top of page

2021 ICC CBO Building Codes and Standards Module Practice Exam

Building Code Masters' 2021 CBO Building Codes and Standards Module Practice Exam for the ICC Certified Building Official certification stands as an invaluable resource for aspiring professionals seeking to excel in the field of building plan review.


Designed with in-depth knowledge of the International Building Code (IBC) and other required texts, this practice exam offers a comprehensive practice test for candidates to hone their skills and knowledge. It meticulously covers essential topics, ranging from architectural plan review to structural plan review, building systems plan review and field inspection.


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 a building official.


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 CBO Building Codes and Standards Module 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.




Architectural Plan Review (31%)

  • Use and Occupancy Classification (4%)

    • Determine use and occupancy classification of structures for building code compliance.

  • Construction Classification (4%)

    • Determine required construction classification for code compliance.

  • Means of Egress Provisions (6%)

    • Determine compliance of the means of egress provisions of the structure with the building code.

  • Light, Ventilation, and Sanitation Provisions (3%)

    • Determine compliance with light, ventilation, and sanitation provisions of the structure with the building code.

  • Fire Resistance and Fire Protection Provisions (5%)

    • Determine compliance with fire resistance provisions of the structure with the building code.

    • Determine compliance with fire protection provisions for the structure with the building code.

  • Accessibility Provisions (5%)

    • Determine compliance with provisions for accessibility for the structure with the building code.

  • Environmental and Natural Hazard Provisions (2%)

    • Determine location for risk of floodplain, seismic, wind, and snow of the structure with the building code.

  • Special Use/Occupancy Provisions (2%)

    • Determine compliance with special use occupancy provisions of the structure with the building code.

Structural Plan Review (13%)

  • Structural Provisions (8%)

    • Evaluate building elements for compliance with required structural loads including wind, seismic, soil bearing capacity, and snow loads.

  • Material Standards and Construction Methods (5%)

    • Determine compliance for building materials and required methods of construction.

Building Systems Plan Review (19%)

  • Mechanical Provisions (4%)

    • Determine compliance with the mechanical and fuel gas code.

  • Plumbing Provisions (4%)

    • Determine compliance with the plumbing code.

  • Electrical Provisions (4%)

    • Determine compliance with the electrical code.

  • Fuel Gas Provisions (4%)

    • Determine compliance with the fuel gas code.

  • Energy Provisions (3%)

    • Determine compliance with the energy code.

Field Inspection (37%)

  • Site Inspection (2%)

    • Evaluate site for soil conditions, excavation, and public protection with the code and approved plans.

  • Foundation Inspection (4%)

    • Evaluate footings and foundations with the code and approved plans.

  • Structural Frame Inspection (4%)

    • Evaluate structural frame with the code and approved plans.

  • Building Envelope Inspection (2%)

    • Evaluate building envelope, insulation, and finishes with the code and approved plans.

  • Electrical Inspection (5%)

    • Evaluate electrical installation with the code and approved plans.

  • Plumbing Inspection (5%)

    • Evaluate plumbing installation with the code and approved plans.

  • Mechanical Inspection (4%)

    • Evaluate mechanical installation with the code and approved plans.

  • Fire Protection Inspection (4%)

    • Evaluate fire protection, smoke control, suppression, and alarm systems with the code and approved plans.

  • Final Building Inspection (4%)

    • Evaluate the completed structure and systems with the code and approved plans.

  • Special Inspection (3%)

    • Evaluate the project for compliance with special inspection requirements.

How To Study For CBO Building Codes and Standards Module Exam


Knowing how to tackle answering questions from all of the required sections is a daunting task. The Building Codes and Standards module is one of the most difficult and time intensive exams available.


In the office, a building official should be able to navigate architectural plan review, structural plan review, building systems plan review and field inspection issues. During an exam, test takers must be able to navigate the huge number of books fast enough to answer all of the questions within the allowed time of 120 minutes (2 Hours).


Certified Building Official Practice Test Study Recommendation


Building Code Masters recommends that test takers be able to do the following before taking a certification test:

  1. Have the table of contents and index tabbed for easy access.

  2. Be able to look up 80 practice test questions in under 1 hour.

  3. Know the location of and mark all important tables.

  4. Be familiar with which book to use for which types of questions.

This basic four 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 code enforcement professionals to test their skills and learn the most essential questions and scenarios they will be presented with.






How to Take the 2021 Certified Building Official Building Code and Standards Module 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:

myICC exam catalog schedule

From Exam catalog:

Exam catalog schedule

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!



Practice Exams

bottom of page