In this guide
Ready to Test?
Have you ever desired to become a Certified Residential Electrical Inspector?
Well your first step is to know a little bit about the exam itself and what areas you should be studying for.
The E1 Residential Electrical Inspector Certification Exam administered by the International Code Council (ICC) tests an individuals knowledge of the International Residential Code (IRC).
As a Certified Residential Electrical Inspector you will be responsible for performing inspections of the installation or alteration of electrical systems indoors and outdoors including services, conductors, equipment, components, fixtures, appliances, devices, and electrical appurtenances for one‐ and two‐family dwellings limited to 120/240 volts, single phase, up to 400 amperes.
Residential Electrical Inspector Exam Specifications
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You have a time limit of 2 hours to complete the exam and it is open book meaning you can only use the code book referenced by ICC. For this exam it is the International Residential Code (IRC).
The code edition of the reference used should reflect the code edition of the exam you are taking. For example if you plan to take the 2021 version of the exam, you should use the 2021 International Residential Code. No work experience is required to take the exam and you must be at least 18 years of age.
The International Code Council (ICC) requires you to take the exam through the PRONTO system.
PRONTO is a new way of taking your testing exam from the comfort of your home or office. PRONTO stands for Proctored Remote Online Testing Option. For more information about the PRONTO online testing option, click here.
Free ICC E1 Practice Test
Preview the E1 question format before you purchase.
Take a free 10-question Residential Electrical Inspector practice test, receive your score, and review your answers before deciding whether you are ready for the complete practice exam.
What does the E1 Residential Electrical Inspector exam cover?
This exam covers 6 main areas such as:
- General Administration
- Services
- Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements
- Wiring Methods And Power and Lighting Distribution
- Devices, Lighting Fixtures, and Appliances
- Swimming Pools and Similar Installations
The following exam content outline can act as a study guide to help you study for the exam and to gain an understanding of what the exam will cover.
General Administration
10%Project Administration
1%Verify that required permits are issued and valid. Verify that the required approved plans and specifications are available when required and retained by the building official for the period required.
Public Information and Legal
1%Communicate the intent of the code using proper terminology. Answer questions about general code compliance, procedures, and materials. Identify the suitability of the installation of materials according to the listing and labeling. Communicate issues and maintain inspection reports, correction notices, stop work orders, and data for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Electrical Theory
2%Apply basic electrical theory to determine loads and circuit ampacities for safe installation of electrical systems.
Clearances and Guarding
2%Determine required working clearances, location, access, and guarding requirements for electrical installations.
Connections and Splices
2%Verify that conductor connections, splices, and terminal identification meet code requirements.
Conductors
2%Inspect conductors to verify correct use, type, insulations, markings, and ampacity.
Services
17%Service Size and Rating
8%Inspect services to verify required conductor ampacity, clearances, location, materials, and equipment.
Service Grounding and Bonding
9%Verify size and type of conductors and electrodes, including location and installation.
Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements
28%Feeders
5%Inspect feeders to verify conductor size, clearances, location, materials, and grounding conductors.
Branch Circuit and Feeder Calculations
6%Verify that the load to be placed on branch circuits and feeders meets code provisions for the conductor, devices, materials, and equipment installed.
Branch Circuit Ratings and Overcurrent Protection
7%Verify correct size, type, location, and installation of overcurrent devices.
Required Branch Circuits
5%Verify that all required branch circuits are provided.
Panelboards
5%Verify panelboard rating, circuit identification, overcurrent protection, and correct installation.
Wiring Methods And Power and Lighting Distribution
21%Installation Methods
4%Verify that installation of all conductors, cables, raceways, and fittings meets code requirements. Verify that underground wiring meets code requirements.
Branch Circuit Required Outlets
4%Verify that receptacle and lighting outlets and switches are provided in all required locations.
Branch Circuits – GFCI
4%Verify that ground-fault circuit interrupter protection is provided in all required locations.
Boxes and Enclosures
3%Verify that boxes are of proper type and correctly sized and installed.
Equipment Grounding
3%Verify equipment bonding and grounding conductor sizes, connections, and installation.
Flexible Cords
2%Verify proper use and sizing of flexible cords.
Class 2 Circuits
1%Inspect low voltage control wiring, Class 2 circuits, and fire alarm circuits.
Devices, Lighting Fixtures, and Appliances
19%Switches and Receptacles
6%Verify that switches and receptacles are of the correct type and rating and are installed properly.
Light Fixtures
4%Verify that light fixtures and fixture wires are of correct type and rating and are properly installed.
Appliances
5%Inspect appliance wiring and equipment to verify correct type, use, installation, and disconnecting means.
Heating and Cooling Equipment
4%Inspect space heating and cooling equipment, including air conditioning and refrigeration wiring and equipment, to verify correct type, use, installation, and disconnecting means.
Swimming Pools and Similar Installations
5%Swimming Pool Wiring
5%Verify proper installation of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, hydromassage bathtubs, etc.
What do you get when you pass the exam?
E1 Certification
Bragging rights! Well actually you will receive a pass letter the same day right after your exam. You will have a certification number assigned to you so that if someone were to search for a certified professional within the ICC website, your name will come up! In addition to being a Certified Residential Electrical Inspector (Yayyy!) you will receive a wall certification that looks like this…
Why not try our (E1) Residential Electrical Inspector Practice Exam?
This practice exam is designed for those who are looking to take the 2021 or 2018 version E1 Residential Electrical Inspector Certification Exam through the International Code Council (ICC). These practice exams are intended to help you prepare for the actual exam by helping you navigate through the code book to familiarize yourself with the specific code sections. They will test your knowledge on the exam content areas covered to improve your chances of passing the certification exam.
This is a great way to prepare yourself for the actual exam administered by ICC. Every building code professional knows that the key to passing the ICC exams is to do practice problems. Don’t just take the exam purely on experience alone. Let this resource get you focused on realistic problems built around the exam content being covered.
Prepare With Confidence
Need Help Practicing for the E1 Exam?
Try our Residential Electrical Inspector Practice Exam
Want to test your knowledge of how well you know the code? Or maybe just get a feel for the exam?
Try out our Practice Exam for the E1 Residential Electrical Inspector Certification Exam!
