North Carolina PSI Unlimited Electrical Contractor - Online Exam Prep Course

Prepare for the North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor examination with an online exam prep course designed around the technical, licensing, business, calculation, and plan-reading knowledge required for this advanced electrical contractor classification.

The course supports preparation for candidates pursuing North Carolina’s broadest regular electrical contractor license. The Unlimited classification permits a properly licensed contractor to perform electrical contracting projects without a project-value limitation, subject to applicable licensing laws, electrical codes, permitting requirements, inspections, safety standards, and professional responsibilities.

Course preparation is based on the National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020 Edition; NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition; Electrical Contractors Licensing Law, General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 4; the Board’s Rules for the Implementation of the Electrical Contractors Licensing Law, Title 21, North Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter 18B; and the NASCLA Contractors’ Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management: North Carolina Electrical Edition.

No books are included with this online exam prep course. Students must obtain the required references separately. Using the same editions during preparation helps candidates become familiar with article locations, chapter layouts, tables, definitions, exceptions, indexes, and cross-references before the examination.

The course is structured to support review of services, feeders, branch circuits, motors, transformers, generators, grounding, bonding, raceways, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, fire alarm systems, emergency systems, load calculations, voltage drop, electrical plans, contractor licensing law, Board rules, estimating, financial management, safety, and project administration.

Unlimited electrical projects may involve large commercial services, industrial distribution systems, switchboards, panelboards, transformers, generators, motor loads, emergency power, fire alarm systems, special occupancies, renewable energy equipment, and extensive lighting and power plans. Candidates must be able to identify the governing Code requirement, locate it efficiently, perform required calculations, and apply the result to a realistic installation.

The North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor examination is open book for the approved technical references. The course includes preparation involving the 2020 NEC and NFPA 72, 2019 Edition. The licensing law, Board rules, and NASCLA business reference are used as closed-book study materials because those books are not allowed in the examination room.

This online exam prep course helps candidates organize a broad examination into manageable technical and business subjects. It emphasizes consistent study, reference navigation, calculation practice, trade-focused review, and a clear understanding of the responsibilities associated with North Carolina electrical contracting.

What You Get

Exam Details

The North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor examination contains 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have a maximum of six hours to complete the examination, and a minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass.

The examination is administered by PSI after the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors approves the applicant. Candidates must apply to the Board, document their qualifications, receive examination authorization, and then schedule their testing appointment through PSI.

The Unlimited examination evaluates the technical, supervisory, licensing, business, and plan-reading knowledge needed to direct electrical contracting projects without a project-value limitation.

Service and feeder preparation may include dwelling and commercial load calculations, service conductor sizing, service disconnects, grounding electrode conductors, neutral loads, parallel conductors, feeder demand factors, transformer secondaries, voltage drop, and protection of conductors and equipment.

Branch-circuit preparation should include conductor ampacity, continuous and noncontinuous loads, receptacle loads, lighting loads, appliance circuits, multiwire branch circuits, conductor identification, overcurrent protection, voltage limitations, and requirements for specific occupancies.

Motor preparation may involve full-load current, conductor sizing, feeder sizing, overload protection, short-circuit and ground-fault protection, controllers, disconnects, duty ratings, multimotor installations, and the correct use of NEC motor tables.

Transformer preparation may include primary and secondary conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, separately derived systems, secondary-system calculations, ventilation, accessibility, clearances, and transformer installations within buildings.

Grounding and bonding preparation should include grounding electrode systems, service bonding, separately derived systems, equipment grounding conductors, bonding jumpers, raceway bonding, structural metal, metal piping, objectionable current, and effective ground-fault current paths.

Raceway and conductor questions may address raceway fill, conductor adjustment, ambient-temperature correction, terminal limitations, conductor insulation, physical protection, support, bends, cable trays, underground installations, pull boxes, junction boxes, and conductor-pulling requirements.

Overcurrent-protection preparation may include standard fuse and circuit-breaker ratings, conductor protection, transformer protection, tap conductors, motor circuits, selective coordination, interrupting ratings, series ratings, equipment protection, and permitted exceptions.

