State Certification Q & A
What is the deadline to be certified?  January 1, 2006. IT WILL NOT BE EXTENDED! 

How do I apply for the examination?  Most of you should already have an application.  Additional applications are available by clicking here, or at the Union Hall.

Where and when will the exam be given?  There will be various sites around the State.  At this time, the closest sites for most of our members is here in Fresno.  Testing times will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday for the next two years. 

How much will it cost?  There is a $75 application fee (non-refundable), plus $100 for each examination you apply for. 

How will I be notified of my test date?  After your application has been processed, you can go to the website to get a test date. 

How will the Exam be administered?   You must have proper identification (see requirements below).  Testing will be done on a computer at the testing site. You do not have to be skilled in the use of a computer to take this test.  The on-site technician will show you how to use the computer and a short practice lesson is given prior to taking the test.  Once you are comfortable, you will begin.  You will have four hours to take the exam. The only thing you will be allowed to bring in with you is a non-programmable calculator.  The testing agency will provide you with a ’99 Code Book, one piece of scratch paper, a pencil and ear plugs if you want them.  You will not be permitted to use your own Code Book.

 What type of Identification will I have to show?  You will be required to present a current, government-issued photo identification containing your signature (driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or passport).  The name on the ID must be the same as the name you used to register for the exam (including designations such as Jr., III, etc.) 

How soon will I have my results?  When you are finished taking the Exam, your results will be available immediately.  If you pass, you will be given a temporary certificate.  Your permanent license will be mailed to you within five days.  Exam reports are transmitted electronically to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.  Exam grades are confidential.  

How will the license be carried or displayed?  The license can be worn with a short cord around the neck, similar to the ID badges many companies use today. 

How often do I have to be re-certified and tested?   Licenses must be renewed every three years, and at that time you will have to show that you have completed 32 hours of supplementary classroom training.  You will also be required to certify under penalty of perjury that you have worked in the industry for 2,000 hours within the previous three years.  If you let your license lapse, you will be required to re-test in order to reactivate your license. 

Do the 32 hours of supplementary training have to be done in a classroom?  Currently, it is set up to be done in the classroom.  Eventually it may be changed to allow some sort of web-based training from the home. 

What if I don’t pass?  If you don’t pass the exam, you must re-apply following the same procedure you used for the initial application.  Another exam fee will be required.  You must wait at least 60 days between examination attempts.   

Why are they using the ’99 Code?  California just recently adopted the 1999 Code.  They will not be ready to adopt the latest code until sometime in 2005. 

I have a C-10 license – do I have to be certified?  If you work for a contractor other than yourself, you must sit for the exam and become certified. 

I am a foreman for a contractor and sometimes I work with the tools – do I have to be certified?  Yes. 

I’m already licensed in Oregon.  Will I still have to take the exam or is my license reciprocal?  You will be required to take the exam in California.  It is up to other states to look at our test and see if they want to reciprocate with us. 

I hear many of the applications have been returned.  Do you know why?  Many of the applications were not signed.  Please note that you are signing under penalty of perjury that all the statements are true.  Applications have also been returned because the hours of experience section was incorrectly filled out.  Each category has a maximum number of credit hours that you cannot exceed.  For example, the maximum you can claim for experience in material handling is 300 hours. 

How can I prepare myself for the Exam?  The key to passing this test is to be very knowledgeable in the Code Book layout and to be able to look up a question fast.  Code Classes will be ongoing at the Training Center.  Call (559) 251-5174 to enroll.  For studying purposes, you may also refer to the content outline listed below. 

Examination Content Outline – General Journeyman

Subject                                       Percentage of Questions                       

Principles                                                8%

Installations                                            8%

Fundamentals                                         8%

Services, feeders, branch circuits              9%

Grounding and bonding                             9%

Conductors and cables                              9%

Low voltage circuits & communications       4%

Special occupancies                                  2%

Special equipment                                    3%

Motors                                                     8%

Power and conditioning equipment              6%

Testing/testing equipment                          5%

Lighting                                                    8%

Raceways and boxes                                 8%

Emergency systems                                    3%

Fire detection and alarm systems               3%