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How to Choose the Correct ICC Contractor Exam

Choosing the correct ICC contractor exam is one of the most important steps in the licensing process. Registering for the wrong exam can delay approval, require retesting, and incur additional fees.

Many jurisdictions rely on exams published by the International Code Council and administered through Pearson VUE. However, exam names, exam IDs, and national equivalents may vary by location.

Always verify your required exam directly with the jurisdiction where you intend to be licensed. Requirements can change, and assumptions are one of the most common causes of registration errors.

For a complete overview of contractor licensing and ICC exam requirements, visit our Contractor Licensing Guides page.

Step 1: Confirm Your License Classification with Your Jurisdiction

Contractor exams are tied to license classifications, not just years of experience.

Before registering for any ICC exam, you should:

  1. Contact your local licensing authority.

  2. Confirm your required license classification.

  3. Confirm the exact exam ID they accept.

  4. Confirm whether a national equivalent is approved.

Even if you have years of experience, the jurisdiction determines which exam qualifies you for licensing.

Understanding the Differences Between A, B, and C

Class A – General Building Contractor

Typically required for contractors performing commercial construction or larger projects involving multiple trades.

Johnson County example:

  • Standard General Building Contractor

  • Exam ID: 550, KGA

  • National equivalent: G11-N

For contractors in the Kansas City metro area, we often recommend the Class A license if you plan to perform broader commercial work or want maximum flexibility in the type of projects you can take on.

Class B – Building Contractor

Often described as a mid-level building classification between Class A and Class C.

Johnson County example:

  • Standard Building Contractor

  • Exam ID: 551, KGB

  • National equivalent: G12-N

In the Kansas City metro area, we rarely recommend the Class B license for most of our students. In many cases, contractors are better served by either:

  • Class A (for broader commercial scope), or

  • Class C (for strictly residential work).

The Class B license may be appropriate in certain situations, but you should confirm with your jurisdiction whether it aligns with your intended scope of work.

Class C – Residential Building Contractor

Typically required for contractors performing residential-only construction, such as single-family homes and duplexes.

Johnson County example:

  • Standard Residential Building Contractor

  • Exam ID: 552, KGC

  • National equivalent: G13-N

For contractors planning to focus strictly on residential projects, the Class C license is often the most direct and appropriate option.

Roofing and Framing Contractor Exams

DR – Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor

Johnson County example:

  • Exam ID: 553, KGP

  • National equivalent: G14-N

Required for contractors performing roofing work under a roofing-specific license.

DW – Framing Contractor

Johnson County example:

  • Exam ID: 846, KGJ

  • (Some jurisdictions may not list a national equivalent)

Required for contractors performing structural framing work under a specialty license.

Local Exam IDs vs National Versions (Important)

When registering through Pearson VUE, you may see both:

  • Local exam IDs (such as 550, 551, 552, 553, 846), and

  • National versions (G11-N, G12-N, G13-N, G14-N).

Even if the exam titles appear similar, you must register for the exact exam ID accepted by your licensing authority.

Do not assume:

  • The national version is automatically approved.

  • A similar name means the exam qualifies you for licensing.

When in doubt, contact your jurisdiction directly or confirm through the International Code Council listings before scheduling your exam.

Why Double-Checking Matters

We frequently see contractors delay their licensing process because they:

  • Registered for the wrong exam version

  • Assumed a national exam was automatically accepted

  • Selected Class B when Class A or C would have been more appropriate

A quick call or email to your jurisdiction before registering can prevent weeks of delay and unnecessary retesting.

Once you confirm your correct exam classification, review our guide on how to register for an ICC contractor exam before scheduling your test