Electrical Contractor requires a Montana-licensed Master Electrician as the responsible electrician.
Individuals interested in operating an electrical business must review the separate contractor licensing requirements.
Montana electrical licenses generally renew on a biennial schedule.
The State Electrical Board identifies July 15 of even-numbered years as the renewal deadline.
Active Journeyman Electricians generally must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education during each renewal cycle.
At least eight hours must cover National Electrical Code updates.
Continuing education helps electricians keep up with changing standards, technology, and installation requirements.
Contractor Exam Preps offers several useful electrical study resources.
The 2026 Montana Journeyman Electrician Study Guide and Flash Card Combo includes 12 practice examinations, two final examinations, and flash cards.
The 2026 Montana Journeyman Electrician Study Guide and NEC Combo with Tabs combines Montana-focused review with the 2026 NEC.
For a package closer to Montana's current testing code edition, consider the 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package.
This general 2020 NEC-based package is useful for examination preparation and codebook navigation.
However, candidates still need to obtain the required Montana amendments and approved printreading reference when applicable.
Start with the official licensing and examination requirements.
Obtain the correct codebook and learn how it is organized.
Review the approved Montana references.
Study electrical theory and practice calculations several times per week.
Spend time learning branch circuits, feeders, services, wiring methods, grounding, and bonding.
Review motors, transformers, and equipment connections.
Practice locating answers in the NEC index and tables.
Complete timed examinations using 60 questions and a three-hour limit.
Track every missed question.
Review the relevant code section and understand why the correct answer applies.
Do not save all your studying for the weekend before the examination.
Short, consistent sessions usually provide more useful repetition than one exhausting final review.
Important Montana Journeyman Electrician 2026 Update: The Montana State Electrical Board administers statewide Journeyman Electrician licensing. PSI conducts the examination after Board approval. The current Board-linked candidate bulletin lists 60 questions, 180 minutes, a 70% passing score, and an open-book format. The Board currently identifies the 2020 NEC as the examination code edition. Approved references include the 2020 NEC, Montana Building Codes Amendments, and Printreading by David L. Hittinger based on the 2020 NEC. Contractor Exam Preps offers newer 2026 NEC study materials, but these do not replace the official 2020 NEC examination references. Always follow the latest Board and PSI instructions for your test date.
A Montana Journeyman Electrician is an electrical professional who has met the state's licensing qualifications for journeyman-level electrical work.
The license demonstrates qualifying education or experience and successful completion of the applicable licensing examination.
Journeyman electricians work with wiring systems, lighting, electrical equipment, panels, conductors, motors, branch circuits, and other electrical installations.
They need to understand both the National Electrical Code and safe installation practices.
Their work may include installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of electrical systems.
A Montana Journeyman Electrician may also qualify to serve as the responsible electrician for a limited Electrical Contractor business under the state's rules.
However, the Journeyman license and Electrical Contractor license are different credentials.
Licensing authority: Montana State Electrical Board.
Individual credential: Journeyman Electrician.
Examination provider: PSI.
Exam format: 60 questions, three hours, 70% passing.
Core skills: NEC application, electrical theory, wiring methods, grounding, bonding, equipment, and calculations.
