Important New Mexico code-edition note: New Mexico currently uses the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, which adopts the 2020 NEC with state amendments. The current PSI EE-98J Code Examination also lists the 2020 NEC. Newer 2023 and 2026 1 Exam Prep materials are useful for current-code education, but do not replace the 2020 references presently listed for the official exam.
What Is the New Mexico EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Certificate?
The EE-98J is New Mexico's Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical classification. It is an individual journeyman certificate administered through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department Construction Industries Division.
The EE-98J holder may work under an EE-98 Residential and Commercial Electrical contractor, an ER-1 Residential Electrical contractor, and applicable electrical specialty contractor licenses. When working under a residential or specialty contractor, the journeyman's work must stay inside the scope of that contractor's license.
The certificate requires substantial field experience and multiple testing skills. Candidates need to demonstrate code navigation, electrical theory and practical hands-on ability.
Experience: four years of qualifying electrical experience, commonly stated as 8,000 hours.
Written testing: EE-98J Part 1 Code Examination and Part 2 Theory Examination.
Hands-on testing: a separate practical examination covering several electrical projects and material identification.
Contractor distinction: EE-98J is a journeyman certificate. The EE-98 contractor classification and Qualifying Party process are separate contractor-level requirements.
New Mexico EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Certification Path
Build the required field experience, receive testing approval and complete all EE-98J examination components.
| Stage | Current Requirement | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Experience | Four years / approximately 8,000 hours | Document qualifying residential and commercial electrical experience |
| Journeyman Application | New Mexico CID / PSI process | Submit the required application and experience documentation |
| Preapproval | Required before scheduling | Wait for eligibility approval before booking PSI examinations |
| Part 1 Code | 50 questions • 145 minutes • 75% | Open-book NEC and New Mexico code navigation |
| Part 2 Theory | 50 questions • 120 minutes • 75% | Closed-book electrical theory and trade knowledge |
| Practical Examination | 100 points • 120 minutes • 75% | Motor controls, transformers, circuits, conduit bending and materials |
| Certificate | Complete the remaining state certification process | Maintain renewal and continuing-education requirements |
Research Authority and Verification Snapshot
The state classification rules, current electrical code, PSI journeyman bulletin and 1 Exam Prep products were checked separately.
| Verified Point | Authority | Current Result |
|---|---|---|
| EE-98J classification | New Mexico Administrative Code | Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical |
| Experience requirement | New Mexico CID / NMAC | Four years / 8,000 hours |
| Part 1 exam | PSI Journeyman Candidate Bulletin | 50 questions, 145 minutes, 75%, open book |
| Part 2 exam | PSI Journeyman Candidate Bulletin | 50 questions, 120 minutes, 75%, closed book |
| Practical exam | PSI Journeyman Candidate Bulletin | 100 points, 120 minutes and 75% passing |
| Current state electrical code | New Mexico CID / NMAC 14.10.4 | 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code adopting the 2020 NEC |
| Current exam NEC | PSI Journeyman Candidate Bulletin | 2020 NEC or 2020 NEC Handbook for Part 1 |
| 1 Exam Prep options | Direct 1 Exam Prep listings | 2020 exam-aligned package plus newer 2026 NEC study systems |
New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Exam Breakdown
The EE-98J process is more than one multiple-choice exam. Candidates prepare for an open-book Code Examination, a closed-book Theory Examination and a hands-on practical examination.
Part 1 contains 50 questions and allows 145 minutes. That works out to about 2.9 minutes per question. Services, Feeders and Branch Circuits is the largest Part 1 category with seven questions, followed by Grounding and Bonding with six.
Part 2 also contains 50 questions. Because it is closed book, speed is less about finding an NEC page and more about understanding electrical principles without leaning on a reference. General Knowledge and Electrical Installation Requirements contains 18 questions, making it the largest theory area.
Then comes the practical. That is where the test stops asking what you know and starts asking your hands to participate. Candidates may face motor control, transformer work, circuit wiring, conduit bending and materials identification.
Certificate EE-98J Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical
Licensing Authority New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department / Construction Industries Division
Testing Provider PSI
Experience Four years / approximately 8,000 hours
Part 1 Code 50 questions • 145 minutes • 75% passing
Part 1 Format Open book
Part 2 Theory 50 questions • 120 minutes • 75% passing
Part 2 Format Closed book
Practical 100 points • 120 minutes • 75% passing
Current NEC Exam Edition 2020 NEC
New Mexico Code 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, NMAC 14.10.4
Calculator Silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator permitted for applicable PSI written testing
How to Study for the New Mexico EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Exam
You need three different study modes because New Mexico tests three different kinds of performance: reference navigation, closed-book knowledge and hands-on trade ability.
Train Part 1 as an open-book exam. Learn where the NEC rules live and practice locating them under a timer.
