ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N examination is designed for construction professionals preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of residential building codes, project planning, foundations, framing, roof construction, life safety, building-envelope requirements, finishes, and code-compliant construction practices.

The ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N exam prep collection includes online training, a books and courses rental package, professionally highlighted and tabbed books, and a standard exam book package.

This guide explains the available packages, important examination subjects, residential code-navigation strategies, and practical ways to prepare for the G13-N examination.

Available G13-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $640.00 sale price, reduced from $940.00
• ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $345.00 sale price, reduced from $545.00
• ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Exam Book Package: $199.00 sale price, reduced from $299.00

The online course is suitable for candidates who already own the correct reference. The rental package combines temporary book access with structured training. The highlighted and tabbed package supports faster code navigation, while the standard exam book package is designed for independent study.

ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Online Exam Prep

The ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Online Exam Prep course provides flexible, self-paced preparation for candidates who want an organized way to study.

The course is listed at a sale price of $295.00, reduced from the regular price of $395.00.

Online preparation may help candidates:

• Review residential construction subjects in a logical order
• Improve International Residential Code navigation
• Practice exam-style questions
• Review structural and building-envelope topics
• Identify weak areas before testing
• Study around work and project schedules

The course is most effective when candidates use the correct exam reference while completing lessons and practice questions.

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines temporary access to the assigned reference book with structured online exam preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $640.00, reduced from the regular price of $940.00.

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Need the exam book and online course together
• Do not currently own the approved reference
• Want an organized residential contractor study plan
• Need help navigating the residential code
• Prefer combining lessons, practice questions, and book study

Candidates should review the current product listing for the rental period, course-access period, shipping details, deposit requirements, and return instructions.

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides a professionally organized residential code reference.

The package is listed at a sale price of $345.00, reduced from the regular price of $545.00.

The prepared book may help candidates locate:

• Building planning requirements
• Means of egress provisions
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements
• Footings and foundations
• Floor and wall framing
• Stairs and guards
• Roof-ceiling construction
• Exterior wall coverings
• Roof assemblies
• Energy-efficiency provisions

Highlighted and tabbed books can improve navigation, but candidates must still understand how to interpret and apply the requirements they locate.

Exam Book Package

The ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Exam Book Package provides the primary printed reference used for independent exam preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $199.00, reduced from the regular price of $299.00.

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Prefer independent book-based study
• Want to own the exam reference
• Already understand many residential construction subjects
• Want to create a personalized highlighting and tab system
• Need the code book for continued professional use

What Is the ICC G13-N Examination?

The G13-N examination is the ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of their residential contractor licensing, registration, or qualification process.

The examination includes 80 multiple-choice questions with a four-hour time limit. The passing requirement is 70 percent.

The examination is open book, subject to current ICC rules for approved references, tabs, highlighting, notes, and book condition.

Passing the examination does not automatically issue a contractor license. Candidates must also satisfy the experience, application, insurance, financial, and registration requirements established by the applicable licensing authority.

G13-N Exam Reference

The current exam book package identifies the following primary reference:

• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 Edition

The 2018 International Residential Code covers residential construction requirements for detached one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying townhouses.

Important subjects include building planning, life safety, foundations, floors, walls, stairs, roof-ceiling construction, roof assemblies, exterior coverings, interior finishes, glazing, masonry, and energy efficiency.

Candidates should confirm the approved code edition before registering because exam references can change.

Confirm Local Contractor Requirements

Before purchasing materials or scheduling the examination, candidates should verify:

• Whether the licensing authority accepts G13-N
• The required International Residential Code edition
• The current approved reference list
• The examination format and testing method
• The required passing score
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and handwritten notes
• Required construction experience
• Application and examination fees
• Insurance and bonding requirements
• Business-registration requirements
• License renewal requirements

What Does a Residential Building Contractor Do?

A residential building contractor coordinates and performs construction involving homes, qualifying townhouses, additions, alterations, and related residential structures within the scope permitted by the applicable license.

Common responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing residential plans and specifications
• Estimating materials and labor
• Scheduling construction activities
• Obtaining permits and arranging inspections
• Coordinating subcontractors
• Constructing foundations and structural systems
• Supervising floor, wall, and roof framing
• Managing weather-resistant construction
• Installing or coordinating interior and exterior finishes
• Correcting code deficiencies
• Maintaining project and inspection records
• Following jobsite safety requirements

Common G13-N Study Areas

• General regulations and permits
• Code definitions
• Building planning
• Fire and life safety
• Means of egress
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Footings and foundations
• Concrete and masonry
• Floor construction
• Wall framing
• Stairs, guards, and handrails
• Roof-ceiling construction
• Roof assemblies and coverings
• Exterior wall coverings
• Interior finishes
• Glass and glazing
• Energy efficiency

General Regulations and Code Administration

Residential contractors should understand how the code is administered and how construction work moves through the permitting and inspection process.