Special-system preparation may involve emergency systems, legally required standby systems, optional standby systems, generators, fire pumps, healthcare facilities, hazardous locations, marinas, swimming pools, photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging equipment.

Fire alarm preparation may include fire alarm control units, initiating devices, notification appliances, supervising stations, emergency communications, signaling line circuits, notification appliance circuits, system power supplies, batteries, inspection, testing, maintenance, and documentation.

Plan-reading preparation may involve lighting plans, power plans, one-line diagrams, riser diagrams, panel schedules, symbols, feeder routes, conductor callouts, motor connections, equipment ratings, installation notes, and specifications. Candidates should practice connecting information shown on a plan to the applicable NEC requirement.

Business and law preparation may involve contracts, estimating, bidding, project scheduling, financial controls, employment practices, insurance, safety programs, recordkeeping, permits, inspections, license use, supervision, and the responsibilities of the listed qualified individual.

Open Book Test

The North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates may use the approved 2020 National Electrical Code and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition, during the examination.

The 2020 NEC supports examination questions involving electrical installations, calculations, services, feeders, branch circuits, motors, transformers, generators, grounding, bonding, conductor sizing, raceways, overcurrent protection, emergency systems, special occupancies, and special equipment.

NFPA 72, 2019 Edition, supports preparation involving fire alarm fundamentals, initiating devices, notification appliances, supervising stations, emergency communications, pathways, system power, inspection, testing, maintenance, and documentation.

The Electrical Contractors Licensing Law, Board rules, and NASCLA business reference are part of the course study material but are not permitted in the examination room. Candidates should study these subjects until they can answer licensing and business questions without relying on the books during the test.

This course does not include the 2020 NEC, NFPA 72, licensing law, Board rules, NASCLA business reference, or lighting and power plans. Candidates are responsible for obtaining the references and materials needed for study and test-day use.

Approved exam-room references must comply with current rules involving binding, highlighting, notes, tabs, and added materials. Candidates should review the current testing requirements before taking books to the PSI examination center.

Open-book testing does not eliminate the need to understand the material. Candidates must know which reference applies, where the subject is located, how exceptions affect the general rule, and which values must be used in a calculation.

A motor-feeder problem may require several NEC sections and tables. A transformer problem may involve primary protection, secondary conductors, grounding, bonding, and separately derived system provisions. A fire alarm question may require both the NEC and NFPA 72.

Reference-navigation practice should include the index, table of contents, definitions, article and chapter layouts, tables, annex material, exceptions, and cross-references. The goal is to move directly to the relevant provision instead of searching through unrelated material.

Timed practice is essential for a 100-question examination. Candidates should develop a consistent process: identify the topic, choose the proper reference, locate the governing rule, review the complete provision, check exceptions, perform the calculation, and select the best answer.

Licensing Steps

1. Review the Unlimited classification. Understand the authority, qualifications, financial responsibilities, and supervisory obligations associated with the license.
2. Document qualifying experience. Gather employment records, project information, and experience statements showing the required electrical experience.
3. Obtain supervisory statements. Secure statements from individuals familiar with the applicant’s ability to supervise and direct electrical wiring and installation work.
4. Complete the examination application. Provide the personal, employment, experience, and background information requested by the Board.
5. Submit supporting documentation. Include experience verification, supervisory statements, character references, and other required materials.
6. Submit the examination fee. Include the applicable payment with the completed application.
7. Receive Board approval. The Board reviews the application and determines whether the candidate meets the Unlimited examination qualifications.
8. Receive examination authorization. Approved candidates receive information needed to register and schedule with PSI.
9. Schedule the PSI examination. Select an available testing appointment within the authorized examination period.
10. Obtain the required references. Purchase or otherwise obtain the approved technical books, closed-book study references, and required plans separately.
11. Complete the online course. Work through the technical, calculation, plan-reading, licensing, and business subjects in an organized sequence.
12. Practice reference navigation. Use the same approved technical references that will be taken to the examination center.
13. Complete the examination. Bring the required identification and permitted materials to the PSI testing center.
14. Complete the licensing process. After passing, satisfy the Board’s remaining business, financial, and listed qualified individual requirements.
15. Maintain the license. Follow current renewal, continuing education, financial responsibility, supervision, and compliance requirements.

