What Are You Allowed to Have in a NABCEP Certification Exam?

Feeling nervous to take a big exam is totally normal. Being well prepared can help to minimize the pre-exam jitters. In this blog post, we’re going to cover what you need to know about what you can have in your NABCEP certification exam.

Ways to Take NABCEP Exams

Candidates can take NABCEP certifications exams in two ways: a computer-based testing (CBT) format at a Meazure Learning Testing Center or in a live remote proctoring format (LRP) from the comfort of their home or office.

Computer-based testing is an internet-based form of assessment, which allows candidates to choose a time and location to take their exam by computer at a Meazure Learning testing facility. Meazure Learning has over 1,400 test center locations in 110 countries where students can take their exam in a proctored environment. Of the top 100 U.S. cities by population, 98% of candidates are within 15 miles of a Meazure Learning testing center. That’s pretty close for lots of people! You can find all their test site cities here. 

Live remote proctoring is also an internet-based form of assessment, but it allows candidates to take NABCEP exams from any location using their personal computer. In addition to the computer, it is critical to also have a working webcam and microphone. No tablets or smartphones can be used.

What to Expect Taking a Live Remote Proctored Exam from Your Home or Office

Exam proctors will connect to the candidate’s computer through Meazure Learning. The proctor will have complete access to the computer to monitor for unauthorized activities. The candidate will also show the proctor around their testing environment. This is all to ensure that there aren’t any additional books, papers, or other unauthorized materials that could assist the candidate in passing their exam. The entire test taking session will be recorded and stored for 15 days. 

Required Items to Bring to Your Exam

Regardless of which way you decide to take your NABCEP exam, all candidates must have a valid (meaning not expired) government-issued photo ID. The name on your NABCEP application paperwork must match your ID. 

This can include:

• Driver’s license
• Another form of government issued photo identification card
• Passport
• Military identification card

What is Provided at the Exam

Well, it depends on the exam. 

For the PVIP, PVDS, PVIS, PVCMS, and PVSI exams, an electronic PDF version of the 2017 National Electrical Code will be provided. Candidates can also bring their own copy of any version of the NEC (although current exams are based on the 2017 NEC).

For the ESIP exam, candidates can bring their own NEC (the ESIP exam is based on the 2020 NEC), NFPA 70E (based on 2021), and NFPA 855 (based on 2020) books. Any year/edition is allowed. No digital versions will be provided. 

It is important to note that:

• Highlighting within the book is the only permissible method of manipulating the book prior to the exam
• No handwritten notes allowed
• No moveable or permanent tabs allowed
• No sticky notes or added materials of any kind allowed
• No photocopied versions of the books allowed

All computer-based exams have a basic scientific calculator on-screen during the exam.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out to us at NABCEP@HeatSpring.com and we’ll help find the answers!