2014 Code Changes and How it Affect the Texas Exam

With the 2011 Texas exam coming to end we prepare to understand and review the 2014 NEC® and the 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 does have a ton of adjustments and new codes to apply to new articles especially in 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 one and 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 without returning to a 15 year old teen who resents you for taking 14 years to catch up on code changes from three books ago, we suggest Mike Holt’s “Changes to the NEC 2014”.  Holt has done the legwork for you since, well, that IS his job.  Right now we are offering a bundle of the “Changes to the NEC 2014” and a 2014 NEC® tabbed/highlighted book for only $204.99.  That’s a savings of $24.00.  www.TexasElectricalExam.com

If you’re a nerd like me and you learn better in a classroom setting, I recommend you go through one of our seminars taught by Mitchell Tolbert.  He travels round to all parts of ye old Texas, and some parts of Oklahoma but we don’t advertise that during football season…just saying.  Keep your eyes open for our calendar, it is constantly updated.  Seminars for the 2014 Texas Exam will begin late September/Early October.  If you sign up over the phone (1-800-801-4085) you get a $15 discount, but you have to say the magic words…: “The person who writes your blog/emails is hilarious!” even if you don’t think so.  Just do it for the money.  Dance monkey, dance.

We have a ton more stuff I could sit here and write to you about but chances are you are probably looking for the X to close this tab so I’ll save it for another time or you can visit our website at www.TexasElectricalExam.com.

Need resources? Help filling out forms? Want someone to rant to about TDLR? Just give us a call or send us an email.  Legally we can’t do anything to change the system but we are “hear” for you.  See what I did there?

Best of luck!

Nancy Valdez

1-800-801-4085

www.TexasElectricalExam.com

Exam Prep | Continuing Education | Business Support Specialists

BREAKING NEWS: Get your softbound copy of the NEC 2014: National Electrical Code 2014/ NFPA 70 (National Fire Protection Associations National Electrical Code) for only $82.00 now through September 15th! 

Styles of Learning- What is YOUR Style?

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 discussing a topic.  They don’t need to take down every single note but learn greatly by listening intently.  Since in seminars you get to practice with real life PSI exam test questions, the kinesthetic learner learns best when they are actually doing activities that involve participation.  In our seminars there is plenty of participating and answering real questions.

Software and home study programs are great for people who are extremely disciplined and can take the time and effort to lock themselves in a room and get cracking.  The best type of learners is the “read & write” learners, (traditional studiers).  These learners are great at taking notes and learn best by reading their notes or the material from the books.

Whatever your type of prepping is, we have the solution for you.  If you have taken the exam multiple times and failed by a few points, let me tell you that we know the frustration you feel.  There is no right or wrong or only way to study and prep for the exam.  Find YOUR learning style and use that help you get ready for the PSI Exam.  Most people have a mix of learning types and that is ok too, the point is to find what works the best for you so you can benefit from any of the methods you choose to use.

Take a quiz to see what your learning style is. *We are not affiliated with this group*

 

When Taking the Exam, Ask Yourself These Questions:·         How long is the test? How much time will I have to complete the test?
·         How many questions are there?
·         What is the point value of each question?

Successful Test-Taking Strategies During the PSI Exam1.   Answer the questions you know first.
2.   Answer the rest of the questions making sure the exam is complete before you turn it in.
3.   Reread your answers carefully.
4.   Learn from your incorrect answers.  If your exam is returned to you for you to keep, review your incorrect answers and study those concepts in more detail

Come to our seminar and we promise you will learn these and many more great test taking tips on top of actual PSI exam material and real life practice questions.

Guidelines For Taking The Exam How Can I Do My Best When I Take The Exam?
General Guidelines
Be ready.	Test yourself to be sure you know the material.
Be rested.	All-nighters cause more problems than they solve.
Be fed.	You need to be alert.  Eat a light breakfast or lunch.
Be positive.	Say "I'll do my best" rather than "I can't do this."
Be on time.	Give yourself a chance to settle down.
Be calm.	Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths to reduce anxiety.
Be systematic.	Look over the test.  Budget your time.  Read directions carefully.
Be focused.	Read items carefully.  Spend time on what you can answer.
Be logical.	Use the time you are given.  Review your work before leaving.

Questions? Comments?

Give us a call!

Texas Electrical Exam

www.TexasElectricalExam.com

1-800-801-4085

* Sources from 

http://www.thestudygurus.com/quiz/quiz.php?quiz=learning-styleshttp://studytips.admsrv.ohio.edu/studytips/?Function=Exam&Type=Guidelineshttp://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/health-and-support/exam-preparation-ten-study-tips

Test Taking Tips- PSI Exam Prep

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.

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 again and prepare better next time. Many students paralyze themselves during the exam but truth is, it’s all in your head, take several deep breathes and take it one question at a time.

8. Don’t rush
Many guys who rush through the exam misunderstand directions or don’t catch changes in the directions and fail a simple question. Don’t fall for their traps. Remember to answer the questions you know first, then return to the beginning and work on the rest.

Come to our seminar and we promise you will learn these and many more great test taking tips on top of actual PSI exam material and real life practice questions.

Texas Electrical Exam

www.TexasElectricalExam.com 

1-800-801-4085

Texas Electricians- The End is Near- How to Avoid Getting Lost in the Shuffle

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 can study well on your own, I suggest you take a look at our tabbed and highlighted books and other exam prep materials we have specifically for the Texas PSI exam.

It is very important that you do not wait until the last minute,  I don't mean to burst your bubble but most guys don't pass the first time without the proper help or study plan.

We are open for questions, comments and requests.  

Good Luck everyone!

Aha, Approved Book for Electrical Exam

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-

2011 NEC Book

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!

Missouri Electrical Licensing

If you are trying to get your electrical licensing in Missouri you should probably know that there isn't a single state regulation regarding electrical licenses.  However, (there is always a however) some local governments on a city or county level requires certification or licensing for work to be done by an electrician.  If you are in Missouri looking to work, you must check first with the county government in the area in which you are working to find out the local requirements.

There are some references online about where to look for that information, I have posted some of them below for you.

http://mikeholt.com/statelicense.php#MO

http://www.iaei.org/regulations/us/missouri/

Best of luck!