New Mexico master electrician exam: frequently asked questions
21 answers about the New Mexico 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 New Mexico electrical exam open book?
New Mexico electrical exam preparation should include open-book code navigation and reference-use practice. Candidates should follow the current New Mexico and PSI exam instructions for the exact references, tabs, notes, calculators, and code edition allowed during testing.
How many questions are on the New Mexico EE-98 exam?
Part 1 contains 80 questions, Part 2 contains 40 questions, and Part 3 contains 50 questions.
What is the passing score for the New Mexico EE-98 electrical exam?
Each EE-98 exam part requires a 75% passing score.
How many questions are on EE-98 Part 1?
EE-98 Part 1 Commercial and Industrial is listed with 80 questions, a 75 percent passing score, and 200 minutes of testing time.
Who administers New Mexico electrical licensing?
New Mexico electrical licensing is administered through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division.
Licensing and experience
Does New Mexico require Business and Law for contractors?
Yes. Contractor candidates must either pass the PSI Business and Law examination or complete an approved Business and Law course.
Does New Mexico issue electrical licenses statewide?
Yes. New Mexico electrical licensing and certification are handled through the Construction Industries Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.
Does New Mexico use a master electrician license?
New Mexico electrical licensing is commonly organized around contractor classifications, journeyman classifications, qualifying party requirements, and specialty scopes. Candidates should confirm the exact license, certificate, or classification they need.
Does New Mexico have state electrical licensing?
Yes. New Mexico electrical contractor licensing and related electrical credentials are handled through the state construction licensing system under the Construction Industries Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.
Does a journeyman certificate automatically operate as an electrical contractor license?
No. Journeyman certification and contractor licensing are separate considerations. Candidates who plan to contract for electrical work should review New Mexico contractor licensing requirements and qualifying party rules.
Should I confirm New Mexico licensing requirements before testing?
Yes. Candidates should confirm the required credential, 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 for the New Mexico EE-98 electrical exam?
Approved electrical references include the National Electrical Code and the New Mexico Electrical Code, NMAC 14.10.4. Business and Law references include the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act, and New Mexico contractor licensing requirement rules.
Can I use tabs in my reference books for the New Mexico exam?
Yes. New Mexico PSI rules allow references to be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Temporary removable tabs, including Post-it notes, are not allowed.
What references are approved for the New Mexico EE-98 exam?
Approved references include the National Electrical Code or NEC Handbook, New Mexico Electrical Code, National Electrical Safety Code for Part 1, and NFPA 72 for Part 3, depending on the exam part being taken.
Why is calculation practice important for this exam?
Calculation practice is important because electrical exams can include load calculations, conductor sizing, service and feeder work, box fill, raceway fill, motor calculations, transformer calculations, electrical theory, and other math-based topics. A dedicated calculations study guide helps candidates practice these skills consistently.
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.
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.
More questions
How many parts are in the New Mexico EE-98 exam?
The EE-98 Residential and Commercial Electrical examination is a three-part combination exam: Part 1 Commercial and Industrial, Part 2 Residential, and Part 3 Specialties.
Who provides New Mexico electrical exams?
PSI provides examination and licensing processing services for New Mexico construction licensing, including electrical examination paths.
What topics are covered on the New Mexico EE-98 electrical exam?
The EE-98 outline includes general knowledge, electrical installation requirements, services, feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, conductors and cables, raceways and boxes, hazardous locations, special occupancies, special equipment, lighting, signs, motors, transformers, generators, New Mexico State Code, low voltage, alarms, electrical signs, lightning protection, telephone systems, computer systems, sound systems, and communication systems.
What is the EE-98 electrical classification?
The EE-98 classification covers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical wiring within the scope set by New Mexico rule. Candidates should review the current classification rules to confirm whether EE-98 matches the work they plan to perform or qualify.