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Residential building inspector (B1) practice test

190 free practice questions for this exam, each with the reason for the answer and where to look it up.

Residential building inspector: practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

Practice tests that prepare you for this exam

Residential building inspector

Code administration, footings and foundations, framing, wall and roof coverings, egress, fire safety and energy basics for residential inspector and permit technician exams.

190 questions for this exam

About the exam

ExamResidential building inspector (B1)
Who runs itICC
WhereUnited States

Question count, time limit and pass mark differ by where you take it. Check the official candidate bulletin from the organisation that runs your exam.

Sample questions

When do the provisions in an appendix of the residential code become enforceable in a jurisdiction?

  1. Automatically, whenever the main body of the code has been adopted
  2. Whenever the building official decides to apply them to a project
  3. Only when the owner agrees to them on the permit application
  4. Only when the adopting ordinance specifically adopts that appendix
Show the answer

D. Only when the adopting ordinance specifically adopts that appendix

Appendix chapters are not part of the enforceable code unless the jurisdiction names them in its adopting ordinance. Adoption of the main body alone does not bring them in, and the building official cannot adopt them by choice.

Reference: IRC 2021, Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration): appendices

Asphalt felt is being applied horizontally as a water-resistive barrier on a wall. How should the courses be lapped?

  1. Each lower course laps over the course above it, to lock it in
  2. Each upper course laps over the one below, shingle fashion
  3. The courses are butted edge to edge and sealed with caulking
  4. The lap direction does not matter if cap staples are used
Show the answer

B. Each upper course laps over the one below, shingle fashion

Water runs downhill, so each upper layer must overlap the layer below, the same way shingles lap. Reverse laps funnel water behind the barrier and into the wall, which is one of the most common leak causes an inspector finds.

Reference: IRC 2021, Chapter 7 (Wall Covering): exterior covering; water-resistive barrier

Under the residential code's general rule, how much must the finished grade fall within the first 10 feet from the foundation?

  1. At least 2 inches
  2. At least 12 inches
  3. At least 3 inches
  4. At least 6 inches
Show the answer

D. At least 6 inches

The grade must fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10 feet. Where lot lines or other barriers prevent that, drains or swales are used instead. Two inches in 10 feet is the kind of slope used for impervious surfaces and is too flat for soil against a foundation.

Reference: IRC 2021, Chapter 4 (Foundations): drainage

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