| Step or Requirement | Montana Requirement | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| State | Montana | Apply through the State Electrical Board. |
| Credential | Journeyman Electrician | Review individual license qualifications. |
| Licensing Authority | Montana State Electrical Board | Read current Board requirements. |
| Examination Provider | PSI | Schedule after Board approval. |
| Board Approval | Required Before Scheduling | Wait for eligibility confirmation. |
| Admission Letter | Issued After Approval | Follow PSI scheduling instructions. |
| Application Fee | $190 Listed | Confirm current fee when applying. |
| PSI Examination Fee | $75 Listed | Confirm current PSI price. |
| Exam Questions | 60 | Practice timed multiple-choice questions. |
| Time Allowed | 180 Minutes | Practice three-hour tests. |
| Passing Score | 70% | Target at least 42 correct answers. |
| Exam Format | Open Book | Learn approved reference navigation. |
| Current Exam NEC | 2020 NEC | Use the edition listed by Montana. |
| State Reference | Montana Building Codes Amendments | Study state-specific electrical provisions. |
| Printreading Reference | David L. Hittinger, 2020 NEC-Based | Practice reading electrical plans. |
| Calculator | Approved Nonprogrammable Type | Follow PSI calculator restrictions. |
| Tabs and Indexes | Allowed Under Published Rules | Check current PSI restrictions. |
| Existing Book Highlights | Allowed Under 2024 Bulletin | Do not add markings during testing. |
| Loose Papers | Prohibited | Do not attach additional sheets. |
| Experience Route | 8,000 Qualifying Hours | Document legally obtained practical experience. |
| Apprenticeship Route | Approved Inside Wireman Program | Submit completion documentation. |
| Trade Program Route | Qualifying Union or Trade Association Program | Provide applicable training records. |
| Maintenance Route | 20,000 Maintenance Hours | Include at least 8,000 qualifying practical hours. |
| Experience Verification | Third-Party or Employer Documentation | Use Board-required forms. |
| Substantial Equivalency | Possible for Qualifying Out-of-State Licenses | Submit license verification. |
| Temporary Practice Permit | Possible Under Board Rules | Review eligibility and restrictions. |
| First Exam Failure | Retesting Under PSI Rules | Review score report and reschedule. |
| Second Exam Failure | Approved Electrical Code Seminar Required Before Third Attempt | Follow Board instructions. |
| License Renewal | July 15 of Even Years | Track biennial renewal. |
| Continuing Education | 16 Hours Per Cycle | Complete Board-approved education. |
| NEC Update Education | At Least 8 Hours | Include electrical code updates. |
| Limited Electrical Contractor | May Use Responsible Journeyman | Apply separately for business licensing. |
| Unlimited Electrical Contractor | Responsible Master Electrician Required | Review advanced licensing requirements. |
| Detail | Category | Published Information |
|---|---|---|
| License Name | Individual Credential | Montana Journeyman Electrician |
| Licensing Authority | State | Montana State Electrical Board |
| Exam Provider | PSI | PSI Services |
| Prior Approval | Eligibility | Board Approval Required |
| Admission Letter | Scheduling | Provided After Approval |
| Questions | Format | 60 |
| Time Allowed | Format | 180 Minutes |
| Minimum Passing Score | Scoring | 70% |
| Correct Answers Needed | Scoring | 42 of 60 |
| Average Pacing | Study Planning | Three Minutes Per Question |
| Open Book | Testing | Yes |
| Current Exam NEC | References | 2020 National Electrical Code |
| Montana Amendments | References | Montana Building Codes Amendments |
| Printreading | References | David L. Hittinger, 2020 NEC-Based |
| Calculator | References | Approved Nonprogrammable Calculator |
| NEC Tabs | References | Allowed Under Published Rules |
| Existing Notes | References | Permitted Under June 2024 Bulletin |
| Adding Notes During Exam | Testing Rules | Not Permitted |
| Loose Papers | Testing Rules | Not Permitted |
| Official Subject 1 | Content | National Electrical Code |
| Official Subject 2 | Content | General Trade Knowledge and Theory |
| Subject Percentages | Content | Not Detailed in Published Bulletin |
| Exam Fee | Fee | $75 Listed |
| Application Fee | Fee | $190 Listed |
| Experience Route | Licensing | 8,000 Qualifying Practical Hours |
| Training Route | Licensing | Approved Apprenticeship or Trade Program |
| Maintenance Alternative | Licensing | 20,000 Maintenance Hours with Required Practical Experience |
| Continuing Education | Renewal | 16 Hours Per Renewal Cycle |
| Limited Contractor | Business | May Use Licensed Journeyman as Responsible Electrician |
PSI questions: 60.
Time: Three hours.
Passing: 70%.
Reference code: 2020 NEC.
Official subjects: NEC and General Trade Knowledge and Theory.
The current Montana PSI candidate bulletin identifies two broad examination subjects.
It does not provide detailed percentage weights for every individual subject.
Study the 2020 NEC and learn how to apply its installation requirements.
This subject evaluates general electrical understanding and practical trade knowledge.
Review Ohm's law, voltage, current, resistance, power, single-phase circuits, three-phase systems, and common electrical calculations.
Learn basic circuit relationships and the operation of electrical devices.
Review safe installation methods and electrical equipment recognition.
Although the Board lists two main subject categories, candidates should include electrical calculations and plan reading in their preparation.
Montana amendments and the approved printreading reference are also important.
Practice NEC navigation and understand how different articles work together.
Official subjects: National Electrical Code and General Trade Knowledge and Theory.
