Building Code Masters' 2021 Residential Building Inspector Practice Exam for the ICC certification stands as an invaluable resource for aspiring professionals seeking to excel in the field of building inspection.
Designed with in-depth knowledge of the International Residential Code (IRC), this practice exam offers a comprehensive practice test for candidates to hone their skills and knowledge. It meticulously covers essential topics, ranging from structural integrity and public safety to foundation, floor, wall, and roof construction standards.
The exam is designed to simulate real-world scenarios, providing candidates with a practical understanding of the complexities they might encounter in their roles as residential building inspectors.
With a focus on clarity and relevance, Building Code Masters' 2021 Practice Exam equips candidates with the confidence and expertise needed to successfully navigate the challenges of the ICC certification.
2021 ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification Outline
The outline provided is directly from the specification of the coverage areas that are on the real certification exam from the ICC. All of the information about ICC certifications can be viewed through the ICC exam catalog.
Code Administration (4%)
Project Administration (2%)
Verify adequacy of project information.
Ensure projects are designed by approved professionals.
Approve and install non-standard products according to listings.
Retain and provide access to approved plans and specifications.
Public Information and Legal (2%)
Answer questions about permits, inspections, and code compliance.
Communicate and issue inspection reports, correction notices, and stop-work orders.
Maintain data for certificate of occupancy issuance.
Building Planning (8%)
Unit Separation (3%)
Verify compliance of unit separation and fire-resistance.
Building Location (3%)
Inspect site compliance with local ordinances, fire regulations, and site plans.
Verify slope, flood-hazard area compliance, and finish floor elevation.
Room and Opening Dimensions (2%)
Confirm correct floor area calculations and room dimensions for light and ventilation.
Footings and Foundations (16%)
Footings (5%)
Verify soil load-bearing capacity and stability.
Inspect correct depth, size, setbacks, and drainage for footings.
Stepped Footings and Special Foundations (3%)
Verify use as per approved plans or code.
Columns and Piers (3%)
Verify proper support, anchoring, and protection against termites and decay.
Site Preparations, Foundations, and Basement Walls (5%)
Ensure proper preparation, sizing, materials, reinforcement, and bracing.
Floor Construction (14%)
Lumber Quality – Floors (3%)
Verify compliance of wood materials, cuts, and protection against termites and decay.
Floor Joist Framing (3%)
Inspect spans, bearing, and connections for floor joists.
Concrete Slab Inspection (2%)
Verify proper placement, standards compliance, and precautions in adverse weather.
Subflooring and Decking (2%)
Confirm thickness, span, grade, and compliance of floor design and fasteners.
Crawl Spaces (2%)
Verify clearance, ventilation, insulation, screening, and access.
Draftstops (2%)
Verify installation where required.
Wall Construction and Coverings (27%)
Lumber Quality – Walls (4%)
Verify wood material compliance, cuts, and protection against termites and decay.
Wood Framing – Walls (4%)
Inspect spacing, bearing, and connections for wood wall framing.
Header Spans (2%)
Inspect spans, bearing, and connections for headers.
Steel Framing (2%)
Verify steel framing compliance.
Fireblocking (2%)
Ensure fireblocking where required.
Masonry Materials and Placement (2%)
Verify masonry material compliance, bonding, mortar, lintels, and grouting.
Concrete Wall Inspection (2%)
Verify concrete wall compliance and proper installation of prefabricated walls.
Braced Wall Panels (2%)
Ensure bracing for lateral displacement prevention and load transfer.
Interior Coverings (2%)
Verify correct installation of wall and ceiling coverings, especially in wet areas.
Exterior Sheathing, Veneers, and Weather-Resistant Coverings (3%)
Verify correct sizing, installation, and protection against termites and decay.
Exterior Plaster, Stucco, and Lath (2%)
Verify correct thickness, fastening, and installation of exterior finishes.
Roof/Ceiling Construction (14%)
Roof/Ceiling Insulation and Vapor Barriers (2%)
Verify proper insulation and vapor barrier installation.
Attics/Ceiling (2%)
Confirm proper ventilation, screens, and access in attic and ceiling areas.
Roof Framing (4%)
Inspect roof rafters, collar beams, and ceiling joists for compliance.
Roof Sheathing (2%)
Verify proper thickness, grade, support, and fastening of roof sheathing.
Roofs and Roof Coverings and Reroofing (2%)
Verify correct roof coverings, flashings, drainage, and compliance for reroofing.
Fireplaces and Chimneys (2%)
Verify proper design and clearances for fireplaces, flues, and chimneys.
Public Safety and Special Construction (17%)
Means of Egress (4%)
Inspect emergency egress doors and windows for compliance.
Exit Stairways and Ramps (3%)
Verify proper dimensions, slope, landings, guardrails, and handrails.
Exterior Construction (3%)
Inspect exterior stairs, ramps, porches, decks, and balconies for material and load support.
Smoke Detectors (2%)
Inspect proper installation, power supply, and locations of smoke detectors.
Flamespread of Insulation and Finishes (2%)
Verify compliance with flame spread and smoke density requirements for interior finishes.
Safety Glazing (3%)
Verify proper installation and labeling of safety glazing where required.
How To Study For the Residential Building Inspector Exam
Knowing how to tackle answering questions from all of the required sections is a daunting task. Practicing answering building code questions is essential for a building inspector or someone about to take an exam.
In the field, a building inspector should be able to answer general questions about structural framing, foundation, floor, wall, and roof construction standards. During an exam, test takers must be able to navigate the International Residential Code fast enough to answer all of the questions within the allowed time of 120 minutes.
Residential Building Inspector Practice Test Study Recommendation
Building Code Masters recommends that test takers be able to do the following before taking a certification test:
Have the table of contents and index tabbed for easy access.
Be able to look up 60 practice test questions in under 1 hour.
Know the location of and mark all important tables.
This basic three step formula has proven successful for several examinees and speed is key just as it is in the field. Building Code Masters has several practice exams for building inspectors to test their skills and learn the most essential questions and scenarios they will be presented with.
How to Take the 2021 Residential Building Inspector Exam
The final step in completing your certification is scheduling and taking the examination. All exams can be schedule from the exam catalog or ICC account. Either log in to your account and follow the credentials tab OR go directly to the exam catalog and schedule from there.
From myICC account:
From Exam catalog:
Finally!
Good luck to all the examinees! May your hard work and dedication be reflected in your exam results. Trust in your preparation, stay confident, and give it your best effort. Wishing you success and a bright future in your endeavors!
