Top Tips for Taking Your Electrical Exams 

Electrical exams can feel intense, but with the right plan you can turn nerves into marks. Whether you are sitting a written paper, completing online questions, or demonstrating practical skills, use these focused tips to prepare well, perform calmly, and show what you know. If you need structured support while training electricians or building your electrical qualifications, you’ll also find signposts below. 

Before the exam: set yourself up to win 

1) Build a revision map, not just a pile of notes 
List the topics likely to be tested, then map resources to each one: regs clauses, formulae, sample questions, and practical routines. Tick items off as you master them. 

2) Practice under timed conditions 
Simulate the paper: same timing, no notes, quiet room. Mark your answers honestly. Repeat weak areas in shorter, focused bursts until you improve. 

3) Make formula flashcards and mini checklists 
Keep cards for Ohm’s Law, power factor, volt drop, protective device ratings, Zs limits, and the full dead/live test sequence. Aim to recall, then to apply. 

4) Drill the inspection-and-testing sequence 
For practicals, rehearse the order until it is automatic: safe isolation, continuity (CPC/ring), insulation resistance, polarity, Zs/Ze, RCD tests, recording and sign-off. If you want deeper guided practice, consider our electrical inspection and testing pathway. 

5) Use “teach-back” to find gaps 
Explain a topic to a friend or into your phone as if you were teaching it. Anywhere you stumble marks a gap to fill. 

6) Prepare your kit the night before 
Calculator set to the right mode, pens, ID, PPE for practicals, and (if permitted) regulation book with tabs. Charge instruments if you’re demonstrating tests. 

7) Sleep, fuel, hydrate 
A rested brain recalls faster. Eat light, drink water, and avoid heavy sugar or energy drinks that can cause a crash mid-paper. 

On the day: execute your plan 

1) Read the whole paper first 
Circle “easy wins,” star the heavier marks, and note any questions you’ll park for later. Allocate rough time per question and stick to it. 

2) Write down your formulas immediately 
Use the margin to jot Ohm’s Law, volt-drop, and power equations. That way you won’t waste working memory. 

3) Show working, not just answers 
Markers award method. If you make a slip but the process is sound, you can still collect partial credit. 

4) Manage uncertainty 
If a question stalls you, leave a placeholder, move on, and return with fresh eyes. Don’t let one item tax your whole exam. 

5) For practicals, narrate your safety 
Say what you’re doing and why: “Proving my voltage indicator… locking off… re-proving… starting continuity tests.” Assessors are listening for safe habits and rationale. 

6) Check units and reasonableness 
Does your answer make sense? A Zs value higher than max permitted, or a kW result when the question asks for kVA, is an easy fix if you catch it. 

After the exam: close the loop 

Jot three things that went well and three to improve. If there’s a resit or the next module coming, you’ve just written your action plan. 

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them) 

• Skipping safe isolation steps in practicals 
  Rehearse until it’s muscle memory. Safety first, every time. 

• Learning facts not methods 
  Prioritise process: selection of protective devices, cable sizing, and discrimination logic. 

• Untidy calculations 
  Lay out steps clearly, label each value, and include units. It helps you and the marker. 

• Running out of time 
  Practice with a timer and learn to park tough questions without panic. 

Micro-checklist: last 48 hours 

• Final timed paper and mark-up 

• Flashcards once, then once more 

• Kit packed and instruments charged 

• Route to venue planned, arrive early 

• Light meal, water, early night 

Local support and next steps 

If you need targeted help before assessments or want to practise on real boards with assessor feedback, book a workshop day via Electrician Courses Worcester. For structured pathways, browse our core electrical training course options, or build towards inspection competence with our electrical inspection and testing programme. You can also explore broader routes and progression through our electrical qualifications pages. 

Stay calm, trust your preparation, and work your plan. You’ve got this.