PC Licensing, Laws, and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A licensed electrical contractor discovers mid-project that the permit they pulled was for a different scope of work than what the owner now requests. What is the correct action?
- Proceed with the new scope since a permit is already on file
- Stop work and obtain an amended or new permit before continuing (Correct answer)
- Complete the work and note the change in the final inspection report
- Notify OSHA and continue working under the original permit
Correct answer: Stop work and obtain an amended or new permit before continuing
Work that exceeds or differs from the permitted scope requires an amended permit before proceeding to remain in compliance with adopted building codes.
Question 2: Under the National Electrical Code, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that electrical installations comply with code requirements on a commercial project?
- The general contractor who hired the electrical subcontractor
- The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
- The licensed electrical contractor performing the work (Correct answer)
- The building owner who signed the contract
Correct answer: The licensed electrical contractor performing the work
The licensed electrical contractor is responsible for ensuring that their installations comply with NEC requirements and applicable local codes.
Question 3: In most U.S. states, an electrical contractor's license is issued to:
- The business entity, not the individual qualifier
- The individual qualifier who passed the exam, not necessarily the business (Correct answer)
- Both the individual and the business entity jointly
- The general contractor overseeing the project
Correct answer: The individual qualifier who passed the exam, not necessarily the business
Most states issue the contractor license to the individual who passed the qualifying examination, who then serves as the responsible managing employee or qualifier for the firm.
Question 4: A state electrical contractor license typically does NOT authorize the contractor to:
- Pull electrical permits in the state
- Supervise apprentices on job sites
- Perform electrical work across all counties without local licensing (Correct answer)
- Bid on electrical construction projects
Correct answer: Perform electrical work across all counties without local licensing
Many jurisdictions require separate local or county licenses in addition to the state license; a state license alone may not satisfy local licensing requirements.
Question 5: When a licensed electrical contractor sells their business, what typically happens to the contractor's license?
- The license transfers automatically to the new owner
- The license remains with the individual licensee, not the business (Correct answer)
- The new owner inherits the license for 90 days then must renew
- The license becomes void immediately upon sale
Correct answer: The license remains with the individual licensee, not the business
Contractor licenses are personal to the individual qualifier and do not transfer with the sale of a business; the new owner must obtain their own license.
Question 6: Which federal law establishes minimum safety and health standards for workers on construction sites, including electrical contractors?
- The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
- The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) (Correct answer)
- The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
- The Davis-Bacon Act
Correct answer: The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
OSHA, enacted in 1970, sets and enforces safety and health standards for workers including those in the electrical construction industry.
Question 7: If an electrical contractor's license is suspended for non-payment of a judgment, the contractor may:
- Continue working under a temporary hardship exemption for 60 days
- Apply for reinstatement once the judgment is satisfied and fees are paid (Correct answer)
- Transfer work to a journeyman employee who holds a separate license
- File for bankruptcy to eliminate the judgment and restore the license automatically
Correct answer: Apply for reinstatement once the judgment is satisfied and fees are paid
Most states allow reinstatement of a suspended license once the underlying cause—such as an unpaid judgment—is resolved and any reinstatement fees are paid.
PC Licensing, Laws, and Regulations 2
A licensed electrical contractor discovers mid-project that the permit they pulled was for a different scope of work than what the owner now requests.
What is the correct action?