How To Pass The General Contractor License Exam THE FIRST TIME 2023/2024 Edition

How To Pass The General Contractor License Exam THE FIRST TIME 2023/2024 Edition.
This is how I passed my G-13/F-13 National Residential Building Contractor Exam Class C from ICC in seven days without any previous experience. In this video I'll show you the techniques, resources, and even some loopholes I found that can help you pass your residential contractor exam. This video does apply to the ICC (International Code Council) most recent code book update 2021. This video can help you pass your Class C Residential Building Contractor Exam the first time in 2023 and 2024. This is how you become a general contractor in 2023 and 2024. When I first started my research it was hard to find the proper resources to help me pass this general contractor exam. I do want to say if I can pass this test in seven days with no previous experience, you can too.
Here are the steps I did that allowed me to pass the General Contract Exam the first time:
1. Buy the IRC 2021 Residential Building Contractor code book on Amazon.
www.amazon.com/International-...
2. Got to the ICC website and create an account.
*here is the link: my.iccsafe.org/login
Once your account is created go to your 'My ICC Dashboard' and purchase the required practice test. In this case if you are taking your Class C Residential Building Contractor Exam, you will want to take the F-13 or G-13.
3. Take the practice tests and make notes of the keywords of the questions to place on your tabs within your code book.
*I only bought the practice test available on the ICC website.
4. Train your brain to understand how to find the information in the book. Remember it's not about what you know about residential building but how quickly you can confirm what you know about residential building.
*This test is a scavenger hunt, leave as many crumbs as possible (tabs).
5. Don't read the book but learn to search through the book. Pretend that you are on a job and you are asked a question that you don't know. You'll need to find the information as quick as possible. This is where your book organization comes into play.
I would create tabs for the following:
Keywords of practice test questions
Alphabetical Definitions
All your Tables
Chapter names
Index
6. Go into the test without stress and set proper expectations. You have four hours to complete an 80 multiple choice test. That's about three minutes a question but what I've realized is after taking the practice tests, the information sticks in your brain. So, some questions become instinctual. Some test questions you may know immediately and some may take a second to find. So, don't get hung up on the time. You will finish.
You got this! Never stop learning! I believe in you.
A bit of motivation, depending on where you work and live and your business knowledge, Licensed General Contractors can make between $75,000-$500,000 a year.
If you need any help with anything just let me know in the comments. I can't promise I know the answer but ill try my best.
Music by: Nick Bogard

[@nickjbogard]

Since I've made this video i've had a lot of people reach out to me separately asking for help with finding information, setting up there books, study tips, registering there business, finding jobs and sourcing there first leads. I'm offering zoom sessions and one on one calls for anyone needing help with any of this. Email me privately, you can find my email on my KZbin channel! Cheers

[@omgitsyank0401]

Good morning Nick, I would like to attend your zoom meetings, I have a few questions I would like to ask you please & thank you

[@wdavidkeller]

Hello Nick thank you for this video. I would like to learn more about the resources you can offer for preparing for this test. How do I learn more? Im interested in zoom sessions or whatever. Let me know. Thanks

[@nickjbogard]

@@omgitsyank0401email me [e-mail]

[@nickjbogard]

@@wdavidkelleremail me [e-mail]

[@shalondablount2340]

This is by far the best video on how to pass the general contractor license exam! I have been going about this wrong and stressing! Now I am feeling confident I will pass the first time! Thanks!

[@victorvalera3368]

Great video. Good info straight to the point 👍🏽

[@ArchitectScarlet-Macaw]

You are really awesome! Thanks for the motivational talk and the information!

[@nickjbogard]

You are so welcome! 🤘🏼

[@jondoe-xn9st]

The best video I’ve seen. Thank you for the information and congratulations.

