Hawaii Electrical Contractor (C-13) Exam Book Package

Prepare for the Hawaii Electrical Contractor (C-13) examination with a focused book package built around the technical references associated with the current PSI exam outline. This package is designed for contractors and electrical professionals who want to study the code, safety standards, electrical calculations, fire alarm concepts, photovoltaic systems, and other technical subjects connected with the Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor classification.

The Hawaii C-13 classification covers a broad range of electrical contracting work. The official classification includes placing, installing, erecting, or connecting electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, electrical signs, conduits, poles, raceways, and related work involving lines that transmit, transform, or utilize electrical energy at less than 600 volts phase to phase. The classification also includes work within the C-15 Electronic Systems Contractor and C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor classifications.

Because the C-13 exam covers multiple electrical disciplines, candidates should prepare with more than one reference. The examination can test general electrical knowledge, services, feeders, branch circuits, grounding and bonding, conductors, raceways, special occupancies, motors, low-voltage systems, lighting, overcurrent protection, safety, and photovoltaics.

This Hawaii Electrical Contractor exam book package brings together the major references used to prepare for those subjects. The package includes the National Electrical Code, 2020; National Electrical Safety Code, 2017; NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2016; Ugly's Electrical References; Photovoltaic Systems, 3rd Edition, 2011; and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA).

Studying from the complete reference set can help candidates understand how different electrical topics connect. The NEC provides the primary code foundation, while the other books support preparation in areas such as electrical safety, fire alarm systems, calculations and field references, photovoltaic installations, and OSHA construction safety.

What You Get

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020 for studying electrical installation requirements, conductor sizing, grounding and bonding, services, feeders, branch circuits, motors, special occupancies, overcurrent protection, and other core code subjects.
• National Electrical Safety Code, 2017 for reviewing electrical safety principles and requirements involving electrical supply and related systems.
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2016 for studying fire alarm and signaling concepts relevant to electrical and electronic systems work.
• Ugly's Electrical References as a compact study reference for commonly used electrical formulas, tables, calculations, and field information.
• Photovoltaic Systems, 3rd Edition, 2011 for reviewing photovoltaic theory, components, installation practices, and solar electrical concepts.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) for preparing for construction safety topics associated with electrical contracting work.

The books can be used together to build a structured study routine. Candidates can focus first on the NEC and then use the supporting references to reinforce specialized subjects that appear on the exam outline. Repeated practice with code lookup, calculations, terminology, and technical concepts can help develop the familiarity needed for exam day.

Exam Details

The Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor examination is administered by PSI as part of the Hawaii contractor licensing examination program. The current PSI examination outline lists 40 questions, a 75% minimum passing score, and a 120-minute time allowance.

The current content outline divides the examination into 12 subject areas. General Electrical Knowledge includes 3 questions. Service, Feeders, Branch Circuits, and Electrical Power includes 7 questions. Grounding and Bonding includes 6 questions. Conductors and Cables includes 3 questions. Raceways, Conduits, and Boxes includes 3 questions.

Special Occupancies, Conditions, and Equipment includes 3 questions. Motors includes 3 questions. Low Voltage and Controls includes 3 questions. Lighting includes 2 questions. Safety Information includes 2 questions. Overcurrent Protection includes 3 questions, and Photovoltaics includes 2 questions.

The distribution shows why candidates should spend substantial study time on services, feeders, branch circuits, electrical power, grounding, and bonding while still reviewing all of the smaller content areas. A few missed questions in specialized subjects can make a significant difference on a 40-question examination.

Electrical exam preparation should include both knowledge review and calculation practice. Candidates may need to work with conductor requirements, grounding principles, overcurrent protection, raceway and box concepts, motor requirements, branch circuits, service calculations, photovoltaic systems, and other code-based applications.

Open Book Test

The Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor examination is an open-book examination with a specific limitation. PSI provides the 2020 National Electrical Code in the testing center for use during the exam. Candidates may not make notes or highlighting in the provided NEC during the examination.

The other reference materials used to develop the exam are not allowed in the examination center. This includes the National Electrical Safety Code, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, Ugly's Electrical References, Photovoltaic Systems, and the OSHA construction safety reference.

This testing format makes advance study especially important. Although the NEC is available during the examination, candidates cannot rely on bringing their entire study library into the test. Information drawn from the other reference materials should be studied and understood beforehand.

The NEC itself should also be studied before exam day. Having a code book available does not eliminate the need to understand how the code is organized. Candidates should practice using the index, locating articles, finding tables, identifying definitions, and moving from a question to the appropriate code section efficiently.

With 40 questions and 120 minutes, candidates have an average of three minutes per question. Some questions may be answered quickly, while others may require code research or calculations. Becoming comfortable with NEC navigation before the test can help preserve time for questions that require more detailed analysis.

