ICC General Requirements Practice Exam
With Complete Solutions — 2026/2027
Edition.
Question 1 (1.1) What does the acronym "RDP" stand for in the context of IBC Chapter 1 and
special inspections?
A. Registered Design Professional
B. Registered Development Permit
C. Regulatory Design Plan
D. Residential Development Professional
Correct Answer: A. Registered Design Professional
Explanation: Per IBC Section 202, "Registered Design Professional" (RDP) refers to an individual
who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the
statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which
the project is to be constructed. The RDP is central to the special inspections process, as they
must prepare the Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) and are responsible for structural
observation programs
.
Question 2 (1.1) The acronym "SSI" in IBC Chapter 17 refers to which critical project document?
A. Structural Safety Inspection
B. Statement of Special Inspections
C. Site Safety Inspection
D. Standard Structural Inspection
Correct Answer: B. Statement of Special Inspections
Explanation: The Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) is a project-specific document prepared
by the RDP in responsible charge, as required by IBC Section 1704.3. The SSI must be filed with
the building official before the issuance of the project building permit (IBC Section 1704.2.3). It
identifies materials, systems, components, and work requiring special inspections; the type and
extent of each special inspection; and whether each will be continuous, periodic, or performed
per referenced standards
,.
Question 3 (1.1) What does "BO" represent in IBC administrative provisions?
A. Building Operator
B. Building Official
C. Board of Oversight
D. Building Occupant
Correct Answer: B. Building Official
Explanation: The Building Official (BO) is the officer or other designated authority charged with
the administration and enforcement of the code, or a duly authorized representative (IBC
Section 202). Section 104 details the duties and powers of the Building Official, including plan
review, permit issuance, inspection authority, and enforcement actions. The 2024 IBC
significantly reformatted Section 104 to reflect current evaluation methods for alternate
materials, designs, and methods
.
Sub-Topic 1.2: Key Definitions (3 Questions)
Question 4 (1.2) Which of the following best defines "Special Inspection" per IBC Section 1702?
A. Routine inspections performed by the building official during construction
B. Inspection of materials, installation, fabrication, erection, or placement of components
requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with the construction documents and
referenced standards
C. Final inspections conducted before certificate of occupancy issuance
D. Inspections performed only on structural steel connections
Correct Answer: B. Inspection of materials, installation, fabrication, erection, or placement of
components requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with the construction
documents and referenced standards
Explanation: IBC Section 1702 defines Special Inspection as the inspection of materials,
installation, fabrication, erection, or placement of components and connections requiring
special expertise to ensure compliance with the construction documents and the approved
standards. Special inspections are distinct from the building official's routine inspections and are
performed by individuals with demonstrated competence and relevant special expertise
,.
Question 5 (1.2) What is the definition of "Structural Observation" per IBC Section 1702?
A. Visual observation of the structural system by the building official for general conformance to
the approved construction documents
B. Visual observation of the structural system by the RDP or their designee for general
conformance to the approved construction documents at significant construction stages and at
completion of the structural system
C. Continuous monitoring of all concrete pours by a special inspector
D. Review of shop drawings by the contractor's quality control manager
Correct Answer: B. Visual observation of the structural system by the RDP or their designee
for general conformance to the approved construction documents at significant construction
stages and at completion of the structural system
Explanation: Structural Observation is defined in IBC Section 1702 as the visual observation of
the structural system by the RDP or their designee for general conformance to the approved
construction documents at significant construction stages and at completion of the structural
system. It is distinct from special inspection and is required for specific seismic design categories
and other conditions outlined in Section 1704.6
.
Question 6 (1.2) Per IBC Section 202, an "Approved Agency" is defined as:
A. Any construction firm licensed by the state
B. An established and recognized agency that is approved by the building official and regularly
engaged in conducting tests, inspections, or special inspections
C. The local planning and zoning department
D. A federal OSHA compliance officer
Correct Answer: B. An established and recognized agency that is approved by the building
official and regularly engaged in conducting tests, inspections, or special inspections
Explanation: IBC Section 202 defines an "Approved Agency" as an established and recognized
agency that is approved by the building official and regularly engaged in conducting tests,
furnishing inspection services, or furnishing special inspections. The agency must be objective,
competent, and independent of the contractor, fabricator, or erector for which services are
being provided.
, Sub-Topic 1.3: Regulatory References (2 Questions)
Question 7 (1.3) Which IBC chapter primarily governs special inspections and tests?
A. Chapter 1 — Scope and Administration
B. Chapter 17 — Structural Tests and Special Inspections
C. Chapter 33 — Safeguards During Construction
D. Chapter 35 — Referenced Standards
Correct Answer: B. Chapter 17 — Structural Tests and Special Inspections
Explanation: IBC Chapter 17 contains the comprehensive requirements for structural tests and
special inspections. It covers the duties of the owner, RDP, contractor, special inspector, and
building official; the Statement of Special Inspections; requirements for concrete, masonry,
steel, wood, and other materials; and the specific inspection and testing frequencies. The 2024
IBC added new special inspection provisions for metal building systems and structural concrete
reinforced with glass-fiber reinforcement
.
Question 8 (1.3) Which referenced standard governs the installation and inspection of fire
sprinkler systems under the IBC?
A. ASTM E119
B. NFPA 13
C. ACI 318
D. AWS D1.1
Correct Answer: B. NFPA 13
Explanation: IBC Chapter 9 references NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems) for fire sprinkler installation requirements. The IBC and NFPA standards are designed
to be complementary—the IBC provides primary requirements for building construction and
egress, while NFPA standards address specific fire protection systems. NFPA 72 is referenced for
fire alarm systems
.
