Maine splits format by trade: the electrical papers are open book, the plumbing papers are not.
Figures below are compiled from state board and exam-provider sources. Where a board does not publish a count we say so rather than estimate. Confirm against the current candidate bulletin for your exam before you register.
The exams
| Examination | Questions | Time | Pass | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Electrician | 80 | 4 hours | 70% | Open book, 2023 NEC |
| Master Electrician | 100 | 4 hours | 70% | Open book, 2023 NEC |
| Journeyman Plumber | 80 | 3 hours | 70% | Closed book |
| Master Plumber | 100 | 3 hours | 70% | Closed book |
The formats demand different preparation
Four hours for 80 open-book electrical questions is three minutes each, and the skill being tested is retrieval: can you find the provision quickly in a tabbed 2023 NEC. Three hours for 80 closed-book plumbing questions is barely over two minutes each with nothing to consult, and the skill is recall.
Those are close to opposite study methods. Reading and re-reading builds recall; drilling lookups builds retrieval. If you hold or are pursuing both licenses, treat them as separate projects rather than one body of study.
Maine exam prep
- Maine Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep
- Maine Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep
- Maine Master Electrician Exam Prep
- Maine Master Plumber Exam Prep
Before you register
- Confirm the question count and time limit on the current bulletin.
- Confirm the code edition; it is pinned and a newer edition is not a substitute.
- Confirm whether a separate business and law paper is required.