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Question 1

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Per NEC 110.26(A)(1), what is the minimum depth of working space in front of electrical equipment operating at 300 volts where exposed live parts are on one side and grounded parts (such as concrete walls) are on the other side (Condition 2)?

3 feet

3.5 feet

4 feet

4.5 feet

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ICC E2 Exam

80 Qs

Exam Questions

Open-book

3.5 hrs

Time Limit

210 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled score

$220-$320

Exam Fee

ICC member discount

2023 NEC

Reference Code

NFPA 70

50 States

Recognition

ICC certification

The ICC E2 exam has 80 multiple-choice questions with a 3.5-hour (210-minute) time limit in an open-book format. You must score at least 75 on a scaled score (approximately 60 of 80 correct). The exam is based on the 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code. The exam fee ranges from $220-$320 depending on ICC membership status. Testing is available at Pearson VUE centers or via ICC PRONTO remote proctoring 24/7.

Sample ICC E2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ICC E2 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Per NEC 110.26(A)(1), what is the minimum depth of working space in front of electrical equipment operating at 300 volts where exposed live parts are on one side and grounded parts (such as concrete walls) are on the other side (Condition 2)?

A.3 feet

B.3.5 feet

C.4 feet

D.4.5 feet

Explanation: NEC Table 110.26(A)(1) requires 3.5 feet of working space for Condition 2 at 151-600 volts nominal to ground. Condition 1 (no exposed live parts on the opposite side) requires 3 feet, and Condition 3 (live parts on both sides) requires 4 feet. These clearances ensure safe access for installation and maintenance. Exam tip: memorize the 3/3.5/4 foot Condition 1/2/3 pattern for 151-600 V — it is one of the most frequently tested general-requirement items on the E2.

2According to NEC Article 100, the term 'continuous load' is defined as a load where the maximum current is expected to continue for at least how long?

A.1 hour

B.2 hours

C.3 hours

D.4 hours

Explanation: NEC Article 100 defines a continuous load as a load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more. This definition triggers the 125% sizing rule in 210.19, 210.20, 215.2, and 215.3 for branch circuits and feeders supplying continuous loads. Commercial lighting and store display loads are typically continuous. Exam tip: whenever a question mentions a load operating 3+ hours, immediately think 125% conductor and OCPD sizing.

3Per NEC 110.26(E), what is the minimum required headroom of working space about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers in commercial occupancies?

A.6 feet

B.6 feet 6 inches

C.6 feet 6 inches or height of equipment, whichever is greater

D.7 feet

Explanation: NEC 110.26(E) requires the minimum headroom of working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers to be 6 feet 6 inches (78 inches) or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater. This ensures that workers can safely stand in front of equipment during maintenance. Exam tip: the 6'6" (78-inch) value applies to commercial spaces — residential 1φ panelboards of 200 A or less are exempt from the headroom rule.

4NEC 110.26(C)(2) requires how many entrances to and egress from the working space for large equipment rated 1200 amperes or more and over 6 feet wide?

A.1 entrance

B.At least 1 entrance not less than 24 in. wide and 6.5 ft high

C.Two entrances, one at each end of the working space

D.Three entrances equally spaced

Explanation: NEC 110.26(C)(2) requires at least one entrance not less than 24 in. wide and 6.5 ft high at each end of the working space for equipment rated 1200 A or more and over 6 ft wide. This ensures workers can quickly escape if an arc flash occurs. Exceptions allow a single entrance if a continuous and unobstructed way of egress is provided or if the working space is doubled. Exam tip: 1200 A and 6 ft wide is the dual trigger — miss either threshold and the two-entrance rule does not apply.

5Per NEC 110.14(C)(1), conductors with a temperature rating higher than the termination rating (for example 90°C conductors terminating on 75°C-rated equipment) must have their ampacity determined based on which temperature column of Table 310.16?

A.60°C column

B.75°C column

C.90°C column

D.The highest rating of any component

Explanation: NEC 110.14(C)(1) requires the conductor ampacity to be selected based on the lowest temperature rating of any connected termination, conductor, or device. A 90°C THHN conductor terminating on 75°C-rated lugs must use the 75°C column of Table 310.16, not the 90°C column. The higher 90°C rating is only used for ampacity adjustment and correction factors. Exam tip: use the 90°C column only as the starting point for derating — the final ampacity must still come from the termination temperature column.

