Here's how to study effectively using this powerful tool, based on the step-by-step method many expert test takers follow.
Passing the electrical exam isn’t just about knowing the answers; it's about knowing how to study.
And if you're using a comprehensive exam prep textbook, you're already on the right track. But simply owning the book isn’t enough. You need a focused strategy to maximize it, and your study time.
If you're serious about passing the electrical licensing exam, your first step is using the right study materials, and Mike Holt’s Electrical Exam Preparation Textbook is a popular one. Known for its clear explanations, full-color diagrams, and organized layout, this book is ideal for independent learners. But owning the book isn’t enough. To truly benefit, you need a strategy.
Whether you're aiming for your journeyman or master license, here’s a thinking-out-loud approach used by experienced test takers to squeeze every ounce of value out of your exam prep book.
Eliminate Distractions and Get into Study Mode
It may sound obvious, but the first and most overlooked step is this: Turn off all distractions. That means your phone, TV, background music—everything. Studying for a high-stakes exam requires total focus, and even minor interruptions can derail your train of thought. Create a quiet study environment where you can sit down with your exam prep book and nothing else.
Before you crack open the book, turn off everything:
- No Netflix
- No music
- No phone
- No social media
You need full concentration. This isn’t passive studying, this is exam prep.
Start with a Practice Exam—Before Reading the Chapters
Instead of jumping straight into theory, start with a practice exam. Many textbooks segment quizzes by chapter or topic. These are helpful later, but in the beginning, choose a comprehensive practice exam that includes questions from across the NEC.
Doing this first gives you a real sense of what you know—and what you need to work on. More importantly, it gets your brain warmed up and forces you to start recognizing important keywords and code patterns right away. Mike Holt’s book includes chapter-based quizzes and a full jumbled practice test.
Use the full exam to:
- Gauge your baseline
- Get your brain focused on the types of questions asked
- Identify weak areas early
Pay attention to how the book categorizes quizzes, for example, “Articles 90–110 in Straight Order.” The full exam, however, mixes topics from Articles 90 through Chapter 9, much like the real test.
Break It Down into Manageable Sets
A full exam might include 100 questions, but trying to tackle them all at once can be overwhelming. A smarter approach is to divide your practice into smaller blocks ideally, 25 questions at a time.
Don’t attempt all 100 questions in one sitting.
- This avoids burnout
- Simulates real testing time (aim for under 75 minutes)
- Makes studying fit into a realistic daily schedule
Use the Codebook Like a Detective
Let’s walk through a sample question:
"Unless overload protection is provided by other approved means, the minimum number of overload units required for a three-phase ac motor is..."
This question may look like it has several keywords: minimum, overload, three-phase, motor. But you don’t need to look up all of them. What’s the core concept here? Motors, which live in Article 430 of the NEC.
When you recognize that, you can quickly find the index reference and look for subtopics like “overload units” or “three-phase.” In this case, you'll be led to Table 430.37. But don’t stop at the table; read the related article, check any asterisks or footnotes, and verify your answer. This is how test takers develop true codebook navigation skills, not just by memorizing answers, but by practicing how to find the answer.
Once you recognize the keyword, go to the Index in your code book:
- Look under Motors
- Scan for related sub-entries like “Overload Units”
- Locate Table 430.37
Read the table AND the footnotes since they often contain critical details. In this case, the answer is three, and the table confirms it.
As You Go, Build Your Own Index
Each time you look something up, take an extra 10 seconds to:
-
Highlight the term in the book’s index
-
Write the page number next to important articles like Article 430
-
Mark frequently used tables with tabs or highlighters
This builds muscle memory and helps you navigate faster during the real test.
Grade Yourself—and Learn From the Misses
Once you’ve completed a set of 25 questions, compare your answers with the key and honestly grade yourself. Missed a few? That’s exactly what’s supposed to happen. These early study sessions aren’t about scoring high; they’re about learning the process of thinking like an expert test taker. With repeated attempts, you’ll improve.
Don’t worry if you miss several that’s why you’re practicing now.
A Word of Caution
Don’t assume these questions will appear on your actual exam. No prep book can guarantee that. The goal is to learn how to:
- Use the NEC book
- Spot keywords
- Find answers quickly and accurately
Remember, your exam prep book isn’t just a collection of questions. It’s a tool designed to help you learn how to use the NEC, spot keywords, and think like an inspector. If you master one book, challenge yourself with another. Or find online simulations to keep the momentum going. And don’t get too hung up on questions you think are flawed or outdated. The goal is not perfection, it’s proficiency. Stay consistent, stay curious, and keep flipping back to that index. The more familiar you are with your book now, the faster and more confident you’ll be on exam day.
Don’t get stuck arguing with the wording or accuracy of questions. Even if a question seems outdated, use it to practice locating answers. That's the true purpose of study — learning how to think and how to navigate the NEC.
