ICC Residential Electrician Exam Day (G18): What to Expect at Pearson VUE

ICC Residential Electrician Exam Day (G18): What to Expect

ICC gives G18 on computer at Pearson VUE test centers: 60 questions in 3 hours, open book on the 2017 NEC. Source: ICC's National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin (published June 30, 2026).

Booking

• Confirm with your jurisdiction that it accepts G18 (the 2017 series), not R18.
• Book through Pearson VUE's ICC program, up to one calendar day ahead if seats are available. The fee is $120.
• If your jurisdiction pre-authorizes candidates, register with the ICC ID number from its Eligibility To Test Notice.

In the room

The references are the 2017 NEC and Ugly's Electrical Reference (any edition). Bring them bound; tab and highlight before exam day. Check Pearson VUE's rules for ID and personal items when you book.

Pacing

You have about 3.0 minutes per question. ICC's bulletin is blunt about it: there is not time to look up every answer. Answer what you know, mark the long lookups and calculations, and come back to them. There is no guessing penalty, so answer every question.

Results and retakes

Results appear immediately after a computer-based exam. If you fail, you wait 10 days before you can retake it.

Practice first

Our ICC G18 practice test cites the 2017 NEC section for every answer. For the outline, see what is on the G18 exam.