Sub-Topic 1.4: Code Sections (2 Questions)
With Complete Solutions — 2026/2027
Edition.
Question 1 (1.1) What does the acronym "RDP" stand for in the context of IBC Chapter 1 and
special inspections?
A. Registered Design Professional
B. Registered Development Permit
C. Regulatory Design Plan
D. Residential Development Professional
Correct Answer: A. Registered Design Professional
Explanation: Per IBC Section 202, "Registered Design Professional" (RDP) refers to an individual
who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the
statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which
the project is to be constructed. The RDP is central to the special inspections process, as they
must prepare the Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) and are responsible for structural
observation programs
.
Question 2 (1.1) The acronym "SSI" in IBC Chapter 17 refers to which critical project document?
A. Structural Safety Inspection
B. Statement of Special Inspections
C. Site Safety Inspection
D. Standard Structural Inspection
Correct Answer: B. Statement of Special Inspections
Explanation: The Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) is a project-specific document prepared
by the RDP in responsible charge, as required by IBC Section 1704.3. The SSI must be filed with
the building official before the issuance of the project building permit (IBC Section 1704.2.3). It
identifies materials, systems, components, and work requiring special inspections; the type and
extent of each special inspection; and whether each will be continuous, periodic, or performed
per referenced standards
,.
Question 3 (1.1) What does "BO" represent in IBC administrative provisions?
A. Building Operator
B. Building Official
C. Board of Oversight
D. Building Occupant
Correct Answer: B. Building Official
Explanation: The Building Official (BO) is the officer or other designated authority charged with
the administration and enforcement of the code, or a duly authorized representative (IBC
Section 202). Section 104 details the duties and powers of the Building Official, including plan
review, permit issuance, inspection authority, and enforcement actions. The 2024 IBC
significantly reformatted Section 104 to reflect current evaluation methods for alternate
materials, designs, and methods
.
Sub-Topic 1.2: Key Definitions (3 Questions)
Question 4 (1.2) Which of the following best defines "Special Inspection" per IBC Section 1702?
A. Routine inspections performed by the building official during construction
B. Inspection of materials, installation, fabrication, erection, or placement of components
requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with the construction documents and
referenced standards
C. Final inspections conducted before certificate of occupancy issuance
D. Inspections performed only on structural steel connections
Correct Answer: B. Inspection of materials, installation, fabrication, erection, or placement of
components requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with the construction
documents and referenced standards
Explanation: IBC Section 1702 defines Special Inspection as the inspection of materials,
installation, fabrication, erection, or placement of components and connections requiring
special expertise to ensure compliance with the construction documents and the approved
standards. Special inspections are distinct from the building official's routine inspections and are
performed by individuals with demonstrated competence and relevant special expertise
,.
Question 5 (1.2) What is the definition of "Structural Observation" per IBC Section 1702?
A. Visual observation of the structural system by the building official for general conformance to
the approved construction documents
B. Visual observation of the structural system by the RDP or their designee for general
conformance to the approved construction documents at significant construction stages and at
completion of the structural system
C. Continuous monitoring of all concrete pours by a special inspector
D. Review of shop drawings by the contractor's quality control manager
Correct Answer: B. Visual observation of the structural system by the RDP or their designee
for general conformance to the approved construction documents at significant construction
stages and at completion of the structural system
Explanation: Structural Observation is defined in IBC Section 1702 as the visual observation of
the structural system by the RDP or their designee for general conformance to the approved
construction documents at significant construction stages and at completion of the structural
system. It is distinct from special inspection and is required for specific seismic design categories
and other conditions outlined in Section 1704.6
.
Question 6 (1.2) Per IBC Section 202, an "Approved Agency" is defined as:
A. Any construction firm licensed by the state
B. An established and recognized agency that is approved by the building official and regularly
engaged in conducting tests, inspections, or special inspections
C. The local planning and zoning department
D. A federal OSHA compliance officer
Correct Answer: B. An established and recognized agency that is approved by the building
official and regularly engaged in conducting tests, inspections, or special inspections
Explanation: IBC Section 202 defines an "Approved Agency" as an established and recognized
agency that is approved by the building official and regularly engaged in conducting tests,
furnishing inspection services, or furnishing special inspections. The agency must be objective,
competent, and independent of the contractor, fabricator, or erector for which services are
being provided.
, Sub-Topic 1.3: Regulatory References (2 Questions)
Question 7 (1.3) Which IBC chapter primarily governs special inspections and tests?
A. Chapter 1 — Scope and Administration
B. Chapter 17 — Structural Tests and Special Inspections
C. Chapter 33 — Safeguards During Construction
D. Chapter 35 — Referenced Standards
Correct Answer: B. Chapter 17 — Structural Tests and Special Inspections
Explanation: IBC Chapter 17 contains the comprehensive requirements for structural tests and
special inspections. It covers the duties of the owner, RDP, contractor, special inspector, and
building official; the Statement of Special Inspections; requirements for concrete, masonry,
steel, wood, and other materials; and the specific inspection and testing frequencies. The 2024
IBC added new special inspection provisions for metal building systems and structural concrete
reinforced with glass-fiber reinforcement
.
Question 8 (1.3) Which referenced standard governs the installation and inspection of fire
sprinkler systems under the IBC?
A. ASTM E119
B. NFPA 13
C. ACI 318
D. AWS D1.1
Correct Answer: B. NFPA 13
Explanation: IBC Chapter 9 references NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems) for fire sprinkler installation requirements. The IBC and NFPA standards are designed
to be complementary—the IBC provides primary requirements for building construction and
egress, while NFPA standards address specific fire protection systems. NFPA 72 is referenced for
fire alarm systems
.
Sub-Topic 1.4: Code Sections (2 Questions)