[@nickjbogard]

Thank you! I’m happy it helped you 🤘🏼

[@LeslieLopez8893]

Thank you so much Nick appreciate this video 🙏💯 many blessings😊

[@nickjbogard]

Thank you! Stay awesome

[@orvelinc]

Good job bro

[@RamanSingh1987]

Thanks Nick for spreading the information, I started doing fix n flips since mid 2022, I am facing lot of challenges finding reliable contractors Now I'll be getting my own license in 10 days Thanks a lot again ❤❤

[@nickjbogard]

Proud of you!

[@OscaRRangers]

Great info bro !! Thank you 🙏 Here in MN they do the test based on the Minnesota Residential Code book , which is being made and approved from the IRC book

[@JoseRamirez-si2yh]

Hi, I just started doing my studies. I bought the Minnesota Residential Code 2020. I google it and this was what was available. I have 0 knowledge on codes. I being doing exterior remodeling only for a couple of years. I'm in Eden P. MN. Just reaching out to see where people around my state test or any tips. Thanks good luch.

[@OscaRRangers]

@@JoseRamirez-si2yh you are gonna be fine studying that one bro , but you also need to study this one www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/rbc-manual.pdf Unfortunately you can not bring your own to your test , DLI will provide you the MN Code book and the RBC manual from MN as well as, that’s the one on the link above, good luck bro 👍

[@AprendiendoM-S]

Good info👍👍

[@richardrebholzii5079]

Good looking out my brother.

[@nickjbogard]

🤘🏼🙏🏽🍻

[@alexdarias2287]

Those IRC & IBC books are not listed on the website as approved books to take to the exams here in Florida. I just bought all the new books 2023 to do the test after July 1st. Any suggestion about a good online course or test prep would really appreciate it. Thanks

[@3DCHome]

Thanks. I’m my area you don’t need to licensed but registered. Crazy how little help anyone there is. I called and wanted to test but all I got was why? You don’t need it in your city. I plan of taking all of them eventually. Great video. Congrats on passing yours

[@nickjbogard]

Totally agree with you on the no help. What city are you in? Thank you for the support🤙🏼

[@fernandacosta973]

This is great, thank you! I just bought the book and will be taking an exam prep class; I have no experience whatsoever and I have been looking all over KZbin for tips, especially after going through the book myself. Feeling a lot better after your tips/recommendations. Thank you!

[@nickjbogard]

You got this! I believe in you! If you need any help or anything let me know. Let me know when you pass! 🍻

[@fernandacosta973]

Thank you !!! As of now not sure if I need help, but I am trying to get used to the book before class starts. Will start with writing the tags for each chapter.@@nickjbogard

[@fernandacosta973]

Quick question.. I am trying to look for the practice exam on the website that you mentioned, but I am having a hard time finding it. One of the sections asked the sate and I could not find MA. 🤨@@nickjbogard

[@winstonsharpe]

Thank you

[@nickjbogard]

🤘🏼

[@usedbyjesus]

Thank u ❤❤

[@nickjbogard]

Happy to help! Good Luck you got this 🤟🏼

[@nancnicole]

Thank you so much for this video. Greatly appreciated! The lady on the phone stressed me out with her warning “you will have ptsd by the time you’re done.” Again, thank you. Tennessee

[@nickjbogard]

They are so dramatic! You got this! Much love from colorado to Tennessee! Lemme know when you pass🤘🏼

[@Cl-1993]

Wanted to check if you got yours in Tennessee, Nicole? Im in east tennessee and about to do the same.

[@JeffRoaderick]

Hey Nick. This is great. I am on the ICC Safe Dashboard and having troubles finding the G13 practice test. Where specifically is that located? I have searched in a variety of places and keeping getting "not found". Thanks for your help.

[@love2cad]

I was about to ask the same thing. The website seems to be missing all the general contractor training.

