Short answer: Write every calculation in the same six parts: givens, code path, formula, each step, rounding rule, and the answer matched to the choices. The code path tells you which article, section or table you used, and the rounding rule tells you where you are allowed to round. With those two written down, you can check your own work in a minute and find the step that went wrong.
A written method is only as good as the solutions you check it against. The Practice Pack has 299 step-by-step calculation solutions and 10 full timed two-part mocks, 26 Calculations items in 110 minutes each time, with a score by part and by topic. Code-book navigation aids and a 2023 to 2026 changes list help you write the right code path. US$39, one payment.
Tsai Electro is an independent learning site. Not affiliated with TDLR, PSI or NFPA. Exam rules can change, so confirm in the PSI bulletin linked below.
The six parts of a checkable solution
Our workbook writes every calculation answer the same way: the givens, the formula, each step, where to round, and what mistake leads to each wrong choice, plus a Code path with the 2026 location. Use the same layout on your practice sheet.
| Part | What you write | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Givens | Load, voltage, phase, length, conductor material | Copper unless the question says otherwise |
| 2. Code path | Article, section or table, for example 215.4(A)(1) | Proves you used the 2026 location |
| 3. Formula | The method in letters before any numbers | Catches a single-phase vs three-phase mix-up |
| 4. Each step | One line per step, result carried down | Shows the step you skipped |
| 5. Rounding rule | Where and which way you round | Rounding at the wrong step gives a near-miss number |
| 6. Match | Your number against the four choices | Tells you if a rule is still missing |
Two bulletin rules belong in part 1. All conductors are copper unless noted, and you do not use code exceptions or optional calculation methods unless the question directs you to. If the question does not name the optional method, the standard method goes in your code path.
A worked example on the page
Example numbers only. A feeder serves an example 10,000 VA continuous load (runs 3 hours or more) and an example 20,000 VA noncontinuous load, single-phase at 240 V.
- Givens: 10,000 VA continuous, 20,000 VA noncontinuous, 240 V, single-phase, copper.
- Code path: 215.4(A)(1) for feeder conductors, 125% of continuous plus 100% of noncontinuous. 215.5 uses the same rule for feeder overcurrent. (Feeder conductor sizing was formerly 215.2(A)(1).)
- Formula: I = (1.25 x continuous VA + noncontinuous VA) / 240.
- Steps: 1.25 x 10,000 = 12,500 VA. 12,500 + 20,000 = 32,500 VA. 32,500 / 240 = 135.4 A.
- Rounding rule: keep the decimals until the last step. The conductor comes next: open Table 310.16 and read it from the column your terminations allow under 110.14(C)(1). Do not round the amps before that lookup.
- Match: compare to the choices. A choice built on 30,000 / 240 means the 125% was skipped.
Write the same six lines on every practice item, even the easy ones. On exam day the habit runs faster than the thinking.
Rounding rules the workbook calls out
The places to round are part of the method, and the workbook’s lessons name them:
- Motor branch-circuit device: Table 430.52(C)(1) percent times table full-load current, then 430.52(C)(1)(a) permits the next higher standard rating.
- Transformer, primary and secondary protection (Table 450.5(B)): primary up to 250% does not round up; secondary 125% rounds up.
- Transformer, primary only, primary current 9 A or more: 125%, and Note 1 allows the next standard size up.
- Raceway fill: divide and round down; with same-size conductors, Note (7) rounds a result of .8 or more up.
- Overcurrent devices: standard sizes are in 240.6(A), and 240.4(B) allows the next size up for devices 800 A or less.
When your number lands between two choices, check this list before you change your math.
Check your written solution
Is this solution checkable?
Tick each part you wrote down for one practice calculation. The code path and the rounding rule must both be there.
- Givens written with units, including voltage and phase
- Code path written: article, section or table in the 2026 NEC
- Checked that the question names any optional method or exception before using one
- Conductor material noted (copper unless the question says otherwise)
- Formula written in letters before any numbers
- Each step on its own line, with the result carried down
- Rounding rule written: where you round and which way
- Final answer matched to one of the four choices
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Texas Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep 2026 NEC (paperback)
Our own workbook has 8 calculation method lessons and worked calculations that give the givens, formula, each step and where to round. Every answer adds a code path with the old 2023 number where the 2026 edition moved a rule.
How should I write out journeyman exam calculations?
Write six parts: givens, code path, formula, each step, rounding rule, and the answer matched to the choices. This layout follows how our workbook writes its calculation solutions.
Where do I round on journeyman exam calculations?
Keep decimals until the method tells you to round. The rounding points come from the rules, for example the next higher standard rating permitted by 430.52(C)(1)(a) for motor devices, or rounding down raceway fill counts except as Chapter 9, Table 1, Note (7) allows.
Should I use the optional method on a journeyman calculation?
Only if the question names it. The PSI bulletin says not to consider code exceptions or optional calculation methods unless the question specifically directs you to, so the standard method is your default.