Detailed official percentages: Not published in the current Board bulletin.
Useful preparation: NEC lookups, theory, calculations, Montana amendments, and print reading.
Start by reading the official Montana examination information.
Confirm your qualifying experience and application status.
Obtain the 2020 NEC and approved references.
Learn the NEC table of contents, index, chapter organization, and important electrical articles.
Practice finding code requirements quickly.
Review electrical theory and common formulas.
Study Ohm's law and electrical power.
Practice conductor sizing and ampacity questions.
Review branch circuits, feeders, and service requirements.
Study grounding and bonding.
Learn the purpose of overcurrent protection.
Review wiring methods, boxes, raceways, and cables.
Practice box fill and conduit fill calculations.
Study motors, transformers, and electrical equipment.
Review Montana electrical amendments.
Practice interpreting electrical drawings.
Complete 60-question practice tests using a three-hour timer.
After every practice examination, review incorrect answers.
For 2020 NEC-based preparation, explore the 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package.
For newer-code education and practice, consider the Montana 2026 Journeyman Study Guide and Flash Card Combo.
First: Confirm Board eligibility and official references.
Second: Practice 2020 NEC navigation.
Third: Study electrical theory and calculations.
Fourth: Review Montana amendments and print reading.
Fifth: Complete timed 60-question practice exams.
Journeyman electricians should understand how a building's service equipment, feeders, branch circuits, panelboards, motors, lighting, and grounding systems connect.
This simplified electrical diagram illustrates several important installation concepts.
Simplified educational diagram. Actual electrical installations must follow the applicable NEC edition, Montana amendments, approved equipment requirements, and safe installation practices.
Review qualifying apprenticeship, trade training, practical experience, and electrical maintenance pathways.
Prepare experience verification, apprenticeship records, license verifications, and other required application documents.
Submit the completed application and applicable fees. Wait for the Board's eligibility decision.
Approved candidates receive an admission letter and may schedule with PSI.
Study the 2020 NEC, Montana Building Codes Amendments, and approved printreading material.
Review formulas, conductor sizing, grounding, bonding, wiring methods, motors, and equipment.
Complete 60 questions in 180 minutes and earn at least 70%.
Complete continuing education and consider Master Electrician or limited contractor licensing when appropriate.
The Montana PSI bulletin does not publish detailed percentages for individual Journeyman Electrician topics.
These percentages are suggested study-time allocations, not official PSI examination weights.
Total study allocation: 100%.
Official topic weights: Not published in detail.
PSI examination: 60 questions, 180 minutes, 70% passing.
Recommended focus: NEC navigation, theory, calculations, and repeated practice.
Reference books matter because Montana's Journeyman Electrician examination is open book.
The official Board and PSI bulletin determines the approved examination materials.
| Reference or Product | Edition | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 | 2020 | Official Montana PSI electrical examination reference. |
| Montana Building Codes Amendments | Applicable Montana Amendments | Official state-specific electrical reference. |
| Printreading by David L. Hittinger | Based on 2020 NEC | Listed PSI printreading reference. |
| Approved Calculator | Nonprogrammable | Allowed within PSI restrictions. |
| 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package | 2020 NEC Based | General Journeyman study package using the listed Montana code cycle. |
| 2020 Complete Journeyman Electrician Package | 2020 NEC Based | Expanded general electrical code and study preparation. |
| 2026 Montana Journeyman Study Guide and Flash Cards | 2026 NEC Based | Supplemental newer-code practice examinations and flash cards. |
| 2026 Montana Journeyman Study Guide and NEC Combo | 2026 NEC Based | Supplemental codebook navigation and electrical study. |
| Montana Electrical Laws and Rules | Applicable State Regulations | Licensing and professional responsibility research. |
Primary official codebook: 2020 NEC.
Other official references: Montana amendments and approved Printreading.
Closest code-cycle store option: 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package.
Newer Montana products: 2026 NEC-based study materials for supplemental learning.
Montana's open-book examination requires both electrical knowledge and reference navigation skills.
You have 180 minutes for 60 questions.
That gives you approximately three minutes for each question.
Learn the NEC chapter organization before test day.
Practice finding articles about conductors, wiring methods, grounding, bonding, services, feeders, and branch circuits.
Use code tables and exceptions carefully.
Read the current PSI reference policy before preparing tabs or notes.
Practice using an approved type of calculator.
Complete timed study sessions and learn when to move past a difficult question.
