New Mexico ES-3J Low Voltage Journeyman EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS
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New Mexico ES-3J Low Voltage Journeyman Exam
250 Practice Questions with Rationales
EXAM COVERAGE OVERVIEW (10 Key Points)
1. License Scope – The ES-3J license authorizes work on sound, intercommunication,
electrical alarm systems, and other systems operating at 50 volts and under . This
includes fire alarms, security, access control, CCTV, and communications cabling.
2. Governing Agency – The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD),
Construction Industries Division (CID), administers licensing and examinations .
3. Exam Format – The exam consists of 50 questions with a 120-minute time limit and
a 75% passing score required . The exam is open book .
4. Reference Code – The exam is based on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC),
effective for exams starting December 15, 2024 .
5. Key NFPA Standards – NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm and Signaling Codes) is a primary reference,
covering smoke detector spacing, notification appliance synchronization, and fire alarm
circuit requirements .
6. Continuing Education – Journeyman license renewal requires 16 hours of continuing
education every 3 years, with a minimum of 8 hours of NEC code training .
7. Application & Renewal – Renewal applications are mailed 30 days prior to expiration,
but timely renewal is the licensee's sole responsibility. Incomplete applications will be
rejected .
8. Exam Domains – The exam covers: Fire Detection & Alarms (7 questions), Electrical &
Electronic Knowledge (9), Sound & Video Systems (5), Computer & Data Systems (5),
Intrusion Detection & Alarms (4), Conductors (4), and more .
9. Class 2 & 3 Circuits – Class 3 circuits are limited to 30V DC and 100VA (for power-
limited), with minimum wire size of 18 AWG (NEC 725.179 H). Class 2 circuits using 18
AWG copper have a maximum ampacity of 5A .
10. Grounding & Bonding – The primary purpose of grounding in low-voltage systems is to
prevent electrical shock and system damage by providing a safe path for fault currents .
Telecommunications grounding must be bonded to the building's main grounding
electrode system (NEC 800.24) .
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QUESTIONS 1-250
LICENSING & REGULATIONS (Questions 1-15)
1. What is the maximum voltage scope for an ES-3J licensed journeyman in New Mexico?
A) 120V AC
B) 50V or less
C) 240V AC
D) 600V AC
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ES-3J license in New Mexico specifically restricts the holder to work on systems
operating at 50 volts or less, both AC and DC . This is the core definition of the low-voltage
special systems license scope.
2. Which New Mexico agency administers the ES-3J licensing examination?
A) New Mexico Department of Transportation
B) New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Construction Industries Division
(CID)
C) New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
D) New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), through its
Construction Industries Division (CID), administers journeyman licensing and examinations for
all trade classifications, including the ES-3J low voltage license .
3. What is the minimum passing score required for the ES-3J examination?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ES-3J examination requires a minimum passing score of 75% . This is consistent
with other New Mexico electrical trade licensing exams.
4. How many questions are on the ES-3J licensing examination?
A) 30
B) 50
C) 75
D) 100
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ES-3J exam consists of 50 scored questions . Candidates have 120 minutes to
complete the exam.
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5. What is the time limit for completing the ES-3J examination?
A) 90 minutes
B) 120 minutes
C) 150 minutes
D) 180 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Candidates are allotted 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the 50-question ES-3J
exam .
6. According to New Mexico regulations, how many hours of continuing education are
required for journeyman license renewal?
A) 8 hours every year
B) 16 hours every 3 years
C) 24 hours every 2 years
D) 32 hours every 4 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prior to renewal, journeyman certificate holders are required to complete a
minimum of 16 hours of approved course work .
7. How many hours of continuing education must cover the current CID code?
A) 4 hours
B) 6 hours