ICC does not use one universal contractor exam. It offers multiple National Contractor/Trades examinations, and several trades have different exam codes based on the code-book edition used.
The current ICC National Contractor/Trades bulletin was published June 30, 2026 and supersedes previous editions.
Looking for where these exams are accepted? See ICC National Standard Contractor Exams by State (2026) for verified cities, counties and states that use ICC National Standard exams for licensing.
Confirm before you register: Question counts, time limits, approved references and fees can change. Always verify details in the current ICC Exam Catalog and with your licensing jurisdiction.
Exam-code editions
| Prefix | Primary code cycle |
|---|---|
| F | 2015 International Codes and 2014 NEC |
| G | 2018 International Codes and 2017 NEC |
| T | 2020 NEC with 2018 International Codes |
| R | 2023 NEC with 2021 International Codes |
The T and R series currently apply to the Master, Journeyman and Residential Electrician exams.
Building, Residential and Roofing Exams
| Exam code | Examination | Questions | Time allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| F11 / G11 | General Building Contractor A | 90 | 4 hours |
| F12 / G12 | General Building Contractor B | 80 | 4 hours |
| F13 / G13 | Residential Building Contractor C | 80 | 4 hours |
| F14 / G14 | Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor | 60 | 3 hours |
| F15 | Shingle Roofing—2015 code version | 40 | 2 hours |
| G15 | Shingle Roofing—2018 code version | 60 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| F46 | Framing Contractor | 50 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
The General Building A examination has the broadest scope, covering administration, life safety, structural systems and the building envelope. The General Building B and Residential C examinations cover progressively narrower construction scopes. Roofing and framing exams concentrate on their individual trades.
Important change: ICC’s June 30, 2026 bulletin specifically notes that the G14 Roofing Contractor time limit was updated. The current listed limit is 3 hours.
Electrical Exams
| Exam code | Examination | Questions | Time allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| F16 / G16 / T16 / R16 | Master Electrician | 100 | 5 hours |
| F17 / G17 / T17 / R17 | Journeyman Electrician | 80 | 4 hours |
| F18 / G18 / T18 / R18 | Residential Electrician | 60 | 3 hours |
| F19 | Maintenance Electrician | 60 | 3 hours |
| G21 | Low-Voltage Electrician | 50 | 3 hours |
| F49 | Electrical Contractor | 80 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
The Master, Journeyman and Residential exams retain the same question counts and time limits across the available NEC editions. The primary difference is the NEC edition used as the examination reference.
The G21 Low-Voltage Electrician examination covers general electrical knowledge, remote-control and alarm systems, communications and sound systems, control circuits and fiber optics.
Plumbing Exams
| Exam code | Examination | Questions | Time allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| F24 / G24 | Master Plumber | 100 | 4 hours |
| F25 | Journeyman Plumber—2015 code version | 70 | 3 hours |
| G25 | Journeyman Plumber—2018 code version | 70 | 4 hours |
| F27 | Master Plumber with Gas—2015 version | 80 | 4 hours |
| G27 | Master Plumber with Gas—2018 version | 100 | 4 hours |
| F28 / G28 | Journeyman Plumber with Gas | 70 | 3 hours |
These exams cover areas such as general plumbing regulations, fixtures, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, traps, storm drainage and, for the gas versions, fuel-gas piping and appliance requirements.
Two differences are especially important:
- The G25 Journeyman Plumber exam allows 4 hours, compared with 3 hours for F25.
- The G27 Master Plumber with Gas exam contains 100 questions, compared with 80 questions for F27.
Mechanical, Gas and Fire-Suppression Exams
| Exam code | Examination | Questions | Time allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| F29 / G29 | Master Mechanical | 100 | 4 hours |
| F31 / G31 | Journeyman Mechanical | 50 | 3 hours |
| F32 | Residential Mechanical—Class C | 70 | 3 hours |
| F33 / G33 | Master Gas Pipe Fitter | 75 | 3 hours |
| F34 / G34 | Journeyman Gas Pipe Fitter | 55 | 2 hours |
| F35 / G35 | Class DF Fire Suppression Installation Contractor | 60 | 2 hours |
Mechanical exams address equipment installation, ventilation, duct systems, combustion air, chimneys, vents and fuel-supply systems. Gas pipe fitter exams focus more narrowly on fuel-gas installation, appliances, pipe sizing, combustion air and venting.
Rules Common to These Exams
The current bulletin lists these National Contractor/Trades examinations as:
- Open book
- Four-option, multiple-choice questions
- Administered through Pearson VUE
- Currently listed at $120 per examination
- No penalty for guessing
- Results available immediately after electronically completing the exam
- A 10-day waiting period after failing before retesting
ICC states that Contractor/Trades passing requirements are generally 70% or 75% correct, depending on the exam title or licensing jurisdiction. Candidates should verify the exact passing requirement with the jurisdiction requiring the exam. (ICC)
Although the examinations are open book, ICC warns that candidates will not have enough time to look up every answer. Familiarity with the approved books, indexes, tables and code organization is therefore critical. Approved references and content percentages vary by exam and should be confirmed through the ICC Exam Catalog before registration.
Ready to practice?
Once you confirm your exam ID and approved references, use timed practice exams to build speed with code-book navigation and realistic question wording.
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