Master Exam - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Noe · 04-14-2009, 07:07 PM

Anyone have any input on electronic Vs. standard (pencil and paper) exam. Benefits/drawbacks?
I was preparing to take the exam and have both options available to me now. I have only taken standard exams in the past and not at all familiar with computer based.

william1978 · 04-14-2009, 09:29 PM

I like test on paper best. On the computer it is very hard to do box fill and other things like that. If your acustom to having test on paper I wouldn't change now. Best luck either way you go.

davis9 · 04-14-2009, 10:14 PM

I took both tests(Masters and Journeymans) on the comp, they let you have a sheet of paper for calcs. It was tough on the eyes but was pretty simple to deal with. Most testing co's have a website with practice tests to see how the comp works.

Tom

nolabama · 04-14-2009, 10:37 PM

i have taken a lot of licensing tests in my life and i have only taken two electrical tests and they were on the computer - i took them before i was ready and failed both of them i feel that if you are comfortable with the material you should do well

that being said i like the paper tests waaay better

Noe · 04-15-2009, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the input.

I am more familiar with the paper exams and was thinking of sticking with that, however I understand that computer gives results upon completion. I am too impatient to wait for results for two weeks or more.

John Valdes · 04-15-2009, 12:51 PM

In SC you have no option but the computer for state licensing. When I took my masters many years ago it took 8 hours and a 150 mile drive each way. Now, our test is 4 hours, downtown and available every Saturday. I have to go with the computer, just for the convenience.

The drive home from my test was the longest drive of my life. I thought I failed. And could have been arrested for drunk driving as I picked up a six pack as soon as I left the test site.

JohnJ0906 · 04-15-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Valdes

In SC you have no option but the computer for state licensing. When I took my masters many years ago it took 8 hours and a 150 mile drive each way. Now, our test is 4 hours, downtown and available every Saturday. I have to go with the computer, just for the convenience.

The drive home from my test was the longest drive of my life. I thought I failed. And could have been arrested for drunk driving as I picked up a six pack as soon as I left the test site.

One thing that I liked about the computer test, was that the results are immediate.
Although, that was a looooonnnnnggggg 5 seconds waiting for the pass/fail result. If I had to wait days or weeks, I would have been as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

BuzzKill · 04-17-2009, 04:06 PM

Here in GA. they are paper but I understand they are going computer soon; indeed, with the computer test you find out if you passed right then, while I had to wait about 3 weeks when I took the test on paper. It was 162 questions in 8 hours. Sucked waiting that long; they told me it could be up to 6-8 weeks!

jbfan · 04-17-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuzzKill

Here in GA. they are paper but I understand they are going computer soon; indeed, with the computer test you find out if you passed right then, while I had to wait about 3 weeks when I took the test on paper. It was 162 questions in 8 hours. Sucked waiting that long; they told me it could be up to 6-8 weeks!

Where did you take the test?
I took it at the civic center on sugarloaf parkway.
I liked the fact that you had a place on the exam to raise concerns about a question, but none of the people I took the test with had a chance to do that.
We took every last second to finish the test!

Magnettica · 04-17-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnJ0906

One thing that I liked about the computer test, was that the results are immediate.
Although, that was a looooonnnnnggggg 5 seconds waiting for the pass/fail result. If I had to wait days or weeks, I would have been as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

That sounds like what I'm going through right now. I'm waiting for my results that are mailed out "approximately 10 days after the test date" says Prometric. Today, was the 9th full day since the exam.

jbfan · 04-17-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

That sounds like what I'm going through right now. I'm waiting for my results that are mailed out "approximately 10 days after the test date" says Prometric. Today, was the 9th full day since the exam.

That is probably 10 working days!

Magnettica · 04-18-2009, 01:57 AM

I should have said "business days" because thats what the paper says. Still 9 business days. Should be here next week.

BuzzKill · 04-18-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

Where did you take the test?
I took it at the civic center on sugarloaf parkway.
I liked the fact that you had a place on the exam to raise concerns about a question, but none of the people I took the test with had a chance to do that.
We took every last second to finish the test!

I took mine at the hoiday inn off camp creek pkwy, near the airport.

william1978 · 04-18-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

That sounds like what I'm going through right now. I'm waiting for my results that are mailed out "approximately 10 days after the test date" says Prometric. Today, was the 9th full day since the exam.

Well keep us informed. I hope you passed with flying colors.

BuzzKill · 04-18-2009, 06:41 PM

Good luck Magnettica.

TheRick · 04-19-2009, 06:47 AM

When I took my Journeyman's Exam it was paper and pencil, but when I took my Master's Exam, it was on the computer. I MUCH prefered the computer based one, but that is a personal preference. Bottom line is.....you have to do what works best for you. If you have the choice go with whatever you are most comfortable with!

GOOD LUCK

John Valdes · 04-19-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

That sounds like what I'm going through right now. I'm waiting for my results that are mailed out "approximately 10 days after the test date" says Prometric. Today, was the 9th full day since the exam.

I paid $15.00 to get the results (automated) over the phone after three days. They told us this was available before we took the exam. Still was a long wait.

guschash · 04-19-2009, 09:16 PM

I like the computer test better and like you said you get the results right way. I practice on Mike Holt practice test and they were very helpfull. Good luck either way.

mickey · 04-20-2009, 05:06 AM

computer test is better...more quick..
you dont have to wait long days for the result.
the longer the waiting, the nervous it gets