State Requirements

The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors regulates the Unlimited examination and licensing process. The Board establishes applicant qualifications, reviews experience, authorizes candidates, certifies qualified individuals, issues licenses, and enforces electrical contracting laws and rules.

An applicant for the Unlimited classification must document at least 9,000 hours of qualifying experience. At least 8,000 hours must be primary experience. The remaining experience may consist of primary experience, secondary experience, or a combination of both.

Primary experience generally involves direct work installing electrical wiring and equipment governed by the NEC or work activities directly related to those installations. Recognized experience may also include qualifying supervisory, estimating, inspection, engineering, instructional, maintenance, military, and other approved electrical work.

Unlimited applicants must provide statements from people familiar with their electrical experience and ability to supervise and direct electrical wiring and installation work.

The Unlimited license permits electrical contracting projects regardless of project value. Unlike the Limited and Intermediate classifications, it does not impose a maximum dollar value on an individual electrical contracting project.

The lack of a project-value ceiling does not remove the obligation to comply with the National Electrical Code, state construction requirements, permits, inspections, occupational safety rules, contract terms, and other laws governing electrical work.

Electrical contracting must be conducted in the exact name shown on the active license. The licensed entity must maintain a listed qualified individual who is regularly on active duty and has the authority and responsibility to supervise and direct the electrical contracting performed under the license.

Applicants for an Unlimited license must provide the financial responsibility or bonding documentation required by the Board. The documentation must relate to the license applicant and satisfy the requirements for the Unlimited classification.

Passing the examination establishes the individual’s examination qualification but does not independently authorize electrical contracting. The appropriate license must be issued and active before regulated electrical work is offered or performed.

License holders must continue complying with Board requirements after licensing. Misuse of a license, false advertising, fraud, misrepresentation, gross negligence, or unlicensed contracting may lead to disciplinary action.

Reference Books

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020
  This technical examination reference covers services, feeders, branch circuits, motors, transformers, generators, grounding, bonding, raceways, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, emergency systems, special occupancies, and electrical equipment. The book is not included with the course.
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition
  This technical examination reference covers fire alarm fundamentals, initiating devices, notification appliances, supervising stations, emergency communications, pathways, power supplies, documentation, inspection, testing, and maintenance. The book is not included with the course.
• Electrical Contractors Licensing Law, General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 4
  This closed-book study reference addresses Board authority, electrical contracting, license classifications, qualified individuals, license operation, prohibited conduct, enforcement, and statutory responsibilities. It is not included with the course or allowed in the examination room.
• The Board’s Rules for the Implementation of the Electrical Contractors Licensing Law, Title 21, North Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter 18B
  This closed-book study reference covers examination qualifications, experience requirements, licensing procedures, listed qualified individuals, financial responsibility, renewals, continuing education, and disciplinary requirements. It is not included with the course or allowed in the examination room.
• NASCLA Contractors’ Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management: North Carolina Electrical Edition
  This closed-book study reference supports preparation involving business organization, contracts, estimating, financial management, project scheduling, employment practices, safety, insurance, recordkeeping, and risk management. It is not included with the course or allowed in the examination room.

Exam Room Approved Books

• National Electrical Code, NEC, 2020
  Used for open-book questions involving electrical installations, calculations, conductors, services, feeders, motors, transformers, grounding, bonding, overcurrent protection, and special systems. This book must be obtained separately.
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2019 Edition
  Used for open-book questions involving fire alarm systems, initiating devices, notification appliances, pathways, power supplies, inspection, testing, maintenance, and documentation. This book must be obtained separately.

Test Information and Study Materials

Create a study schedule covering services, feeders, branch circuits, motors, transformers, grounding, bonding, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, fire alarm systems, emergency systems, special occupancies, electrical plans, licensing law, Board rules, and business practices.

Practice service, feeder, dwelling, commercial, motor, transformer, grounding, raceway, box-fill, and voltage-drop calculations. Write out each step and identify the NEC table, percentage, demand factor, or rule used to reach the answer.