Study subjects may include:

• Permit requirements
• Construction documents
• Required inspections
• Approved materials and methods
• Alternative materials
• Unsafe conditions
• Temporary occupancy
• Final approval
• Code official authority
• Contractor responsibilities

Building Planning and Life Safety

Building-planning provisions establish basic requirements for safe residential design and construction.

Important subjects may include:

• Design criteria
• Building location
• Fire separation distances
• Room dimensions
• Ceiling heights
• Emergency escape and rescue openings
• Means of egress
• Stairs and landings
• Guards and handrails
• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Garage separation
• Safety glazing

Footings and Foundations

Foundation questions may involve soil conditions, footing dimensions, reinforcement, drainage, concrete, masonry, anchorage, and protection from moisture or frost.

Study subjects may include:

• Soil-bearing capacity
• Footing width and thickness
• Frost protection
• Concrete strength
• Foundation wall dimensions
• Masonry foundation walls
• Reinforcement
• Anchor bolts
• Foundation drainage
• Dampproofing and waterproofing
• Crawl-space construction
• Retaining walls

Floor Construction

Floor construction transfers building loads to supporting walls, beams, girders, posts, and foundations.

Candidates should review:

• Floor joist spans
• Joist bearing
• Notching and boring
• Built-up beams and girders
• Posts and columns
• Ledger connections
• Floor sheathing
• Fastening schedules
• Bridging and blocking
• Protection from decay and termites
• Deck construction

Candidates should practice reading span tables and identifying the correct species, grade, spacing, and loading conditions.

Wall Framing

Wall-framing requirements address structural support, openings, connections, bracing, and load transfer.

Important study subjects include:

• Stud size and spacing
• Bearing and nonbearing walls
• Headers over openings
• Top and bottom plates
• Wall bracing
• Sheathing
• Fastening schedules
• Notching and boring
• Fireblocking
• Draftstopping
• Connections to floors and roofs
• Wood protection

Wall Bracing

Wall bracing helps residential buildings resist wind and other lateral forces.

Preparation may include:

• Braced wall lines
• Braced wall panels
• Approved bracing methods
• Panel length requirements
• Panel spacing
• Connections and fastening
• Portal-frame methods
• Garage door openings
• Continuous sheathing
• Mixing bracing methods

Wall-bracing questions often require careful use of tables, figures, and project dimensions.

Roof-Ceiling Construction

Roof-ceiling construction includes rafters, ceiling joists, ridge boards, beams, trusses, sheathing, connections, and load transfer.

Study subjects may include:

• Rafter spans
• Ceiling joist spans
• Ridge boards and ridge beams
• Rafter ties and collar ties
• Roof trusses
• Roof sheathing
• Notching and boring
• Connections and fastening
• Roof drainage
• Attic access
• Attic ventilation
• Ice-barrier requirements

Stairs, Guards, and Handrails

Residential stairs must provide safe and consistent movement between levels.

Important preparation subjects include:

• Stair width
• Riser height
• Tread depth
• Headroom
• Landings
• Handrail height
• Handrail continuity
• Guard height
• Opening limitations
• Spiral stairs
• Winder treads
• Exterior stairs

Candidates should pay close attention to maximum, minimum, and uniformity requirements.

Roof Assemblies and Coverings

Roof assemblies protect the structure from weather while transferring loads to the supporting framing.

Study subjects may include:

• Roof slope
• Roof decking
• Underlayment
• Asphalt shingles
• Metal roof coverings
• Flashing
• Drip edge
• Ice barriers
• Roof ventilation
• Reroofing
• Material classification
• Fastener requirements

Exterior Wall Coverings

Exterior wall coverings protect residential structures from wind, rain, moisture, and physical damage.

Candidates should review:

• Water-resistive barriers
• Flashing
• Exterior siding
• Brick veneer
• Stone veneer
• Stucco
• Fiber-cement siding
• Wood siding
• Vinyl siding
• Clearance from grade
• Fasteners
• Weather-resistant details around openings

Masonry Construction

Residential masonry may be used for foundations, walls, chimneys, fireplaces, veneers, and structural components.

Study subjects may include:

• Masonry units
• Mortar
• Grout
• Reinforcement
• Wall thickness
• Anchorage
• Lintels
• Veneer ties
• Flashing and weep holes
• Chimneys and fireplaces
• Clearances to combustible materials

Glass and Glazing

Glazing requirements help reduce injury risks and ensure windows and glass assemblies are suitable for their locations.

Important subjects may include:

• Safety glazing locations
• Glazing near doors
• Glazing near floors
• Glazing around tubs and showers
• Glazing near stairs and landings
• Window fall protection
• Emergency escape openings
• Skylights
• Structural performance

Interior Finishes

Interior finish requirements address material performance, installation, moisture exposure, and fire safety.