Licensing Steps

Hawaii contractor licensing is administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional and Vocational Licensing Division through the Contractors License Board. Candidates seeking the C-13 Electrical Contractor classification must complete the applicable contractor license application process before registering for the examination.

Applicants must first submit the required contractor application and supporting documentation to the Contractors License Board. Hawaii requires qualifying applicants to demonstrate appropriate supervisory experience in the classification being requested. Current contractor application materials call for four full years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years at the journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor level.

Applicants must document qualifying experience as required by the Board. Depending on the application type, this can include experience certificates and a chronological history of projects showing supervisory work in the classification.

The Contractors License Board must approve an applicant before the applicant may register for the examination. After approval, the applicant receives an examination approval letter identifying the exam or exams the applicant is eligible to take and providing instructions for registration with PSI.

Applicants must pass their required examination or examinations within six months of becoming eligible. Hawaii states that applicants who do not pass within that six-month period must reapply.

After satisfying the examination requirements, the applicant continues through the remaining licensing process with the Contractors License Board. The application and licensing requirements can include business, financial, insurance, experience, and other supporting documentation depending on whether the license is being issued to a sole proprietor, responsible managing employee, or contracting entity.

State Requirements

The official Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor classification authorizes electrical contracting work involving electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, electrical signs, conduits, poles, and raceways. It also includes trenching, backfilling, patching, and surface restoration connected with conduit and line installations that transmit, transform, or utilize electrical energy at less than 600 volts phase to phase.

The C-13 classification also includes the work of the C-15 Electronic Systems Contractor and the C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor. This broad scope helps explain why the examination includes low-voltage controls and photovoltaic subjects in addition to traditional power-distribution and wiring topics.

Applicants seeking contractor licensure must satisfy the experience and qualification requirements established by the Hawaii Contractors License Board. Current application materials require four full years of supervisory experience within the previous 10 years for qualifying individuals applying in a contractor classification.

Electrical contracting in Hawaii also involves an important distinction between contractor licensing and individual electrician licensing. Hawaii states that electrical contractors must employ properly licensed electricians to perform actual electrical work. The C-13 contractor license authorizes the contracting business activity, while individual electrician licensing requirements apply to the workers performing regulated electrical work.

Active Hawaii contractors are also required to maintain applicable insurance coverage during licensure. The Contractors License Board requires continuous liability and workers' compensation coverage for active contractors, subject to applicable exclusions permitted under Hawaii law.

Passing the C-13 examination is therefore one part of a larger licensing process. Candidates should prepare for the technical exam while also completing the experience, application, business, and licensing requirements that apply to their particular situation.

Reference Books

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020
  The 2020 NEC is the primary electrical code reference associated with the Hawaii C-13 exam. It covers electrical installations, services, feeders, branch circuits, conductor requirements, grounding and bonding, raceways, equipment, motors, special occupancies, overcurrent protection, photovoltaic systems, and other core electrical requirements.
• National Electrical Safety Code, 2017
  This reference addresses electrical safety practices and requirements associated with electrical supply and communication systems. It supports broader study of electrical safety concepts represented in the examination material.
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2016
  NFPA 72 addresses fire alarm and signaling systems, including system concepts, devices, circuits, notification, and related requirements. It supports preparation for low-voltage and electronic-system knowledge connected with the C-13 classification.
• Ugly's Electrical References
  This compact electrical reference is useful for reviewing common formulas, calculations, tables, electrical terminology, and practical field information. It can support study sessions involving quick review and calculation practice.
• Photovoltaic Systems, 3rd Edition, 2011
  This reference focuses on photovoltaic technology, system components, installation principles, electrical characteristics, and solar power applications. It supports the photovoltaic portion of the C-13 examination outline.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference contains OSHA requirements for construction work. It supports preparation for safety concepts involving electrical hazards, jobsite practices, protective measures, and other construction safety requirements.

Exam Room Approved Books

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020
  The 2020 National Electrical Code is provided by PSI in the testing center for use during the Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor examination. Candidates may use the provided NEC during the exam but may not add highlighting or notes to it during the testing session.

The National Electrical Safety Code, NFPA 72, Ugly's Electrical References, Photovoltaic Systems, and OSHA reference are study materials only for this examination and are not permitted in the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong study plan should begin with the NEC because it is the only reference provided during the examination and because many exam subjects connect directly to code requirements. Practice finding articles and tables instead of simply reading the code from front to back. Use the index, article structure, definitions, and cross-references until locating information becomes more natural.

Services, feeders, branch circuits, and electrical power make up the largest single content category on the current outline. Candidates should review load concepts, branch-circuit requirements, feeder requirements, service provisions, conductor sizing, and related calculations.

