11.2 Reference Book, Tabs, and Allowed Materials Checklist

Open book still has rules

The ICC journeyman electrician exams listed in the current brief are open book, but open book does not mean bring anything you want. The exam catalog identifies approved references, and the ICC contractor/trades guidance says exam questions come from the listed references. Appeals are also based on listed references. Your first checklist item is therefore simple: match your books to the exact exam code and current catalog.

For R17-N, the source brief identifies the 2023 NEC and 2021 International Codes as the basis. T17-N uses the 2020 NEC and 2018 International Codes. G17-N uses the 2017 NEC. If your jurisdiction authorizes a different exam or adds local references, follow that jurisdiction and current exam catalog.

Reference control checklist

Use this checklist a week before the exam, not the morning of the exam.

• Confirm the exam code: R17-N, T17-N, G17-N, or a jurisdiction-specific exam.
• Download or save the current exam catalog and bulletin page for that exam.
• Confirm each approved reference title, edition, and year.
• Confirm whether your specific delivery method is Pearson VUE test center or PRONTO remote proctoring, if available for your exam.
• Remove loose paper, loose photocopies, sticky notes, worksheets, and any unapproved inserts.
• Check that tabs are permanently attached.
• Check that notes are in ink if notes are allowed under the current rule.
• Verify calculator rules and bring a backup only if the rules allow it.
• Verify identification, appointment time, location, and arrival instructions.

Notes and tabs

The source brief states that computer-based exams generally allow copyrighted bound material with ink notes, highlighting, and permanently attached tabs. Loose papers are prohibited. That means the condition of your book matters. Notes written on loose sheets and tucked into the NEC are not the same as ink notes in the bound reference.

Do not build a tab system that tries to mark every page. Too many tabs slow you down. A useful tab is an address for a repeated exam route.

What to write in the book

Good notes are short route markers. They should help you remember where to go next, not reproduce pages of material. Examples include box fill: count conductors, devices, fittings, EGC allowance, motor: use table FLC, not nameplate, unless rule says otherwise, or check notes under table before answer.

Avoid notes that become a private textbook. Test center staff may inspect materials, and rules can change. Keep your notes within the published candidate policy for your exam administration. If you are uncertain whether a note style is acceptable, ask ICC or Pearson VUE before test day.

Calculator rules

Calculator rules are practical and easy to overlook. The source brief states that the calculator must be battery-operated, nonprogrammable, not capable of storing examination information, and without ribbon or paper printing. PRONTO allows a basic four-function nonprogrammable calculator.

Practice with the same type of calculator. A scientific calculator is not useful if the rules for your delivery method allow only a basic model. Also practice writing formulas on the permitted scratch material or test interface. If no loose paper is allowed in PRONTO, do not build a practice method that depends on your own notebook.

PRONTO material limits

PRONTO remote proctoring has tighter environment rules. The brief states that PRONTO prohibits loose papers, writing utensils, smart watches, external monitors, and any second monitor or screen. If you choose or are assigned PRONTO, rehearse your physical setup: clean desk, approved references only, one screen, compliant calculator, no smartwatch, and no unapproved writing tools.

Fast book check drill

Before the exam, run a 20-minute book check. Pick ten routes from your error log and find each without solving a full problem. Examples: Article 100 definition, service disconnect rule, raceway fill table, box fill rule, motor full-load current table, special occupancy article, GFCI location rule, conductor ampacity table, working clearance, and flexible cord use.

If any route takes more than 90 seconds just to locate, adjust your tab or index habit. Open book is useful only when the book opens to the right place quickly.