ICC G18 Residential Electrician Free Practice Exam

Now, let’s break down the exam itself so you know exactly what to expect. The ICC G18 is a three-hour, 60-question open-book test administered through Pearson VUE. The best part? It’s designed to mimic real-job scenarios, so nothing feels out of left field—if you’ve prepared properly, of course.

Exam Content Breakdown 

Here’s how the test topics stack up—straight from the official exam blueprint:

• General Knowledge: Electrical theory, terms, and basic load calculations (12%)
• Services and Service Equipment: Service load calculations, grounding, and bonding (22%)
• Feeders: Load calculations, equipment grounding (13%)
• Branch Circuits: Circuit calculations, AFCI/GFCI, grounding conductors (25%)
• Wiring Methods and Materials: Raceway installations, cables, and boxes (13%)
• Equipment and Devices: Luminaires, switches, and appliances (8%)
• Special Occupancies: Pools, low-voltage circuits, and alarm systems (7%)

The exam references two primary resources, so make sure you’ve got these on hand:

• NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC), 2017 Edition (Buy Now)
• Ugly’s Electrical Reference (Buy Now)

If you’ve been brushing up on your skills using outdated PDFs or long lists of practice questions, it’s time to step up your game. Want to know why online practice exams are a better option? Let’s break it down:

• Realistic Testing Experience: Online practice exams mirror the Pearson VUE format, complete with a timer and randomized questions. This boosts confidence and helps you feel at home on test day.
• Instant Feedback: When you take online practice exams, you get immediate results. You’ll know which areas need improvement—no waiting around or guessing where you went wrong.
• Convenience: Access practice tests from anywhere, whether it’s your desktop at home or your phone during a lunch break. No lugging around thick books or scrolling through PDFs.

Alright, let’s talk brass tacks. What doors does this residential electrician certification actually open?

Residential New Construction
You can wire entire houses from the ground up. New subdivisions are going up everywhere, and they all need qualified electricians who understand modern code requirements.

Remodeling and Renovation Work
This is where the money is, honestly. Homeowners renovating kitchens, adding home offices, or upgrading their electrical panels. It’s steady work that pays well.

Service Calls and Repairs
Troubleshooting electrical problems, replacing old outlets, installing ceiling fans. The bread-and-butter work that keeps the lights on (literally).

Code Compliance and Inspections
Some jurisdictions allow certified electricians to perform certain types of inspections. It’s specialized work that can be quite lucrative.

Starting Your Own Business
Once you’ve got experience and additional licensing, you can hang out your own shingle. The electrical trade is one of the few where you can still build a solid small business.

You know what? I get this question a lot, and my answer is always the same: it depends on what you want out of life.

If you’re looking for job security, the electrical trade has it in spades. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% job growth for electricians through 2031—faster than average. Plus, this isn’t work that can be outsourced to another country or replaced by AI anytime soon.

The money’s decent too. Residential electricians typically start around $35,000-$40,000, but experienced pros can easily hit $60,000-$80,000 or more, especially if they specialize or start their own businesses.

But here’s the real kicker: it’s interesting work. Every job site is different. Every problem requires creative thinking. You’re not stuck in a cubicle doing the same thing day after day.

Here’s where things get a bit complicated. There are several paths in the electrical trade, and choosing the right one depends on your goals.

Residential Electrician (ICC G18)
This is what we’ve been talking about. It’s focused, specific, and gets you working faster than some other options. Perfect if you know you want to work on houses.

Journeyman Electrician
Broader scope, including commercial and industrial work. Takes longer to get but opens more doors. You’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program first.

Master Electrician
The top of the food chain. Requires years of experience as a journeyman, but lets you pull permits, supervise other electricians, and run your own business in most states.

Specialty Certifications
Things like solar installation, industrial controls, or fire alarm systems. These are add-ons that can boost your earning potential.

For most people just starting out, the residential electrician certification is the smart move. It gets you working while you figure out if you want to pursue additional certifications later.

Alright, let’s get practical. Here’s how you actually prepare for this thing:

Step 1: Get Your References
You absolutely need the NEC 2017 Edition and Ugly’s Electrical Reference. 

Step 2: Take Practice Exams (Lots of Them)
Start with our Free Electrical Code Practice Exam to get a feel for the questions. Then move on to the full practice suite.

Step 3: Focus on Your Weak Areas
Use the practice exam results to identify where you’re struggling. Need help with OSHA requirements? Check out our OSHA 1926 Exam.

Step 4: Master the Code Book
This isn’t about memorizing—it’s about knowing how to find answers quickly. Practice navigating the NEC until you can flip to any section without thinking.

Step 5: Register and Schedule
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Nobody ever feels completely ready. Schedule your exam at Pearson VUE and let that deadline motivate you.

Look, becoming a residential electrician isn’t just about passing one exam. It’s about joining a skilled trade that’ll challenge you, pay you fairly, and give you the satisfaction of solving real problems for real people.

The ICC G18 certification is your first step into this world. It’s not the hardest exam you’ll ever take, but it demands respect and preparation. Use the resources available—especially interactive practice tests that mirror the real experience.

Your future in the electrical trade starts with one decision: are you ready to flip the switch on a new career?

Take our ICC G18 free practice exam today and find out where you stand. Because honestly, the only way to fail is to never try.

Remember: The electrical industry needs skilled professionals who understand both the technical requirements and the safety implications of their work. Your residential electrician certification isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s proof that you’re committed to doing the job right.

Ready to get started? The practice questions are waiting, and your electrical career is just an exam away.

Wondering what kinds of questions might appear on the test? Here’s a sneak peek at a few examples:

1. What is the minimum burial depth for a residential electrical conduit installed in a backyard under 120 volts?

   • Reference: NEC 2017, Article 300.5
   • Answer: 18 inches

2. What’s the required outlet spacing for countertops in a residential kitchen?

   • Reference: NEC 2017, Article 210.52(C)(1)
   • Answer: Outlets must be spaced no more than 4 feet apart.

By practicing questions based on the same topics and references, you’ll be primed for the real deal.