Contractors of America, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, has educated hundreds of Residential General Contractors through its highly successful ICC Residential Code Exam Prep Program for the National Standard Building Contractor Class C Residential (ICC G13) exam.

Originally known locally as Contractors of Colorado, the organization has expanded nationwide as Contractors of America, LLC, delivering ICC-focused education to contractors across the country, including those building under MUBEC in Maine.

This program is designed to prepare contractors to confidently navigate the ICC Residential Code (IRC) and successfully pass the ICC G13 exam, which is required in many jurisdictions prior to issuing a general contractor license and granting the ability to pull permits. While licensing requirements vary by state, mastery of the IRC is directly applicable to Maine contractors working under MUBEC, where ICC code language forms the foundation of residential construction standards.

What Maine Contractors Can Expect

This is a 100% online, live-instruction program that runs for 4 consecutive weeks, with a structured deep dive into the IRC, focused on real-world application, test strategy, and code comprehension.

Live Class Schedule

Wednesdays: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (EST)

Fridays: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (EST)

Each session includes guided instruction, dedicated analysis of the code book, practical examples, and open Q&A.

Program Includes

100% online classes with live expert instruction

IRC Code Book plus exam-approved tab kit

Proven exam strategy and navigation techniques

Classroom portal with mock exams, quizzes, and progress tracking

1-on-1 office hours with the instructor, as needed

For Maine contractors, this program goes beyond test prep. It builds the code fluency needed to work confidently with inspectors, reduce rework, and operate professionally under MUBEC, where knowing the ICC Residential Code is not optional, it’s essential.

The International Code Council (ICC) is the organization that develops the model building codes used across the United States, including the Residential Code that Maine adopts and enforces through MUBEC.

At its core, the ICC is a standards-setting body made up of building officials, inspectors, engineers, architects, and industry professionals. Their job is to create uniform, science-based codes that protect public health, safety, and welfare while giving states a consistent framework for construction.

How the ICC connects directly to Maine

Maine doesn’t write its residential building rules from scratch. Instead, the state adopts the ICC Residential Code (IRC) as the foundation of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), with Maine-specific amendments layered on top.

That means: The IRC is the backbone of residential construction standards in Maine

MUBEC is essentially Maine saying, “We’re using the ICC code, plus a few local adjustments”

When inspectors cite code sections, they are almost always referencing ICC language

If you understand the IRC, you’re already speaking the same language as Maine’s code officials.

Why ICC matters to Maine contractors

Because ICC codes are:

Nationally recognized

Continuously updated based on research and field data

Legally enforceable once adopted by the state

Maine inspectors rely on ICC standards to ensure homes can handle:

Cold-climate construction demands

Snow loads and wind exposure

Energy efficiency and moisture control

For contractors, ICC isn’t some distant organization, it’s the source document behind MUBEC.

The takeaway for Maine builders

If you’re building in Maine and working under MUBEC, you are effectively working under the ICC Residential Code every day. Contractors who understand who the ICC is and how their codes flow into Maine law gain a real advantage: faster approvals, fewer corrections, and stronger, more defensible builds.

In Maine, knowing the ICC isn’t academic, it’s practical, profitable, and required.

This is a common point of confusion, especially in states like Maine.

The International Code Council (ICC) publishes the International Residential Code (IRC) and administers national certification exams. While many states adopt versions of the IRC for local enforcement, ICC certification exams do not update in real time with each new code cycle. Instead, they intentionally lag behind to maintain a stable, nationwide testing standard.

At present, there is no ICC exam administered using the 2021 IRC.

All ICC National Standard Contractor exams are still anchored to the 2018 IRC, which is why our program is built around and supplies the 2018 codebook.

Maine’s Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) has adopted the 2021 IRC, meaning local enforcement in Maine is based on that version of the code. However, ICC exams are not designed to mirror individual state adoptions.

