Code Book Tabbing Worksheet for Contractor License Exams
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How to use this worksheet
- Buy your code books in advance. Most boards require printed books, not digital. Check your jurisdiction's reference list before ordering.
- Tab in two passes. First pass: tabs for chapters and major sections (broad). Second pass: micro-tabs for high-frequency topics (deep). Use a different color for each.
- Match to the practice exam. Run a timed practice exam, and every time you flip pages slowly, add a tab on that page.
- Print landscape. The worksheet is designed for one landscape sheet per code book.
IBC / IRC — General & Residential Building Codes
| Tab Color | Section / Chapter | Why It Matters on the Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Chapter 3 — Use & Occupancy Classification | Almost every building-design question starts here. |
| Red | Chapter 5 — General Building Heights & Areas | Type-of-construction questions reference Table 504/506. |
| Red | Chapter 6 — Types of Construction | Fire-resistance ratings; pairs with Chapter 7. |
| Orange | Chapter 10 — Means of Egress | High-volume topic. Tab 1004, 1005, 1006, 1017. |
| Orange | Chapter 16 — Structural Design | Load combination questions reference 1605. |
| Yellow | IRC Chapter 3 — Building Planning | Frost lines, stair geometry, guard heights. |
| Yellow | IRC Chapter 6 — Wall Construction | Bracing tables, fastener schedule. |
NEC (NFPA 70) — Electrical
| Tab Color | Section / Article | Why It Matters on the Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Art. 110 — Requirements for Electrical Installations | Working space, identification, and approval basics. |
| Red | Art. 210 / 220 — Branch Circuits / Load Calcs | Calculation-heavy. Tab Tables 220.12 and 220.42. |
| Red | Art. 240 — Overcurrent Protection | Standard fuse/breaker sizes, taps, location. |
| Orange | Art. 250 — Grounding & Bonding | Frequently mis-answered. Tab 250.66 and 250.122. |
| Orange | Art. 310 — Conductors for General Wiring | Ampacity Tables 310.16 / 310.17. |
| Yellow | Art. 314 / 312 — Boxes & Cabinets | Box fill, conduit body sizing. |
| Yellow | Chapter 9 — Tables / Annex C | Conduit fill is open-book gold. |
IPC / UPC — Plumbing
| Tab Color | Section / Chapter | Why It Matters on the Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Chapter 4 — Fixtures, Faucets & Fittings | Minimum facilities Table 403.1. |
| Red | Chapter 6 — Water Supply & Distribution | Pipe sizing tables; pressure reducers. |
| Orange | Chapter 7 — Sanitary Drainage | DFU sizing, slope, change of direction. |
| Orange | Chapter 9 — Vents | Vent sizing tables; common venting. |
| Yellow | Chapter 10 — Traps & Interceptors | Grease, oil, sand interceptor sizing. |
| Yellow | Chapter 13 — Backflow / Cross-Connection | Backflow preventer assembly types. |
IMC — Mechanical / HVAC
| Tab Color | Section / Chapter | Why It Matters on the Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Chapter 4 — Ventilation | Outdoor air rates Table 403.3.1.1. |
| Red | Chapter 5 — Exhaust Systems | Commercial kitchen, dryer venting. |
| Orange | Chapter 6 — Duct Systems | Duct construction, supports, sealing. |
| Orange | Chapter 7 — Combustion Air | Direct, indoor, outdoor air methods. |
| Yellow | Chapter 9 — Specific Appliances | Boilers, water heaters, chimneys. |
| Yellow | Chapter 11 — Refrigeration | Refrigerant safety classification. |
Business & Law — Most-Cited Topics
| Tab Color | Topic | Why It Matters on the Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Mechanic's Lien Process | Notice-of-intent windows, perfection. |
| Red | Contract Types & Damages | Liquidated vs. consequential damages. |
| Orange | OSHA & Job-Site Safety | Fall protection, scaffolding, excavation. |
| Orange | Payroll, Bookkeeping, Tax | 1099 vs. W-2, employer withholding. |
| Yellow | Bid & Estimating Math | Markup vs. margin, overhead allocation. |
| Yellow | Business Entity Selection | LLC, S-corp, sole prop liability. |
Legend (suggested): Red = highest-frequency / always tab. Orange = medium-frequency / tab if you have time. Yellow = low-frequency / tab only if time allows. Use blank rows to add state amendments.
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