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The International Code Council (ICC) is an internationally recognized, nonprofit organization focused on creating and promoting safety codes and standards for the construction industry. For professionals working in construction trades, the ICC offers testing for a range of certifications.

While many states in the U.S. have their own tests related to skilled trades, several also accept comparable ICC certification. Some rely solely on ICC or other national certification testing for state licensure.

If you're planning to take ICC exams to qualify for a license in one or more states, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure the best chance for success on your tests.

Which Exam Is Right for You?

Are you interested in becoming a building, plumbing, or electrical inspector? Perhaps you want to focus on plan review. Maybe you're interested in residential or commercial properties, or a combination license that covers several fields or building types.

You should start by finding the ICC exam that best suits your interests. However, you also need to check with any state you plan to work in and make sure its licensing boards accept ICC testing in place of a state exam for your license of choice.

You may also have to meet state requirements for age, education/experience, background checks, and more. You might be required to take additional exams, such as a state Business and Law Exam. Qualifications vary by state.

Testing Parameters and How to Pass

Your odds of successfully passing any test improve if you know what to expect. For ICC testing, this means taking the time to understand the structure of the exam. You should look for test parameters like the number of questions, the topics covered, and the time allotted to complete the test.

You also need to know the number or percentage of questions you must answer correctly to pass. Generally, you must answer a minimum of 75% of questions correctly to pass an ICC exam and obtain a certificate, but states may have their own requirements specific to licensure.

How to Study

Just because you work in a construction trade doesn't mean you have the knowledge required to pass an ICC exam. You need a study plan that prepares you for success.

The best pathway to success on ICC tests is through an approved exam prep program that not only covers the topics included on the test but also provides the resources you'll need during testing, such as textbooks allowed during open-book exams.

These programs will familiarize you with key concepts, provide tabbing guides for quick reference during testing, cover applicable calculations, and conduct practice exams to help you gain confidence for test day.

Where to Find Approved Exam Prep Programs

It's best to look for state-approved exam prep programs that offer the convenience of 24/7 online access so that you can learn at your own pace. Courses designed by professionals and educators will supply valuable information not only for testing but also for practical application once you obtain a license.

If you're ready to take the ICC exam required to obtain a trade license in your state, contact RocketCert now to learn more.