[@waldemarpalomo]

Nick please help me please I have the C-54 tile and mosaic subcontractor now I want to go for the general B-2 residential remodeling in California San Jose would the IRC book 2021 would it help me or just go to a school and buy the bundle and then go take exam

[@waldemarpalomo]

Would this work on the class B2 residential remodeling here in San Jose California

[@findfreedomforever]

Hey nick! I tried to follow what you said but they responded by email saying they don’t offer practice tests … ? Do you have a second best option my man? I love that you’re helping people… impressive.

[@nickjbogard]

Grab my email from my channel and message me directly. I gotchu

[@coachoj869]

I have a class C (g13) currently, and I figured going for a class A (g11) will allow me to take on any project.. is this thinking correct? For some reason the class B (g12) sounds more wide spread in terms of projects I can take on, given it’s for both commercial and residential. JUST ASKING IN GENERAL, as I’m sure it is location dependent. (I live in NE and there is no state-based test)

[@nickjbogard]

That’s correct class A let’s you build anything aside from rocket ships and spacecrafts ;) good luck 🍀

[@josegeee711]

I’m trying to get my c8 here in cali

[@roxykg4134]

Hey Nick I have a question, do you have to carry your own ins. or will the business that you are GC for's ins. work?

[@nickjbogard]

Hey, it depends if you're hired as an independent contractor or an employee. If they hire you as an independent contractor you'll need your own insurance, if you're an employee they'll provide it for you.

[@nickray315]

very interesting, is what states is this valid in? ive never seen this classification in my state before (Nevada) ive only heard on the B class b-1 and b-2

[@nickjbogard]

It’s valid in all 50 states. I’d double check though.

[@user-ut2uh4ni3x]

When you say practice test, do you mean the Study Companion? I am looking for appropriate test material for the G11 and it looks like they have some practice test for IBC 2018 but not the Concrete Manual.

[@nickjbogard]

Yes. The study companion offered on the icc website includes a practice test. If you are looking for the IBC material 'commercial' you want to purchase the 2021 commercial building inspector study material on the icc website

[@jimmyhoofa]

Thanks Nick for the video! Can you provide a link to the online study guide and companion with practice test? The website is really unfriendly for me, thanks!

[@nickjbogard]

The website is terrible. I can’t link the test directly because you have to sign up for an account (it’s free). Go to the ICCsafe.org website-at the top right you’ll see a little grid icon, click that go to the ‘my ICC’ tab. Create an account. This will take you to your ‘my ICC’ dashboard. Once inside you’ll scroll to the menu on the left and click on training. This is where it gets weird. If your looking to be a residential contractor (class c) you wanna buy the 2021 residential building inspector b1 study guide. It has the practice tests and study companion all in one. So, I’m the training section search for that course. It’s $89. Even though it has the word building inspector in the title it’s all the same for general contractors. That’s the weird part. That’s the one that I used for my residential general contractor license. You’ll be good. Hopefully that helps. If you still have questions once your in gimme a shout and I gotchu. Have a beer and work through those practice tests 🤙🏼

[@user-ws7cd5zc1y]

I see a price of $79 instead of $89. Please double check. Thank you@@nickjbogard

[@nickjbogard]

@@user-ws7cd5zc1ythat’s correct

[@BlackopsSOG1]

awesome video just one question who do i go to, to take the test/exam? would that just be the city?

[@nickjbogard]

Pearson Vue its a testing center

[@Cl-1993]

Hey, Nick. Do you still use this channel? I cant find you on any other outlets and wanted to get your insight on some things.

[@nickjbogard]

Hey buddy, still use it! What’s going on ?

[@Cl-1993]

@@nickjbogard wanted to chat with you on obtaining contractors license. Is there a limit for the financial statements that you need.

[@nickjbogard]

You don’t need any of that.

[@user-oe6lr1py9w]

Do you know if this would be valid in Florida?

[@nickjbogard]

Yes. If your doing residential 🍻

[@kristinaa.perjar4895]

Would this book work for North Carolina residential?

