Contractor Licensing Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025 Q&A | Instant
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1. A North Carolina limited electrical contractor is asked to install additional
branch circuits beyond the scope of the permit. What should the contractor
do first?
A. Perform work and update paperwork later
B. Obtain approval and revise permit if required
C. Ignore permit limitations
D. Ask employees to complete work secretly
Answer: B
Rationale: Permit revisions and approvals are required before expanding project
scope.
2. What is the primary purpose of grounding electrical systems?
A. Increase voltage
B. Reduce resistance only
C. Provide path for fault current and improve safety
D. Reduce labor costs
Answer: C
Rationale: Grounding protects people and equipment from electrical faults.
, 3. A contractor discovers damaged insulation on branch-circuit conductors
during installation. What is the best action?
A. Tape over damage temporarily
B. Replace damaged conductor
C. Ignore minor damage
D. Increase breaker size
Answer: B
Rationale: Damaged insulation creates shock and fire hazards.
4. Which NEC requirement applies to working clearance around electrical
panels?
A. No clearance required indoors
B. Adequate clearance must be maintained for safe access
C. Clearance only required in commercial buildings
D. Panels may be blocked temporarily
Answer: B
Rationale: NEC requires sufficient workspace for servicing electrical equipment.
5. A customer complains that breakers trip repeatedly after new appliance
installation. What is the most likely cause?
A. Undersized circuit capacity
B. Excessive grounding
C. Low resistance only
D. Oversized conduit
Answer: A
Rationale: Additional load may exceed circuit ampacity.
6. What is the purpose of a circuit breaker?
A. Increase voltage
B. Disconnect circuit during overcurrent conditions
, C. Reduce conductor size
D. Improve lighting brightness
Answer: B
Rationale: Breakers protect conductors from overheating and fire.
7. A contractor installs receptacles in a residential kitchen. Which protection is
generally required?
A. AFCI only
B. GFCI protection
C. No protection
D. Isolated grounding only
Answer: B
Rationale: Kitchen countertop receptacles require GFCI protection.
8. What does ampacity refer to?
A. Maximum voltage drop
B. Maximum current conductor can safely carry
C. Conduit size only
D. Grounding resistance
Answer: B
Rationale: Ampacity determines safe conductor load capacity.
9. A contractor notices water entering an outdoor disconnect enclosure. What
should be done first?
A. Ignore issue
B. De-energize if necessary and correct enclosure problem
C. Increase fuse size
D. Paint enclosure
Answer: B
Rationale: Moisture in electrical equipment is hazardous.
, 10.What is the purpose of bonding metallic components?
A. Increase resistance
B. Ensure electrical continuity and fault-current path
C. Reduce conductor size
D. Eliminate grounding electrodes
Answer: B
Rationale: Bonding minimizes shock hazards.
11.A contractor is wiring a bathroom receptacle circuit. What protection is
required?
A. GFCI protection
B. Isolated transformer only
C. No protection
D. Surge suppressor only
Answer: A
Rationale: Bathroom receptacles require GFCI protection.
12.Which conductor is normally connected to earth grounding system?
A. Ungrounded conductor
B. Grounding electrode conductor
C. Switch leg only
D. Traveler conductor
Answer: B
Rationale: Grounding electrode conductor connects system to earth.
13.A contractor installs conductors too tightly in conduit, exceeding fill limits.
What risk exists?
A. Improved cooling
B. Conductor overheating and damage