The Young Electrician Podcast

How to Pass Your Electrician Exam (Step-by-Step Study Plan That Actually Works)Most electricians don’t fail because they’re not smart enough… they fail because they don’t have a clear plan.In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, I break down a simple, proven 6-step system to help you go from "thinking about the test" to actually passing your journeyman or electrical licensing exam.If you’ve been: • Overthinking what to study • Jumping between too many resources • Studying inconsistently • Or delaying scheduling your exam…This episode will give you the exact structure you need to move forward with confidence.We cover:✔️ When to schedule your exam (and why it matters)✔️ How to choose the right prep book or course✔️ The ideal weekly study schedule✔️ Why finishing ONE resource is critical✔️ How to review wrong answers the right way✔️ And how to walk into your exam ready to passThis is the no-BS blueprint for electricians who are serious about leveling up their career.⸻📘 FREE EBOOK (Start Studying Smarter Today)Study Like A Professional:https://designrr.s3.amazonaws.com/youngruben23_at_gmail.com_341454/study-like-a-professional-1-3dd59d9a_c.pdf⸻⚡ Recommended Prep Tools (Affiliate Links)These are the exact tools I recommend using.* These are affiliate links, and using them helps support the podcast and keeps free content coming.Ask BonBon – AI Electrical Code Apphttps://update.askneta.com/ruben?qrPrep Books:PREP BOOK 2023https://amzn.to/4bZuHAQPREP BOOK 2020https://amzn.to/4ttFkS3NEC Code Books:2020 NEChttps://amzn.to/4dtXDC22023 NEChttps://amzn.to/3QqWQInNEC 2026https://amzn.to/41kRCQNStudy Tools:MIKE HOLT NEC TABShttps://amzn.to/3PXNPq7MIKE HOLT PREP BOOKhttps://amzn.to/3OoNZ9CNEC HANDBOOK 2023https://amzn.to/48lpXmB⸻SponsorsJobber – Run your electrical business like a pro:https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectricianAsk BonBon (formerly Ask Neta) – AI Electrical Code App:https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr⸻⚡ Follow The Young ElectricianWebsite + FREE Ebook:WWW.TheYoungElectrician.ComTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpodInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/YouTube:www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectricianPlug Into The NEC Newsletter:https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com⸻ Show Notes Episode BreakdownStep 1: Schedule Your Exam First • “If it isn’t scheduled, it isn’t real” • Why deadlines create urgency and focus • How far out you should scheduleStep 2: Pick ONE Prep Resource • Why resource hopping kills progress • How to choose between books, courses, and apps • Commit to one primary systemStep 3: Study 3–4 Days Per Week • Consistency vs intensity • Building a sustainable study rhythm • Example weekly structureStep 4: Complete the Entire Prep Book • Don’t skip sections • Why weak areas matter more than strong ones • “What should you focus on more? All of it.”Step 5: Review Wrong Answers • Your wrong answers = your study guide • How to track mistakes • Turning weaknesses into strengthsStep 6: Take and Pass the Exam • Mental approach going into test day • Confidence through preparation • “One season of sacrifice can buy you a lifetime of progress”⸻Key Takeaways • A clear plan beats motivation every time • Consistency > cramming • Finishing is more important than perfect studying • Your mistakes are the fastest path to passing⸻Who This Episode Is For • Apprentice electricians preparing for their first exam • Journeymen ready to level up • Anyone stuck in “study mode” but not making progress • Electricians who are serious about building a long-term career

Most electricians wait until they’re ready to start a business before they begin thinking like a contractor—and that’s exactly why so many struggle when they finally make the jump.In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, we break down how to start preparing for becoming an electrical contractor no matter what stage you’re in—apprentice, journeyman, or already doing side work.You’ll learn how to build a strong financial foundation, develop real-world skills beyond installation, and position yourself to succeed when it’s time to go out on your own.We cover:● How to budget and manage money like a contractor● Why building credit now can make or break your future business● How to choose a specialty and master it● What to start saving for (and why it matters more than you think)● The difference between soft skills vs hard skills in the electrical trade● How estimating, communication, and job flow impact your successIf you’re serious about becoming an electrical contractor, scaling your income, or building a long-term business in the trades—this episode will give you a practical roadmap to start today.🧰 Sponsor✅Try Jobber FREE for 14 days No credit card or bank info required 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician ✅ Ask BonBon *Formerly: Ask Neta*https://askbonbon.com/RUBEN🌐 Connect With Us Brand Partnerships or to be a Guest on the Podcast: Email: TheYoungElectricianPod@gmail.comWebsite + FREE Ebook:WWW.TheYoungElectrician.ComTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpodInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/YouTube:www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectricianPlug Into The NEC Newsletter:https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com

