I believe anyone can take a Journeyman test with the SBCCI- at least they could when I took it. This doesn't mean you get a license. The test is recognized by many states (including NV). I took it before licensing was required here in TX, just to satisfy some a local inspector. It did not get me a license because none were required here at the time. I had served a four year apprenticeship program but I don't recall that coming up in the application.
When they started licensing journeymen here in TX a couple of years ago, they basically licensed everyone who could certify the required xx hours. Consequently, there are many JW who never served any type of apprenticeship or took any classes in electrical theory. The title JW is severely diluted as a result.
Nope, never worked maintenance by have worked in my share of factories. I see no difference in installing a 5,000 amp service, a 4,000 I/O PLC system, or terminating fiber optic cables. It all works on basic principles of physics. I have roped a couple of houses, and will leave the rest of them for the guys from El Salvador to do. By the way, they do have services in factories and they do have more three ways than any house.
Unions do not (or at least did not) recognize the 'master' title. It's been 25 years since I worked in that environment so I don't know if they do now or not.
