Write The ME Exam
Pause of Virtual Exam Offering
Recently, ESA launched an investigation into the Master Electrician (ME) licensing examinations. On the basis of evidence gathered from those investigations, there is preliminary information to suspect the integrity of the virtual exam has been compromised. We are unable to provide specific details as the matter is still under investigation. In order to protect the public and the integrity of the ME accreditation process, effective Mar. 1, 2024, we have decided to pause virtual ME exams until further notice. In-person exams are still available. See the exam schedule here.
Jump to:
| ► Overview | ► The Exam | ► Exam Schedule |
| ► Information Package & Forms | ► FAQs | ► Pre-Master Course |
| ► What to bring | ► Retake Policy | ► Exam Preparation & Tips |
Overview
You must pass the exam as one of the requirements to get a Master Electrician Licence. The Master Electrician examination is only offered through the Electrical Safety Authority.
The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions, which are divided among 3 exam sections:
- Ontario Electrical Safety Code
- Worker Safety
- Business Administration
You will have a maximum of 3 hours to write the exam. To pass, you need an overall exam score of at least 70%, plus a minimum of 60% in each of the three exam sections.
The questions for each section test on the following legislation:
- The Ontario Electrical Safety Code (33%) — Latest version of the Electrical Safety Code and ability of the applicant to properly use the Code as a Reference Book.
- Worker Safety (33%) — Recognizing Hazards, Occupational Health and Safety Requirements, The Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations for Construction and Industrial Projects, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, WHMIS.
- Business Administration (33%) — Electricity Act, Ontario Regulation 570/05, Consumer Protection, Business Management, Consumer Protection Act and the Construction Lien Act, Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act, as they relate to electrical contracting.
The Master Electrician exam is open book. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of rules and regulations applicable to worker safety, business administration and all sections of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, so bring your copy of the current Code book and other approved reference materials, including the 2021 Master Electrician Examination Reference book.
The Reference book contains legislation relevant to electrical contracting. You can download the ME Exam Reference book below or buy a hard copy for $71, plus HST. To buy the book, simply request it when registering for the ME Exam. If you already registered, just email masters.exam@electricalsafety.on.ca with your request to buy the book. (Please note the ME Examination reference book is included in the Pre-Master Course.)
Download the ME Exam Reference book for Free
Download the Guideline to the Duties and Responsibilities of LECs and DMEs
The Exam
The Master Electrician Exam is offered across the province in-person, electronic and paper-based format. Learn more about the exam and requirements below.
Exam Schedule
View the 2024-2025 Master Electrician Exam Schedule
Information Package and Forms
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Master Electrician (ME) Exam Application Complete this application form to apply for the ME examination. |
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Master Electrician Examination Information Package Information package outlining the ME Exam, requirements, what to expect, and more. |
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Master Electrician Exam Rules of Conduct Every exam taker must comply with the Rules of Conduct. |
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Interpreter Attendance Request for Master Electrician Exam Used when you require an interpreter during the ME Exam. |
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FAQs
Pre-Master Electrician Course
Not quite ready to write the exam yet? ESA has developed a “Pre-Master” course to help you prepare for the ME Exam. You do not have to take this course before writing the ME exam. However, if you fail the ME Exam twice, you will be asked to take relevant training.
Learn more about the Pre-Master Electrician Training course
What to bring
The Master Electrician Examination is an open book examination. You are permitted to bring only the following to the examination (Pre-Master Electrician Exam course workbooks are not permitted):
- Master Electrician Examination Reference Material (Reference Material & Guideline to the Duties and Responsibilities of LEC’s and DME’s) - can be downloaded from ESA website for free - https://esasafe.com/contractors/me-exam/
- Latest version of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (no photocopies). You can bring in a copy of your printed electronic version.
- Relevant Legislation that consists of Acts, Bills and Regulations that relate to electrical contracting and is relevant to the training and examination. OESC bulletins, amendments and the Quick Reference Guide are permitted.
- Calculator (non programmable)
- Pencil
Only hard copy materials are permitted into the exam. Electronic PDF Versions of the OESC or Reference Material are not permitted.
Electronic devices are not permitted for either in person or on the computer exams.
Please note: If you are taking the exam on a computer, you are not allowed to open up additional tabs on your screen.
Retake Policy
Applicants that fail the exam two times are required to take any type of Master Electrician preparatory training course or Code training course; either from ESA, or an accredited college/training facility/company, before attempting the exam a third time. The course should cover the principles tested on during the exam, as covered in the Overview section at the top of this page. Assessment tools are not considered sufficient to meet the training requirement.
You will be allowed to schedule another examination immediately after your previous examination as long as space is available. For each examination attempt, you must pay submit an application and fee.
Regardless of the time that has passed, after two failed attempts, the requirement to take training applies.