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How to Register to Take an ICC Contractor Exam

Most contractor licensing exams based on the International Building Code are administered through Pearson VUE. If you are pursuing a contractor license, registering for the correct ICC contractor exam is one of the most important steps in the process.

Common ICC-based contractor exams include General Building, Building Contractor, Residential Contractor, Roofing Contractor, and Framing Contractor exams. Each exam is tied to a specific scope of work, and requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.

Step 1: Confirm Which ICC Contractor Exam You Need

Before you register for an exam, you must confirm which exam your licensing authority requires. This is critical, because ICC contractor exams are not interchangeable.

For example:

  • A contractor performing commercial work may be required to take a General Building Contractor (Class A) exam.

  • A contractor focused on residential construction may need the Residential Building Contractor (Class C) exam.

  • Specialty contractors, such as roofing or framing contractors, typically have separate exam requirements.

Each exam:

  • Uses different reference books

  • Covers different terminology

  • Tests different scopes of work

You should always register for the exam that best matches your actual experience and license type. Your local licensing or code authority can confirm the correct exam designation and exam ID before you register.

Step 2: Understand Local vs National Exam Versions

Some jurisdictions use local ICC exam IDs, while testing centers may also display national equivalent exams during registration.

For example:

  • A local licensing authority may require a specific exam ID (such as a county-designated version).

  • Pearson VUE may list a national equivalent exam with a similar scope and title.

Even when exam content appears similar, you must register for the exact exam ID your licensing authority accepts. Taking the wrong version can result in delays or the need to retest.

When in doubt, confirm requirements directly with your licensing office or reference the exam listings provided by the International Code Council.

Step 3: Study the Required ICC Reference Books

After confirming the correct exam, you need to prepare using the official ICC reference books for that exam.

  • Some contractor exams require one primary code book

  • Others require multiple books, sometimes three or more

ICC contractor exams are open-book, but that does not mean they are easy. Successful contractors spend time learning how to:

  • Navigate the index

  • Locate key tables quickly

  • Recognize how questions are worded

Studying the correct books is essential before you schedule your exam.

Step 4: Register Through Pearson VUE

Once you are ready, register for your exam at PearsonVUE.com. During the registration process, you will need to:

  1. Select the correct ICC contractor exam

  2. Choose the state or jurisdiction

  3. Select a testing location

  4. Choose an exam date

  5. Pay the exam fee by credit card

Pearson VUE typically lists the closest testing center first based on your address. If the available dates or locations do not work for you, you can search for additional testing centers in nearby cities.

Scheduling Tip

December and May are especially busy months at Pearson VUE testing centers. Students taking school and college exams often fill available slots, which can cause longer wait times. If you plan to test during these months, schedule as early as possible.

Step 5: After You Take the Exam

After completing the exam, you will receive an immediate result indicating whether you passed or failed.

  • If you pass, you will receive a certificate confirming your exam result. Submit this certificate to your licensing authority as part of the licensing process.

  • If you fail, your score report will identify subject areas where additional study is needed.

If you do not pass, ICC policy requires a minimum 14-day waiting period before you can retake the exam.

Why This Matters

Many contractors lose time in the licensing process by:

  • Registering for the wrong exam

  • Selecting the wrong exam version

  • Underestimating open-book exam preparation

Understanding how ICC contractor exams work—and how to register correctly—can help you move through the licensing process without unnecessary delays.