Study subjects may include:

• Gypsum board
• Fastener spacing
• Water-resistant materials
• Shower and tub areas
• Foam plastic
• Interior wall and ceiling finishes
• Fire-resistant assemblies
• Garage separation
• Attic and crawl-space finishes

Energy Efficiency

Residential energy provisions address the building thermal envelope and systems that affect energy use.

Study areas may include:

• Climate zones
• Insulation requirements
• Window and door performance
• Air sealing
• Vapor retarders
• Duct sealing
• Mechanical-system controls
• Lighting requirements
• Blower-door testing
• Certificate requirements

Candidates should confirm whether energy-efficiency questions are included in the current examination outline.

Residential Construction Calculations

G13-N preparation may require candidates to interpret dimensions and complete basic construction calculations.

Common calculation subjects may include:

• Floor and roof areas
• Concrete volume
• Footing dimensions
• Board feet
• Wall and roof material quantities
• Stair rise and run
• Rafter length
• Ventilation area
• Span-table selection
• Fastener quantities

Candidates should identify the units requested and show each calculation step clearly.

Code-Book Navigation

An open-book examination still requires fast and accurate code navigation.

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify the primary construction keyword
• Use the table of contents or index
• Locate the applicable chapter and section
• Review definitions, tables, figures, and exceptions
• Confirm that the rule applies to the stated construction condition
• Record difficult subjects for additional practice

Candidates should practice using span tables, fastening schedules, figures, and construction details before exam day.

Recommended Study Plan

• Review IRC organization and definitions
• Study general regulations and permits
• Review building planning and life safety
• Study footings and foundations
• Practice floor and wall span tables
• Review wall framing and bracing
• Study stairs, guards, and handrails
• Review roof-ceiling construction
• Study exterior coverings and flashing
• Review glazing and interior finishes
• Practice residential calculations
• Complete timed code-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which G13-N Package Should You Choose?

• Choose Online Exam Prep if you already own the correct code book and want structured instruction.
• Choose the Books & Courses Rental Package if you need temporary book access and online training together.
• Choose the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package if you want a professionally organized reference.
• Choose the Exam Book Package if you prefer independent preparation and permanent book ownership.

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate residential construction and code-application knowledge.

Q. How much does the G13-N Online Exam Prep course cost?

A. The sale price is $295.00, reduced from the regular price of $395.00.

Q. How much does the Books & Courses Rental Package cost?

A. The sale price is $640.00, reduced from the regular price of $940.00.

Q. How much does the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $345.00, reduced from the regular price of $545.00.

Q. How much does the Exam Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $199.00, reduced from the regular price of $299.00.

Q. What book is included in the exam book package?

A. The current package identifies the 2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.

Q. How many questions are on the G13-N examination?

A. The examination includes 80 multiple-choice questions.

Q. How much time is allowed?

A. Candidates have four hours to complete the examination.

Q. What score is required to pass?

A. The passing requirement is 70 percent.

Q. Is the G13-N examination open book?

A. Yes, but candidates must follow current rules for approved references, tabs, highlighting, notes, and book condition.

Q. What subjects should I study?

A. Study regulations, building planning, foundations, framing, stairs, roofs, exterior coverings, finishes, glazing, masonry, and energy efficiency.

Q. Should I practice using code tables?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice span tables, fastening schedules, footing tables, figures, and construction details.

Q. Does passing G13-N automatically issue a contractor license?

A. No. The applicable licensing authority controls experience, applications, insurance, financial requirements, fees, and final approval.

Q. Where can I purchase the G13-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N examination requires candidates to combine practical residential construction knowledge with efficient International Residential Code navigation.

Important preparation subjects include building planning, life safety, foundations, floors, wall framing, stairs, roof-ceiling construction, exterior coverings, glazing, finishes, masonry, and energy efficiency.

1 Exam Prep offers Online Exam Prep, a Books & Courses Rental Package, a Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package, and an Exam Book Package for different study needs and budgets.

Shop ICC Residential Building Contractor (C) - G13-N Exam Prep

Key Takeaways

• The G13-N exam is the National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) examination.
• The Online Exam Prep sale price is $295.00.
• The Books & Courses Rental Package sale price is $640.00.
• The Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package sale price is $345.00.
• The Exam Book Package sale price is $199.00.
• The current book package uses the 2018 International Residential Code.
• The examination has 80 questions and a four-hour time limit.
• The passing requirement is 70 percent.
• The examination is open book under current reference-material rules.
• Major study areas include planning, foundations, framing, roofs, finishes, and the building envelope.
• Passing the exam does not automatically issue a contractor license.
• Candidates should verify current exam and jurisdictional requirements before registering.