ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N examination is designed for contractors, builders, remodelers, supervisors, and construction professionals working with one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying townhouses.

The exam evaluates residential code knowledge involving permits, building planning, life safety, foundations, concrete, floor framing, wall construction, roof systems, structural connections, exterior walls, weather protection, and other residential building requirements.

The ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N exam prep collection includes rental books with online training, highlighted and tabbed study material, online exam preparation, and a standard book package.

Available F13-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $694.00 sale price, reduced from $994.00
• ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $399.00 sale price, reduced from $599.00
• ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N Book Package: $199.00 sale price, reduced from $299.00

The F12-N Building Contractor online course shown in the supplied product list is a different examination and is not included as an F13-N preparation option in this guide.

Books & Courses Rental Package

The F13-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines temporary access to the listed residential code reference with structured online preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $694.00, reduced from the regular price of $994.00.

This option may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Need the exam reference and online course together
• Do not currently own the 2015 International Residential Code
• Want an organized residential contractor study plan
• Need help using residential code tables and sections
• Want practice with structural and building-planning questions
• Prefer temporary book access instead of permanent ownership

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

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The F13-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides a professionally organized residential code reference for candidates who want to begin studying without preparing every major section themselves.

The package is listed at a sale price of $399.00, reduced from the regular price of $599.00.

The prepared book may help candidates locate:

• Permit and inspection requirements
• Building planning and life-safety provisions
• Foundation and concrete requirements
• Floor, wall, and roof framing tables
• Fastening schedules
• Wall-bracing provisions
• Exterior wall and weather-protection requirements
• Fireblocking and draftstopping provisions

Highlights and tabs can support faster navigation, but candidates must still understand how to read definitions, tables, exceptions, footnotes, and related sections.

Online Exam Prep

The ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N Online Exam Prep course provides flexible training for candidates who already own the correct reference or plan to obtain it 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 residential construction subjects in a logical order
• Practice locating answers in the code book
• Study foundations, framing, roofing, and building-envelope topics
• Review residential plans and construction details
• Identify weak knowledge areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Build speed for timed open-book testing
• Study around an active construction schedule

F13-N Book Package

The ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N Book Package provides the printed reference associated with the examination for independent preparation.

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

This option may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Prefer independent book-based study
• Want permanent ownership of the residential code
• Already understand common residential construction methods
• Want to create a personalized highlighting and tab system
• Already have separate training or practice questions
• Need the code book for continued professional use

What Is the ICC F13-N Examination?

The F13-N examination is the ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a residential contractor license, registration, certification, or qualification process.

Current examination information lists:

• 80 multiple-choice questions
• Four-hour time limit
• 70% passing requirement
• Open-book format

The examination requires candidates to identify the construction issue, locate the controlling code provision, review any exceptions or table notes, and apply the requirement to the situation described.

Passing F13-N does not automatically grant a residential contractor license. The applicable jurisdiction controls experience, applications, insurance, fees, business registration, background requirements, and final approval.

F13-N Listed Reference

The listed reference for this code-year examination is:

• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2015 Edition

The 2015 International Residential Code covers residential building planning, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, ceilings, chimneys, fireplaces, energy-related construction, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical provisions, and other requirements for buildings within its scope.

The F13-N examination focuses primarily on residential building-contractor subjects rather than every trade chapter in the code.

Candidates should verify the exact code year and listed reference in the current ICC Exam Catalog before registering.

F13-N Examination Content Outline

The current F13-N outline distributes questions across four major areas:

• Permits and General Regulations: 21%
• Building Safety and Life Planning: 16%
• Structural Systems: 50%
• Building Envelope: 13%

Structural systems represent half of the examination, making foundations, framing, connections, spans, bracing, and structural tables especially important study areas.

Confirm Local Residential Contractor Requirements

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

• Whether the licensing authority accepts F13-N
• The permitted scope of the residential contractor classification
• The required code year
• The current listed reference
• The question count and time limit
• The required passing score
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and handwritten notes
• Required residential construction experience
• Application and examination fees
• Insurance or bonding requirements
• Business or qualifying-party requirements
• License renewal requirements

What Does a Residential Building Contractor Do?

A residential building contractor may construct, remodel, repair, supervise, or manage residential projects within the scope permitted by the applicable licensing authority.

Common responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing residential plans and specifications
• Coordinating permits and inspections
• Managing foundations and structural framing
• Supervising subcontractors and workers
• Coordinating roofing and exterior-wall systems
• Reviewing structural connections and load paths
• Managing weather protection and moisture control
• Scheduling construction activities
• Correcting failed inspections
• Maintaining code-compliant and safe jobsite conditions

The classification does not necessarily authorize unlimited commercial construction or separately regulated trade work.

