What Assessment Questions to Ask New Journeyman Electricians

Journeyman electricians are the backbone of your electrical team and the electrical industry as a whole. They are the experienced workers who handle tough jobs without constant supervision. They work on complex electrical systems, train apprentices, and keep projects moving when problems come up.

Hiring the wrong journeyman can hurt your business. Bad hires misuse or break equipment, fail inspections, and create safety problems that cost you thousands in liability issues. Journeymen can earn anywhere from $55,000 to $75,000 annually and are getting harder to find, so making the right choice matters for your payroll and team success.

We've placed hundreds of journeyman electricians with contractors nationwide here at Buildforce. Through this experience, we've learned which technical questions separate skilled journeymen from those who need more training or supervision.

Here are the exact assessment questions we use to check a journeyman electrician’s experience and skills before recommending them for hiring.

The Assessment Questions

What Good Answers Look Like

3-Phase 120/208 Panel Phase C Color

‍Phase C color changes based on local standards and what's specified for each job. Common colors include blue, red, or yellow, depending on the color scheme used. Knowing local phase color coding prevents wiring mistakes and equipment damage in commercial work.

Circuit 27 in 42-Circuit Panel

‍Where circuit 27 lands depends on the specific panel layout and how the manufacturer numbers things. Journeymen need to understand how circuits spread across phases to balance loads properly in three-phase panels.

Voltage Drop Calculation Items

‍Distance, wire size, current load, wire material, temperature, and how it's installed all affect voltage drop. This knowledge is needed for proper circuit design and code compliance.

20 Amp Breaker Conductor Size

‍12 AWG THHN wire for 20 amp circuits per NEC requirements. Undersized wires create fire hazards and code violations.

3/8" Flex Maximum Length

‍Six feet maximum per NEC Article 348. Too much flex violates code and makes pulling wire difficult.

Cable Termination Check

‍Check that connections are tight and insulation looks good. Poor terminations cause arc faults, overheating, and equipment failures.

Overload Relay Purpose

‍Protects motors from overcurrent conditions that can damage windings. Understanding motor protection is required for industrial and commercial work.

Emergency Response for Electric Shock

‍Turn off power immediately, call 911, and give first aid if you're trained. Don't touch the person until you know power is off. Understanding proper emergency procedures protects workers and shows safety leadership.

Additional Assessment Topics

Some more advanced assessment question categories you can ask are:

Three-Phase Systems & Motor Controls

‍Questions covering phase relationships, motor rotation, and control circuits that journeymen encounter in commercial and industrial settings.

Panel Configuration & Load Management

‍Advanced knowledge about circuit distribution, neutral sharing, and panel design that requires journeyman-level experience.

Project Management & Safety Protocols

‍Understanding construction phases, safety procedures, and emergency response that journeymen need to work independently.

How to Use These Questions

Scoring Guidelines

• Minimum passing score: 80% (11 out of 14 questions)
• Three-phase and motor control questions are weighted heavily
• Safety and emergency response questions require perfect answers

Red Flags to Watch For

• Confusion about three-phase systems or motor controls
• Poor understanding of voltage drop calculations
• Inability to explain PLC or automation concepts
• Weak project management or coordination skills

Follow-Up Questions

‍Ask candidates to explain how they troubleshoot complex problems. Strong journeymen use step-by-step approaches and can explain their thinking clearly to apprentices and other team members.

Advanced Skills That Matter

PLC and Automation Systems

‍Modern journeymen see programmable logic controllers in industrial and commercial settings. Understanding input/output modules, basic programming, and system integration separates experienced journeymen from those with only residential experience.

Motor Control Circuits

‍Three-phase motor installations need knowledge of rotation direction, overload protection, and control wiring. Journeymen must understand starter circuits, VFDs, and how to troubleshoot motor systems.

Project Coordination Skills

‍Journeymen often work with other trades and manage project timelines. Understanding tools like Gantt charts and construction sequencing shows project management skills needed for commercial work.

Industrial Experience Indicators

• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience
• Motor control and VFD knowledge
• High-voltage system understanding
• Instrumentation and control system familiarity

Commercial Project Experience

• Large panel and switchgear installation
• Fire alarm and life safety system knowledge
• Building automation system integration
• Code compliance for commercial occupancies

Leadership and Training Abilities

• Apprentice mentoring and training skills
• Safety program implementation
• Project coordination with other trades
• Quality control and inspection experience

These assessment questions will help you identify journeyman electricians with the advanced knowledge needed for complex electrical projects. Candidates who answer 12-14 questions correctly likely have the experience to work independently, train apprentices, and tackle complex installations as effective mentors and team leaders. Using these evaluation questions helps electrical contractors build skilled teams that can handle any electrical challenge and maintain the highest safety and quality standards.