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Residential, commercial, and industrial properties all require electricity to function. Electricians install related systems and equipment and also inspect, maintain, repair, and replace components for homeowners or businesses. 

Before you can legally operate as an electrician, you must obtain proper licensure in your state of residence. This often entails completing education and experience requirements and passing a state exam. However, the International Code Council, which is responsible for developing codes and standards for the building industry, offers exams for various industry professionals that are designed to meet national standards. 

In some cases, passing an ICC test could stand in for state-level testing (although you’ll still have to meet other requirements), allowing you to obtain a state license. More often, this test will take the place of testing at the local or municipal level.  

Which ICC exams are available to those seeking G-series electrical licenses, and how can you prepare for success? 

ICC G-Series Trade Exams for Electricians

The G-series electrical exams are based on the 2017 version of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, also known as the National Electrical Code (NEC). They include the following categories: 

• G16 Master Electrician 
• G17 Journeyman Electrician 
• G18 Residential Electrician 
• G21 Low Voltage Electrician 

The test for each designation features topics professionals working in the field must know and understand to prove their capabilities and potentially obtain a license. These tests are all open-book. 

G16 Master Electrician Exam

The G16 Master Electrician Exam consists of 100 questions on the following topics: 

• General knowledge and plan reading 
• Services and service equipment 
• Feeders 
• Branch circuit and conductors 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Equipment and devices 
• Control devices 
• Motors and generators 
• Special occupancies, equipment, and conditions 

You will have five hours to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 75 questions correctly to pass. 

G17 Journeyman Electrician Exam

The G17 Journeyman Electrician Exam features 80 questions on topics like: 

• General knowledge 
• Services and service equipment 
• Feeders 
• Branch circuit and conductors 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Equipment and devices 
• Control devices 
• Motors and generators 
• Special occupancies, equipment, and conditions 

You will have four hours to complete this test, and you must answer a minimum of 56 questions correctly to pass. 

G18 Residential Electrician Exam

The G18 Residential Electrician Exam includes 60 questions covering topics like: 

• General knowledge 
• Services and service equipment 
• Feeders 
• Branch circuit and conductors 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Equipment and devices 
• Special occupancies, equipment, and conditions 

You will have three hours to complete this exam, and you must answer at least 42 questions correctly to pass. 

G21 Low Voltage Electrician Exam

The G21 Low Voltage Electrician Exam consists of 50 questions covering topics like: 

• General knowledge 
• LV remote control and alarm systems 
• LV communications and sound 
• LV control circuits 
• Fiber optical 

You will have three hours to complete the test, and you must answer a minimum of 35 questions correctly to pass. 

Preparing to Pass Your G-Series Exam

The best way to pass your ICC exam on the first try is with an online exam prep program that is designed for working professionals and offers convenient, self-paced learning with 24/7 access to course materials. 

Are you interested in passing a national G-series electrical exam to obtain a license? Contact RocketCert today to learn more.