Massachusetts does two things differently: its electrical exams run in two parts, and its plumbing exams are built on the state’s own code rather than a national model code.
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.
Electrical is split into parts
The Journeyman Electrician examination runs Part 1 of 70 NEC questions over three hours, plus Part 2 of 30 questions over one hour, for 100 in total. Both parts are electrical and code content, referenced to the NEC alongside 527 CMR.
The Master Electrician examination is Part 1 of 90 NEC multiple-choice questions over 240 minutes, with a separate Part 2 of 50 business and law questions over 120 minutes. The business paper is a distinct requirement, not a section you can absorb while studying code.
Plumbing uses 248 CMR, not the IPC or UPC
This is the detail that matters most for study material. Massachusetts plumbing examinations are based on the Massachusetts Uniform State Plumbing Code at 248 CMR, which is the state’s own code rather than an adoption of the IPC or UPC.
National plumbing study guides will not map onto it cleanly. Section numbering, and in places the requirements themselves, differ from the model codes other states adopt. Buying generic IPC-based material for a Massachusetts plumbing exam is a common and expensive mistake.
The journeyman plumbing exam is closed book, which raises the stakes on knowing that code rather than being able to look it up.
A note on the master plumbing count
Sources disagree on the length of the Massachusetts master plumbing written paper, ranging from 80 to 100 questions. We have not been able to resolve that against an official board bulletin, so treat any specific figure as indicative and confirm with the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Massachusetts exam prep
- Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep
- Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep
- Massachusetts Master Electrician Exam Prep
- Massachusetts 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.