Train Part 2 without books. Electrical theory, installation principles and low-voltage concepts need to be recalled from memory.
Practice the practical physically. Reading about conduit bending is not the same thing as bending conduit.
Use the correct NEC edition. The official Code Examination presently lists the 2020 NEC. Match your final exam prep to that edition.
Electrical Calculations and Code Navigation Strategy
New Mexico journeyman preparation should include both code-based calculations and math that you can work without depending on a book.
Simplified New Mexico EE-98J exam prep illustration for Code, Theory and Practical preparation.
Build a repeatable method. Identify the electrical problem, select the controlling NEC topic or formula, organize the known values, calculate carefully and check whether the answer makes sense.
- Services: load calculations, service conductors, equipment and disconnecting means
- Feeders: demand loads, conductor sizing and overcurrent protection
- Branch Circuits: required circuits, loads, conductor ampacity and protection
- Grounding: electrode systems, equipment grounding conductors and bonding
- Motors: conductors, overloads, short-circuit protection and controllers
- Trade Math: Ohm's Law, Watt's Law, transformers, raceway fill, box fill and voltage relationships
Your New Mexico EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Roadmap
Move from supervised electrical experience to PSI approval, written testing, practical testing and certification.
1
Build qualifying electrical experience
Complete four years, approximately 8,000 hours, of qualifying electrical experience for the EE-98J classification.
2
Keep accurate work documentation
Track employment dates, electrical duties, supervision, apprenticeship or training history and documents required to verify your experience.
3
Submit the New Mexico journeyman application
Follow the current CID and PSI application process for EE-98J certification.
4
Receive preapproval to test
New Mexico requires examination approval before PSI scheduling.
5
Pass the Part 1 Code Examination
Prepare for 50 open-book questions, 145 minutes and the 2020 NEC reference set.
6
Pass Part 2 Theory
Prepare for 50 closed-book questions in 120 minutes covering electrical theory and trade knowledge.
7
Pass the practical examination
Demonstrate motor control, transformer, circuit, conduit-bending and material-identification skills within the practical testing format.
EE-98J Part 1 Code Examination Topic Weighting
These question counts follow the current PSI journeyman bulletin. Bar lengths compare each category with the largest seven-question Services, Feeders and Branch Circuits section.
General Knowledge & Electrical Installation Requirements 4 questions • 8%
Services, Feeders & Branch Circuits 7 questions • 14%
Overcurrent Protection 4 questions • 8%
Grounding and Bonding 6 questions • 12%
Conductors and Cables 5 questions • 10%
Raceways and Boxes 5 questions • 10%
Hazardous Locations, Special Occupancies & Equipment 4 questions • 8%
Lighting, Signs & General-Use Equipment 3 questions • 6%
Motors, Transformers & Generators 5 questions • 10%
New Mexico State Code 4 questions • 8%
Low Voltage 3 questions • 6%
New Mexico EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Exam References
Part 1 and Part 2 have very different book rules. Prepare them separately.
| Reference | Main Use | Exam-Day Status |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 | Part 1 code navigation, installations, conductors, services, grounding, motors and equipment | Allowed for Part 1 |
| 2020 National Electrical Code Handbook | Alternative listed NEC reference | Allowed as the listed alternative to NFPA 70 for Part 1 |
| New Mexico Electrical Code, NMAC 14.10.4, 2020 | New Mexico amendments and state-specific code questions | Allowed for Part 1 |
| National Electrical Safety Code, 2007 | Electrical safety-code material identified for Part 1 | Allowed for Part 1 |
| American Electricians' Handbook | Theory and broader electrical study | Study reference only for the closed-book Theory exam |
| Ugly's Electrical References | Formulas, electrical theory and quick-reference study | Study reference only for the closed-book Theory exam |
| NFPA 72 and Low-Voltage References | Low-voltage and alarm preparation for Theory | Part 2 is closed book |
| 2026 NEC | Newer current-code education in 1 Exam Prep's 2026 products | Do not substitute for the 2020 NEC unless PSI officially changes the EE-98J reference list |
How to Prepare for Open-Book Code and Closed-Book Theory
Build these exam-prep habits
- Practice Part 1 with the 2020 NEC
- Use the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code
- Learn NEC article and table locations
- Use permanent tabs in approved references
- Practice Part 2 with all books closed
- Memorize core formulas and theory concepts
- Add physical conduit and wiring practice
Avoid these exam-prep mistakes
- Preparing Part 2 as if it were open book
- Using a newer NEC instead of the exam-listed edition
- Putting handwritten notes in Part 1 references
- Using Post-it notes or temporary tabs
- Bringing loose papers inside approved books
- Ignoring low-voltage and alarm theory
- Studying written questions but ignoring the practical exam
EE-98J Journeyman vs EE-98 Electrical Contractor
The names are similar, but these are not the same New Mexico credential.
