ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area WV. journeymans test

Hello on Dec. 4th I will be taking my WV Journeyman's test and I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has takin or who knows any thing about the WV test. I guess im sort of looking for some tips or advise. THANKS

mar1961,

Hello! Welcome to ECN!

Assuming the test is still on the '99 Code, The '99 NEC (of course), the '99 UGLY'S Book, and a scientific calculator is a good start, get very familiar with them.

Know your equations, especially for motors (involving phases and power factors, etc.).
Demand Load calcs too. Probably some conduit fill and conductor ampacity derating...

If all this sounds confusing, stick around... Ask questions... You've found the best help you can get here at ECN!

I'm not going to tell you how long ago I took my master's test, but they let us use an abacus

Virgil's advice is good, but keep in mind that your test is being administered by the West Virginia Fire Marshall. Unless things have changed quite a bit, I don't think they are qualified. You might want to find out about "exceptions" (in the NEC) because to a fireman, always is always and never is never. The previous fire marshall (thank goodness he is no longer in charge) used to feel that exceptions shouldn't be allowed since they were too confusing. Well, they can be, but he's a fireman & should be confused.

Anyhow, I guess you can tell I don't think much of our licensing setup.

Since you know how to read, you're halfway there, be familiar with the calculation examples in the back of the code book and know how to use the index (that is very important since you can spend a lot of time trying to find something). Be sure to read each question in its entirety, don't jump to conclusions.

Good luck

Tom