California master electrician exam: frequently asked questions

No. The California C-10 Electrical contractor examination is closed book. No reference materials may be used during the exam, and a calculator is provided when computation is required.

The California General Electrician certification exam is listed as 100 questions with a time allowance of 4 hours and 30 minutes. The exam content includes safety, determination of electrical system requirements, installation, and maintenance and repair.

California electrician certification is administered through the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Electrician Certification Unit.

For exams taken on or after June 1, 2026, scheduling is handled through CPS HR Consulting and Pearson VUE after the applicant is approved by DLSE.

Yes. Specified references are provided in the testing center and are available during the examination. Candidates may not bring or use their own reference materials in the testing room.

Current California electrician certification materials list a 4-hour and 30-minute time limit for the General Electrician certification exam.

California electrician certification examinations require a minimum score of 70% to pass.

California electrical contractor licensing is administered through the Contractors State License Board.

California does not issue a statewide license officially titled “Master Electrician” in the same way many other states do. California uses the C-10 Electrical contractor classification through CSLB and electrician certification categories through DLSE.

California does not use a single statewide license titled “Master Electrician” in the same format used by some other states. Electrical contractors are licensed through CSLB under the C-10 Electrical classification, and individual electrician certification is handled through the DIR Electrician Certification Unit.

California does not use one single statewide master electrician license title like some states. California uses electrician certification through DIR and electrical contractor licensing through CSLB.

Yes. Current CSLB C-10 Electrical study material states that the examination is closed book and that no reference materials may be used during the examination.

Flash cards support quick recall of formulas, definitions, safety concepts, trade terms, and key electrical ideas. Repeated flash card review is useful when the exam does not allow reference materials.

For the current California electrician certification exams, the candidate information identifies references that are provided in the testing center and states that candidates may not bring or use their own reference materials. Candidates should follow the instructions for their exact certification category.

Current California electrician certification materials state that references are provided in the testing center and candidates may not bring or use their own reference materials.

The C-10 Electrical exam covers Planning and Estimating, Rough Wiring, Finish Wiring and Trim, Startup, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance, and Safety.

Use the practice exams throughout your study plan. Review missed questions carefully, identify weak areas, and return to those topics before moving to the next practice exam.

Use the full final exams after completing several practice exams and reviewing your weaker areas. They are best used as readiness checks near the end of your preparation.

Important study areas include planning and estimating, rough wiring, finish wiring and trim, startup, troubleshooting, maintenance, safety, electrical calculations, code requirements, grounding and bonding, raceways, panels, equipment installation, photovoltaic systems, energy storage, and jobsite safety.

The CSLB C-10 Electrical study guide lists Planning and Estimating, Rough Wiring, Finish Wiring and Trim, Startup, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance, and Safety as major exam sections.