The official exam bulletin is published and maintained by PSI. Bulletin content (subjects covered in the exam) and file names for PDFs change regularly. Always set your “favorite” or “bookmark” to the landing page we have linked above. Candidates should always review the current exam information on the PSI website before applying or testing.
QUESTION: "What is the difference between the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Handbook version?". As far as the actual NEC code quoted in the text... it's the same.
The NEC Handbook has additional diagrams, graphics and explanations inserted into the text (adding more pages and raising the price). It was designed for engineers and inspectors. The typical exam candidate should not use it as a preferred reference.
The books listed below may be allowed at the exam location as long as they have the original binding and no written notes in margins. Read your exam bulletin or online summary page and look for the "What to bring" or "What is allowed" statement for specific restrictions.
We recommend that you purchase one of the reference books above to study for your exam. Each book is a comprehensive subject index to the NEC. They provide an even faster way to look up answers in the code and are far more detailed than the index at the end of the code book.
Reference #2 above contains practical applications of the NEC such as Ohm‘s Law, series/parallel circuits, voltage drop, load calculations, motor phases, impedance, inductance and math formulas you are expected to know. “Basic Knowledge” is covered in the exam but detailed subjects are assumed and not specifically called out in the bulletin.
A "calculations" book where you can drill yourself repeatedly is always a good way to remember the most basic math procedures. Generally, you won't have time during an exam to search for these procedures in a book.
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