[@nickjbogard]

Yes. It applies to anywhere in the United States. I just did a job in California but live in Colorado. Your good

[@renolako9267]

That video is cool bro .can i ask you for something i live in florida i want to take the residential contractor and i did some research but i want to ask u is only that book to take with me at bisness and financially and other 2 test

[@nickjbogard]

Im not sure what you meant about the other stuff but if your taking the residential contractor test class (C) yes just take this book. Good luck

[@XFiles4]

@@nickjbogardhi there, great video and thanks!!! In Florida I think we have to take 3 parts to this test, •Contract Administration • Business and Finance •Project Management . I know there’s multiple test we have to take, there’s like 15 books online for us to bring with us to the testing centers. I think he’s asking can we only bring this 1 book instead of 15 books

[@renolako9267]

@lalasinger7753 yes sir I mean that .as I know bro the bisness and financial is very hard test and the other two .they siad we need around 15 books for all 3 test

[@hostileaks4495]

​@@renolako9267 I just ordered all the books for Florida and I got 19 books total highlighted and tabbed already

[@StuckSteezyy]

Not sure if you will see this, but I cannot find the practice exams on ICC for the G13/F13 any tips??

[@nickjbogard]

They word it different on the website-you want to buy the ‘2021 residential building inspector b1 study guide.’ It may seem weird but that’s the one you want 🤙🏼

[@user-og9wz8wv2i]

I'm in San Antonio Texas is this the correct book I need? Pearson would not tell me what I had to buy. Do I need the International Residential Code book for the G-13

[@nickjbogard]

Yes this is the book you need

[@georgefischer3592]

I’m In San Antonio also and my G13 is in 2 weeks. Did you pass yours? How was it? Appreciate any help 🙏 @user-og9wz8wv2i

[@stephenanthony2276]

My local code book references “change section” or “add section” a lot Does this mean changes made from the previous code?

[@nickjbogard]

Yes. If you're looking in your code book and you see a black line by the code. That means it has been updated

[@elliotmorales1599]

Hi Sir, I would like to get the guide information previous exam as material, previous exam and sources.

[@nickjbogard]

I can help you with that.

[@jordanaliranzo]

Hey I'm in NC I want to take the residential general contractor license exam but is hard to find information. The exam provider here is PSI do you know if that can be applied here? Any info will be helpful. Thanks!

[@nickjbogard]

Hey! I'm not familiar with psi but I checked out your area and you can use Pearson Vue as the testing center. It's what I used. Then yes if you use Pearson vue the info would apply. I'll put the link for you. When you get to there website click the a-z exam program list click on the 'I' - ICC International Code Council is what you want. They'll give selections to choose your state but click on 'national' wsr.pearsonvue.com/

[@muqadasaahmadzaiofficial]

This video was very interesting for me because I am also going to get an A/B license. Can I take the book with me to the exam?

[@nickjbogard]

Definitely

[@joshschwartz9538]

Is it possible to get the license without experience? Everything in Florida says you need 4 years. I’ve only had experience building two owner / builder homes for myself

[@yelkirkland1698]

Great Question , I'd like to know for myself.

[@mayberrysranch5156]

You can get someone to sign off for you. Not that hard actually

[@joshschwartz9538]

Like who? lol

[@flipz4221]

Is a general contractor license the same as a residential builder license or are they different?

[@nickjbogard]

Yes. They are the same

[@christinopineda8118]

Hey I can’t seem to find the practice test on the website help please

[@nickjbogard]

Email me, I’ll help you.

[@bo2193]

Nick : confused . Do they allow you to take the book to the test? Is an open book test ????

[@nickjbogard]

They do allow you to take the book with you into your test. You can have tabs and writing in your book as long as it's written on either a tab or the book itself. You cannot have any loose paper in your book though. Let me know if this helps

[@sergiorenteria5180]

hey nick, is ICC like DPOR?

