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A stable career with opportunities for advancement is something everyone can appreciate. With skilled trades, you can skip the time and expense of a college degree in favor of a profession where you learn on the job, earning a paycheck and developing skills at the same time. 

Whether you’re interested in becoming a contractor, electrician, plumber, or other skilled tradesperson, you’ll have to obtain a license to legally operate in your state. However, there may be more than one way to go about it. 

Each state has requirements for trade licenses. You may have to meet standards for education, experience, and/or insurance coverage, depending on the state and the license you want to obtain. For most licenses, you must also pass at least a state trade exam, and perhaps additional tests like a Business & Law Exam. 

However, there are also national and international organizations that offer trade exams and certifications. These may be substituted for state trade exams in participating states. One such organization is the International Code Council (ICC). What is the ICC, and what are the benefits of ICC certification? 

What Is the ICC? 

The ICC is an organization that serves as a resource for building standards and safety solutions. In its capacity as a global industry leader, the ICC offers services like evaluation, accreditation, training, and certification, among others. 

The organization has been consolidated for over three decades and is active in over 100 countries, making it the largest international association of building safety professionals. Credentials from the ICC are widely recognized in the building industry. 

Certifications and Reciprocity 

Trade professionals seeking credentials will find that ICC testing sets the bar for standards when it comes to trade knowledge and proficiency. Several states recognize the value of ICC exams and certifications for contracting and trades, including: 

• Colorado 
• Kansas 
• Kentucky 
• Louisiana 
• Minnesota 
• Missouri 
• Ohio 
• Pennsylvania 
• South Dakota 
• Texas 
• Wyoming 

In addition, the ICC offers exams for state, national, and international certifications, as well as trade inspector and plan reviewer exams. If you’re interested in obtaining a license to practice a skilled trade, you may find that your state accepts ICC exams or certifications as a substitute for some state trade exams. 

Why is this important? Suppose that you live and work in Cincinnati, OH, but you want to extend your services to nearby Newport and Covington, KY. Maybe your company is in Kansas City, MO, but you also serve the Overland Park, KS, community. 

If your ICC trade exam is accepted in both states, you could save time and money studying for and passing one test instead of two. You’ll still have to meet other state requirements to obtain a license, but passing ICC exams could help you reach your professional goals more quickly. 

The Best Way to Prepare for ICC Exams 

Passing ICC exams is easier with the right exam prep program for working professionals. Online access to course materials allows for self-paced learning that works with your busy schedule. 

Contact RocketCert now to learn more about ICC contractor and trade exam prep courses.