Blog

ICC certifications do not automatically make you eligible for a license in your state and field. However, they are prestigious designations that showcase your knowledge and commitment to your craft. Four of the most sought-after certifications are the R16, R17, T16Y, and T17Y certifications. Here’s what it takes to obtain each certification. 

R16 Master Electrician  

The R16 Master Electrician Exam consists of 100 questions. You’ll have to achieve a score of 75% or higher to pass the five-hour open-book exam. The questions will cover electrical topics such as: 

• Plan reading 
• Service equipment 
• Branch circuit and conductors 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Equipment and devices 
• Special occupancies 

This is one of ICC’s most rigorous electrician exams, so make sure to devote plenty of time to studying.  

R17 Journeyman Electrician  

The R17 Journeyman Electrician Exam consists of 80 questions. It requires a minimum score of 70% to pass. You’ll have up to four hours to complete the open-book exam. During the exam, you’ll be asked questions about: 

• Feeders 
• Services and service equipment  
• Disconnects and controllers 
• Special occupancies 
• Special equipment emergency systems 
• Luminaries 

While the journeyman exam has fewer questions and requires a lower score to pass, it is by no means easy. Spend plenty of time preparing so you can maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt.  

T16Y Master Electrician  

The T16Y Master Electrician Exam covers the 2020 code year, whereas the R16 (and R17) exams cover the 2023 code year. Other than this difference, the exam is identical in terms of length, the number of questions, and the score requirements.  

T17Y Journeyman Electrician 

The T17Y Journeyman Electrician Exam covers the 2020 code year. It includes the same number of questions, time, and score requirements as the ICC R17.  

Preparing for Your Exam 

ICC designations are prestigious due to the rigorousness of the organization’s exams. You can be tested on any of the topics listed in the ICC’s exam outline. Consequently, you need to invest in high-quality study resources and allocate plenty of time to prepare.  

Don’t rush your exam date. Spend several weeks or more studying your material. Investing in a high-quality exam prep bundle provides you with access to digital and physical learning resources. Exposing yourself to the information in several different formats can promote better retention and exam preparedness. 

The exams are open book. You are allowed to highlight, tab, or otherwise mark your book before the exam. While you won’t know which topics are covered or at what frequency until you start the exam, pre-marking your book can help you quickly look up important information.  

Set Yourself Up for Success With RocketCert  

Ready to pursue your ICC journeyman or master electrician license? RocketCert’s exam prep bundle includes everything you need to ace your test, including books, online resources, and 24/7 support. RocketCert offers separate bundles for the R16/R17 and T16Y/T7Y exams.  

Order your exam prep bundle from RocketCert today and take advantage of our pass guarantee!