Permits and General Regulations

Residential contractors should understand how projects move through plan review, permitting, inspection, correction, and final approval.

Study subjects may include:

• Permit applications
• Work requiring a permit
• Permit exemptions
• Construction documents
• Required inspections
• Approved materials and methods
• Alternative materials
• Unsafe structures
• Stop-work orders
• Responsibilities of the permit holder

Candidates should distinguish general code requirements from local licensing and administrative rules.

Construction Documents and Plans

Construction documents communicate the approved design, dimensions, structural systems, materials, and building details.

Candidates should practice interpreting:

• Site plans
• Foundation plans
• Floor plans
• Framing plans
• Roof plans
• Building elevations
• Wall sections
• Structural details
• Door and window schedules
• Plan symbols and abbreviations

Questions may require candidates to combine information shown on a plan with a requirement found in the residential code.

Building Safety and Life Planning

Building planning provisions address safe use, emergency escape, room dimensions, stairs, guards, glazing, smoke alarms, and other life-safety conditions.

Important study subjects include:

• Minimum room areas and dimensions
• Ceiling heights
• Emergency escape and rescue openings
• Means of egress
• Stairways
• Handrails and guards
• Safety glazing
• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Garage separation
• Dwelling separation
• Accessibility to equipment and spaces

Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings

Sleeping rooms, basements, and other specified spaces may require emergency escape and rescue openings.

Candidates should review:

• Required locations
• Minimum net clear opening area
• Minimum opening dimensions
• Maximum sill height
• Window-well dimensions
• Ladder and step requirements
• Operational requirements
• Openings below decks and porches

Stairways, Handrails, and Guards

Residential stairways must provide safe movement between levels.

Study subjects may include:

• Stair width
• Headroom
• Maximum riser height
• Minimum tread depth
• Landings
• Winder treads
• Spiral stairways
• Handrail height and continuity
• Guard height
• Opening limitations

Candidates should read table notes and exceptions carefully because several requirements depend on the stair type and location.

Structural Systems

Structural systems are the largest part of the F13-N examination. Candidates should devote substantial study time to foundations, floors, walls, roofs, spans, bearing, fastening, and load transfer.

Major structural topics include:

• Design loads
• Foundations and footings
• Concrete and masonry
• Floor framing
• Wall framing
• Headers and openings
• Wall bracing
• Roof and ceiling framing
• Structural sheathing
• Fasteners and connectors
• Decks and exterior structures
• Notching and boring limitations

Loads and Load Paths

A complete load path transfers forces from the roof and floors through walls, beams, posts, foundations, and supporting soil.

Candidates should understand:

• Dead loads
• Live loads
• Roof live loads
• Snow loads
• Wind loads
• Concentrated loads
• Bearing walls
• Beams and girders
• Posts and columns
• Structural connections
• Foundation anchorage

Foundations and Footings

Foundations support the building and transfer structural loads into the soil.

Study subjects may include:

• Soil-bearing values
• Footing width and thickness
• Foundation-wall dimensions
• Frost protection
• Foundation anchorage
• Concrete strength
• Reinforcement
• Crawl-space construction
• Dampproofing and waterproofing
• Foundation drainage
• Protection from decay and termites

Concrete and Masonry

Residential contractors should understand basic concrete and masonry installation requirements.

Preparation may include:

• Concrete proportions and strength
• Placement and curing
• Reinforcement
• Anchor bolts
• Masonry units and mortar
• Grouting
• Lintels
• Foundation walls
• Veneer support
• Protection during cold or hot weather

Floor Framing

Floor systems transfer loads to walls, beams, girders, posts, and foundations.

Study subjects may include:

• Floor joists
• Joist spans
• Bearing requirements
• Joist hangers
• Beams and girders
• Posts and columns
• Rim boards and band joists
• Blocking and bridging
• Subflooring
• Openings in floor systems
• Notching and boring

Using Floor-Joist Span Tables

Allowable joist spans may depend on wood species, grade, member size, spacing, and design loads.

A practical table process includes:

• Identify the wood species
• Identify the lumber grade
• Determine the nominal joist size
• Determine the on-center spacing
• Identify the required live and dead loads
• Locate the maximum permitted span
• Review all table notes and limitations

Every condition in the question must match the selected table row and column.

Wall Framing

Wall framing supports floor and roof loads, creates openings, encloses spaces, and contributes to lateral stability.

Important subjects include:

• Bearing and nonbearing walls
• Stud size and spacing
• Bottom and top plates
• Double top plates
• Corner and intersection framing
• Headers
• King and jack studs
• Cripple studs
• Wall sheathing
• Braced wall panels

Headers and Openings

Headers transfer structural loads around doors, windows, and other wall openings.