A Montana Journeyman Electrician is licensed to perform journeyman-level electrical work within the applicable state rules.
This may include electrical installation, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Common work involves branch circuits, wiring methods, lighting, receptacles, service equipment, feeders, motors, and other electrical systems.
Journeyman electricians must follow applicable electrical codes, inspection requirements, and employment or contractor rules.
The credential may also support the responsible electrician requirement for a Montana limited Electrical Contractor business.
However, a separate business license is required for electrical contracting.
Individual scope: Journeyman-level electrical work.
Business connection: Possible responsible electrician for limited Electrical Contractor licensing.
Contractor license: Separate state authorization.
Professional responsibility: Safe and code-compliant electrical installation.
| Credential | Licensing Authority | Main Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrician | Montana State Electrical Board | Individual credential for residential electrical work within the applicable scope. |
| Journeyman Electrician | Montana State Electrical Board | Individual journeyman-level electrical license. |
| Master Electrician | Montana State Electrical Board | Advanced individual qualification for planning, layout, installation, and supervision. |
| Limited Electrical Contractor | Montana State Electrical Board | Business license using a qualified responsible Journeyman Electrician with a restricted contracting scope. |
| Unlimited Electrical Contractor | Montana State Electrical Board | Business license requiring a qualified responsible Master Electrician. |
| Temporary Practice Permit | Montana State Electrical Board | Temporary permission under Board rules that does not authorize acting as a contractor's responsible electrician. |
| Substantial Equivalency Review | Montana State Electrical Board | Board review of qualifying out-of-state credentials. |
Statewide Individual License
Qualifying Journeyman Pathways
Separate Montana Business License
This suggested study plan follows Montana's currently published 2020 NEC-based examination requirements.
The Montana Journeyman Electrician examination can be challenging because it covers both National Electrical Code requirements and general electrical knowledge.
The examination contains 60 questions with a three-hour time limit.
The passing score is 70%.
Candidates must understand electrical concepts and know how to use the approved references.
Some questions require locating a specific code provision.
Others involve calculations or practical electrical applications.
Conductor sizing, grounding, bonding, services, feeders, branch circuits, and electrical protection can require careful reading.
Open-book testing is helpful, but it is not a substitute for studying.
Students who know the codebook layout can often answer questions more efficiently than those who try to search from the beginning every time.
Regular practice helps reduce that problem.
For code-cycle preparation, Contractor Exam Preps offers the 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package.
For supplemental newer-code study, explore the Montana 2026 Journeyman Electrician Study Guide and Flash Card Combo.
Always prepare the official 2020 NEC reference currently required by Montana.
Contractor Exam Preps provides Montana-specific Journeyman Electrician materials, newer NEC packages, flash cards, and general 2020 NEC study resources.
Choose products that support your study needs while following the current Montana examination reference rules.
12 Practice Exams and 2 Full Final Exams
Important: This product uses the 2026 NEC for supplemental learning. Montana's currently published examination uses the 2020 NEC.
Study Guide, NEC Paperback and Tabs
Important: This is a 2026 NEC package. Obtain the official 2020 NEC for the currently listed Montana examination.
2020 NEC Code-Cycle Study Package
Important: This is a general Journeyman package and does not automatically replace Montana's amendments or approved Printreading reference.
Montana 2026 practice option: Journeyman Study Guide and Flash Cards.
Montana 2026 codebook option: Journeyman Study Guide and NEC Combo.
Closer examination code-cycle option: 2020 Journeyman Jump Start Package.
Official exam references: 2020 NEC, Montana amendments, and approved Printreading.
