CERTIFIED POWER LINEMAN JOURNEYMAN LICENSING EXAM – QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Electrical Theory and Application
Overhead and Underground Distribution Systems
Transformer and Regulator Operations
Protective Equipment and Relaying
Pole Climbing and Rigging Practices
OSHA and NESC Safety Standards
System Protection and Fault Analysis
Switching and Tagging Procedures
Ethics and Professional Conduct
Emergency Response and Storm Restoration
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the knowledge,
skills, and abilities required of a Certified Power Lineman Journeyman. The exam
evaluates foundational electrical theory, practical application of construction and
maintenance techniques, and a deep understanding of critical safety and regulatory
standards. Candidates will be tested on their ability to make informed, real-world
decisions in high-stakes scenarios, from routine switching operations to complex
fault analysis and emergency storm restoration. The assessment employs a
multiple-choice and scenario-based format, emphasizing the practical application
of standards such as the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and OSHA
regulations to ensure public and workforce safety.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A 3-phase, 4-wire, 480Y/277V distribution feeder is protected by a 200A
circuit breaker. The calculated unbalanced neutral current is 120A. What is the
minimum size copper equipment grounding conductor required for this circuit,
based on the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
A. #8 AWG
B. #6 AWG
C. #4 AWG
D. #2 AWG
🟢 C. #4 AWG
🔴 Explanation: According to NEC Table 250.122, a 200A overcurrent device
requires a minimum #4 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor. The
neutral current and voltage rating do not affect the sizing of the equipment
grounding conductor, which is based solely on the rating of the overcurrent
protective device.
2. When working on a de-energized and grounded overhead distribution line,
what is the PRIMARY purpose of installing a visible open point?
A. To provide a clear indication that the circuit is de-energized
B. To provide a means to test for voltage
C. To prevent backfeed from a secondary source
D. To physically separate the work area from all possible energy sources
🟢 D. To physically separate the work area from all possible energy sources
🔴 Explanation: The primary purpose of a visible open point is to create a
physical break in the conductor to ensure a safe work zone. While it can help
indicate a de-energized state, its main function is to physically isolate the work
area from potential backfeed or inadvertent energization, providing a clear and
visible gap.
,3. A transformer is rated 75 kVA, 7200V-240/120V, 3% impedance. What is the
primary side full-load current?
A. 6.25 A
B. 10.4 A
C. 18.75 A
D. 27.1 A
🟢 B. 10.4 A
🔴 Explanation: Primary full-load current is calculated using the formula I = kVA /
(V × √3) for a 3-phase transformer, but this is a single-phase unit, so the formula
is I = kVA / V. I = 75,000 VA / 7200 V = 10.42 A. The impedance value is not
required for calculating full-load current; it is used for fault current calculations.
4. Which of the following best describes the action of a "cutout" in an overhead
distribution system?
A. To regulate the voltage on a primary circuit.
B. To provide overcurrent protection for a transformer or lateral line.
C. To disconnect a capacitor bank for maintenance.
D. To step down voltage from primary to secondary levels.
🟢 B. To provide overcurrent protection for a transformer or lateral line.
🔴 Explanation: A cutout, consisting of a fuse holder and a fuse link, is a primary
overcurrent protection device. It is designed to open the circuit when a fault
occurs, isolating the faulty transformer or lateral line to prevent further damage
or outage. It is not a voltage regulator, a disconnect for maintenance, or a voltage
conversion device.
5. On a grounded-wye primary distribution system, what is the purpose of a
"neutral" conductor?
A. To provide a path for ground fault current.
B. To serve as the primary return path for load current under normal conditions.
, C. To stabilize the phase-to-ground voltages.
D. All of the above.
🟢 D. All of the above.
🔴 Explanation: In a grounded-wye system, the neutral conductor has multiple
vital functions. It provides the return path for unbalanced load current, carries
ground fault current to facilitate protection, and stabilizes phase-to-ground
voltages during normal and faulted conditions.
6. A lineman is preparing to install a pole-mounted transformer. What is the
MINIMUM distance the transformer tank must be kept from a building window
according to the NESC?
A. 3 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 7.5 feet
D. 10 feet
🟢 D. 10 feet
🔴 Explanation: The NESC specifies minimum clearance distances for
transformers from building openings. For pole-mounted transformers, a minimum
horizontal or vertical clearance of 10 feet is generally required from windows,
doors, and other building openings to prevent fire or explosion hazards from
spreading to the structure.
7. A 100A fuse link in a cutout operates on a circuit that is experiencing a
temporary overload. After the fault is cleared, what is the correct procedure?
A. Replace the entire cutout assembly.
B. Check the line for a permanent fault before replacing the fuse link.
C. Immediately replace the fuse link with a higher-rated link to prevent future
operations.
