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Contractor Licensing Guides

Contractor Licensing Guides

If you are a contractor working toward your license, passing the required ICC contractor exam is a critical step in the process. These guides are designed to explain the exam process in plain language so you know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay licensing.

Licensing requirements vary by state and city, but many jurisdictions rely on exams published by the International Code Council and administered through Pearson VUE. Understanding how these exams work before you register can save you time, money, and unnecessary retesting.

Below you’ll find step-by-step guidance organized by topic. New articles are added regularly.

Johnson County and National ICC Exam Equivalents

Many contractors in Johnson County, Kansas register using a local exam ID (the “KG” versions). Some testing sites also display the national equivalent exams (the “G” versions). These exams cover similar scopes, but the exact version you must take depends on what your licensing authority accepts.

Always confirm your required exam ID with your local code authority before registering.

Common Johnson County contractor exams we cover:

License Type Exam Name (Johnson County) Johnson County Exam ID National Equivalent
A Standard General Building Contractor 550, KGA G11
B Standard Building Contractor 551, KGB G12
C Standard Residential Building Contractor 552, KGC G13
DR Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor 553, KGP G14
DW Framing Contractor 846, KGJ N/A

Why this matters:
When you register through Pearson VUE, you may see multiple versions of what sounds like the same exam. The safest approach is to register using the exact exam ID your licensing office requires.

ICC Exam Basics

These articles explain how ICC contractor exams are structured, what they cover, and how different exams apply to different types of work. If you are unsure which exam you need or how ICC exams differ from one another, start here.

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Registering & Scheduling Your Exam

Registering for the wrong exam or choosing a poor testing date can cause unnecessary delays. These guides walk through the registration process and explain how to avoid scheduling problems.

How to Register to Take an ICC Contractor Exam

Studying & Preparing for ICC Exams

ICC contractor exams are open-book, but that does not mean they are easy. These articles focus on how to prepare efficiently, organize your reference books, and study in a way that matches how questions are written.

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Test-Day Strategy & Retakes

Knowing how to manage your time during the exam and how retakes work can make a major difference in your outcome. These guides focus on exam-day strategy and what to do if you don’t pass on the first attempt.

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Reference Books & Code Navigation

Success on ICC exams depends heavily on knowing how to navigate the reference books. These articles break down the most common code books and explain how to find information quickly.

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Why These Guides Matter

Contractors often lose time in the licensing process due to simple misunderstandings—taking the wrong exam, studying the wrong books, or not knowing how the open-book format works. These guides are written to help you prepare correctly the first time so you can move forward with your license without unnecessary delays.