Montana master electrician exam: frequently asked questions
17 answers about the Montana master electrician exam and license: who issues it, open-book rules, the NEC edition, experience hours, exam structure and passing scores. Filter the list or jump to a section.
The exam
Is the Montana Master Electrician exam open book?
Montana Master Electrician preparation should include open-book code navigation and reference-use practice. Candidates should follow the current Montana State Electrical Board and PSI exam instructions for the exact references, tabs, notes, calculators, and code edition allowed during testing.
How many questions are on the Montana Master Electrician exam?
Montana law requires the master electrician examination to include at least 80 questions. The exam is commonly listed as an 80-question examination.
How much time is allowed for the Montana Master Electrician exam?
The published Montana Master Electrician examination information lists 240 minutes of testing time.
What is the passing score for the Montana Master Electrician exam?
The minimum passing score for the Montana Master Electrician exam is 75%.
What score is required to pass the Montana Master Electrician exam?
The published Montana Master Electrician examination information lists a 75 percent minimum passing score.
Who administers the Montana electrical licensing exams?
PSI is the exam vendor for the Montana State Electrical Board. Applicants must be approved by the Board before registering for an exam.
Licensing and experience
What experience is required for a Montana Master Electrician license?
Montana requires either graduation as an electrical engineer from an accredited college or university plus at least 2,000 hours of legally obtained practical electrical experience, or at least 8,000 hours of legally obtained journeyman-level experience in planning, laying out, or supervising electrical installations and repairs.
Is Montana electrical licensing statewide?
Yes. Montana electrical licensing is administered statewide through the Montana State Electrical Board.
What NEC edition is currently listed by the Montana State Electrical Board?
Current Montana State Electrical Board exam information states that exams are based on the 2020 NEC. This product is based on the 2026 NEC for updated code-cycle study and reference-navigation practice.
Does Montana have state electrical licensing?
Yes. Montana electrical licensing is handled at the state level through the Montana State Electrical Board.
Does a Montana Master Electrician license automatically allow electrical contracting?
No. Montana regulates electrical contractors separately. Candidates who plan to operate an electrical contracting business should review the state electrical contractor license requirements.
Should I confirm Montana licensing requirements before testing?
Yes. Candidates should confirm the required license classification, eligibility requirements, application process, code edition, reference rules, and post-exam licensing steps before scheduling or taking an exam.
Code book and materials
What references are allowed in the Montana Master Electrician exam room?
Approved references include the National Electrical Code, Montana Building Codes Amendments, and Printreading by David L. Hittinger. A silent, nonprinting, nonprogrammable calculator that is not designed for preprogrammed electrical calculations is also allowed.
Why are NEC tabs helpful?
NEC tabs help candidates locate major articles, chapters, tables, and subject areas faster during study. This supports stronger code-navigation practice and helps candidates become more comfortable using the NEC as a reference.
Why is calculation practice important for this exam?
Calculation practice is important because the Montana Master Electrician examination includes major load calculations and electrical theory. A dedicated calculations study guide helps candidates practice formulas, table use, conductor sizing, service and feeder work, box fill, raceway fill, motor calculations, and other math-based topics.
Can I bring these books into the exam room?
Exam-room reference rules are controlled by the current candidate bulletin and testing instructions. Candidates should review the official rules before test day to confirm which books and materials are permitted.
More questions
What topics are covered on the Montana Master Electrician exam?
The published Montana Master Electrician examination description includes National Electrical Code, general trade knowledge and theory, and major load calculations. Montana law also identifies the National Electrical Code, board rules, and applicable electrical laws as required examination subjects.