Grounding and bonding is another major area. Study grounding electrode systems, equipment grounding, bonding requirements, conductor sizing, and the differences between grounding and bonding functions. Understanding the purpose behind these requirements can make code questions easier to interpret.

Conductors, raceways, boxes, motors, special occupancies, and overcurrent protection should each receive dedicated practice. Work through calculations and code lookups rather than relying entirely on memorization. Electrical questions frequently require candidates to identify several pieces of information before reaching the final answer.

Low-voltage systems and fire alarm concepts should be reviewed using NFPA 72 and the supporting references before the examination. Because those books are not allowed in the testing center, candidates should build familiarity with the important concepts during study sessions.

Photovoltaic preparation should include system components, basic photovoltaic theory, electrical interconnection principles, installation concepts, and code requirements. The exam outline specifically allocates questions to photovoltaics, making solar electrical knowledge a necessary part of C-13 preparation.

Safety preparation should include OSHA construction requirements and safe electrical work practices. Review common construction hazards, protective measures, and electrical safety concepts rather than treating safety as a minor subject.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Hawaii Electrical Contractor candidates approach the C-13 examination with a more organized study structure. Electrical licensing exams can involve a wide range of code sections, calculations, safety rules, and specialized electrical systems. Organizing preparation around the published exam subjects can make that material easier to manage.

Trade-focused review helps candidates concentrate on services, feeders, branch circuits, grounding and bonding, conductors, raceways, motors, low-voltage systems, lighting, overcurrent protection, photovoltaics, and safety. Working through these subjects individually can help identify areas that need more attention.

Reference navigation is particularly important for the 2020 NEC because that book is provided during the examination. Candidates can practice locating articles, tables, exceptions, definitions, and related provisions before test day so they spend less time searching during the exam.

The supporting books provide additional depth for subjects that are not covered by the NEC alone. NFPA 72 supports fire alarm study, Photovoltaic Systems supports solar preparation, Ugly's Electrical References supports formulas and calculations, and OSHA materials strengthen construction safety review.

Practice-oriented preparation can also help candidates become more comfortable with timed problem solving. Working through electrical questions, researching incorrect answers, and repeating calculations develops both technical knowledge and a more disciplined testing approach.

The goal is to provide the resources and study structure needed to prepare effectively for the Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor examination while helping candidates build confidence with the technical material they will encounter.

Is the Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor exam open book?

Yes, but only the 2020 National Electrical Code is available for use during the examination. PSI provides the NEC at the testing center. The other references used for exam preparation are not allowed in the examination center.

How many questions are on the Hawaii C-13 Electrical Contractor exam?

The current PSI examination outline lists 40 questions.

How much time is allowed for the Hawaii C-13 exam?

Candidates are allowed 120 minutes to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

The current minimum passing score is 75%.

Which book can I use during the exam?

PSI provides the 2020 National Electrical Code in the testing center. The provided NEC may be used during the examination, but candidates may not add highlighting or notes to the book during the test.

Can I bring my own NEC into the Hawaii C-13 exam?

The current PSI instructions state that the 2020 National Electrical Code is provided in the testing center for use during the exam. Candidates should use the testing-center reference supplied under the current examination rules.

Are the other books in this package allowed in the testing center?

No. The National Electrical Safety Code, NFPA 72, Ugly's Electrical References, Photovoltaic Systems, and OSHA reference are study materials for preparation and are not allowed in the examination center for the C-13 test.

What subjects are covered on the C-13 examination?

The examination covers general electrical knowledge; services, feeders, branch circuits, and electrical power; grounding and bonding; conductors and cables; raceways, conduits, and boxes; special occupancies and equipment; motors; low voltage and controls; lighting; safety; overcurrent protection; and photovoltaics.

Do I need Board approval before scheduling the exam?

Yes. Hawaii requires applicants to receive approval from the Contractors License Board before registering with PSI. Approved applicants receive an examination approval letter identifying the examination they are eligible to take.

How much experience is required for a Hawaii contractor applicant?

Current Hawaii contractor application materials require qualifying applicants to document four full years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in the classification being requested.

How long do I have to pass the examination after approval?

Hawaii requires approved contractor applicants to pass the required examination or examinations within six months. Applicants who do not complete the examination requirement within that period must reapply.

Does the C-13 classification include solar and electronic systems work?

Yes. Hawaii's C-13 Electrical Contractor classification includes the work covered by the C-15 Electronic Systems Contractor and C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor classifications.

Does buying the book package guarantee a passing score or contractor license?

No. The books provide technical resources for study and exam preparation. Examination performance depends on the candidate's preparation and test performance, while licensing approval is determined by the Hawaii Contractors License Board based on applicable requirements.