The EE-98J is an individual Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical certificate. The EE-98 is a contractor classification associated with contractor licensing and the Qualifying Party process.
EE-98J Journeyman: works under the appropriate licensed electrical contractor and performs electrical work within the applicable scope.
EE-98 Contractor: contractor-level residential and commercial electrical classification involving separate qualifying-party and business licensing requirements.
This page: focuses on the EE-98J journeyman certification path while helping electricians build the knowledge needed for later contractor advancement.
EE-98J Exam Component Comparison
The three parts test different skills, so each deserves its own preparation method.
| Component | Format | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 Code | 50 questions • 145 minutes • 75% • open book | NEC, New Mexico code, services, feeders, grounding, conductors, motors and installation requirements |
| Part 2 Theory | 50 questions • 120 minutes • 75% • closed book | Electrical fundamentals, installation theory, low voltage, alarms and practical trade knowledge |
| Practical | 100 points • 120 minutes • 75% | Motor control, transformers, circuit wiring, conduit bending and material identification |
| EE-98J Experience | Four years / 8,000 hours | Qualifying residential and commercial electrical experience |
| EE-98 Contractor | Separate contractor-level path | Qualifying Party, contractor exam requirements and company licensing |
New Mexico EE-98J Journeyman Electrician Requirements
Experience
Four Years / 8,000 Hours
- Qualifying electrical work
- Residential electrical experience
- Commercial electrical experience
- Proper supervision
- Accurate work documentation
- State-approved experience verification
Written Examinations
Code + Theory
- 50-question Part 1 Code exam
- 145-minute Part 1 time limit
- 50-question Part 2 Theory exam
- 120-minute Part 2 time limit
- 75% required on each
- Open-book and closed-book preparation
Practical Skills
100-Point Practical
- Motor control project
- Transformer project
- Doorbell project
- Lighting project
- Simple conduit bending
- Complex conduit bending
- Materials identification
Six-Week New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep Plan
Train for Code, Theory and Practical together so one part of the certification process does not surprise you later.
Week 1
NEC Structure and Fundamentals
- 2020 NEC organization
- New Mexico Electrical Code
- Definitions
- Ohm's Law and Watt's Law
- Take a diagnostic exam
Week 2
Services, Feeders and Branch Circuits
- Load calculations
- Service conductors
- Feeder sizing
- Branch circuits
- Overcurrent protection
Week 3
Grounding, Conductors and Raceways
- Article 250
- Conductor ampacity
- Adjustment factors
- Raceway fill
- Box fill
Week 4
Motors, Transformers and Theory
- Motor calculations
- Controllers
- Transformer theory
- Electrical formulas
- Closed-book drills
Week 5
Low Voltage and Practical Skills
- Alarm concepts
- Low-voltage systems
- Motor-control practice
- Conduit bending
- Materials identification
Week 6
Full EE-98J Simulation
- 50-question Code simulation
- 145-minute timer
- 50-question closed-book Theory review
- Hands-on project practice
- Final PSI reference check
How Hard Is the New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Exam?
New Mexico EE-98J testing is challenging because it asks candidates to succeed in three different environments.
During Part 1, you need fast code navigation. During Part 2, the books disappear and the theory has to come from your own head. During the practical, neither a good memory nor a perfectly tabbed NEC will bend conduit for you.
The strongest candidates prepare all three skills together: code application, electrical understanding and clean hands-on execution.
New Mexico EE-98J Exam Day Checklist
Do this
- Confirm which EE-98J component you are taking
- Bring required PSI identification
- Bring approved references for Part 1
- Use the correct 2020 NEC edition
- Use permanent tabs only
- Prepare for Part 2 without books
- Practice practical projects before your hands-on appointment
Do not do this
- Bring handwritten notes inside approved references
- Use removable Post-it-style tabs
- Add loose papers to your exam books
- Use the 2026 NEC as the official current EE-98J exam book
- Expect references during the Theory exam
- Ignore conduit-bending preparation
- Confuse EE-98J certification with EE-98 contractor licensure
New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Contractor Exam Prep Options
2020 Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep Package
Best Match for Current PSI Code Edition
- 2020 Journeyman Electrician Study Guide
- 2020 National Electrical Code
- NEC tabs
- Open-book practice
- Closed-book preparation
- New Mexico-specific exam introduction
2026 Study Guide + Flash Cards
Current-Code Education
- 2026 New Mexico Journeyman Study Guide
- 12 practice exams
- 2 full final exams
- Journeyman flash cards
- Electrical calculations
- Current-code review
2026 Instructor-Led NEC Study Package
Guided Electrical Training
- Instructor-led NEC course
- Live and recorded videos
- NEC overview
- Calculations Study Guide
- Flash cards
- Simulated practice exams
Exam-edition warning: the 2026 packages are excellent for newer-code education and continuing electrical study, but the current New Mexico EE-98J Part 1 bulletin still identifies the 2020 NEC. Use the 2020 exam package or otherwise make sure your final exam-day preparation matches the PSI-listed references.