Montana Journeyman Electrician Licensing and Examination Topics
• Montana Journeyman Electrician
• Montana State Electrical Board
• Montana Department of Labor and Industry
• PSI Electrical Examination
• 60 Multiple-Choice Questions
• 180-Minute Examination
• 70% Passing Score
• Open-Book Examination
• 2020 National Electrical Code
• Montana Building Codes Amendments
• Printreading by David L. Hittinger
• General Trade Knowledge
• Electrical Theory
• Ohm's Law
• Voltage and Current
• Electrical Resistance
• Electrical Power
• Branch Circuits
• Feeders
• Electrical Services
• Service Equipment
• Service Disconnecting Means
• Conductor Ampacity
• Conductor Sizing
• Overcurrent Protection
• Grounding and Bonding
• Grounding Electrode Systems
• Equipment Grounding Conductors
• Wiring Methods
• Raceways and Conduits
• Conduit Fill
• Box Fill
• Electrical Cables
• Cabinets and Enclosures
• Electrical Panels
• Lighting Systems
• Receptacles and Switches
• Motors and Generators
• Motor Circuit Protection
• Transformers
• Electrical Control Equipment
• Single-Phase Calculations
• Three-Phase Calculations
• Voltage Drop
• Special Occupancies
• Special Equipment
• Electrical Safety
• Electrical Print Reading
• Circuit Layout
• Electrical Plans
• Montana Electrical Amendments
• NEC Table Navigation
• NEC Definitions and Exceptions
• Electrical Experience Verification
• 8,000-Hour Experience Route
• Approved Apprenticeship
• Electrical Maintenance Qualification Route
• Board Application
• PSI Admission Letter
• License Renewal
• Continuing Education
• Limited Electrical Contractor
• Responsible Journeyman Electrician
• Contractor Exam Preps Study Guide
• Journeyman Electrician Flash Cards
• Practice Examinations
• 2026 NEC Supplemental Learning
Montana Journeyman Electrician Licensing
The Montana State Electrical Board administers statewide Journeyman Electrician licensing.
Yes. Montana has a statewide electrical licensing system.
PSI administers the examination after approval by the Montana State Electrical Board.
No. Applicants must receive Board approval before scheduling the examination.
No. The Journeyman license belongs to an individual. Electrical Contractor licensing is separate business authorization.
Montana PSI Journeyman Examination
The current published PSI examination contains 60 questions.
Candidates have 180 minutes, or three hours.
The current Board-linked PSI candidate bulletin lists a 70% passing score.
At least 42 correct answers out of 60 meet the published 70% passing threshold.
Yes. Montana's published Journeyman Electrician examination is open book using approved references.
The Montana State Electrical Board currently identifies the 2020 NEC as the examination edition.
The June 2024 candidate bulletin lists $75 for the Journeyman Electrician examination. Verify current pricing before paying.
The official Journeyman application checklist lists $190. Confirm the current amount with the Board.
Examination Topics
The published PSI subjects are National Electrical Code and General Trade Knowledge and Theory.
The Board-linked candidate bulletin identifies two broad subjects without publishing a detailed percentage breakdown.
Yes. Calculations support electrical theory and NEC application, including conductor sizing, loads, and electrical power relationships.
Yes. Grounding and bonding are important safety-related NEC subjects.
Yes. General Trade Knowledge and Theory is one of the two official examination subjects.
Reference Books and Examination Rules
The published references include the 2020 NEC, Montana Building Codes Amendments, and Printreading by David L. Hittinger based on the 2020 NEC.
The current Board-linked PSI bulletin permits tabs and indexes in the approved NEC under its rules.
The June 2024 bulletin permits existing personal highlighting, underlining, and notes in approved materials. Candidates cannot add markings during the examination. Confirm the latest policy for your appointment.
No. The published PSI instructions prohibit additional loose or attached papers with approved references.
Yes. PSI permits an approved silent, nonprinting, nonprogrammable calculator that is not designed for preprogrammed electrical calculations.
Do not assume that a newer edition is accepted. The Montana Board currently identifies the 2020 NEC as the examination reference.
Experience Requirements
One Montana qualification route requires 8,000 hours of legally obtained practical electrical experience with the necessary verification.
Yes. Completion of an approved inside wireman apprenticeship program is one qualifying pathway.
Yes. Montana provides a route involving at least 20,000 qualifying maintenance hours, including a minimum of 8,000 practical hours and required employer certification.
Montana may evaluate qualifying licenses through substantial equivalency. Applicants must meet the Board's rules and documentation requirements.
The current Board-linked PSI bulletin requires completion of an approved eight-hour electrical code seminar before eligibility for a third attempt.
Contractor Exam Preps Study Products
Yes. The store offers Montana-specific 2026 NEC study guides, flash cards, and codebook packages, plus general 2020 NEC Journeyman preparation.
The package includes a Montana Journeyman Electrician study guide, 12 practice examinations, two full final examinations, and Journeyman Electrician flash cards.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers a general 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package.
No. Study materials can help with preparation, but examination success depends on the candidate's knowledge, preparation, and performance.
