ICC G13 Residential Building Contractor (C) Exam (2018 IRC) Practice Exam
Free Practice Exam
Test your knowledge with 10 questions from our pool of 20 free questions.
- 10 questions per attempt
- 30 minute time limit
- Unlimited attempts
- A new mix each time
- Instant results
Full Practice Exam
Complete exam simulation matching the real Pearson VUE test format.
- 80 questions (same as real exam)
- 240 minute time limit
- 4 topic areas covered
- 382 questions in pool
- Detailed explanations
Texts preferred · 9am–9pm Central
ICC G13 Residential Building Contractor (C) (2018 IRC) Practice Exam Guide
What's on the exam
Questions per topic, out of 80This practice exam is laid out like the official content outline for the ICC G13 Residential Building Contractor (C) (2018 IRC) exam: Permits and General Regulations, Building Planning and Life Safety, Structural Systems, Building Envelope.
Two ways to practice: the free practice exam gives you 10 questions per attempt, as often as you want. The full practice exam gives you 80 questions on a 4 hours clock, with a new draw from our question bank every time.
Permits and General Regulations 15 items
Our study plan for this topic: Regulations and Job Planning; Code Definitions and Terms; Permit application requirements and process; Work exempt from permit requirements; Building official authority and duties; Inspections (types, sequence, and approval requirements); Certificate of occupancy issuance and revocation; Permit validity, expiration, and suspension.
Building Planning and Life Safety 15 items
The outline lists: Fire & Smoke Alarms & Fire Protect Sys; Occupancy Needs & Interior Environment; Exiting & Means of Egress; Fire-Resistant Construction & Separation Requirements; Fireblocking & Draftstopping; Guards & Window Fall Protection; Building Planning.
Structural Systems 40 items
Our study plan for this topic: Footings and Foundations; Concrete; Floors; Wall Framing and Stairs; Roof Ceiling Construction Roof Assembly; Masonry; Cold-Formed Steel Wall Framing; Structural Insulated Panels and Engineered Wood Products.
Building Envelope 10 items
Our study plan for this topic: Interior Finishes; Glass and Glazing; Exterior Finishes and Roof Coverings; Water-resistive barriers and vapor retarders; Flashing requirements and locations; Exterior wall cladding attachment and fasteners; Roof underlayment types and application; Roof covering minimum slopes and deck requirements.
Sample 1 — Structural Systems
Question: What is the minimum bearing length required for the end of a floor joist resting on wood or metal?
- A. 3 inches
- B. 1 inch
- C. 2 inches
- D. 1½ inches
Correct Answer: D
Per IRC Section R502.6, the ends of each joist, beam, or girder shall have not less than 1½ inches of bearing on wood or metal. Bearing on masonry or concrete requires not less than 3 inches.
Reference: IRC 2018 Section R502.6
Sample 2 — Permits and General Regulations
Question: You are a residential contractor who has been issued a building permit. After how many days does the permit become invalid if work has not commenced?
- A. 270 days
- B. 360 days
- C. 180 days
- D. 90 days
Correct Answer: C
Per IRC Section R105.5, every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if more than 180 days pass between inspections after commencement of work. The building official may grant written extensions of time for periods not more than 180 days each.
Reference: IRC 2018 Section R105.5
Sample 3 — Building Planning and Life Safety
Question: A two-story dwelling is being framed with conventional wood wall framing. For the wind and seismic provisions of the residential code to apply, the story height shall not exceed which of the following?
- A. 13 feet 7 inches
- B. 10 feet
- C. 12 feet
- D. 11 feet 7 inches
Correct Answer: D
Per IRC R301.3, Item 1, for wood wall framing the story height shall not exceed 11 feet 7 inches (and the laterally unsupported bearing wall stud height permitted by Table R602.3(5)). The 13-foot-7-inch limit applies to masonry walls.
Reference: IRC 2018 Section R301.3
Your first attempt is an inspection, not a final grade. The results page breaks your score down by outline topic, so you can see which areas need work. Compare it with the real exam's passing score, a minimum score of 70, and keep practicing until you pass consistently.
- Answer what you know first and bookmark the rest. Our practice exams let you bookmark and come back.
- Work your bookmarks on the second pass.
- Keep your pace. The real exam works out to about 3 minutes per question.
- After each attempt, look up each missed question's reference in your book and read the section.
| Questions | 80 questions |
| Time limit | 4 hours |
| Passing score | a minimum score of 70 |
| Books in the exam room | Open book |
| Exam fee | $120 |
- Results for examinations taken electronically are available immediately after the examination is completed.
- You must wait 10 days before retaking a failed exam.
Source: National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin, PUBLISHED June 30, 2026. Check the bulletin before test day: fees and rules can change.