ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N examination is designed for contractors, builders, construction supervisors, project managers, and other professionals preparing to demonstrate broad knowledge of commercial and residential construction.

The ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N exam prep collection includes a books and courses rental package, professionally highlighted and tabbed references, flexible online exam preparation, and a standard exam book package.

This guide explains the available packages, examination details, included references, major construction subjects, code-navigation methods, and practical preparation strategies.

Available G12-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N- Books & Courses Rental Package: $1,190.00 sale price, reduced from $1,490.00
• ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $895.00 sale price, reduced from $1,095.00
• ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Exam Book Package: $645.00 sale price, reduced from $745.00

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

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines temporary access to the assigned references with structured online preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $1,190.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,490.00.

This option may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Need the exam books and online course together
• Do not currently own the approved references
• Want an organized general contractor study plan
• Need help navigating multiple construction references
• Want practice with code questions and calculations
• Prefer combining lessons, books, and exam-style practice

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

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides professionally organized references for candidates who want to begin studying without preparing every book themselves.

The package is listed at a sale price of $895.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,095.00.

The highlighted and tabbed references may help candidates locate:

• Code administration and definitions
• Occupancy classifications
• Construction types
• Fire-resistance requirements
• Means of egress
• Accessibility provisions
• Foundations and concrete
• Masonry, steel, and wood construction
• Roof and exterior wall assemblies
• Residential construction requirements

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

Online Exam Prep

The ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Online Exam Prep course provides flexible, self-paced preparation for candidates who already own the correct references or plan to purchase them separately.

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 construction subjects in a logical order
• Understand how the three references work together
• Practice code-navigation techniques
• Review construction calculations
• Identify weak knowledge areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Study around active construction projects

The course is most effective when candidates use the approved references while completing lessons and practice questions.

Exam Book Package

The ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Exam Book Package provides the printed references associated with the examination for independent study.

The package is listed at a sale price of $645.00, reduced from the regular price of $745.00.

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Prefer independent book-based preparation
• Want to own the exam references
• Already understand many construction subjects
• Want to create a personalized tab and highlighting system
• Already have separate training or practice questions
• Need the references for continued professional use

What Is the ICC G12-N Examination?

The G12-N examination is the ICC National Standard General Building Contractor (B) examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a Class B building contractor, general contractor, or similar licensing and registration process.

The examination is commonly listed with 80 multiple-choice questions and a four-hour time limit.

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

Most ICC Contractor and Trades examinations require at least 70 percent correct, but candidates should confirm the passing requirement in the applicable examination bulletin.

Passing G12-N does not automatically issue a contractor license. The applicable licensing authority controls experience, insurance, bonding, financial qualifications, applications, and final approval.

G12-N Exam References

The current G12-N exam package identifies three primary references:

• International Building Code, 2018 Edition
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 Edition
• 2021 ICC Concrete Manual

The International Building Code supports preparation involving commercial buildings, occupancies, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, accessibility, structural systems, building envelopes, finishes, and special construction.

The International Residential Code supports preparation involving one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, building planning, foundations, framing, stairs, roofs, exterior coverings, glazing, finishes, and energy efficiency.

The ICC Concrete Manual supports preparation involving concrete materials, reinforcement, formwork, placement, curing, inspection, testing, and concrete construction practices.

How the Three References Work Together

• Use the International Building Code for commercial, multifamily, institutional, industrial, and general building requirements.
• Use the International Residential Code for detached one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying townhouses.
• Use the ICC Concrete Manual for detailed concrete construction, reinforcement, placement, testing, and field-practice questions.

Candidates should identify the building type and construction subject before deciding which reference to search.

Confirm Local Contractor Requirements

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

• Whether the licensing authority accepts G12-N
• The scope of the General Building Contractor (B) classification
• The required code editions
• The current approved reference list
• The examination format and passing requirement
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and notes
• Required construction experience
• Application and examination fees
• Insurance and bonding requirements
• Financial or net-worth requirements
• Business-registration requirements
• License renewal requirements

What Does a General Building Contractor Do?

A general building contractor coordinates construction involving multiple trades and building systems within the scope permitted by the applicable license.