The good news is that the 2018 and 2021 IRC are very similar. Most of the changes between the two editions are concentrated around energy-efficiency provisions, while the core residential, structural, and administrative requirements remain largely the same. As a result, Maine contractors still gain significant value from studying the 2018 IRC, both for exam preparation and for building a strong foundation in residential code.

Residential Contractors in Maine really can’t afford to be casually familiar with the ICC Residential Code, they need to know it cold.

Maine enforces the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) statewide, which is based heavily on the ICC Residential Code (IRC) with Maine-specific amendments. That means whether you’re in Portland, Bangor, or a rural township, inspectors are referencing the IRC framework. If you don’t know it, you’re building blind.

Program Contacts

To ensure your questions are handled quickly and efficiently, please use the appropriate contact below based on your needs.

Before the Course Begins

For enrollment assistance and general questions prior to the start of the program, please contact:

Cooper Simmerman, MBA

Cell: (720) 475-6459

Email: [email protected]

Once the Course Is Underway

After classes begin, all instructional and course-related questions should be directed to:

Matthew Pennington

Prep Course Instructor

Phone: (720) 365-9372

Email: [email protected]

Maine-Specific & HBRAME Membership Questions

For questions regarding Annual Membership with the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine (HBRAME) or other Maine-specific matters, please contact:

Heather Raisanen

Executive Officer, HBRA Maine

Phone: 719-465-1601

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Matthew Pennington is the cornerstone of Contractors of America's education platform and the architect behind our contractor training programs. A highly successful former General Contractor with more than 20 years of real-world field experience, Matthew is also a seasoned professional inspector, giving him a rare, 360-degree understanding of how projects are built, evaluated, and ultimately judged in the real world.

What truly sets Matthew apart is not just what he knows, but how effectively he teaches it.

Earning the trust and admiration of hundreds of students who consistently praise his clarity, practicality, and ability to translate complex concepts into actionable guidance. Under his instruction, a new generation of contractors has successfully earned their licenses and entered the market prepared, not just to pass an exam, but to operate professionally and profitably.

Matthew is widely respected by his students for his straightforward teaching style, deep industry insight, and genuine investment in their success. He doesn’t teach theory, he teaches what works, what doesn’t, and why.

At this time, we do not offer payment plans or financing options. To enroll in the program, please visit our secure payment portal and select the option that reflects your HBRAME membership status. Please note all sales are final.

$1999 for existing HBRAME Members

$2,525 for non HBRAME Members

SECURE PAYMENT PORTAL: https://pay.summitpaygateway.com/hbamainegc

The portal accepts credit cards as well as electronic checks (ACH) via your checking account.

We strongly recommend attending all live online classes on Wednesdays and Fridays, as each session builds on the previous material and is critical to your success in the program.

That said, we understand that life happens.

If a scheduling conflict arises, please notify the instructor in advance so we can help you stay on track and get the most value from the program.

Please note that enrollment is final. All sales are final, and no refunds will be issued for missed or unattended sessions, regardless of reason.

In Maine, local enforcement follows the 2021 IRC, but the path to becoming an licensed General Contractor, the ICC still runs through the 2018 IRC (Exam G13). (National Standard Building Contractor “Class C” ICC G13)

We provide you with the 2018 codebook and targeted training because that is exactly what you will see on the national exam.

Don't let the version gap worry you: the 2018 and 2021 codes are nearly identical in their structural and residential foundations. By training with us, you are preparing to pass the real exam on the first try while gaining the fundamental skills required for Maine’s current building standards.

We will monitor the payment portal and follow up with you to confirm your mailing address so we can ship your code book directly to your home.

Programs run monthly, and we require at least 10 days between payment and the start of class to ensure your code book arrives on time. If payment is submitted the day before a program begins, we are unable to guarantee timely delivery of materials.

As a best practice, please email [email protected] with:

Your mailing address, and

Confirmation that you have paid the enrollment fee

Once received, we’ll get you fully set up to begin the live online classes.