FAQs

Much has been written on the competency and the workmanship of individuals performing medium voltage cable splicing work. Industry supported programs, developed and administered on a national basis, establish levels of competency to meet the needs of the industry and the public for safe and reliable delivery of electrical power. Certification will enable us to formally recognize those individuals that have successfully demonstrated an understanding of the knowledge, skills and abilities of cable splicing.

All individuals who splice or terminate medium voltage solid dielectric shielded power cables through 35kV should obtain certification. Certifications in PILC and higher voltage cables will be available soon.

The intended candidate for NCSCB electrical power cable examinations work primarily as a construction/industrial or specialty electrician/lineman for an electrical utility or an electrical contractor (EC) engaged in network systems, underground distribution construction and maintenance or commercial/industrial installations.

Candidates should have at least two years work in the medium voltage shielded power cable industry. This can be, but not limited to, employment by an electric utility, contractor, engineer or others in the industry.

The certification is good for a period of seven years from the date of issuance, provided the splicer maintains his or her NCSCB membership in good standing.

A core knowledge written examination will be given to applicants, typically in a group setting. Each examination will have approximately 100 questions and will follow a multiple-choice format.

There will be three performance (practical hands-on) examinations offered. An individual can be certified in any category or in all three splicing categories. The categories consist of manufactured kits (splices and terminations), hand-applied taping and PILC splicing and terminating. The applicant, while being observed by examiners, will splice and/or terminate shielded electrical power cable according to a standardized testing process.

The examination has been developed by shielded power cable technical experts directly under the supervision of the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Washington, D.C. There was national representation on the test development committees. In addition, care was taken to have a mix of utility, contractor and manufacturer technical experts present in all test development meetings.

NCSCB is developing all examinations for a candidate with a minimum of two years related electrical shielded power cable splicing experience. A comprehensive set of applicant materials will be issued explaining the knowledge subject areas that comprise the written examination, a bibliography of sources used in developing examination questions, a specialized glossary and sample questions.

The individual must be familiar with the various types of splices, terminations and manufactured kits that are used in the industry.

You can find a helpful study guide on our Preparation page.

Membership dues: $150.00 per year. Prorated from time of examination. Due Dec. 31 of each year.

Certification Fees: The fees for the certification are as follows:
Written Exam: $400.00
Note: Payment must accompany the application before examination can be scheduled.

KIT Practical Exam: $1600.00
Note: These fees include all cables, specialty tools (personal hand tools excluded) and cable accessories such as separable connectors (elbows), splices and terminations used during the examination.

“Hand-Applied” (Tape) Practical Exam: $1600.00
Note: This fee includes all necessary cable, specialty tools (personal hand tools excluded) and all tape varieties required for a hand taped splice.

Please note that these prices are subject to change without notice.