Header requirements may depend on:

• Opening width
• Building width
• Roof and floor loads
• Number of stories supported
• Wood species and grade
• Header construction
• Required bearing
• Number of supporting studs
• Concentrated loads

Candidates should practice using header tables and checking their footnotes.

Wall Bracing

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

Study subjects may include:

• Braced wall lines
• Braced wall panels
• Wood structural panel methods
• Let-in bracing
• Gypsum-board methods
• Portal-frame methods
• Minimum panel lengths
• Panel spacing
• Fastening and anchorage
• Openings near braced panels

Wall-bracing questions often require candidates to use multiple tables and related footnotes.

Roof and Ceiling Framing

Roof and ceiling systems transfer loads to supporting walls and foundations while maintaining building stability.

Study subjects may include:

• Ceiling joists
• Rafters
• Rafter spans
• Ridge boards
• Structural ridge beams
• Rafter ties
• Collar ties
• Hip and valley rafters
• Roof trusses
• Roof sheathing
• Roof openings

Rafter Spans

Allowable rafter spans may depend on lumber species, grade, member size, spacing, roof load, and whether a ceiling is attached.

Candidates should practice identifying:

• Species and grade
• Rafter size
• On-center spacing
• Roof live or snow load
• Dead load
• Ceiling condition
• Maximum allowable span
• Table notes and restrictions

Roof Trusses

Prefabricated roof trusses must be installed and braced according to approved design documents.

Study subjects may include:

• Truss design drawings
• Bearing locations
• Temporary erection bracing
• Permanent bracing
• Truss spacing
• Structural connections
• Handling and storage
• Field-alteration restrictions
• Approved repair details

Trusses should not be cut, drilled, or altered without an approved design or repair.

Fasteners and Structural Connectors

Fasteners and connectors transfer loads between framing members and help maintain the building’s structural load path.

Candidates should review:

• Nailing schedules
• Bolts and lag screws
• Joist hangers
• Hurricane ties
• Post bases and caps
• Straps and hold-downs
• Anchor bolts
• Corrosion-resistant fasteners
• Treated-lumber compatibility
• Manufacturer-specified connector fasteners

Substituting an incorrect fastener can reduce the rated capacity of a structural connector.

Notching and Boring

Cutting structural members can reduce their strength and is limited by residential code requirements.

Study subjects may include:

• Joist notch locations
• Maximum notch depth
• Hole-size limitations
• Hole distance from member edges
• Stud notching and boring
• Top-plate cuts
• Protective nail plates
• Restrictions for engineered products
• Approved repair methods

Decks and Exterior Structures

Residential building contractors may encounter questions involving attached decks, porches, stairs, guards, and exterior structural connections.

Study topics may include:

• Deck footings
• Posts and beams
• Joist spans
• Ledger attachment
• Flashing
• Lateral-load connections
• Deck stairs
• Handrails and guards
• Corrosion-resistant connectors
• Protection from decay

Building Envelope

The building envelope protects the structure and occupants from rain, wind, moisture, temperature changes, and exterior exposure.

Important study subjects include:

• Exterior wall coverings
• Water-resistive barriers
• Flashing
• Roof coverings
• Roof underlayment
• Weather protection
• Exterior windows and doors
• Wall and roof sheathing
• Vapor and moisture control
• Attic and crawl-space ventilation

Exterior Walls and Flashing

Exterior walls must manage water and protect structural materials from deterioration.

Candidates should review:

• Water-resistive barriers
• Flashing at windows and doors
• Wall penetrations
• Deck and balcony connections
• Roof-to-wall intersections
• Masonry veneer
• Wood siding
• Vinyl siding
• Stucco systems
• Clearance from grade

Roof Coverings

Residential roof-covering requirements may involve asphalt shingles, tile, metal roofing, wood shingles, shakes, slate, and other approved products.

Study subjects may include:

• Minimum roof slope
• Roof decking
• Underlayment
• Ice barriers
• Drip edges
• Fastener requirements
• Valleys
• Flashing
• Roof penetrations
• Reroofing
• Wind resistance
• Fire classification

Fireblocking and Draftstopping

Fireblocking and draftstopping limit the movement of flame, smoke, and hot gases through concealed spaces.

Common fireblocking locations may include:

• Wall and ceiling intersections
• Connections between vertical and horizontal concealed spaces
• Stair stringers
• Furred spaces
• Soffits and dropped ceilings
• Openings around pipes, ducts, and cables
• Chimney and fireplace spaces

Candidates should understand that fireblocking and draftstopping have related but different purposes.

Residential Construction Calculations

F13-N preparation may include basic construction calculations and table interpretation.

