Philadelphia Electrician Exam: ICC 211 Guide (2026)

Philadelphia's electrical exam is ICC Exam 211: 100 questions in 5 hours, open book on the 2020 NEC, and you need 75% to pass. You take it at a Pearson VUE test center for $115, then use the pass result to apply for an electrical contractor license from Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

Which Philadelphia electrical license does Exam 211 lead to?

Pennsylvania has no statewide electrician license. Some cities license electrical work themselves, and Philadelphia is one of them.

• One electrical trade license: L&I's trade license list has an Electrical Contractor License. It has no separate master or journeyman electrician license.
• One exam: the City requires the Philadelphia Electrical Contractor Examination given by ICC (the International Code Council, the group that writes and runs the test). That is Exam 211. There is no business and law exam.
• Other requirements: 4 years of electrical work for a licensed company and 8 hours of NFPA 70 coursework in the 12 months before you apply.

The exam title says "Master Electrician," but passing it does not give you a master license. It qualifies you to apply for the City's Electrical Contractor License.

See every step, fee and document in JCR's Philadelphia electrical contractor license guide.

What's on the ICC 211 Philadelphia master electrician exam?

The ICC bulletin splits the exam into 9 areas. With 100 questions, each 1% is about one question.

Every question has four choices and one right answer. There is no penalty for guessing, so answer all 100.

What can you bring into ICC Exam 211?

Bring your own copies of both approved books. The test center does not supply them.

• The 2020 NEC (NFPA 70). ICC updated Exam 211 to this edition on March 15, 2026.
• Ugly's Electrical References, any edition (a pocket book of formulas, tables and wiring diagrams)

ICC's test-site rules for your books:

• Books must be bound: original binding, a three-ring binder or stapled.
• Highlighting and notes written in ink are allowed.
• Tabs must be permanently attached (they can't come off without tearing the page). Removable tabs are not allowed.
• No photocopies of copyrighted books, and no pages you added to a bound book.
• No loose paper. Pearson VUE gives you a small whiteboard and marker. Writing in your books with that marker can get you disciplined.

Other items:

• Calculator: a basic, non-programmable, four-function model (add, subtract, multiply, divide, square root, percent). Calculators that print or store data, such as construction calculators, are banned.
• ID: an original, unexpired, government-issued photo ID with a signature. Your first and last name must match your exam record.
• Not allowed: phones, smart watches, wallets, food and drink.

How do you schedule the Philadelphia electrical exam?

• Book on Pearson VUE's ICC page or by phone at 1-877-234-6082. Search for exam code 211 and name Philadelphia as the place you plan to get licensed.
• Test site: a Pearson VUE test center. The ICC exam catalog lists Pearson as the only method for Exam 211, so PRONTO (ICC's online exam with a remote proctor) is not an option.
• Timing: you can book as late as one calendar day before your test date, if seats are open. A purchased exam is good for 1 year.
• Reschedule or cancel at least 2 business days ahead. Cancel later than that and you are charged the full exam fee.
• Results show right after you finish. A pass reads "PASS" with no number.
• Retakes: wait 10 days after a failed attempt.

ICC 211 exam prep: how to pass

• Pace at 3 minutes a question. Five hours sounds long, but ICC warns you won't have time to look up every answer.
• Start with the big areas. Wiring methods, services and branch circuits make up 51% of the exam.
• Tab the 2020 NEC at the chapters and tables you use most, such as ampacity, conduit fill and box fill.
• Use Ugly's for formulas. Learn where its formulas and tables sit before exam day.
• Plan 6–8 weeks, about an hour a night, and finish with full timed practice tests.

Want a sample of code questions first? See JCR's 2020 NEC practice test questions.

What happens after you pass?

Apply to L&I through eCLIPSE, the City's online license system, or in person by appointment.

• Your exam must reference the current Philadelphia code, or you must apply within 12 months of passing.
• The license costs $262, which includes a $60 non-refundable application fee.
• Insurance, a City tax account and a Commercial Activity License are due with the application.

Philadelphia electrical exam FAQ

What is the passing score on ICC Exam 211?

75%. That means 75 of the 100 questions right. Most other ICC trade exams pass at 70%.

Is the Philadelphia master electrician exam open book?

Yes. You can bring the 2020 NEC and any edition of Ugly's Electrical References. Both can be highlighted, noted in ink and permanently tabbed.

Can I take ICC Exam 211 online from home?

No. ICC lists Pearson VUE test centers as the only way to take Exam 211.

Does Philadelphia require a business and law exam?

No. The City's electrical contractor license requires one exam, ICC Exam 211.

How soon can I retake the Philadelphia electrical exam?

You must wait 10 days after a failed attempt before you test again.