Common responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing plans and specifications
• Estimating labor, materials, and equipment
• Obtaining permits and arranging inspections
• Scheduling construction activities
• Hiring and coordinating subcontractors
• Managing foundations and structural work
• Supervising residential and commercial construction
• Coordinating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades
• Managing fire- and life-safety requirements
• Maintaining jobsite safety and quality control
• Documenting changes and corrective work
• Completing final inspections and closeout

Common G12-N Study Areas

• Code administration and general regulations
• Construction documents and plan reading
• Occupancy classifications
• Construction types
• Building height and area
• Fire-resistance-rated construction
• Fire protection systems
• Means of egress
• Accessibility
• Soils and foundations
• Concrete construction
• Masonry construction
• Structural steel
• Wood framing
• Roof and exterior wall assemblies
• Interior finishes
• Glass and glazing
• Special construction
• Residential construction
• Energy efficiency

Code Administration and General Regulations

General building contractors should understand how construction projects move through plan review, permitting, inspections, corrections, and final approval.

Study subjects may include:

• Permit requirements
• Construction documents
• Deferred submittals
• Required inspections
• Approved materials and methods
• Alternative materials
• Unsafe structures
• Stop-work orders
• Temporary occupancy
• Final approval
• Responsibilities of the permit holder

Construction Documents and Plan Reading

Candidates should be able to interpret architectural and structural information presented in plans, schedules, specifications, and details.

Plan-reading subjects may include:

• Drawing scales
• Floor plans
• Building elevations
• Wall sections
• Foundation plans
• Structural framing plans
• Door and window schedules
• Finish schedules
• Fire-resistance details
• Occupancy and construction-type information
• Revision clouds and addenda
• Referenced notes and specifications

Occupancy Classifications

Occupancy classification affects allowable building size, fire protection, egress, separation, and construction requirements.

Candidates should review:

• Assembly occupancies
• Business occupancies
• Educational occupancies
• Factory and industrial occupancies
• High-hazard occupancies
• Institutional occupancies
• Mercantile occupancies
• Residential occupancies
• Storage occupancies
• Utility and miscellaneous occupancies
• Mixed and separated occupancies
• Accessory occupancies

Construction Types, Height, and Area

Construction type identifies the required fire-resistance performance of major building elements.

Study subjects may include:

• Types I through V construction
• Protected and unprotected construction
• Combustible and noncombustible materials
• Allowable building height
• Allowable number of stories
• Allowable building area
• Frontage increases
• Automatic sprinkler increases
• Mixed construction types
• Podium and special building provisions

Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction

Fire-resistance-rated construction limits the spread of fire and smoke within and between buildings.

Important subjects include:

• Fire walls
• Fire barriers
• Fire partitions
• Smoke barriers
• Horizontal assemblies
• Shaft enclosures
• Opening protectives
• Fire doors and shutters
• Penetrations and firestopping
• Joint systems
• Membrane penetrations
• Protection of structural members

Candidates should distinguish the different rated assemblies because each has its own continuity and opening requirements.

Fire Protection Systems

General contractor candidates should understand when fire protection systems are required and how they affect other building requirements.

Study subjects may include:

• Automatic sprinkler systems
• Standpipe systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Emergency alarm systems
• Smoke control
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Fire department connections
• Fire command centers
• Sprinkler-related height and area increases
• Coordination with rated construction

Means of Egress

Means-of-egress requirements provide a continuous and unobstructed path from occupied spaces to a safe exterior location.

Important preparation subjects include:

• Occupant load
• Number of exits
• Exit-access travel distance
• Common path of travel
• Exit separation
• Corridors
• Doors and hardware
• Stairways
• Ramps
• Guards and handrails
• Exit signs
• Emergency lighting
• Accessible means of egress

Accessibility

Accessibility provisions affect routes, entrances, parking, doors, ramps, stairs, toilet rooms, dwelling units, and building features.

Candidates may need to review:

• Accessible routes
• Accessible entrances
• Door clearances
• Ramps and landings
• Stair requirements
• Elevators and platform lifts
• Accessible toilet facilities
• Drinking fountains
• Accessible seating
• Accessible dwelling and sleeping units
• Signage
• Alterations to existing buildings

Soils, Excavation, and Foundations

Foundation questions may involve soil conditions, excavation, footing dimensions, frost protection, drainage, and structural support.

Study subjects may include:

• Soil classification
• Allowable soil-bearing pressure
• Excavation and grading
• Footing width and thickness
• Foundation walls
• Frost depth
• Retaining walls
• Foundation drainage
• Dampproofing and waterproofing
• Anchor bolts
• Crawl spaces
• Protection from decay and termites

Concrete Construction

Concrete preparation should include both code requirements and practical construction procedures.

