You Can Pass that Electrical Test!

As a teacher in an electrical program, every now and then I have electricians ask me if I have available "practice tests" for a particular licensing test. There is nothing wrong in using a test format to study for an exam, in fact some may find it to be quite helpful. The warning flag that always goes up for me is that maybe we are looking for a "quick fix" that will provide answers to take an exam rather than investing the time in learning the essential material.

The intent of state licensing and continuing education for license holders is to insure that those individuals doing electrical installation work are knowledgeable in the necessary wiring methods to provide a safe electrical installation. If there were only one fire or electrocution per year, that would be one too many. And God forbid that it should come from one of my installations, or one of my students. So I am all for encouraging quality continuing education programs that do not simply occupy time, but provide learning.

On the question of exam preparation methods, I always try to encourage prospective testers to study the material, not study for the exam. What that means, is making every installation up to code, and looking up any questions as you go. If you have done that, when it comes time to take an exam the main thing you will need to study is a theory review and codebook calculations and tables. A review such as that can be done in a weekend class, along with some review at home. One good resource that I recommend to my students is Mike Holt's "Electrician's Exam Preparation" book.. If you are unable to find that book, call me at 1-888-603-5050 or email at steve@education4electricians.com.

When you study for an exam, keep in mind that you are not just preparing for a one day test, but you are fine tuning your skills for a successful and safe future.

God Bless ---- Steve Arne SD licensed Electrical Contractor, Electrical Inspector, Certified Technical Educator

http://www.education4electricians.com

Copyright Steve Arne 2000. The above may be reprinted as long as it is used in its entirety including credit to the author.