[@nickjbogard]

I’m not familiar with DPOR if you elaborate more I’ll help anyway I can

[@SlickJWilly]

​@nickjbogard is I may come in. DPOR is the licensing agency for skilled trades in Virginia. Google or and it'll take you to the website that gives all the details on licensing. My concern is in doing research and I'm finding mixed signals. Some say class C is no test, only a business class. Others say there is a test.

[@turboskywalker9108]

​@SlickJWilly same here. I was reading the same. But I called DPOR to clarify and you have to take an exam. The 8 hour pre licensing course is just mandatory to take before the exam. Each trade has a different exam. I'm doing general contracting so I'm doing the residental home building.

[@andyoohhh2061]

How long was your study time?

[@nickjbogard]

I did x2 2hr sessions a day for a about a week.

[@cecillia6193]

So if the 2021 version is the most up to date why are the classes still using the 2015 version?

[@nickjbogard]

Haven’t caught up yet. Some county are requiring 2021 now but some still use the old info 😬

[@cecillia6193]

@nickjbogard that's crazy. It's like they're setting you up to fail. We're in MA and they gave us the 2015 ICC but after watching your video I ordered the 2021

[@paytonberman6295]

Can you post all your tabs in a comment?

[@nickjbogard]

When I get back in town I will 🤙🏼

[@user-rv5bc2xh4n]

Their customer service is clueless. Quick question, I paid for the textbooks through the icc website. The concrete manual was a digital copy. How do I bring that into an exam lol.

[@nickjbogard]

It’s quite terrifying lol. You cannot bring it in. Only textbooks are allowed. If your taking your residential contractor exam you don’t need the concrete manual. Otherwise get your money back and buy the hard cover book off Amazon

[@user-rv5bc2xh4n]

@nickjbogard ten 4. I'm taking the F12-N F12 National Building Contractor (B) and suggested I purchase the Building and Rez code books, concrete guide (ebook)

[@nickjbogard]

@@user-rv5bc2xh4ngood luck boss! You got this! Hit me up when you pass 🤙🏽

[@fivergorums976]

Anyone know if the IRC 2018 book is still adequate to test and study with?

[@nickjbogard]

You should be good, I’d check with your county first on which book they use. Every county is a little different

[@fivergorums976]

@@nickjbogard thank you. Just in case anyone else has the same question, I contacted them on 2/7/24 and the IRC2018 is still valid for testing.

[@tedlynn1266]

Hey how much would you charge me for the book you already prepared or if you can prepare one for me how much

[@nickjbogard]

If you purchase a book and ship to me I can prepare it for you…$275

[@user-tc5ml8ry6o]

I can’t find your email Nick but would very much be interested in this service. Can you give me your email so I can contact you.

[@user-tc5ml8ry6o]

@@nickjbogard what’s your email I would love to take you up on this. I can email you get an address and payment details.

[@ER-ru6qp]

Don’t they ask you for experience when applying for a license?

[@nickjbogard]

Not to take the test. The county you apply to work in may. It varies

[@stevefoust5819]

What state r u in?

[@nickjbogard]

Colorado

[@MyLoganb]

In Colorado you can't have any writing in your book

[@nickjbogard]

I took mine in Colorado and they were cool with it...maybe just sweet talk and smile at them lol

[@rjnelund7901]

Michigan doesn't allow any books 😢

[@jesuslozano2386]

Hello nick thanks for info sent you an email for more information !

[@Cl-1993]

Where did you find your email?

[@Cl-1993]

His email**

[@Jcode.1]

But wouldn’t that make you just a Residential contractor? Don’t you need all the books to be a General contractor?

[@Jcode.1]

I’m in Florida by the way

[@nickjbogard]

General Contractor isn't the right term when your talking tests. General contractor is just a term we use to describe our field of work to the world. If you want to be a residential builder you need the IRC book (international residential code) if you want to do commercial work you need the IBC book (international building code). However if you pass your commercial builders license you can also build residential but it doesn't apply the other way around. You only need one of the two books but if your taking the commercial test you also need the concrete book