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Electrical systems are fundamental elements of modern structures, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. These systems must adhere to established standards in order to function properly and safely. This is where electrical inspectors come in.

As an electrical inspector, you are tasked with ensuring that electrical systems and components comply with building codes and regulations. Before you can become an electrical inspector in Tennessee, however, you must obtain certification from the State Fire Marshal's Office, which administers the TN Certified Code Inspectors program. Here’s what you should know.

What Does a Certified Electrical Inspector Do?

Tennessee electrical inspectors have an important job: Making sure that construction, renovation, and alteration projects comply with the Tennessee Electrical Code. Their workdays may include activities like these:

• Reviewing approved plans and specs for code and regulatory compliance
• Conducting inspections of electrical installations, systems, and components to ensure that materials and procedures meet approved standards
• Meeting with contractors, architects, engineers, and building owners about matters relating to code compliance
• Maintaining records and filing inspection reports
• Resolving code violations

In this role, you’ll play an integral part in keeping people safe by evaluating the performance and safety of electrical systems in residential, commercial, or industrial structures.

Requirements to Qualify for Certification

Education and experience requirements for electrical inspectors vary from one job to the next. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). You might also be required to work for several years as an electrician or in a related field.

The next hurdle to certification as an electrical inspector in Tennessee is passing an exam. 

Both the National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI) and the International Code Council (ICC) administer exams for electrical inspectors.

The NCPCCI 2A Electrical Inspector One- and Two-Family Dwellings Exam includes 50 questions on the following topics:

• Cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, boxes, and conduit bodies
• Calculations of load
• Calculations of wire size
• Conductors and overcurrent protection on the load side of the service
• Lighting and utilization equipment
• Service equipment and conductors on the supply side of the service
• Special installations or constructions
• Switches, disconnects, and controllers
• Wiring methods

You will have two hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass. 

Your other option is the ICC E2 Commercial Electrical Inspector Exam, which consists of 80 questions on the following topics:

• General requirements
• Services
• Branch circuit and feeder requirements
• Wiring methods and distribution systems
• General use equipment
• Special occupancies
• Special equipment
• Special systems

You will have 3.5 hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must get at least 75% of the questions right to pass.

Exam Prep That Works for You

Proper preparation is the key to passing exams on the first try and moving forward in your career. Look for an exam prep program designed for working professionals that offers the convenience of online access to materials so you can control the pace of learning.

If you’re ready to obtain an electrical inspector certification in Tennessee, contact RocketCert now to sign up for an effective exam prep course.