Electrical Contractor and Renewal
Yes. Montana permits a qualified licensed Journeyman Electrician to serve as the responsible electrician for a limited Electrical Contractor under its applicable rules.
Montana requires a licensed Master Electrician as the responsible electrician for an unlimited Electrical Contractor.
Active licensees generally need 16 approved continuing education hours each renewal cycle, including at least eight hours of NEC updates.
The Board identifies July 15 of even-numbered years as the renewal deadline.
Watch this related 1ExamPrep Journeyman Electrician video for electrical examination preparation, NEC study, calculations, and codebook navigation.
The video provides general Journeyman Electrician study guidance and newer NEC concepts.
For Montana's currently published examination, use the official 2020 NEC reference rather than assuming the 2026 edition is accepted.
Creator: 1ExamPrep.
Related topic: Journeyman Electrician examination preparation and NEC study.
Montana examination: PSI, 60 questions, 180 minutes, 70% passing.
Montana examination codebook: 2020 NEC.
Reminder: This video is supplemental instruction, not an official Montana State Electrical Board bulletin.
Use the Montana State Electrical Board and PSI for controlling licensing and examination requirements.
Explore Contractor Exam Preps for Montana-specific Journeyman Electrician study guides, codebook packages, flash cards, calculations, and related resources.
License: Montana Journeyman Electrician.
Authority: Montana State Electrical Board.
Examination: PSI, 60 questions, 180 minutes, 70% passing.
Current exam NEC: 2020.
Official subjects: NEC and General Trade Knowledge and Theory.
Store resources: Montana 2026 study products and general 2020 NEC packages.
Contractor connection: Separate limited Electrical Contractor licensing.
Preparing for the Montana Journeyman Electrician examination is an important step toward advancing your electrical career.
Journeyman electricians help install, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other facilities.
The work requires knowledge of wiring, circuits, equipment, conductors, electrical protection, and installation codes.
Electrical systems must be installed correctly because unsafe wiring can create serious hazards.
Learning how to apply the National Electrical Code is therefore an important professional responsibility.
Montana Journeyman Electrician licensing is administered by the Montana State Electrical Board.
Applicants must qualify through an accepted education, apprenticeship, experience, or other approved route.
The Board reviews applications and determines examination eligibility.
Once approved, candidates receive an admission letter and schedule their examination through PSI.
That approval process is separate from scheduling the actual test.
The current published Montana Journeyman Electrician examination includes 60 questions.
Candidates have 180 minutes to complete the examination.
The passing score is 70%.
That means at least 42 correct answers are required to meet the published passing threshold.
The examination is open book, but only approved materials are permitted.
The Montana State Electrical Board currently identifies the 2020 National Electrical Code as the examination edition.
Other approved references include Montana Building Codes Amendments and Printreading by David L. Hittinger based on the 2020 NEC.
Applicants should review the current PSI bulletin before test day to confirm the exact book, tab, note, and calculator rules.
Montana's published Journeyman examination focuses on two major subjects.
The first is the National Electrical Code.
The second is General Trade Knowledge and Theory.
These subjects involve code interpretation, installation requirements, electrical fundamentals, and practical trade understanding.
Useful study topics include branch circuits, feeders, services, conductors, grounding, bonding, overcurrent protection, wiring methods, motors, equipment, and basic electrical calculations.
Electrical theory is another important study area.
Students should understand voltage, current, resistance, electrical power, and Ohm's law.
They should also practice single-phase and three-phase calculations.
Codebook navigation can make a major difference during an open-book examination.
With an average of three minutes per question, candidates need to locate relevant NEC sections and tables efficiently.
Searching through the codebook without a plan can use valuable examination time.
Regular practice with the index, articles, tables, notes, and exceptions can help students work more confidently.
Montana-specific amendments should also be included in preparation.
These provisions may modify general NEC requirements, so students should not assume that every national provision applies without state changes.
Contractor Exam Preps offers several electrical study products that can support preparation.
The 2026 Montana Journeyman Electrician Study Guide and Flash Card Combo includes practice examinations, final examinations, and flash cards.
The 2026 Montana Journeyman NEC Combo includes a state-focused guide and 2026 NEC paperback with tabs.
These newer products support updated electrical code education and study practice.
However, Montana's currently published examination still uses the 2020 NEC.
For a study package based on that code cycle, Contractor Exam Preps offers the 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package.
It provides general electrical exam preparation aligned more closely with the current Montana reference edition.