6Per NEC 110.22(A), each disconnecting means must be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. What additional marking requirement applies in 110.22?

A.The marking must be engraved only

B.The marking must be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved

C.The marking must be at least 1 inch tall

D.No durability requirement exists

Explanation: NEC 110.22(A) requires each disconnecting means to be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, and the marking must be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. Simple handwritten labels on masking tape fail this requirement in damp or outdoor locations. Exam tip: engraved phenolic or laminated tags are common compliant methods — inspectors frequently cite fading Sharpie labels in mechanical rooms.

7Per NEC 110.26(A)(3), the minimum width of working space in front of electrical equipment shall be the width of the equipment or how many inches, whichever is greater?

A.24 inches

B.30 inches

C.36 inches

D.42 inches

Explanation: NEC 110.26(A)(3) requires the width of the working space in front of the electrical equipment to be the width of the equipment or 30 inches, whichever is greater. The space must permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels. This 30-inch rule is independent of the depth requirements in 110.26(A)(1). Exam tip: the 30-inch width can be measured from either the left or right edge of the equipment — it does not have to be centered on the enclosure.

8NEC 110.24(A) requires service equipment in other than dwelling units to be legibly field-marked with the maximum available fault current, the date the calculation was performed, and to meet which additional requirement?

A.The marking must be updated every 5 years regardless of changes

B.The calculation must be updated when modifications affect the maximum available fault current

C.The marking must be approved by a licensed engineer

D.Only the service transformer rating is required

Explanation: NEC 110.24(B) requires the field-marked available fault current calculation to be updated whenever modifications to the electrical installation affect the maximum available fault current. The marking must be sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. This ensures the service equipment's short-circuit current rating (SCCR) is not exceeded. Exam tip: inspectors verify the label exists, shows a date, and has been updated after any significant service change — missing the date is a common cited violation.

9Per NEC 210.19(A)(1), branch circuit conductors must have an ampacity of not less than the maximum load to be served, and for continuous loads plus noncontinuous loads, the minimum branch circuit conductor size (before derating) must be at least what percentage of the continuous load plus 100% of the noncontinuous load?

A.100% continuous + 100% noncontinuous

B.115% continuous + 100% noncontinuous

C.125% continuous + 100% noncontinuous

D.150% continuous + 100% noncontinuous

Explanation: NEC 210.19(A)(1) requires branch circuit conductors to have an ampacity before any derating of at least 125% of the continuous load plus 100% of the noncontinuous load. The same 125% factor applies to the OCPD sizing in 210.20(A) unless both the OCPD and its assembly are listed for operation at 100% of their rating. Exam tip: the 125% factor is one of the most tested rules on the E2 — expect several calculation questions applying it.

10A commercial lighting branch circuit has a continuous load of 16 amperes and no noncontinuous load. What is the minimum branch circuit OCPD rating per NEC 210.20(A)?

A.15 amperes

B.16 amperes

C.20 amperes

D.25 amperes

Explanation: NEC 210.20(A) requires the branch circuit OCPD rating to be at least 125% of continuous loads plus 100% of noncontinuous loads. 16 A × 1.25 = 20 A, so the next standard size per 240.6(A) is 20 amperes. A 15-ampere breaker would be undersized, and there is no need to go to 25 amperes. Exam tip: always round up to the next standard size in 240.6(A) — 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, 150, etc.

About the ICC E2 Exam

The ICC Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2) exam is administered by the International Code Council and certifies individuals to inspect electrical installations in commercial and industrial buildings, including services, feeders, branch circuits, grounding and bonding, wiring methods, motors, HVAC equipment, and special occupancies. The open-book exam is based on the 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC). E2 certification is recognized in all 50 states and is a critical credential for commercial electrical inspection and plan review careers.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

3.5 hours (210 minutes)

Passing Score

75 (scaled score)

Exam Fee

$220-$320 (ICC (Pearson VUE / PRONTO))

ICC E2 Exam Content Outline

22%

Branch Circuits, Feeders & Services

NEC Articles 210, 215, 220, 225, 230 — branch circuit ratings, feeder/service calculations, load calculations

20%

Wiring Methods & Materials

NEC Articles 300-399 — conduit fill, raceways, cables, boxes, conductor ampacity, and support requirements

