ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) Exam Prep Checklist
Everything for the ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) exam in one place: the bulletin's key facts, the topics and how many questions each carries, the reference books, sample questions with answers, and a prep checklist. Pearson VUE gives the exam.
ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) Exam Facts
From the official bulletin:
| Questions | 60 questions |
| Time limit | 3 hours |
| Passing score | 70% correct |
| Books in the exam room | Open book |
| Exam fee | $120 |
On exam day
- The F18 exam's questions are in four-option, multiple-choice format with one answer scored as correct.
- You may bring copyrighted, bound books to the test administration, including those specifically listed as approved references. However, training materials such as presentations, study guides, or practice questions are not permitted. All exam questions are based solely on the approved reference list, and only those references may be used as the basis for appealing exam questions.
References you may bring
- National Electrical Code (2014)
- Ugly's Electrical References (any edition)
Scheduling, changes and retakes
- Exams are scheduled through PearsonVUE at www.pearsonvue.com/ICC, where candidates can create an account, schedule an exam, locate a test center, purchase vouchers and request accommodations.
- Results for examinations taken electronically are available immediately after the examination is completed.
- You must wait 10 days before retaking a failed exam.
- After passing, contact the jurisdiction in which you wish to be licensed for any other requirements, because ICC is not a licensing agency.
Source: National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin, PUBLISHED June 30, 2026; ICC Exam Catalog, checked October 23, 2026. Check the bulletin before test day: fees and rules can change.
ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) Exam Topics
The official content outline has 7 topics:
| Topic | Questions | Share of the exam |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 7 | 12% |
| Services and Service Equipment | 13 | 22% |
| Feeders | 8 | 13% |
| Branch Circuits and Conductors | 15 | 25% |
| Wiring Methods and Materials | 8 | 13% |
| Equipment and Devices | 5 | 8% |
| Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions | 4 | 7% |
ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) Exam Prep Checklist
- Get the reference books the bulletin lists, in the editions it names.
- Learn each book's table of contents and index first.
- Highlight the sections you use most. The exam facts above list the bulletin's rules on tabs and markings, so follow them exactly.
- Start with the biggest topics: Branch Circuits and Conductors and Services and Service Equipment (47% of the exam).
- Take our timed practice exams until you pass several in a row.
- After each attempt, look up every question you missed in your book.
- Practice at the real exam's pace: about 3 minutes per question.
ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) Exam Reference Books
The references listed for the F18 open-book exam are the 2014 National Electrical Code and Ugly's Electrical References (any edition).
Where to get them:
Test Day Checklist
- First pass: answer every question you know. Bookmark the rest. Every exam lets you return to bookmarked questions (some lock them once you take a break).
- Second pass: work through your bookmarks.
- Pace: 3 hours for 60 questions, which is about 3 minutes per question.
- Last step: answer anything still blank. A blank can't earn a point.
Study Tips
Our practice exam is specifically designed to mimic the testing conditions at all exam centers. While untimed PDF study guides might help with studying, they don’t prepare you for the challenge of managing your time during an actual test.
Don't choose a word simply because it looks familiar. On difficult questions, you may not recognize several words in the answer choices—but that doesn't mean they're invented. Test writers only use real words. If you recognize the words in only one answer choice, focus on that choice and evaluate it carefully. If it's correct, great. If not, eliminate it. Every answer choice you eliminate improves your odds, even if you end up guessing among the remaining options.
On technical questions, don't get bogged down in unfamiliar terminology. If you don't recognize a term, you're unlikely to figure it out on the spot—acknowledge it quickly and move on. Use the surrounding context, answer choices, and familiar terms to guide your reasoning, but don't linger on any single difficult question.
You're given plenty of time, so use as much of it as you need. Don't get rattled when other people finish early — finishing first isn't a prize. Work at your own steady pace and review your answers before you submit.
Read the explanation for every question — right or wrong. Understanding the underlying rule lets you answer reworded questions you've never seen, instead of memorizing specific answers.
ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) Sample Questions
From our practice question bank, with answers and references:
Sample 1 — Wiring Methods and Materials
Question: Trade size 2 FMC is used to connect equipment that must be moved after installation, so flexibility is necessary at the termination. What is the maximum length permitted from the last point where the raceway is securely fastened?
- A. 6 ft
- B. 4 ft
- C. 3 ft
- D. 5 ft
Correct Answer: B
NEC 2014, Section 348.30(A), Exception No. 2 permits 900 mm (3 ft) for trade sizes 1/2 through 1-1/4, 1200 mm (4 ft) for trade sizes 1-1/2 through 2, and 1500 mm (5 ft) for trade size 2-1/2 and larger where flexibility is necessary after installation.
Reference: NEC 2014 Section 348.30(A), Exception No. 2
Sample 2 — General Knowledge
Question: A homeowner asks you to add surge protection at the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device, with a permanently connected unit located at the branch panel. Which surge-protective device designation applies to that installation?
- A. Type 3
- B. Type 1
- C. Type 2
- D. Type 4
Correct Answer: C
NEC 2014, Article 100, definition of Surge-Protective Device (SPD): Type 2 SPDs are permanently connected devices intended for installation on the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device, including SPDs located at the branch panel. Type 1 is line side of the service disconnect, Type 3 is point of utilization, and Type 4 is component SPDs.
Reference: NEC 2014 Article 100 (Definition: Surge-Protective Device)
Sample 3 — Equipment and Devices
Question: A built-in dishwasher is being cord-and-plug connected with a flexible cord identified as suitable in the manufacturer's installation instructions. What cord length is required, measured from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the rear of the appliance?
- A. 2 ft to 6 ft
- B. 4 ft to 6 ft
- C. 3 ft to 4 ft
- D. 18 in. to 36 in.
Correct Answer: C
NEC 422.16(B)(2) requires the cord for a built-in dishwasher or trash compactor to be 0.9 m to 1.2 m (3 ft to 4 ft) measured from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the rear of the appliance. The 450 mm to 900 mm (18 in. to 36 in.) length applies to in-sink waste disposers and range hoods.
Reference: NEC 2014 Section 422.16(B)(2)
Sample 4 — Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
Question: Equipotential bonding of the parts around a permanently installed pool is accomplished with solid copper conductors. What is the minimum size of solid copper conductor permitted for this bonding?
- A. 12 AWG
- B. 8 AWG
- C. 10 AWG
- D. 6 AWG
Correct Answer: B
Per NEC 2014, 680.26(B), the parts specified in 680.26(B)(1) through (B)(7) shall be bonded together using solid copper conductors, insulated, covered, or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG (or with rigid metal conduit of brass or other identified corrosion-resistant metal).
Reference: NEC 2014 Section 680.26(B)
Online Practice vs. a PDF
- Timed: you practice finding answers under time pressure, not just reading them.
- Bookmarks: flag questions and come back, the way you will on test day.
- New sets: each attempt draws new questions from our bank.
- Scored by topic: your results show which outline topics need more study.
Next Step
- Take the free ICC F18 Residential Electrician (2014 NEC) practice exam.
- Study the topics where you scored lowest.
- Read the exam bulletin for the official rules, and see the licensing board's website.