Applicants should still obtain any separately required Montana-specific examination references.
A six-week study plan is a useful way to organize preparation.
Begin with licensing requirements and codebook navigation.
Then study electrical theory, calculations, branch circuits, feeders, services, grounding, bonding, wiring methods, and equipment.
During the final week, complete full-length 60-question practice examinations using a three-hour timer.
Review every incorrect answer and return to difficult subjects until the material becomes clearer.
Becoming a licensed Journeyman Electrician also creates opportunities for future professional development.
Montana allows qualified Journeyman Electricians to serve as responsible electricians for limited Electrical Contractor businesses under applicable rules.
Master Electrician licensing can provide another advanced career path.
Both involve additional responsibilities that should be reviewed separately.
Passing the examination is an important milestone, but maintaining electrical knowledge after licensing is just as important.
Montana requires continuing education, including electrical code updates, during its renewal cycle.
With the right references, steady preparation, electrical calculation practice, and a clear understanding of Montana's licensing process, candidates can approach the Journeyman Electrician examination with better organization and confidence.
The Montana Journeyman Electrician examination is designed to measure the code knowledge and electrical understanding expected from a qualified electrical professional. Becoming a licensed Journeyman Electrician demonstrates that an applicant has met the state's education or experience requirements and passed the applicable licensing examination.
Montana uses a statewide licensing system administered by the Montana State Electrical Board. Applicants must review the state's requirements, gather qualifying documents, and apply for examination approval. Depending on the applicant's circumstances, eligibility may involve completion of an approved apprenticeship, an appropriate trade training program, qualifying practical electrical experience, or an approved maintenance experience route.
Applicants are responsible for providing the required verification. The Board reviews the application before allowing the applicant to schedule the examination with PSI. Approved candidates receive an admission letter and follow the scheduling instructions supplied by the testing provider.
The published Journeyman Electrician examination contains 60 questions and allows three hours. The minimum passing score is 70%. Candidates must answer at least 42 questions correctly to achieve that score. The examination is open book, which means approved references may be used under the current PSI rules.
The Montana State Electrical Board currently identifies the 2020 National Electrical Code as the examination reference edition. The listed references also include Montana Building Codes Amendments and Printreading by David L. Hittinger based on the 2020 NEC. Candidates should follow the latest instructions for books, tabs, notes, and calculators.
The official examination subjects are the National Electrical Code and General Trade Knowledge and Theory. Candidates should learn how to locate and apply NEC requirements involving conductors, wiring methods, grounding, bonding, services, feeders, branch circuits, electrical equipment, and protective devices.
Electrical theory is another important part of preparation. Students should understand Ohm's law, voltage, current, resistance, power, and common electrical calculations. Basic single-phase and three-phase electrical relationships should also be reviewed.
Studying with the correct reference book is especially important. Contractor Exam Preps offers newer Montana Journeyman Electrician products based on the 2026 NEC. These products can help with practice questions, flash cards, and code navigation. However, a newer NEC edition should not be treated as an automatic replacement for the 2020 NEC currently listed by Montana.
The 2020 Journeyman Electrician Jump Start Package is another option available through Contractor Exam Preps. It provides general electrical study resources based on the same NEC edition identified by Montana's current examination instructions.
A strong study routine should include regular NEC lookups, electrical theory review, calculation exercises, and timed practice exams. Students can begin by learning the organization of the codebook before moving into more detailed subjects. Grounding, bonding, overcurrent protection, conductor sizing, services, feeders, motors, and wiring methods should all receive attention.
Timed practice is especially useful because the examination allows an average of three minutes per question. Students should learn to identify the main topic, locate the correct NEC requirement, check the applicable conditions, and move through questions without unnecessary delays.
After each practice session, missed questions should be reviewed carefully. Understanding why an answer was incorrect can be more valuable than simply memorizing the correct letter.
Montana Journeyman Electricians must also maintain their professional credentials. The Board requires approved continuing education during the renewal cycle, including hours devoted to NEC updates.
Some electricians may eventually pursue Master Electrician licensing or become the responsible electrician for a limited Electrical Contractor. These advanced activities involve additional licensing and business requirements.
By combining approved references, consistent studying, calculation practice, and timed examination review, candidates can build a practical foundation for Montana Journeyman Electrician licensing and continued professional development.
Find electrical exam preparation, study guides, practice examinations, and NEC learning resources at ContractorExamPreps.com.
