Texas Electrical Excel

Happy Labor Day! Don't forget as of today, September 1st, the Texas electrical PSI Exam is now based off of the 2014 National Electrical Code.  Inspections will be based off of this book as well and the 2011 version is no more. If you are in need of a 2014 NEC book, visit our site to order yours today for only $82.00.  Hurry, sale ends September 15!

With the 2011 Texas exam coming to end, we prepare to understand and review the 2014 NEC® and code changes.  If you didn’t take the 2011 exam don’t worry, the exam is not vastly different….yet.  It typically evolves over time in about (just an estimate here) 6 months.  The exam from 2011 and the exam from 2014 if compared side-by-side will be night-and-day different. Keep in mind that although the exam content will be similar if not the same, the new book has a ton of adjustments and new codes.  These new codes and articles apply to Chapters 1-9...yes all of it.  If you haven’t already done so, you should take a few hours and go through your old book and the new book to locate the differences.  Well, that is if you don’t have work and family and a LIFE.  Photo source: ClipArt “I’ll see you next year sweetheart, Daddy has to go study the code changes.” For an easier way to understand and review the code changes we suggest Mike Holt’s ...

Everybody is wired differently (no pun intended) therefore the way we intake information and process it is also different.  Some people learn best by trial and error, in a class setting, one on one or solo with books and software.  We all learned the hard way in our industry trial by error isn't always the safest way to go.  When it comes to studying for our industry's exam it's best to avoid trial and error, not only will it waste your time and money but it just doesn't work.   Seminars are great for the guys who learn best in group settings, have a visual, auditory or Kinesthetic  learning style.  A visual learner learns best through what they see.  They learn best when they use graphical ways to represent what they are studying. They prefer it when information is represented in diagrams or graphs.  The auditory learner learns best while they are actively listening. They much prefer to ingest information through audio or video clips, or by discu...

Exam Prep Tips Regardless of what you've been studying and how you've been studying, here are some basic exam prep tips to keep in mind when getting ready for the big one. 1. Give yourself enough time to study Don't leave it until the last minute to cram.  Make sure to download and use the Candidate Information Bulletin for guidance (it's FREE ). 2. Organize your study space Make sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes out. Have you got enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Try and get rid of all distractions, and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to focus as possible. 3. Practice on old exams Resources available on our website 4. Explain your answers to others Get together with other electricians or visit forums online to discuss test questions and theories. 5. Organize study groups with friends or join a seminar . 6. Sleep 7. Stay calm This is not the time to panic, it’s only an exam and if all fails, try aga...

How to Avoid Getting Lost in the Shuffle If you haven't heard that the end of the 2011 NEC Exams is coming up, then you've been living under a rock or working way too hard. That's right guys, if you have applied to take your exam but have not yet passed or even taken the exam, you have a deadline.  As of September 1, 2014, the TDLR will only accept and recognize the 2014 version of the  National Electrical Code ®  on the field and in the testing site.  The exam will be based on the 2014 version of the book, you will still be allowed to bring in your 2011 but we do not recommend that.  If you already have your 2014, you must have already noticed that there a great deal of updates on the code.  Your first clue should be the number of pages, the book has gotten BIGGER! We have the last few seminars already lined up, there is limited seating and I strongly recommend that you reserve a seat.  Alternatively, if you don't have time for a seminar and...

For the past 5 years we've had customers ask us if we have the NEC book highlighted for their particular state exam.  What's more some states like Illinois and Missouri don't take state exams, they take city or county exams.  So what we have introduced is the Highlighted NEC that is made to order.  You choose the license type and the state or local exams.  The book is highlighted with articles and tables that are pertinent to your exam.  You don't have to buy a one-book-fits all, you get to buy YOUR book.   Also as a bonus, you get our PermaTabs.  This set of tabs are bigger than others and easier to read.  They are exam room approved and will last longer.  You get to choose the tabs you want on your book and share the ones you don't need. Check it out here  to buy one today! -Best-

By the way guys, some of you have cool employers that provide you with your own copy of the NEC book and some of you don't.  For those of you who have to buy your own book, check out our on-line store on our website for your own copy for only $70 bucks.  Some places sell them for up to $100! Stop by and get your own copy here .  Also, if you are preparing for your licensing exam, let us know so we can find you a highlighted book with material relevant to YOUR exam, not some other state exam. Best of Luck!