ICC Spray-Applied Fireproofing Inspector
Exam Questions with Answers and
Rationales
Question 1
What is the minimum required compressive strength for cementitious fireproofing
materials according to ASTM E736?
A) 50 psi
B) 100 psi
C) 200 psi
D) 500 psi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ASTM E736 requires a minimum compressive strength of 100 psi for
cementitious fireproofing materials to ensure durability during service life.
Question 2
When conducting field density measurements per ASTM E605, what is the
minimum number of tests required for a 10,000 square foot area?
A) 3 tests
B) 6 tests
C) 10 tests
D) 15 tests
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ASTM E605 requires one test per 1,000 square feet or fraction
thereof for areas up to 10,000 square feet, plus additional tests beyond that
threshold.
Question 3
,A discrepancy is found between the approved thickness and the measured field
thickness. The measured thickness is 10% below the required minimum. What is
the proper action?
A) Accept the thickness if it averages out with thicker areas
B) Reject the area and require remediation or additional testing
C) Ignore the discrepancy if it is less than 15%
D) Reduce the required thickness retroactively
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Any measured thickness below the required minimum constitutes a
non-conformance and must be addressed through remediation, additional spray, or
engineering evaluation.
Question 4
Which ASTM standard governs the adhesion testing of spray-applied fireproofing?
A) ASTM E605
B) ASTM E736
C) ASTM E84
D) ASTM E119
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: ASTM E736 covers cohesion/adhesion testing of spray-applied fire-
resistive materials using a pull-off tester.*
Question 5
During a fireproofing inspection, the ambient temperature is 35°F (1.7°C) and
rising. The manufacturer's instructions specify a minimum application temperature
of 40°F. You should:
A) Proceed with application because temperature is rising
B) Stop application until the temperature meets manufacturer's minimum
C) Apply a primer to allow lower temperature application
D) Notify the contractor to add accelerators
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Manufacturer's instructions are code-required; application outside
specified temperature ranges can compromise adhesion, curing, and fire
resistance.
Question 6
What is the maximum allowable moisture content for a concrete substrate before
applying cementitious fireproofing?
A) No requirement
B) 5%
C) 10%
D) 15%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most manufacturer's instructions and industry standards require
substrate moisture content below 10% to ensure proper bonding and prevent
delamination.
Question 7
A special inspector observes that the fireproofing material has been applied over a
surface with visible oil contamination. What is the correct response?
A) Allow application to continue if thickness is correct
B) Document the deficiency and require removal of contaminated material
and substrate cleaning
C) Approve the work with a note for future cleaning
D) Test the adhesion and accept if it passes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Contaminants such as oil, grease, or release agents prevent proper
bonding and must be removed before fireproofing application.
Question 8
, According to IBC Chapter 17, how often must the special inspector submit reports
to the building official?
A) Only at project completion
B) Weekly regardless of findings
C) At the frequency specified in the approved inspection program, typically
daily or per visit
D) Monthly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: IBC 1704 requires special inspectors to submit reports to the
building official and registered design professional at intervals established in the
approved statement of special inspections.
Question 9
What is the primary difference between structural fireproofing and firestopping?
A) Firestopping is applied only to steel
B) Fireproofing protects structural members from heat; firestopping seals
penetrations and joints
C) Fireproofing requires no special inspection
D) Firestopping has no fire-resistance rating
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Spray-applied fireproofing provides thermal protection to structural
elements, while firestopping maintains the integrity of fire-rated barriers at
penetrations and joints.
Question 10
Which document must be on-site and available to the special inspector at all times
during fireproofing application?
A) Contractor's insurance certificate
B) Approved construction documents, manufacturer's instructions, and the
statement of special inspections
C) Material safety data sheets only
D) Daily work logs
Exam Questions with Answers and
Rationales
Question 1
What is the minimum required compressive strength for cementitious fireproofing
materials according to ASTM E736?
A) 50 psi
B) 100 psi
C) 200 psi
D) 500 psi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ASTM E736 requires a minimum compressive strength of 100 psi for
cementitious fireproofing materials to ensure durability during service life.
Question 2
When conducting field density measurements per ASTM E605, what is the
minimum number of tests required for a 10,000 square foot area?
A) 3 tests
B) 6 tests
C) 10 tests
D) 15 tests
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ASTM E605 requires one test per 1,000 square feet or fraction
thereof for areas up to 10,000 square feet, plus additional tests beyond that
threshold.
Question 3
,A discrepancy is found between the approved thickness and the measured field
thickness. The measured thickness is 10% below the required minimum. What is
the proper action?
A) Accept the thickness if it averages out with thicker areas
B) Reject the area and require remediation or additional testing
C) Ignore the discrepancy if it is less than 15%
D) Reduce the required thickness retroactively
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Any measured thickness below the required minimum constitutes a
non-conformance and must be addressed through remediation, additional spray, or
engineering evaluation.
Question 4
Which ASTM standard governs the adhesion testing of spray-applied fireproofing?
A) ASTM E605
B) ASTM E736
C) ASTM E84
D) ASTM E119
Correct Answer: B
*Explanation: ASTM E736 covers cohesion/adhesion testing of spray-applied fire-
resistive materials using a pull-off tester.*
Question 5
During a fireproofing inspection, the ambient temperature is 35°F (1.7°C) and
rising. The manufacturer's instructions specify a minimum application temperature
of 40°F. You should:
A) Proceed with application because temperature is rising
B) Stop application until the temperature meets manufacturer's minimum
C) Apply a primer to allow lower temperature application
D) Notify the contractor to add accelerators
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Manufacturer's instructions are code-required; application outside
specified temperature ranges can compromise adhesion, curing, and fire
resistance.
Question 6
What is the maximum allowable moisture content for a concrete substrate before
applying cementitious fireproofing?
A) No requirement
B) 5%
C) 10%
D) 15%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most manufacturer's instructions and industry standards require
substrate moisture content below 10% to ensure proper bonding and prevent
delamination.
Question 7
A special inspector observes that the fireproofing material has been applied over a
surface with visible oil contamination. What is the correct response?
A) Allow application to continue if thickness is correct
B) Document the deficiency and require removal of contaminated material
and substrate cleaning
C) Approve the work with a note for future cleaning
D) Test the adhesion and accept if it passes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Contaminants such as oil, grease, or release agents prevent proper
bonding and must be removed before fireproofing application.
Question 8
, According to IBC Chapter 17, how often must the special inspector submit reports
to the building official?
A) Only at project completion
B) Weekly regardless of findings
C) At the frequency specified in the approved inspection program, typically
daily or per visit
D) Monthly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: IBC 1704 requires special inspectors to submit reports to the
building official and registered design professional at intervals established in the
approved statement of special inspections.
Question 9
What is the primary difference between structural fireproofing and firestopping?
A) Firestopping is applied only to steel
B) Fireproofing protects structural members from heat; firestopping seals
penetrations and joints
C) Fireproofing requires no special inspection
D) Firestopping has no fire-resistance rating
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Spray-applied fireproofing provides thermal protection to structural
elements, while firestopping maintains the integrity of fire-rated barriers at
penetrations and joints.
Question 10
Which document must be on-site and available to the special inspector at all times
during fireproofing application?
A) Contractor's insurance certificate
B) Approved construction documents, manufacturer's instructions, and the
statement of special inspections
C) Material safety data sheets only
D) Daily work logs
