The Washington journey level electrical exam is not one test but two. One section covers the NEC and electrical theory, the other covers Washington's own electrical law.

Unlike California, Washington lets you bring your books. That sounds easy, but with 60 questions in 3 hours you still need to know where to look.

This page lays out the numbers, the outline and the open book rules. This site is independent and is not affiliated with Washington L&I, PSI or NFPA.

In short

  • 01 journey level: 60 NEC and theory questions in 3 hours, plus 17 RCW and WAC questions in 1 hour.1
  • The passing score is 70 percent, and sections stay valid for one year.1
  • Questions are based on RCW 19.28, WAC 296-46B and the 2020 NEC.1
  • All exams are open book, with original books only and permanent tabs.1
  • Retest after 14 days if you fail.1
Contents
  1. Format and passing score
  2. Outline by NEC article group
  3. The RCW and WAC section
  4. Open book rules
  5. Retests
  6. Common questions
  7. Sources

Format and passing score

The exam is taken on a computer at a PSI test site. The 01 journey level certificate has two sections: NEC and theory with 60 questions in 3 hours, and Washington codes (RCW and WAC) with 17 questions in 1 hour.1

You must score 70 percent to pass, and your score appears on screen immediately. If you fail, you receive a diagnostic report with your strengths and weaknesses.1

On top of the scored questions, 10 unscored experimental questions may be added. They do not count toward your time or your score.1

Outline by NEC article group

Washington's outline is more detailed than California's. The bulletin gives the approximate number of questions per NEC article group. For the 01 journey electrician exam the biggest blocks are:1

NEC 300 to 398, wiring methods: about 10 questions

The single largest group.1

NEC 240 overcurrent protection and NEC 250 grounding and bonding: about 6 questions each

Together they are about a fifth of the NEC section.1

NEC 230 services and NEC 517 to 590 special occupancies: about 4 questions each

Services and a block of special occupancies, followed by smaller groups for motors, equipment, hazardous locations and special equipment.1

General trade knowledge and theory: about 7 questions

Math and electrical theory computation, based on general published electrical references.1

The RCW and WAC section

The 17-question law section is based on the current RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B.1 RCW 19.28 is the electrical statute and WAC 296-46B is L&I's electrical rule.2

Because the section is open book, it rewards familiarity. You will not have time to read chapters from scratch.

Try a free practice test to see what the question style feels like.

Open book rules

Every exam is open book. You may use any original copyrighted material, including books that contain questions and answers, plus a silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator.1

Copies of the RCW and WAC downloaded from the internet are fine if they are in a binder. Highlighting, underlining and permanent index tabs are allowed. Sticky notes and other removable notes are not, and you may not write in the references.1

Retests

You have one year from your approval date to pass all sections. If you fail, you must wait 14 days to retest.1 To get started, see how to get a Washington 01 journey certificate.

Common questions

How many questions are on the Washington journey electrician exam?

60 NEC and theory questions plus 17 Washington law questions.1

What is the passing score?

70 percent.1

Which NEC edition do I need?

The bulletin names the 2020 NEC. L&I has said it plans to move the exam to a newer edition, but check the current bulletin for the date.1

Is there a calculation section?

Major load calculations are a separate section only for the master and administrator exams.1

Sources

The format comes from the PSI candidate bulletin dated 30 October 2025. Check the current bulletin before you book.

  1. PSI: Washington Electrical Candidate Information Bulletin (test-takers.psiexams.com)
  2. Washington State Legislature: WAC chapter 296-46B, Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation (app.leg.wa.gov)