Page 1 of 118
Certified Lineman Journeyman Exam ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
JUST RELEASED
Certified Lineman Journeyman Exam
Summarized Exam Coverage
The Journeyman Lineman Certification is a recognized credential issued through US Department of
Labor-approved apprenticeship programs. To qualify, candidates must typically complete a 4-year
apprenticeship with over 7,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job training, including hands-on skills workshops
in pole climbing, bucket truck operation, and pole-top rescue . The MJTS (Merchant Job Training and
Safety) program is a widely recognized training pathway, with utilities in more than 40 states
administering closed-book testing throughout the program .
Key Exam Domains:
Domain Key Topics
Electrical Theory & Ohm's Law, AC/DC, power (watts, KVA, KW), load factor, transformer connections (delta-wye),
Systems polarity testing, voltage regulation
Distribution Transformers (single and three-phase), circuit breakers, fuses (sizing for transformers), capacito
Equipment banks, load break switches, sectionalizers
Minimum approach distances (e.g., 2 ft 1 in for 15kV), personal protective grounding,
Safety & OSHA
lockout/tagout, arc flash PPE, step and touch potential, bucket truck and pole-top rescue (4 min
Regulations
for Hertz rescue)
Pole Construction & Pole steps spacing (18 inches), guy wire tension (50% of conductor breaking strength), lifting slin
Rigging angles, block and tackle calculations, rope knots (square knot, clove hitch, timber hitch, bowline
Tool & Equipment Hot sticks (insulated handling), clamp-on ammeters (non-contact current measurement), phase
Operation indicators, multimeters, megohmmeters
OSHA 1910.269 (utility safety), NESC (National Electrical Safety Code), ANSI standards for tools
Codes & Standards
PPE
1. What is the primary purpose of personal protective grounding in line work?
A. Increase system voltage stability
B. Protect equipment from surges
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C. Protect workers from accidental energization
D. Reduce conductor resistance
Answer: C
Personal protective grounding provides a low-resistance path for fault current to flow safely to ground,
reducing the risk of electric shock to workers during accidental energization or induced voltage
conditions .
2. According to OSHA, what is the minimum approach distance for 15 kV distribution lines?
A. 1 foot
B. 2 feet
C. 2 feet 1 inch
D. 3 feet
Answer: C
OSHA specifies 2 ft 1 in (0.64 m) for 15.1 kV to 36.0 kV; this distance reduces the risk of electrical contact
and arc flash .
3. Which knot is commonly used for hoisting materials up a pole?
A. Square knot
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B. Clove hitch
C. Figure-eight
D. Bowline
Answer: B
A clove hitch is frequently used to secure the handline to the material being hoisted because it tightens
under load and can be tied/untied quickly .
4. Which tool is used to measure current in a live conductor without direct contact?
A. Megohmmeter
B. Clamp-on ammeter
C. Ohmmeter
D. Phase rotation meter
Answer: B
A clamp-on ammeter senses the magnetic field around a conductor, allowing current measurement
without breaking the circuit .
5. What is the primary function of a grounding system in electrical distribution?
A. Reduce line sag
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B. Provide a path for fault current
C. Increase system voltage
D. Prevent conductor oxidation
Answer: B
Grounding ensures fault currents safely travel to earth, protecting workers and equipment from
dangerous voltage rises .
6. What does OSHA primarily regulate in utility line work?
A. Equipment pricing
B. Worker safety standards
C. Electrical tariffs
D. Power generation output
Answer: B
OSHA establishes and enforces workplace safety regulations to protect workers from hazards such as
electrical shock, falls, and arc flash .
7. What is the main hazard associated with induced voltage on de-energized lines?
A. Mechanical stress
Certified Lineman Journeyman Exam ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
JUST RELEASED
Certified Lineman Journeyman Exam
Summarized Exam Coverage
The Journeyman Lineman Certification is a recognized credential issued through US Department of
Labor-approved apprenticeship programs. To qualify, candidates must typically complete a 4-year
apprenticeship with over 7,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job training, including hands-on skills workshops
in pole climbing, bucket truck operation, and pole-top rescue . The MJTS (Merchant Job Training and
Safety) program is a widely recognized training pathway, with utilities in more than 40 states
administering closed-book testing throughout the program .
Key Exam Domains:
Domain Key Topics
Electrical Theory & Ohm's Law, AC/DC, power (watts, KVA, KW), load factor, transformer connections (delta-wye),
Systems polarity testing, voltage regulation
Distribution Transformers (single and three-phase), circuit breakers, fuses (sizing for transformers), capacito
Equipment banks, load break switches, sectionalizers
Minimum approach distances (e.g., 2 ft 1 in for 15kV), personal protective grounding,
Safety & OSHA
lockout/tagout, arc flash PPE, step and touch potential, bucket truck and pole-top rescue (4 min
Regulations
for Hertz rescue)
Pole Construction & Pole steps spacing (18 inches), guy wire tension (50% of conductor breaking strength), lifting slin
Rigging angles, block and tackle calculations, rope knots (square knot, clove hitch, timber hitch, bowline
Tool & Equipment Hot sticks (insulated handling), clamp-on ammeters (non-contact current measurement), phase
Operation indicators, multimeters, megohmmeters
OSHA 1910.269 (utility safety), NESC (National Electrical Safety Code), ANSI standards for tools
Codes & Standards
PPE
1. What is the primary purpose of personal protective grounding in line work?
A. Increase system voltage stability
B. Protect equipment from surges
, Page 2 of 118
C. Protect workers from accidental energization
D. Reduce conductor resistance
Answer: C
Personal protective grounding provides a low-resistance path for fault current to flow safely to ground,
reducing the risk of electric shock to workers during accidental energization or induced voltage
conditions .
2. According to OSHA, what is the minimum approach distance for 15 kV distribution lines?
A. 1 foot
B. 2 feet
C. 2 feet 1 inch
D. 3 feet
Answer: C
OSHA specifies 2 ft 1 in (0.64 m) for 15.1 kV to 36.0 kV; this distance reduces the risk of electrical contact
and arc flash .
3. Which knot is commonly used for hoisting materials up a pole?
A. Square knot
, Page 3 of 118
B. Clove hitch
C. Figure-eight
D. Bowline
Answer: B
A clove hitch is frequently used to secure the handline to the material being hoisted because it tightens
under load and can be tied/untied quickly .
4. Which tool is used to measure current in a live conductor without direct contact?
A. Megohmmeter
B. Clamp-on ammeter
C. Ohmmeter
D. Phase rotation meter
Answer: B
A clamp-on ammeter senses the magnetic field around a conductor, allowing current measurement
without breaking the circuit .
5. What is the primary function of a grounding system in electrical distribution?
A. Reduce line sag
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B. Provide a path for fault current
C. Increase system voltage
D. Prevent conductor oxidation
Answer: B
Grounding ensures fault currents safely travel to earth, protecting workers and equipment from
dangerous voltage rises .
6. What does OSHA primarily regulate in utility line work?
A. Equipment pricing
B. Worker safety standards
C. Electrical tariffs
D. Power generation output
Answer: B
OSHA establishes and enforces workplace safety regulations to protect workers from hazards such as
electrical shock, falls, and arc flash .
7. What is the main hazard associated with induced voltage on de-energized lines?
A. Mechanical stress