Important subjects may include:

• Concrete materials
• Mixing and delivery
• Formwork
• Reinforcing steel
• Concrete cover
• Bar placement and support
• Splices and development
• Embedded items
• Concrete placement
• Consolidation
• Construction joints
• Curing and protection
• Sampling and testing
• Repair of defects

Concrete Reinforcement and Placement

Reinforcement must be placed according to approved plans and protected by the required concrete cover.

Candidates should review:

• Bar size and grade
• Bar spacing
• Minimum concrete cover
• Lap splices
• Mechanical splices
• Hooks and bends
• Chairs and supports
• Dowels
• Anchor bolts
• Placement sequence
• Vibration and consolidation
• Cold- and hot-weather protection

Masonry Construction

Masonry may be used for walls, foundations, veneers, shafts, partitions, fireplaces, and structural systems.

Study subjects may include:

• Masonry units
• Mortar and grout
• Wall thickness
• Reinforcement
• Bond beams
• Lintels
• Anchorage
• Control and expansion joints
• Masonry veneer
• Flashing and weep holes
• Cold- and hot-weather construction
• Inspection and testing

Structural Steel

General contractor preparation may include structural steel erection, connections, protection, and coordination.

Important subjects may include:

• Structural steel framing
• Bolted connections
• Welded connections
• High-strength bolts
• Column base plates
• Steel joists and decking
• Erection tolerances
• Temporary bracing
• Fireproofing
• Corrosion protection
• Special inspection
• Approved fabrication documents

Wood Construction

Wood construction subjects may include conventional framing, engineered wood, connections, fireblocking, and protection from moisture or decay.

Candidates should review:

• Floor joists and beams
• Wall studs and headers
• Wall bracing
• Rafters and ceiling joists
• Roof trusses
• Wood structural panels
• Fastening schedules
• Notching and boring
• Fireblocking and draftstopping
• Deck construction
• Engineered wood products
• Protection from decay and termites

Roof Assemblies

Roof assemblies protect buildings from weather while transferring structural loads to supporting walls and framing.

Study subjects may include:

• Roof slope
• Roof decks
• Underlayment
• Asphalt shingles
• Metal roof coverings
• Low-slope membrane systems
• Roof insulation
• Flashing
• Roof drainage
• Roof ventilation
• Rooftop structures
• Reroofing

Exterior Walls and Building Envelope

The building envelope protects the structure from water, air, temperature changes, and exterior exposure.

Important subjects may include:

• Exterior wall coverings
• Water-resistive barriers
• Flashing
• Masonry veneer
• Stucco
• Metal panels
• Wood and vinyl siding
• Exterior insulation systems
• Weather-resistant joints
• Moisture control
• Thermal insulation
• Air barriers

Interior Finishes

Interior finish requirements address fire performance, installation, structural support, and exposure to moisture.

Study subjects may include:

• Gypsum board
• Gypsum plaster
• Cement plaster
• Interior wall finishes
• Ceiling finishes
• Fastener spacing
• Fire-resistance-rated assemblies
• Foam plastic
• Materials in wet areas
• Acoustical ceiling systems
• Interior trim

Glass and Glazing

Glazing requirements address structural performance, impact safety, fire protection, and fall hazards.

Candidates should review:

• Safety glazing locations
• Glazing near doors
• Glazing near floors
• Glazing around stairs
• Glazing in wet areas
• Glass guards and handrails
• Skylights
• Sloped glazing
• Fire-protection-rated glazing
• Wind-load performance
• Window fall protection

Special Construction

Special construction provisions apply to building features that do not fit entirely within ordinary structural or occupancy requirements.

Possible subjects include:

• Atriums
• High-rise buildings
• Underground buildings
• Pedestrian walkways and tunnels
• Membrane structures
• Temporary structures
• Stages and platforms
• Special amusement buildings
• Solar energy systems
• Photovoltaic panels
• Swimming pools
• Construction safeguards

Residential Construction

The International Residential Code supports questions involving one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying townhouses.

Residential subjects may include:

• Building planning
• Emergency escape openings
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Footings and foundations
• Floor construction
• Wall framing and bracing
• Stairs, guards, and handrails
• Roof-ceiling construction
• Exterior wall coverings
• Roof coverings
• Glazing
• Energy efficiency

Construction Calculations

G12-N preparation may include basic construction calculations and table interpretation.