Possible calculation subjects include:

• Floor and roof areas
• Concrete volume
• Footing dimensions
• Stud and joist quantities
• Sheathing quantities
• Roof slope
• Rafter length
• Stair risers and treads
• Header and span-table selection
• Material waste allowances
• Unit conversions

Candidates should write down known values, select the correct formula or table, and confirm the requested units before choosing an answer.

Open-Book Code Navigation

An open-book examination still requires preparation. Candidates do not have enough time to research every subject from the beginning.

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify the main construction subject
• Select the likely residential code chapter
• 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 building condition
• Move on when a question is consuming too much time

Organizing the F13-N Reference

A practical tab system may include:

• Definitions
• Building planning
• Foundations
• Floors
• Walls
• Wall bracing
• Roof-ceiling construction
• Roof coverings
• Chimneys and fireplaces
• Decks
• Fastening schedules
• Fireblocking
• Exterior wall coverings
• Stairs, guards, and handrails
• Referenced standards

Candidates should confirm current testing rules before adding tabs, highlighting, handwritten notes, or inserted materials.

Recommended F13-N Study Plan

• Confirm the current examination and code year
• Learn the organization of the 2015 International Residential Code
• Review permits, inspections, and general regulations
• Study building planning and life-safety requirements
• Review foundations and concrete construction
• Practice floor-joist and beam span tables
• Study wall framing, headers, and openings
• Review wall-bracing methods and tables
• Practice roof and ceiling framing questions
• Study fasteners and structural connectors
• Review exterior walls and weather protection
• Study roofing and building-envelope provisions
• Practice construction calculations and plan reading
• Complete timed code-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which F13-N Package Should You Choose?

• Choose the Books & Courses Rental Package for temporary book access combined with structured online preparation.
• Choose the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package for a professionally organized residential code reference.
• Choose Online Exam Prep when you already own the correct book and want guided study.
• Choose the Book Package for independent preparation and permanent ownership of the reference.

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate residential building-code knowledge, structural construction, life safety, building-envelope requirements, and code navigation.

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

A. The sale price is $694.00, reduced from the regular price of $994.00.

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

A. The sale price is $399.00, reduced from the regular price of $599.00.

Q. How much does the F13-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 F13-N Book Package cost?

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

Q. Is the F12-N online course part of the F13-N exam prep collection?

A. No. F12-N is the National Standard Building Contractor (B) examination and should not be confused with the F13-N Residential Building Contractor (C) examination.

Q. What book is used for F13-N?

A. The listed reference is the 2015 International Residential Code.

Q. How many questions are on the F13-N examination?

A. Current examination information lists 80 multiple-choice questions.

Q. How much time is allowed?

A. Candidates currently have four hours to complete the examination.

Q. What score is required to pass?

A. Current examination information lists a 70% passing requirement.

Q. Is the F13-N examination open book?

A. Yes. Candidates may use permitted reference material subject to current testing rules.

Q. What is the largest section of the exam?

A. Structural systems represent 50% of the current content outline.

Q. What structural topics should I study?

A. Study foundations, floors, walls, headers, wall bracing, roof framing, fasteners, structural connectors, decks, bearing, and load paths.

Q. Should I practice span tables?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice joist, rafter, header, and other structural tables, including all applicable notes and limitations.

Q. Should I study residential plans?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice foundation plans, floor plans, framing plans, roof plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and construction details.

Q. Does passing F13-N automatically issue a residential contractor license?

A. No. The applicable jurisdiction controls experience, applications, insurance, fees, business requirements, and final approval.

Q. Where can I purchase the F13-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N examination requires candidates to combine residential construction experience with efficient navigation of the 2015 International Residential Code.

Important preparation subjects include permits, building planning, life safety, foundations, floor framing, wall construction, headers, wall bracing, roof systems, fasteners, structural connectors, exterior walls, weather protection, calculations, and plan reading.

1 Exam Prep offers rental books with online training, highlighted and tabbed study material, online exam preparation, and a standard book package for different study preferences and budgets.

Shop ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) - F13-N Exam Prep

Key Takeaways

• F13-N is the ICC National Standard Residential Building Contractor (C) examination.
• The Books & Courses Rental Package sale price is $694.00.
• The Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package sale price is $399.00.
• The Online Exam Prep sale price is $295.00.
• The Book Package sale price is $199.00.
• The unrelated F12-N online course is not an F13-N preparation product.
• Current examination information lists 80 questions and a four-hour limit.
• The current passing requirement is 70%.
• The examination is open book under current testing rules.
• The listed reference is the 2015 International Residential Code.
• Structural systems represent 50% of the current content outline.
• Passing F13-N does not automatically issue a residential contractor license.
• Candidates should verify current examination and jurisdictional requirements before registering.