The electric field intensity (EFI) is important characteristic quantity for evaluating the internal insulation state of cable joints. Based on finite element method, this paper proposes two EFI research methods, field-circuit coupling method and equivalent circuit method. The average EFI of the inner surface of the outer semi-conducting shield can be calculated from the current in the measuring circuit. The relative error between these two methods is about 15%, which roughly proves the consistency of the two methods. Further practical application research enables online monitoring of cable joints.