Texas Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam Prep
2026 – Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code
(NEC)?
A) To set utility billing rates
B) To ensure electrical installations are safe
C) To regulate electrical contractor licensing
D) To design electrical utility systems
Rationale: The NEC is primarily a safety standard intended to
minimize hazards in electrical installations.
2. Who has the authority to enforce electrical code compliance at a
job site?
A) Electrical contractor
B) Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
C) Equipment manufacturer
D) Project engineer only
Rationale: The AHJ interprets and enforces code compliance within its
jurisdiction.
3. Which document is most important when applying for an
electrical permit?
A) Utility bill
B) Insurance certificate
,C) Electrical plans and specifications
D) Employee roster
Rationale: Permit applications require approved plans and technical
specifications.
4. What is the minimum grounding electrode conductor connection
required for a service?
A) Neutral bar only
B) Equipment grounding conductor only
C) Grounding electrode system
D) Any metal conduit
Rationale: The grounding electrode conductor must connect to the
grounding electrode system.
5. Which of the following is NOT typically required for contractor
licensing in Texas?
A) Proof of experience
B) Examination
C) Application fee
D) College engineering degree
Rationale: Texas does not require a degree for electrical contractor
licensing.
6. What is the function of a GFCI device?
A) Increase circuit capacity
B) Prevent voltage drop
C) Protect against ground faults
D) Stabilize power factor
, Rationale: GFCIs protect people from electric shock due to ground
faults.
7. What is the maximum voltage drop recommended by NEC for
feeders and branch circuits combined?
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Rationale: NEC recommends a total voltage drop of no more than 5%
for efficiency.
8. Which OSHA rule is most relevant to electrical contractor safety?
A) Noise exposure standards
B) Ladder spacing rules
C) Lockout/Tagout procedures
D) Food handling regulations
Rationale: Lockout/Tagout prevents accidental energization during
maintenance.
9. What is the purpose of a service disconnect?
A) Increase voltage
B) Meter calibration
C) Disconnect all power to a building
D) Control lighting circuits
Rationale: It provides a means to shut off all electrical power safely.
2026 – Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales
1. What is the primary purpose of the National Electrical Code
(NEC)?
A) To set utility billing rates
B) To ensure electrical installations are safe
C) To regulate electrical contractor licensing
D) To design electrical utility systems
Rationale: The NEC is primarily a safety standard intended to
minimize hazards in electrical installations.
2. Who has the authority to enforce electrical code compliance at a
job site?
A) Electrical contractor
B) Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
C) Equipment manufacturer
D) Project engineer only
Rationale: The AHJ interprets and enforces code compliance within its
jurisdiction.
3. Which document is most important when applying for an
electrical permit?
A) Utility bill
B) Insurance certificate
,C) Electrical plans and specifications
D) Employee roster
Rationale: Permit applications require approved plans and technical
specifications.
4. What is the minimum grounding electrode conductor connection
required for a service?
A) Neutral bar only
B) Equipment grounding conductor only
C) Grounding electrode system
D) Any metal conduit
Rationale: The grounding electrode conductor must connect to the
grounding electrode system.
5. Which of the following is NOT typically required for contractor
licensing in Texas?
A) Proof of experience
B) Examination
C) Application fee
D) College engineering degree
Rationale: Texas does not require a degree for electrical contractor
licensing.
6. What is the function of a GFCI device?
A) Increase circuit capacity
B) Prevent voltage drop
C) Protect against ground faults
D) Stabilize power factor
, Rationale: GFCIs protect people from electric shock due to ground
faults.
7. What is the maximum voltage drop recommended by NEC for
feeders and branch circuits combined?
A) 1%
B) 2%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Rationale: NEC recommends a total voltage drop of no more than 5%
for efficiency.
8. Which OSHA rule is most relevant to electrical contractor safety?
A) Noise exposure standards
B) Ladder spacing rules
C) Lockout/Tagout procedures
D) Food handling regulations
Rationale: Lockout/Tagout prevents accidental energization during
maintenance.
9. What is the purpose of a service disconnect?
A) Increase voltage
B) Meter calibration
C) Disconnect all power to a building
D) Control lighting circuits
Rationale: It provides a means to shut off all electrical power safely.
