The exam format
| Questions | 80 multiple-choice questions, all worth the same, no partial credit |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 70%, so 56 of 80 |
| Time | 5½ hours, 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. |
| Code edition | 2026 NEC, for every exam since Sept. 8, 2026 |
| Where | DLI, 443 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul; weekly, generally on Wednesdays |
| In the room | A soft-cover NEC with no tabs, the Laws and Rules Booklet and a basic desk calculator, all provided. Bring nothing else |
| Calculator | Desk type with +, −, ×, ÷, square root and percent |
| Fee | $50 application and exam fee, separate from the license fee, not refundable |
| Results | By email, generally within two weeks |
| Retake | Apply again 30 days after you are told you failed, with a new application and fee |
| Reschedule | Once. Missing a rescheduled exam means a new application and fee |
Sources: DLI examination guide and Minnesota Statutes 326B.092 (fee).
What the exam covers
DLI lists the knowledge areas for each license in its examination guide, grouped like the NEC. It does not say how many questions come from each area, and says most questions are meant to be answered without the book.
- Introduction: rules, enforcement, purpose and scope of the NEC
- Chapter 1: General
- Chapter 2: Wiring and protection
- Chapter 3: Wiring methods and materials
- Chapter 4: Equipment for general use
- Chapter 5: Special occupancies
- Chapter 6: Special equipment
- Chapter 7: Specific conditions and systems
- Chapter 8: Communication systems
- Chapter 9: Tables, and the annexes for calculations
- Applied electrical theory, electrical systems and equipment
- The Minnesota Electrical Act and Rules 3800 and 3801
Our practice mix for this exam is 50 code questions, 22 calculations and 8 laws and rules questions out of 80. That split is our estimate, not DLI's.
How to use this practice exam
- Start in study mode with 10 questions. Read the steps for every miss.
- Drill weak calculation topics on their page until you get five in a row.
- Build speed in the book with the untabbed code lookup drills: article first, then section.
- Take the full 80 questions in exam mode. The clock runs at about 4 minutes per question, the DLI pace.
- Repeat until you score above 80% consistently. The real exam needs 70%, but nerves and book time cost points.
Calculations on this exam
Dwelling load calculations
- Fastened appliance demand load 120.53
- Dwelling optional load calculation 120.82(A)
- Dwelling standard load calculation 120.41
- Multifamily optional load calculation 120.84(A)
- Feeder and service neutral load 120.61(A)
Commercial load calculations
- Commercial lighting load Table 120.42(A)
- Commercial kitchen equipment demand 120.56, Table 120.56
- Receptacle load 120.14(I)
Conductors and overcurrent
- Ampacity correction and adjustment Table 310.16
- Conductor sizing Table 310.16
- Continuous loads Article 100, Continuous Load
- Overcurrent device sizing 240.4
- Voltage drop Chapter 9, Table 8
Motors
- Motor branch-circuit conductors 430.22
- Motor feeders 430.24
- Motor full-load current 430.6(A)(1)
- Motor short-circuit protection 430.52(C)(1)
- Motor overload protection 430.32(A)(1)
Boxes and raceways
- Box fill 314.16(B)
- Conduit fill Chapter 9, Table 1
- Pull box sizing 314.28(A)(1)
Grounding and bonding
- Equipment grounding conductor sizing Table 250.122
- Grounding electrode conductor sizing Table 250.66
Transformers
- Transformer current Table 450.5(B)
- Transformer overcurrent protection Table 450.5(B)
Electrical theory
- Ohm's law and power 120.5
- Power factor and efficiency 430.6(A)(1)
- Series and parallel circuits Chapter 9, Table 8
- Three-phase power 120.5
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the Minnesota master exam?
80 multiple-choice questions, all worth the same, in 5½ hours (8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.). You need 70%, which is 56 correct. There is no partial credit.
What do I get in the exam room?
DLI provides a soft-cover 2026 NEC with no tabs, the Laws and Rules Booklet and a basic desk calculator. You may not bring your own book, notes or calculator.
How hard is it?
DLI rates master questions 2.5 to 3.5 on its 1 to 5 scale. DLI says about half the questions sit inside that range. The first-attempt pass rate in the January 15, 2026 board minutes was 46%.
Are these real exam questions?
No. Calculations are generated with new numbers every time and every question is original. No question comes from the real exam.
What does it cost?
The application and exam fee is $50, separate from the license fee and not refundable (Minnesota Statutes 326B.092). If you fail, you can apply again 30 days later with a new application and fee.
Sources
- DLI: Electrical license examination guide (2026 NEC, in effect since Sept. 8, 2026)
- Minnesota Statutes 326B.33: licenses
- Minnesota Statutes 326B.092: fees
- Board of Electricity minutes, Jan. 15, 2026 (pass rates; five-year average 47.8%)
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