EE-98J Tests Code Knowledge, Theory and Hands-On Ability
The New Mexico Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical path is built around more than multiple-choice questions.
• Four years or approximately 8,000 hours of qualifying experience
• Part 1 Code: 50 questions
• Part 1 time: 145 minutes
• Part 1 is open book
• Part 2 Theory: 50 questions
• Part 2 time: 120 minutes
• Part 2 is closed book
• Practical: 100 points and 120 minutes
• 75% is required on each current component
Prepare differently for each part. Fast code lookup, strong theory recall and hands-on electrical skill all matter.
New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Contractor Exam Prep FAQ
EE-98J Certification
EE-98J is New Mexico's Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical certificate. It allows qualified journeymen to perform electrical work under the appropriate licensed electrical contractor within the scope allowed by New Mexico rules.
The current New Mexico classification rule requires four years of qualifying experience. CID also describes EE-98J as requiring 8,000 hours for reciprocity purposes.
No. EE-98J is the individual Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical certificate. EE-98 is the contractor classification and follows a separate Qualifying Party and contractor licensing process.
New Mexico rules state that EE-98J journeymen may work under EE-98, ER-1 and electrical specialty licenses. When working under ER-1 or a specialty contractor, the journeyman's work must stay within the scope of that contractor's license.
Written Examinations
Part 1, the Code Examination, currently contains 50 questions.
PSI currently lists 145 minutes for the EE-98J Part 1 Code Examination.
Yes. The Code Examination is open book with the approved PSI reference list.
The current Theory Examination contains 50 questions.
The current PSI journeyman bulletin lists 120 minutes for Part 2 Theory.
No. EE-98J Part 2 Theory is currently a closed-book examination.
PSI currently lists a 75 percent passing standard for both written portions. That corresponds to 38 points on each 50-question examination.
Practical Examination
Yes. The EE-98J path currently includes a Journeyman Residential and Commercial Electrical Practical Examination.
The practical is worth 100 points. Candidates currently need 75 points to pass and receive 120 minutes.
The current outline includes a motor control project, transformer project, doorbell project, lighting project, simple conduit bending, complex conduit bending and materials identification.
Code Books and Exam Rules
The currently available PSI EE-98J bulletin identifies the 2020 National Electrical Code for the Part 1 Code Examination.
New Mexico currently lists the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, NMAC 14.10.4. That rule adopts the 2020 NEC with New Mexico amendments.
Yes. PSI allows approved bound references to be highlighted or underlined before the examination.
Yes. Permanent tabs are allowed under the current PSI rules. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are not permitted.
No. PSI states that references containing writing are not permitted, and candidates may not write in references during the examination.
Renewal, Reciprocity and Study Materials
Yes. CID currently requires at least 16 hours of approved continuing education during each three-year electrical-code cycle, including eight hours of code-change instruction and eight hours of other industry-related instruction.
Yes. CID currently states that EE-98J reciprocity is available for qualifying licenses from Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.
The 2026 products provide newer-code education, calculations and code-navigation training. The current official EE-98J Code Examination still lists the 2020 NEC, so use the PSI-required 2020 references for final exam preparation unless PSI updates the bulletin.
The New Mexico 2020 Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep Package most directly matches the 2020 NEC currently listed for the EE-98J Part 1 Code Examination.
Watch: New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep
Watch this related 1 Exam Prep New Mexico Journeyman Electrician video for study strategy, electrical exam preparation, NEC navigation, calculations and journeyman-level review.
New Mexico exam prep note: use this related 1 Exam Prep video for journeyman electrical study strategy and preparation. For actual EE-98J testing, match your final preparation to the current PSI rules: Part 1 Code is open book using the listed 2020 references, Part 2 Theory is closed book, and the certification path includes a separate practical examination.
New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Contractor Exam Prep Resources
Use current New Mexico CID and PSI information together with focused 1 Exam Prep electrical study materials.
New Mexico 2020 Journeyman Exam Prep Package 2026 Journeyman Study Guide + Flash Cards 2026 Journeyman Study Guide + NEC 2026 Journeyman Calculations + NEC Combo Instructor-Led Journeyman NEC Package PSI New Mexico Journeyman Bulletin PSI New Mexico Exam Portal New Mexico Construction Industries Division New Mexico Electrical Bureau New Mexico Journeyman Classification Rules 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code Contact 1 Exam Prep
Ready for New Mexico Journeyman Electrician Contractor Exam Prep?
Build faster 2020 NEC navigation, stronger electrical theory, better calculations, confidence with grounding and motors, and the hands-on skills needed for the New Mexico EE-98J Code, Theory and Practical examinations.
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