✓ TradeExamPro

TradeExamPro › Inspector

Permit technician practice test

62 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.

62 questions for this exam

About the exam

ExamPermit technician
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

An inspector wants to see how the footing, foundation wall, sill plate, floor framing and wall framing fit together vertically. Which drawing shows this best?

  1. A floor plan
  2. A site plan
  3. A window schedule
  4. A wall section
Show the answer

D. A wall section

A section is a vertical cut through the building that shows how components stack and connect from footing to roof. A floor plan shows horizontal layout and cannot show the vertical assembly.

Reference: Construction drawing conventions (plan reading): sections and details

Which statement correctly describes the building official's authority to interpret the code?

  1. May interpret the code, but may not waive its requirements
  2. May waive any requirement when the owner accepts the risk in writing
  3. May interpret the code only after a ruling by the board of appeals
  4. May waive requirements for owner-occupied single-family dwellings
Show the answer

A. May interpret the code, but may not waive its requirements

The building official enforces the code, renders interpretations and adopts procedures that clarify how it is applied, but those interpretations must be consistent with the code's intent and cannot waive requirements. An owner's written acceptance of risk does not create that power.

Reference: IRC 2021, Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration): duties and powers of the building official

Taking this exam?

Tell us where and when you are taking it, and what you want more of. It decides what we write next.

Other inspector exams with practice tests

National Home Inspector Examination · Home inspector state exam · Residential building inspector (B1) · Residential combination inspector · Concrete field testing technician Grade I · Certified pool operator (CPO)