Page 1 of 141
ICC National Standard Building Contractor Exam (Class B)
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
ICC National Standard Building Contractor Exam (Class B)
Summarized Exam Topics Covered in Point Form
Exam Structure & Administration
• Exam ID: F12 or G12 (depending on code year)
• Duration: 4 hours (80 questions)
• Passing Score: Minimum 70% (56 correct answers)
• Format: Open-book, multiple-choice, computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centers
• Primary References: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC),
Concrete Manual
Permits & Administration
• Permit application requirements: construction documents, weather resistance documentation
• Permit expiration timelines: work commencement within 180 days, suspension/abandonment
periods, extension allowances
• Board of Appeals: handling appeals of building official decisions
• Certificate of Occupancy required contents
• Notice and order issuance authority
Building Planning & Life Safety
• Occupancy Classification: Use and occupancy requirements (Chapter 3-6 references)
• Means of Egress: Exit signs, door hardware heights (34-48 inches), handrail loads (50 lb/lin ft)
• Areas of Refuge: Definition and requirements for assisted rescue
• Covered Mall Buildings: Anchor building egress independence, kiosk separation (20 feet), dead-
end mall definitions
• Ceiling Height Minimums: Habitable rooms (7 ft 6 in), bathrooms/kitchens (7 ft), basements (6
ft 8 in)
• Hallway Width: Minimum 3 feet
• Guard Requirements: When walking surface exceeds 30 inches above grade
Structural Systems
• Footing & Foundation: Minimum width/depth tables for light-frame and masonry construction
(soil bearing values 1500-2000 psf)
• Foundation Wall Reinforcement: Steel rebar requirements based on wall thickness, height,
backfill depth, and soil type
• Concrete Slabs: Minimum thickness (3.5 inches for slab-on-ground), reinforcement in seismic
categories
• Wood Framing: Joist spans (L/360 or L/240), rafter bearing (1.5 inches on masonry), header
spans for various loads
• Braced Wall Lines: Minimum panel requirements for wall lines 16 feet or less
• Masonry Wall Lateral Supports: Maximum allowable distance (24 feet)
• Cold-Formed Steel Framing: Joist spans for various loads and spacing
Building Envelope & Exterior Walls
• Weather Resistance Documentation: Manufacturer's installation instructions for wall envelope
penetrations
, Page 2 of 141
• Exterior Wall Rating: Fire-resistance rating horizontal extension requirements for egress
• Water-Resistive Barriers: Ice barrier requirements in ice-prone areas (extend 24 inches inside
exterior wall line)
• Window Safety: Opening limitations (4-inch sphere test), fall prevention devices (ASTM F2090)
• Glazing Hazardous Locations: Near stairs, ramps, walking surfaces, wet areas (showers, tubs,
pools)
Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction
• Draft Stopping: Maximum horizontal areas (1,000 sq ft for Group R, 2,000 sq ft for others)
• Dampers & Penetrations: Flexible ducts may NOT pass through any fire-resistance-rated
assembly
• Fireblocking & Draftstopping: Installation requirements in combustible floor/ceiling assemblies
• Masonry Fire Resistance: 3-hour rating requires 8-inch combination clay brick/tile wall
• Smoke Partitions: Doors must be self-closing or automatic-closing
Fire Protection & Suppression
• Standpipe Systems: Class III required when 3+ stories above/below grade plane
• Automatic Sprinklers: Required for enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas exceeding 1,000 sq
ft
• Combustible Dust Definitions: Finely divided solids ≤420 microns
Accessibility & Egress Hardware
• Accessible Parking Spaces: Minimum number based on total parking count (e.g., 4 spaces for 77
total)
• Door Hardware Height: 34 inches minimum to 48 inches maximum above finished floor
• Handrail Height: Ramps (34-38 inches) measured above finished ramp surface
• Riser Angle: Maximum 30 degrees from vertical
Plumbing & Mechanical
• Permit Exceptions: Stopping plumbing leaks does NOT require permit; concealed replacement
requires permit
• Flue Lining Systems: Gas appliances follow IRC Chapter 24
• Roof Penetrations: Ice barrier requirements for BIPV photovoltaic panels
Special Construction
• Covered Mall Buildings: Anchor building definition, food courts, gross leasable area
• Penthouses & Rooftop Structures: Maximum aggregate area (1/3 of supporting roof deck)
• Masonry Chimneys: Rain cap net free area (4x flue outlet area), flue lining requirements
Construction Materials & Quality
• Second-Hand Masonry Units: Must conform to new unit requirements (sound, free of
cracks/old mortar)
• Foam Plastic Insulation: Flame-spread rating ≤75, smoke-developed rating ≤450
• Gypsum Sheathing: Minimum thickness (1/2 inch), maximum stud spacing (24 inches)
• Nonabsorbent Surfaces: Bathtub and shower surrounds require nonabsorbent finishes
Question 1
The aggregate area of penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures may not exceed __________
the area of the supporting roof deck.