Common calculation subjects may include:

• Floor and roof areas
• Building height and area
• Occupant loads
• Egress widths
• Concrete volume
• Excavation quantities
• Masonry quantities
• Board feet
• Stair rise and run
• Roof slopes and rafter lengths
• Ventilation areas
• Material waste factors

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

Code-Book Navigation

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

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify the building type and construction subject
• Select the IBC, IRC, or Concrete Manual
• Use the index or table of contents
• Locate the complete section, table, or figure
• Review definitions, exceptions, and footnotes
• Confirm that the provision applies to the stated conditions
• Record difficult topics for additional practice

Candidates should practice deciding which reference applies before searching for the exact answer.

Organizing the G12-N References

A practical tab system may include:

• IBC administration
• IBC occupancies
• IBC construction types
• IBC height and area
• IBC fire resistance
• IBC means of egress
• IBC accessibility
• IBC structural chapters
• IRC building planning
• IRC foundations
• IRC framing
• IRC roofs and exterior coverings
• Concrete reinforcement
• Concrete placement and curing
• Concrete testing

Candidates should verify current ICC rules before adding tabs, highlighting, notes, or other modifications.

Recommended Study Plan

• Review exam rules and book organization
• Study code administration and plan reading
• Review occupancy and construction-type requirements
• Study height and area calculations
• Review fire-resistance-rated construction
• Study means of egress and accessibility
• Review foundations and concrete construction
• Study masonry, steel, and wood framing
• Review roofs and exterior wall assemblies
• Study residential construction requirements
• Practice construction calculations
• Complete timed reference-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which G12-N Package Should You Choose?

• Choose the Books & Courses Rental Package for temporary access to all references and structured online preparation.
• Choose the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package for professionally organized books designed to support faster navigation.
• Choose Online Exam Prep when you already own the correct references and want guided study.
• Choose the Exam Book Package for independent preparation and permanent book ownership.

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate general building contractor knowledge across multiple construction systems.

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

A. The sale price is $1,190.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,490.00.

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

A. The sale price is $895.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,095.00.

Q. How much does Online Exam Prep cost?

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

Q. How much does the Exam Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $645.00, reduced from the regular price of $745.00.

Q. What books are included in the G12-N Exam Book Package?

A. The current package includes the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, and 2021 ICC Concrete Manual.

Q. How many questions are on the G12-N examination?

A. The examination is commonly listed with 80 multiple-choice questions.

Q. How much time is allowed?

A. Candidates are commonly given four hours to complete the examination.

Q. Is the G12-N examination open book?

A. Yes. Candidates may use approved references subject to current ICC testing rules.

Q. What score is required to pass?

A. Most ICC Contractor and Trades examinations require 70 percent correct, but candidates should confirm the requirement in their applicable bulletin.

Q. What subjects should I study?

A. Study code administration, occupancies, construction types, fire resistance, egress, accessibility, foundations, concrete, masonry, steel, wood, roofs, exterior walls, and residential construction.

Q. Should I study both commercial and residential construction?

A. Yes. The examination uses both the International Building Code and International Residential Code.

Q. Why is the ICC Concrete Manual included?

A. It supports preparation involving concrete materials, reinforcement, formwork, placement, curing, inspection, and testing.

Q. Does passing G12-N automatically issue a contractor license?

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

Q. Where can I purchase the G12-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N examination requires broad construction knowledge and efficient navigation of commercial, residential, and concrete references.

Important preparation subjects include code administration, plan reading, occupancy, construction type, fire resistance, means of egress, accessibility, foundations, concrete, masonry, steel, wood framing, roof assemblies, exterior walls, finishes, and residential construction.

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

Shop ICC General Building Contractor (B) - G12-N Exam Prep

Key Takeaways

• G12-N is the ICC National Standard General Building Contractor (B) examination.
• The Books & Courses Rental Package sale price is $1,190.00.
• The Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package sale price is $895.00.
• The Online Exam Prep sale price is $295.00.
• The Exam Book Package sale price is $645.00.
• The examination is commonly listed with 80 questions and a four-hour limit.
• The examination is open book under current testing rules.
• The references are the 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, and 2021 ICC Concrete Manual.
• The exam covers commercial, residential, structural, life-safety, and concrete subjects.
• Passing G12-N does not automatically issue a contractor license.
• Candidates should verify current exam and jurisdictional requirements before registering.