7 Mistakes New Journeyman Electricians Make (And How to Avoid Them)Passing your journeyman electrician exam is a huge milestone—but it’s not the finish line.In this episode of The Young Electrician Podcast, Ruben Young breaks down the 7 biggest mistakes new journeymen make after getting certified and how those mistakes can slow down your career, limit your income, and keep you stuck.If you’re an electrical apprentice preparing for the journeyman exam or a new journeyman electrician trying to advance your career, this episode will help you avoid the traps that hold many electricians back. You’ll learn how to think like a professional electrician, increase your value in the trade, and build a long-term career in the electrical industry.⚡ Who This Episode Is ForThis episode is for:• Electrical apprentices preparing for the journeyman exam• Newly certified journeyman electricians• Electricians looking to increase their income• Tradespeople who want to build a long-term career in the electrical industry🔧 SponsorsJobberGet organized, get paid faster, and run your electrical business efficiently.https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectricianAsk Neta – AI Electrical Code AppYour AI companion for navigating the NEC electrical code.https://update.askneta.com/ruben?qr⚡ Follow The Young ElectricianWebsite + FREE EbookWWW.TheYoungElectrician.ComTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpodInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/YouTubewww.youtube.com/@theyoungelectricianPlug Into The NEC Newsletterhttps://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com⚡ Share This EpisodeIf this episode helped you, share it with a coworker, apprentice, or someone studying for the electrical exam.Helping the next generation of electricians grow is how we strengthen the trade together.

We all have lessons to pass along that we've learned from bumping our heads over the years. This episode is a few of the things I've learned along the way on my electrical journey and career. Jobber:⁠https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectrician⁠ Ask Neta: Ai Electrical Code Apphttps://update.askneta.com/ruben?qrWbsite and FREE EBOOK:WWW.TheYoungElectrician.ComTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcIGhttps://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/Youtubewww.youtube.com/@theyoungelectricianPlug Into The NEC Newsletter https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com#electrician #construction #electrical #tradelife

OUR FIRST GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN EITHER A 2020 OR 2023 NEC AND JOURNEYMAN PREP BOOK!*LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE TO FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER!!!Goal-setting ground rules:They have to be realistic They have to be obtainable within the yearThey have to be something you actually want or need It has to be something you can control (a wish: something you hope happens. A goal: steps you will take, actions you will take), you’re going to take action Choosing your goals:CareerPhysical Relationship FinancialSpiritual Self care Your goals have to take priority in your life. Finding your goals:What do you want? Or what are you lacking?Write all the things you can think of down Pick 1 or 2 that you either really want or that seem really tangible and easy break down the steps Create a time frame or timeline (most goals shouldn’t take a year) Trim the fat - what needs to be removed from your schedule to get your goalSet a reminder for 2 weeks from now Join our Tuesday night prep group:Just email: TheYoungElectricianPod@Gmail.com and ask to be put on the weekly email list for the group! its $10 a week. We meet via Zoom for 1 hour every Tuesday at 6 pm pst! Try Jobber for 14 days FREE, no credit or bank info required. Use the link and get 20% for the first 6 months!!!https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectricianwebsite ⁠⁠WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠⁠IG⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician⁠⁠Plug Into The NEC Newsletter ⁠⁠https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com⁠⁠

OUR FIRST GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN EITHER A 2020 OR 2023 NEC AND JOURNEYMAN PREP BOOK!*LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE TO FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER!!!Its never too late to move your career forward! One of the things I've realised in my career as an electrician is that I stay stagnant or I move forward based on my own choices. January is the perfect time to get back on your grind and make big advances in your life and career. You can get your electrical license or electrical contracting license in just 3 months from start to finish if you have the hours! You just need to put the time and effort in.Join our Tuesday night prep group:Just email: TheYoungElectricianPod@Gmail.com and ask to be put on the weekly email list for the group! its $10 a week. We meet via Zoom for 1 hour every Tuesday at 6 pm pst! Try Jobber for 14 days FREE, no credit or bank info required. Use the link and get 20% for the first 6 months!!!https://go.getjobber.com/theyoungelectricianwebsite ⁠WWW.TheYoungElectrician.Com⁠TikTok⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠IG⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/⁠Youtube⁠www.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician⁠Plug Into The NEC Newsletter ⁠https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com⁠

Too many Electricians in the field discourage the study of the National Electrical Code, sometimes without knowing it. When we say things like "we don't use the NEC on job-sites," although this may be true for the most part, it sends a message to the younger tradesmen and tradeswomen that the NEC doesn't matter. I think it's time for us to pick a fight with this idea and push back on this limiting mindsetwebsite WWW.TheYoungElectrician.ComTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcIGhttps://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/Youtubewww.youtube.com/@theyoungelectricianPlug Into The NEC Newsletter https://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.com

