ICC Master Electrician Exam Day (T16 and Philadelphia 211): What to Expect at Pearson VUE

ICC Master Electrician Exam Day (T16 and Philadelphia 211): What to Expect

ICC gives both exams on computer at Pearson VUE test centers: 100 questions in 5 hours, open book on the 2020 NEC. Sources: ICC's National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin (published June 30, 2026) and ICC's Philadelphia Contractor/Trades bulletin (March 15, 2026).

Booking

• Philadelphia: book exam 211, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Standard Master Electrician, for $115. The code edition is set by the date you take the exam, and it has been the 2020 NEC since March 15, 2026.
• Pittsburgh: register with ICC as a non-authorized candidate for T16, then schedule and pay through Pearson VUE ($120). PLI also accepts G16 and F16, but tells applicants to take the version for Pennsylvania's current code year, which is T16.
• Book up to one calendar day ahead, if seats are available.

In the room

The references are the 2020 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. 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

You need 75%. Results appear immediately after a computer-based exam. If you fail, you wait 10 days before you can retake it.

After you pass

• Philadelphia: apply to L&I for the Electrical Contractor License with your result, proof of four years' experience, the 8-hour NEC course, insurance and tax registrations. Your exam must reference the current Philadelphia code, or you must apply within 12 months of passing. See the Philadelphia page.
• Pittsburgh: apply to PLI with photo ID, proof of passing and documentation of six years of combined experience and education. See the Pittsburgh page.

Practice first

Our ICC T16 practice test cites the 2020 NEC section for every answer. For the outline, see what is on the T16 exam.