15%

Grounding & Bonding

NEC Article 250 — equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers

15%

Equipment for General Use

NEC Articles 400-490 — motors, HVAC, transformers, luminaires, appliances, and flexible cords

15%

Special Occupancies & Equipment

NEC Articles 500-694 — hazardous locations, health care, assembly, emergency systems, PV

General Requirements & Definitions

NEC Articles 90, 100, 110 — scope, definitions, working space, and general installation rules

Overcurrent Protection

NEC Article 240 — overcurrent device ratings, locations, tap conductor rules

How to Pass the ICC E2 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75 (scaled score)
Exam length: 80 questions
Time limit: 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
Exam fee: $220-$320

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ICC E2 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Tab your 2023 NEC heavily — mark Article 220 (load calculations), Table 310.16 (ampacity), Article 250 (grounding), Article 240 (OCPD), Chapter 9 Table 1 (conduit fill %), Annex C fill tables, and Article 430 motor tables

2Memorize the 3/6/9 foot working space depths in NEC 110.26(A)(1) for Conditions 1/2/3 and the 6.5 ft (78 in) minimum headroom — these general-requirement questions are free points

3Master the 125% continuous load rule in NEC 210.20(A) and 215.3 for branch circuit and feeder OCPD sizing — this is the most tested calculation pattern on the E2 exam

4Know Article 250 cold: 250.66 grounding electrode conductor sizing by service conductor size, 250.122 equipment grounding conductor sizing by OCPD rating, and the 25-ohm rod rule in 250.53(A)(2)

5For conduit fill, practice using Chapter 9 Table 1 (53% for 1 wire, 31% for 2 wires, 40% for 3+ wires) with Table 5 conductor dimensions and Table 4 raceway areas — or use Annex C directly when all conductors are the same size

Frequently Asked Questions

What score do I need to pass the ICC E2 exam?

The ICC E2 exam requires a scaled score of 75 to pass, which corresponds to approximately 60 correct answers out of 80 questions (about 75%). If you pass, you see 'PASS' on your results — no numerical score is shown for passing candidates. If you fail, you receive a diagnostic report broken down by content area so you can target your weak spots before a retake. The scaled score is set by the ICC Exam Development Committee.

Is the ICC E2 exam open-book?

Yes, the ICC E2 exam is open-book. You are allowed to use the 2023 edition of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) as your reference during the exam. You can tab, highlight, and annotate your NEC codebook. With 210 minutes for 80 questions you average about 2.6 minutes per question, so fast NEC navigation is critical. Most successful candidates tab Article 250 grounding, load calculation tables (220.42-220.87), and Chapter 9 conduit fill tables.

How hard is the ICC E2 exam?

The ICC E2 exam is challenging even though it is open-book. Branch Circuits/Feeders/Services (22%) and Wiring Methods (20%) together make up 42% of the exam and both require multi-step calculations. Load calculation questions and Article 250 grounding questions are where most candidates struggle. Candidates who practice timed full-length mock exams and memorize the NEC layout (not the values) have the highest success rates. Plan for 120-180 hours of preparation.

Which codebook do I need for the ICC E2 exam?

The current ICC E2 exam is based on the 2023 edition of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code). Always verify the current edition on the ICC exam catalog before scheduling, because ICC updates the reference every code cycle. You can purchase the NEC directly from NFPA or the ICC store. The exam covers NEC Chapters 1-9, with heavy emphasis on Chapters 2 (wiring and protection), 3 (wiring methods), and 5 (special occupancies).

What jobs can I get with ICC E2 certification?

ICC E2 certification qualifies you for commercial electrical inspector positions with city, county, and state building departments, as well as third-party inspection agencies. Average salaries range from $55,000-$95,000 depending on location and experience, with senior inspectors in major metros earning more. Many jurisdictions require ICC certification as a condition of employment. The E2 is often paired with the E1 (residential electrical) or the Electrical Plans Examiner certification for broader inspection authority.

How do I prepare for the ICC E2 exam?

Start by obtaining the 2023 NEC and reading Articles 90, 100, and 110 to understand terminology and general rules. Tab heavy-use sections: Article 220 load calculations, Table 310.16 ampacity, Article 250 grounding, Chapter 9 Table 1 (conduit fill), and Article 430 motors. Work through at least 300 practice questions under timed conditions and run 2-3 full 80-question mock exams before test day. Focus extra study hours on load calculations and grounding, which drive most exam failures.