D. Re-fuse the cutout with a link of the same rating and restore the circuit.
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Electrical Theory and Application
Overhead and Underground Distribution Systems
Transformer and Regulator Operations
Protective Equipment and Relaying
Pole Climbing and Rigging Practices
OSHA and NESC Safety Standards
System Protection and Fault Analysis
Switching and Tagging Procedures
Ethics and Professional Conduct
Emergency Response and Storm Restoration
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the knowledge,
skills, and abilities required of a Certified Power Lineman Journeyman. The exam
evaluates foundational electrical theory, practical application of construction and
maintenance techniques, and a deep understanding of critical safety and regulatory
standards. Candidates will be tested on their ability to make informed, real-world
decisions in high-stakes scenarios, from routine switching operations to complex
fault analysis and emergency storm restoration. The assessment employs a
multiple-choice and scenario-based format, emphasizing the practical application
of standards such as the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and OSHA
regulations to ensure public and workforce safety.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A 3-phase, 4-wire, 480Y/277V distribution feeder is protected by a 200A
circuit breaker. The calculated unbalanced neutral current is 120A. What is the
minimum size copper equipment grounding conductor required for this circuit,
based on the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
A. #8 AWG
B. #6 AWG
C. #4 AWG
D. #2 AWG
🟢 C. #4 AWG
🔴 Explanation: According to NEC Table 250.122, a 200A overcurrent device
requires a minimum #4 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor. The
neutral current and voltage rating do not affect the sizing of the equipment
grounding conductor, which is based solely on the rating of the overcurrent
protective device.
2. When working on a de-energized and grounded overhead distribution line,
what is the PRIMARY purpose of installing a visible open point?
A. To provide a clear indication that the circuit is de-energized
B. To provide a means to test for voltage
C. To prevent backfeed from a secondary source
D. To physically separate the work area from all possible energy sources
🟢 D. To physically separate the work area from all possible energy sources
🔴 Explanation: The primary purpose of a visible open point is to create a
physical break in the conductor to ensure a safe work zone. While it can help
indicate a de-energized state, its main function is to physically isolate the work
area from potential backfeed or inadvertent energization, providing a clear and
visible gap.
,3. A transformer is rated 75 kVA, 7200V-240/120V, 3% impedance. What is the
primary side full-load current?
A. 6.25 A
B. 10.4 A
C. 18.75 A
D. 27.1 A
🟢 B. 10.4 A
🔴 Explanation: Primary full-load current is calculated using the formula I = kVA /
(V × √3) for a 3-phase transformer, but this is a single-phase unit, so the formula
is I = kVA / V. I = 75,000 VA / 7200 V = 10.42 A. The impedance value is not
required for calculating full-load current; it is used for fault current calculations.
4. Which of the following best describes the action of a "cutout" in an overhead
distribution system?
A. To regulate the voltage on a primary circuit.
B. To provide overcurrent protection for a transformer or lateral line.
C. To disconnect a capacitor bank for maintenance.
D. To step down voltage from primary to secondary levels.
🟢 B. To provide overcurrent protection for a transformer or lateral line.
🔴 Explanation: A cutout, consisting of a fuse holder and a fuse link, is a primary
overcurrent protection device. It is designed to open the circuit when a fault
occurs, isolating the faulty transformer or lateral line to prevent further damage
or outage. It is not a voltage regulator, a disconnect for maintenance, or a voltage
conversion device.
5. On a grounded-wye primary distribution system, what is the purpose of a
"neutral" conductor?
A. To provide a path for ground fault current.
B. To serve as the primary return path for load current under normal conditions.
, C. To stabilize the phase-to-ground voltages.
D. All of the above.
🟢 D. All of the above.
🔴 Explanation: In a grounded-wye system, the neutral conductor has multiple
vital functions. It provides the return path for unbalanced load current, carries
ground fault current to facilitate protection, and stabilizes phase-to-ground
voltages during normal and faulted conditions.
6. A lineman is preparing to install a pole-mounted transformer. What is the
MINIMUM distance the transformer tank must be kept from a building window
according to the NESC?
A. 3 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 7.5 feet
D. 10 feet
🟢 D. 10 feet
🔴 Explanation: The NESC specifies minimum clearance distances for
transformers from building openings. For pole-mounted transformers, a minimum
horizontal or vertical clearance of 10 feet is generally required from windows,
doors, and other building openings to prevent fire or explosion hazards from
spreading to the structure.
7. A 100A fuse link in a cutout operates on a circuit that is experiencing a
temporary overload. After the fault is cleared, what is the correct procedure?
A. Replace the entire cutout assembly.
B. Check the line for a permanent fault before replacing the fuse link.
C. Immediately replace the fuse link with a higher-rated link to prevent future
operations.
D. Re-fuse the cutout with a link of the same rating and restore the circuit.
