National ICC Exam Prep Courses

They are the same license classifications built on different code editions. The F-series (F11–F14) is based on the 2015 I-Codes, while the G-series (G11–G14 and the electrical exams G16–G18) is based on the 2018 I-Codes and the 2017 NEC.

Which one you take depends on the code edition your licensing jurisdiction currently requires. Check with the appropriate board before you register.

The classifications reflect scope of work. General Building Contractor A (G11 / F11) covers the broadest commercial and multi-family work, Building Contractor B (G12 / F12) covers commercial and multi-family construction, and Residential Building Contractor C (G13 / F13) covers residential building. Roofing (G14 / F14) is a dedicated roofing classification.

Potentially. ICC National Standard exams may be recognized by multiple licensing jurisdictions, but acceptance is determined by each state, county, or municipality. Before relying on an existing exam result, confirm that the jurisdiction accepts your specific exam, classification, and code edition.

B2 and B3 are ICC certification exams, not contractor licensing exams. The Commercial Building Inspector (B2) exam tests your ability to assess structural soundness and code compliance in the field, while the Commercial Building Plans Examiner (B3) exam tests your ability to review construction documents for code compliance. Both are based on the 2021 IBC.

Each is a 3.5-hour, 80-question, open-book exam delivered through Pearson VUE test centers or ICC PRONTO online proctoring.

ICC exams are open-book, but the books alone don’t tell you where to look — and the approved reference set is a lot to search cold in a timed exam.

CTC students consistently pass at a high first-time rate. Our courses walk you through every subject area the exam covers, our books arrive pre-tabbed and pre-highlighted to the exact sections you’ll need, and our exam simulator lets you practice under real timed conditions before test day.

Exam prep isn’t required by any board, but it’s the difference between hoping you can find the answer in time and knowing exactly where to look.

No. Most boards do not require a pre-license course before taking an ICC exam.

Most applicants choose an exam prep course instead. Exam prep helps you become familiar with the approved reference books, learn how to navigate an open-book exam efficiently, and improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Registration and scheduling: ICC contractor and trade exams are registered through ICC (my.iccsafe.org) and delivered at Pearson VUE test centers. Once you’re eligible, you’ll schedule your exam directly. The B2 and B3 certification exams are delivered through Pearson VUE or ICC PRONTO online proctoring.

What you can bring: ICC exams are open-book. You may bring approved reference books with permanent tabs, highlighting, and underlining. Loose papers, handwritten notes, and removable tabs are not permitted.

That’s why our reference books come pre-tabbed and pre-highlighted. They arrive exam-ready, so you can spend your exam finding answers instead of searching for them.

Passing an ICC exam doesn’t change your continuing education obligations — those are set by the board that issues your license, and requirements vary by state and license or certification type. Check with your board for its current CE rules.

Each accepting board defines its own window for how long a passing ICC score can be applied toward a new license or certification application. Check the specific board’s rules before you apply.