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If you want to practice a skilled trade, such as building contractor work, you will most likely have to obtain a license from your state of residence/operation. Requirements to obtain a license may include education/experience in your field and other legal and financial criteria, such as insurance. You may also have to pass a state-administered trade exam and possibly additional exams.

However, there are also national organizations that set standards for knowledge and skills related to trade professions. The International Code Council (ICC) is one such organization, and when you obtain an ICC certification, there are several potential benefits.

For one thing, some states accept ICC exams in lieu of state trade exams (although you’ll still have to meet other state requirements for licensure). In addition, these tests are recognized nationally, which could be helpful if you operate in more than one state or plan to move to another state at some point.

If you’re interested in obtaining a general building contractor license, you’ll be pleased to learn that the ICC exams related to this field are open book, giving you the best opportunity to succeed. 

Which exams are available through the ICC?

National Standard General Building Contractor Exam (A) — F11

The F11 exam will test your knowledge and skill concerning commercial property and multi-family dwelling construction. This test features 90 questions covering topics like:

• Administration general regulations
• Building planning and life safety
• Structural systems
• Building envelope

You’ll have four hours to complete this exam, and you must answer a minimum of 70 questions correctly to pass.

National Standard Building Contractor Exam (B) — F12

This exam is designed to test your knowledge of construction involving single- and multi-family dwellings as well as commercial properties. This test consists of 80 questions on topics like:

• Permits and general regulations
• Building planning and life safety
• Structural systems
• Building envelope

You will be given four hours to complete the test, and you must answer at least 70% (56 questions) correctly to receive a passing score.

General Building Contractor Exam (A) — G11

Like the F11 exam, the G11 focuses on commercial properties and multi-family dwellings. The difference lies in the version of the International Building Code used for reference. (G11 and G12 tests are based on the 2018 codes, while F11 and F12 use the 2015 codes.) This test has 90 questions and covers the following topics:

• Permits and general regulations
• Building planning and life safety
• Structural systems
• Building envelope

You will have four hours to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass.

General Building Contractor Exam (B) — G12

This exam, like the F12 exam, is related to knowledge of single-family, multi-family, and commercial properties. The test has 80 questions covering topics like:

• Permits and general regulations
• Building planning and life safety
• Structural systems
• Building envelope

You will have four hours to complete the exam, and a passing score requires that you answer a minimum of 70% (56 questions) correctly.

If the next step in your career requires you to pass an ICC F11 or F12 National Standard Building Contractor Exam or a G11 or G12 General Building Contractor Exam, RocketCert offers the professional exam prep you need. Contact us now to get started.