In this episode, we explore 5 red flags in an electric company you should avoid working for. And we announce our brand-new Newsletter for electricians called Plug Into The NEC!*Newsletter link below*Plug Into The NEC - Newsletterhttps://plugintothenec-newsletter-c7c296.beehiiv.comGuest or Sponsorship:To request to be a Guest on or Sponsor of the Podcast, fill out the short form on this link.https://theyoungelectrician.com/guestsponsorship Website/ Free Ebook WWW.TheYoungElectrician.ComTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungelectricianpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcIGhttps://www.instagram.com/the_youngelectrician/Youtubewww.youtube.com/@theyoungelectrician

Throughout the 15 years of my career as an Electrician, there’s a lot of things that I’ve learned. In this episode I’m gonna cover 10 things that I’ve learned in my early years starting off. there’s so many topics I can cover regarding lessons I’ve learned early on, but these are 10 things That I believe will help anyone starting off their electrical career. This info is for Apprentices and Electrical Trainees. Please email us at TheYoungElectricianPod@Gmail.com With any episode suggestions Also emails up or sign up for the journeymen prep group at www.TheYoungElectrician.com

On this episode of the podcast, I share with you the exact steps that I would take if I had to take the journeyman electrical exam again today I feel like this information is vital because this is exactly what I would’ve like to have when I was first trying to get certified I’d ask that you guys would please give the podcast rating we would greatly appreciate it!Also, if anybody would like to sign up for the waiting list for the free e-book or if you have any questions about getting one on one coaching with me, you can email me at TheYoungElectricianpod@gmail.com

On this episode I had the privilege of interviewing Angelo Suntres, author of the book: The Human Side of Construction. We take a deep dive into the topic of Mentorship, the importance of developing a network and finding direction in life and career. Follow Angelo on IG:https://www.instagram.com/humansideofconstruction?igsh=MXB5NDJnd2R4N3BuMQ==Website or to purchase the book:https://www.angelosuntres.com/book

On this episode I share about the new ebook I wrote: How to Pass The Electrical Journeyman Exam, a guide to overcoming fears, doubts and bad study habits! This book is set to release next month! To pre register you can go to TheYoungElectricianpod@gmail.com. I share what the book is and what the book isn’t.

On this episode, I’m joined by special guest Robert Balder from estimating partner. Robert takes us on a deep dive into estimating. He gives some great tips on things that people miss that could end up costing a company a lot of money. The estimating process and even some tips on how to get in with general contractors you’ve never worked with!
Robert Balder Estimating partner
office@estimatingpartner.com
@estimating_partner
https://www.instagram.com/estimating_partner/profilecard/?igsh=MXJ5dXRwbW45NmwzNw==


On this episode I have the privilege of interviewing Andrew kravchuk & Hector Garcia of The Contractors Intelligence School. This is the school I went to that helped me get my C10 contractors license. In this episode Andrew & Hector will walk you through the process of getting a C10 license and explain how The Contractors Intelligence School can help you the whole way through! There’s also a discount code in the episode to get $50. Off any of The Contractors Intelligence Schools services! To Contact the Contractors Intelligence School:Call: 866-845-5969Or go to Contractors License School California And entree the promo code found in the episode to get your discount 😎 You can also follow The Contractors Intelligence School on IG @ContractorsIntshool

In this episode I have the privilege of interviewing Nick Been of Pinpoint Electric. Nick shares his story of going from a humble “attack monkey” running wires for his uncles to a well rounded electrical contractor that’s killing it in the electrical game! Guest staring Nico Olson https://www.instagram.com/pinpoint.ec_?igsh=cjBvZmludXZ4cGwy

*THIS ONES FOR THE C10 CONTRACTORS!* in the episode I have the privilege of interviewing Jeff of The 360 Electrician. The top electrical contractor on YouTube and veteran in electrical contracting. Jeff share’s secrets he’s learned over the years to try and aid you in your contracting journey! From how to get your first client to creating a referral generating system to get future work from those clients and referrals that keep the work coming! https://www.the360electrician.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the360electrician?igsh=MWxjdnM0dTd5cng0aQ== https://youtube.com/@the360electrician?si=GWLTt-y20ZHGVKLB

In this episode I had the privilege of interviewing William lane, founder of the Code Buddy app. This is an Ai powered app that puts the knowledge of the NEC in the palm of your hand! Listen to Will’s story of entering the electrical trade, what led him to create this app and what the future of Code Buddy might be! IG: @CodeBuddy.chat https://codebuddy.chat/

On this Episode Sergio gives us more tips, tricks and insight into navigating the NEC

In this episode I have the privilege of interviewing Ruben Corona, a new c10 contractor and owner of Corona Electric in Tulare County. Hear how he started out in the electrical trade and what the process of getting a contractor license was like for Ruben.

In this episode I had the privilege of interviewing Alejandro Maldonado (Alex) owner of Kingdom Electric. Alex shares his story of how he began in the electrical trade and his journey to becoming his own boss as a C10 contractor and the struggles he faced along the way