A) one-quarter
B) one-third
C) one-half
D) two-thirds
, Page 3 of 141
Answer: B
Rationale: Penthouses and enclosed rooftop structures are limited to one-third of the supporting roof
deck area to maintain structural integrity and fire separation requirements .
Question 2
Bathrooms, toilet rooms, kitchens, storage rooms and laundry rooms are required to have a ceiling
height of not less than __________ feet.
A) 8 feet
B) 7 feet 6 inches
C) 7 feet
D) 6 feet 8 inches
Answer: C
Rationale: These non-habitable spaces require a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet, with certain
exceptions permitted under the code .
Question 3
What is the maximum allowable distance, in masonry wall construction, between lateral supports?
A) 20 feet
B) 24 feet
C) 30 feet
, Page 4 of 141
D) 60 feet
Answer: B
Rationale: Masonry walls require lateral support at intervals not exceeding 24 feet to ensure stability
and prevent buckling under load .
Question 4
What is the minimum thickness of gypsum sheathing with a maximum wall stud spacing of 24 inches on
center?
A) 5/8 inch
B) 1/2 inch
C) 3/8 inch
D) 1/4 inch
Answer: B
Rationale: Gypsum sheathing must be at least 1/2 inch thick when wall studs are spaced at 24 inches on
center .
Question 5
Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices shall be installed ______ minimum and
ICC National Standard Building Contractor Exam (Class B)
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
ICC National Standard Building Contractor Exam (Class B)
Summarized Exam Topics Covered in Point Form
Exam Structure & Administration
• Exam ID: F12 or G12 (depending on code year)
• Duration: 4 hours (80 questions)
• Passing Score: Minimum 70% (56 correct answers)
• Format: Open-book, multiple-choice, computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centers
• Primary References: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC),
Concrete Manual
Permits & Administration
• Permit application requirements: construction documents, weather resistance documentation
• Permit expiration timelines: work commencement within 180 days, suspension/abandonment
periods, extension allowances
• Board of Appeals: handling appeals of building official decisions
• Certificate of Occupancy required contents
• Notice and order issuance authority
Building Planning & Life Safety
• Occupancy Classification: Use and occupancy requirements (Chapter 3-6 references)
• Means of Egress: Exit signs, door hardware heights (34-48 inches), handrail loads (50 lb/lin ft)
• Areas of Refuge: Definition and requirements for assisted rescue
• Covered Mall Buildings: Anchor building egress independence, kiosk separation (20 feet), dead-
end mall definitions
• Ceiling Height Minimums: Habitable rooms (7 ft 6 in), bathrooms/kitchens (7 ft), basements (6
ft 8 in)
• Hallway Width: Minimum 3 feet
• Guard Requirements: When walking surface exceeds 30 inches above grade
Structural Systems
• Footing & Foundation: Minimum width/depth tables for light-frame and masonry construction
(soil bearing values 1500-2000 psf)
• Foundation Wall Reinforcement: Steel rebar requirements based on wall thickness, height,
backfill depth, and soil type
• Concrete Slabs: Minimum thickness (3.5 inches for slab-on-ground), reinforcement in seismic
categories
• Wood Framing: Joist spans (L/360 or L/240), rafter bearing (1.5 inches on masonry), header
spans for various loads
• Braced Wall Lines: Minimum panel requirements for wall lines 16 feet or less
• Masonry Wall Lateral Supports: Maximum allowable distance (24 feet)
• Cold-Formed Steel Framing: Joist spans for various loads and spacing
Building Envelope & Exterior Walls
• Weather Resistance Documentation: Manufacturer's installation instructions for wall envelope
penetrations
, Page 2 of 141