Use the 2020 NEC for timed navigation involving conductor ampacity, adjustment factors, correction factors, motor circuits, transformer protection, raceway fill, box sizing, grounding conductors, equipment ratings, and special-system requirements.

Use NFPA 72, 2019 Edition, to review fire alarm system operation, pathways, initiating devices, notification appliances, supervising stations, emergency communications, testing, inspection, maintenance, and documentation.

Practice reading lighting plans, power plans, panel schedules, one-line diagrams, risers, symbols, equipment notes, conductor callouts, and circuit information. Connect each plan detail to the applicable Code provision.

Study the licensing law and Board rules as closed-book subjects. Focus on Unlimited experience requirements, supervisory statements, listed qualified individuals, license operation, financial responsibility, renewals, and prohibited conduct.

Review the NASCLA business reference for contracts, estimating, bidding, scheduling, accounting, employment practices, insurance, safety administration, project documentation, and risk management.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor candidates organize technical, calculation, plan-reading, licensing, and business subjects into a practical online study structure.

Trade-focused review connects NEC requirements with electrical contracting work involving services, feeders, motors, transformers, generators, grounding, bonding, overcurrent protection, fire alarm systems, and special installations.

Practice-oriented preparation helps candidates identify the subject of a question, choose the correct reference, locate the governing provision, complete the required calculation, and interpret the result efficiently.

Reference-navigation guidance helps students become familiar with NEC articles, NFPA 72 chapters, definitions, tables, exceptions, annexes, and cross-references. This familiarity supports more effective use of the approved books during the examination.

Plan-reading preparation reinforces the interpretation of symbols, panel schedules, riser diagrams, equipment notes, feeder routes, and conductor callouts while connecting plan information to applicable Code provisions.

Closed-book review helps candidates prepare for Electrical Contractors Licensing Law, Board rules, Unlimited experience requirements, supervisory responsibilities, financial requirements, and business-management topics that cannot be referenced during the test.

The online format allows candidates to follow an organized preparation path while using their separately purchased books for reference practice. Repeated review can help turn a large examination outline into manageable technical and regulatory subjects.

No course can guarantee examination passage or license issuance. Results depend on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, study effort, familiarity with the references, calculation skills, plan-reading ability, supervisory knowledge, and performance during the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are books included with this online course?

No. This product includes online exam preparation only. The NEC, NFPA 72, licensing references, business reference, and required plans must be obtained separately.

Which books are used with the course?

The course preparation is based on the 2020 NEC, NFPA 72 2019 Edition, Electrical Contractors Licensing Law, the Board’s electrical contracting rules, and the NASCLA Contractors’ Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management: North Carolina Electrical Edition.

Is the North Carolina Unlimited examination open book?

Yes. Candidates may use the approved 2020 NEC and NFPA 72, 2019 Edition, during the examination.

Are the licensing law, Board rules, and NASCLA book allowed during the exam?

No. These references are used for closed-book preparation and are not allowed in the examination room.

How many questions are on the Unlimited examination?

The examination contains 100 multiple-choice questions.

How much time is allowed?

Candidates have a maximum of six hours to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass.

How much experience is required?

Applicants must document at least 9,000 hours of qualifying experience, including at least 8,000 hours of primary experience.

Does the course cover calculations?

The preparation includes calculation-focused study involving services, feeders, conductors, motors, transformers, grounding, raceways, boxes, electrical loads, and voltage drop.

Does the course cover electrical plans?

The preparation addresses the interpretation of lighting plans, power plans, panel schedules, riser diagrams, symbols, equipment information, and installation notes.

Is there a project-value limit for the Unlimited license?

No. The Unlimited classification permits electrical contracting projects regardless of project value.

Does passing the examination automatically issue the license?

No. Passing satisfies the examination requirement, but the applicant must complete the Board’s licensing process and meet the applicable business, financial, and listed qualified individual requirements.

Does this course guarantee a passing score?

No. Examination results depend on the candidate’s experience, study effort, understanding of the material, reference-navigation ability, calculation skills, and performance during the test.