CME Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CME facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the primary purpose of an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGCP) on a construction site? → Provide an alternative to GFCI by using a systematic inspection and testing program
2. A Master Electrician employs unlicensed workers to perform work that requires a licensed electrician. This is primarily a violation of: → State electrical licensing law
3. Which practice BEST demonstrates professional integrity when bidding on a commercial electrical project? → Accurately estimating all costs and scope before submitting the bid
4. Which code body publishes NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code? → NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
5. What does the NEC require as the minimum number of 20A small appliance branch circuits for a residential kitchen per NEC 210.52(B)? → Two 20A circuits
6. What is the purpose of an equipotential bonding grid on a livestock farm electrical installation? → To reduce neutral-to-earth voltage that can harm animals and personnel
7. What NEC article covers the installation requirements for generators? → Article 445
8. Which of the following is explicitly prohibited as a grounding electrode per NEC 250.52(B)? → Metal underground gas piping system
9. A master electrician's company wins a project through competitive bidding. What type of contract is most commonly used in this scenario? → Lump sum (fixed price) contract
10. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at what rate for hours worked beyond 40 per week? → 1.5 times the regular rate of pay
11. When grounding an indoor separately derived AC system, such as a dry-type transformer, which of the following must be used as the grounding electrode? → The building or structure grounding electrode system.
12. A motor nameplate shows: 460V, 3Ø, 60Hz, 25HP, 1.15 SF. What is the maximum continuous current the motor can draw without damaging the insulation? → FLA multiplied by the 1.15 service factor
13. In a Class I, Division 1 hazardous location, which wiring method is specifically permitted per NEC 501.10(A)? → Threaded rigid metal conduit (RMC) or threaded steel intermediate metal conduit (IMC)
14. What is the statute of limitations, and why is it critical in construction law? → A legal deadline after which claims or lawsuits can no longer be filed
15. What is the primary function of a motor overload relay in a motor branch circuit? → Protect the motor windings from sustained overcurrent due to overloading or locked rotor
16. NEC 620.37 states that the ambient temperature in an elevator machine room must be maintained: → As specified by the elevator equipment manufacturer
17. Per NEC 645.10, the disconnecting means required in an information technology equipment room must disconnect: → All IT equipment power and dedicated HVAC systems serving the room
18. In a Class II, Division 1 location involving combustible dust, what type of enclosure is required for electrical equipment? → Dust-ignitionproof
19. Which harmonic order is typically the most problematic in three-phase systems powered by six-pulse VFDs? → 5th and 7th
20. What is the primary purpose of electrical codes and standards? → To ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency in electrical installations.
21. What is the role of circuit protection in electrical systems design? → To prevent damage, fire, and ensure safety.
22. An electrician discovers a coworker unresponsive after contact with a live panel. The scene is confirmed safe. What is the correct sequence of actions? → Call 911, check responsiveness, begin CPR if needed, use AED if available
23. A 480V feeder supplies multiple HVAC units. Under NEC 430.24, how must the feeder conductor ampacity be calculated for a group of motors? → 125% of the largest motor FLA plus 100% of all remaining motor FLAs
24. NEC 700.4 requires emergency systems to be tested at intervals not exceeding: → 30 days
25. When a journeyman under a master electrician's supervision reports an unsafe condition on the job site, the master electrician should: → Investigate the report and take corrective action before resuming that portion of the work
26. Which project scheduling technique identifies the sequence of tasks that determines the minimum project duration? → Critical Path Method (CPM)
27. A state electrical licensing law requires continuing education for license renewal. Which body typically administers and enforces this requirement? → State electrical licensing board or department
28. In which scenario is an electrical contractor legally permitted to perform work without a permit in most jurisdictions? → Minor repairs such as replacing a single receptacle in a residence
29. Under ASHRAE 90.1, which lighting control strategy is REQUIRED for commercial spaces greater than 5,000 sq ft? → Automatic shutoff controls
30. In a 480/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire system, what is the calculated line-to-neutral voltage used for lighting load calculations? → 277 V