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2021 ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

Building Code Masters' 2021 Commercial 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 Building Code (IBC), 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 commercial 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 Commercial 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.




General Administration (6%)


Project Administration (1%)

  • Verify adequacy of provided project information and approvals.

  • Ensure compliance with building code and approved plans.

  • Confirm installation of non-detailed products as per listings.

Public Information and Legal (1%)

  • Address inquiries on permits, inspections, and code compliance.

  • Issue and maintain inspection reports and certificates of occupancy data.

Plan Reading (4%)

  • Verify project conformity with codes and approved documents.

Building Planning (20%)


Fire Resistance-Rated Construction (5%)

  • Inspect fire-rated construction for compliance and tested assembly requirements.

Building Location (2%)

  • Confirm site compliance with local ordinances and fire separation regulations.

Interior Environment (1%)

  • Verify floor area calculations, room dimensions, and lighting/ventilation systems.

Occupancy Classification and Type of Construction (5%)

  • Determine occupancy classification and special use provisions.

Safeguards During Construction (1%)

  • Ensure safety and sanitation precautions at the construction site.

Accessibility (2%)

  • Inspect elements for accessibility by individuals with disabilities.

Material Quality (2%)

  • Verify materials' compliance with markings and standards.

Interior Coverings (2%)

  • Confirm correct support and fastening of floor, wall, and ceiling coverings.

Footings and Foundations (8%)


Footings (3%)

  • Verify soil capacity, depth, size, and setbacks for footings.

  • Inspect below-grade work for code compliance.

Stepped Footings and Special Foundations (1%)

  • Confirm construction according to approved plans or code.

Piles and Piers (1%)

  • Verify support, anchoring, and protection against insects and decay.

Foundation Walls (3%)

  • Inspect stem walls, reinforcement, anchor bolts, and dampproofing.

Floor Construction (8%)


Floor Systems (5%)

  • Inspect spans, bearing, notching, and borings for floor systems.

  • Verify subflooring and decking compliance.

Concrete Slabs (3%)

  • Inspect concrete slab placement and precautions in adverse weather.

Wall Construction and Coverings (21%)


Wood Wall Systems (5%)

  • Inspect spans, spacing, notching, and borings for wood wall systems.

Steel Framing Systems (3%)

  • Verify steel framing compliance with markings and standards.

Masonry Wall Systems (5%)

  • Inspect grouting, bonding, mortar, and weather precautions.

Concrete Wall Systems (3%)

  • Verify construction, bracing, and weather precautions.

Wall Reinforcement (2%)

  • Inspect reinforcement for size, clearances, alignment, and cleanouts.

Exterior Sheathing and Weather-Resistant Coverings (3%)

  • Verify correct installation and protection against insects and decay.

Roof/Ceiling Construction (6%)


Roof/Ceiling Assemblies (5%)

  • Inspect construction for compliance with span, grade, and truss spacing.

  • Verify insulation, vapor barriers, and ventilation.

Roof Sheathing and Coverings (1%)

  • Confirm roof covering classification, installation, and re-roofing standards.

Public Safety and Special Construction (31%)


Means of Egress (10%)

  • Verify general egress requirements, exits, and special occupancy provisions.

Fire Protection Systems (4%)

  • Inspect manual, automatic fire protection, alarms, and detection systems.

Smoke and Fire Venting Control (4%)

  • Inspect smoke control and fire venting as per code.

Interior Finishes and Insulation (4%)

  • Verify compliance with flame spread, smoke density, and critical flux rating.

Safety Glazing and Glass (4%)

  • Verify correct installation of safety glazing.

Opening Protectives, Penetrations, and Joint Systems (4%)

  • Inspect opening protectives and fire-blocking provisions.

Miscellaneous Construction (2%)

  • Verify construction of exterior stairs, ramps, porches, decks, and balconies.

Building Services and Special Construction (1%)

  • Inspect various building components including elevators and conveyance systems.

Fireplaces and Chimneys (1%)

  • Confirm correct design and clearances for fireplaces and chimneys.

How To Study For the Commercial 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 Building Code fast enough to answer all of the questions within the allowed time of 210 minutes (3.5 Hours).


Commercial Building Inspector 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 2 hours.

  3. 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 Commercial 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:

myICC residential building inspector

From Exam catalog:

Exam Catalog residential building inspector

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!

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