• Exterior Wall Rating: Fire-resistance rating horizontal extension requirements for egress
• Water-Resistive Barriers: Ice barrier requirements in ice-prone areas (extend 24 inches inside
exterior wall line)
• Window Safety: Opening limitations (4-inch sphere test), fall prevention devices (ASTM F2090)
• Glazing Hazardous Locations: Near stairs, ramps, walking surfaces, wet areas (showers, tubs,
pools)
Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction
• Draft Stopping: Maximum horizontal areas (1,000 sq ft for Group R, 2,000 sq ft for others)
• Dampers & Penetrations: Flexible ducts may NOT pass through any fire-resistance-rated
assembly
• Fireblocking & Draftstopping: Installation requirements in combustible floor/ceiling assemblies
• Masonry Fire Resistance: 3-hour rating requires 8-inch combination clay brick/tile wall
• Smoke Partitions: Doors must be self-closing or automatic-closing
Fire Protection & Suppression
• Standpipe Systems: Class III required when 3+ stories above/below grade plane
• Automatic Sprinklers: Required for enclosed Group A-5 accessory use areas exceeding 1,000 sq
ft
• Combustible Dust Definitions: Finely divided solids ≤420 microns
Accessibility & Egress Hardware
• Accessible Parking Spaces: Minimum number based on total parking count (e.g., 4 spaces for 77
total)
• Door Hardware Height: 34 inches minimum to 48 inches maximum above finished floor
• Handrail Height: Ramps (34-38 inches) measured above finished ramp surface
• Riser Angle: Maximum 30 degrees from vertical
Plumbing & Mechanical
• Permit Exceptions: Stopping plumbing leaks does NOT require permit; concealed replacement
requires permit
• Flue Lining Systems: Gas appliances follow IRC Chapter 24
• Roof Penetrations: Ice barrier requirements for BIPV photovoltaic panels
Special Construction
• Covered Mall Buildings: Anchor building definition, food courts, gross leasable area
• Penthouses & Rooftop Structures: Maximum aggregate area (1/3 of supporting roof deck)
• Masonry Chimneys: Rain cap net free area (4x flue outlet area), flue lining requirements
Construction Materials & Quality
• Second-Hand Masonry Units: Must conform to new unit requirements (sound, free of
cracks/old mortar)
• Foam Plastic Insulation: Flame-spread rating ≤75, smoke-developed rating ≤450
• Gypsum Sheathing: Minimum thickness (1/2 inch), maximum stud spacing (24 inches)
• Nonabsorbent Surfaces: Bathtub and shower surrounds require nonabsorbent finishes
Question 1
The aggregate area of penthouses and other enclosed rooftop structures may not exceed __________
the area of the supporting roof deck.
A) one-quarter
B) one-third
C) one-half
D) two-thirds
, Page 3 of 141
Answer: B
Rationale: Penthouses and enclosed rooftop structures are limited to one-third of the supporting roof
deck area to maintain structural integrity and fire separation requirements .
Question 2
Bathrooms, toilet rooms, kitchens, storage rooms and laundry rooms are required to have a ceiling
height of not less than __________ feet.
A) 8 feet
B) 7 feet 6 inches
C) 7 feet
D) 6 feet 8 inches
Answer: C
Rationale: These non-habitable spaces require a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet, with certain
exceptions permitted under the code .
Question 3
What is the maximum allowable distance, in masonry wall construction, between lateral supports?
A) 20 feet
B) 24 feet
C) 30 feet
, Page 4 of 141
D) 60 feet
Answer: B
Rationale: Masonry walls require lateral support at intervals not exceeding 24 feet to ensure stability
and prevent buckling under load .
Question 4
What is the minimum thickness of gypsum sheathing with a maximum wall stud spacing of 24 inches on
center?
A) 5/8 inch
B) 1/2 inch
C) 3/8 inch
D) 1/4 inch
Answer: B
Rationale: Gypsum sheathing must be at least 1/2 inch thick when wall studs are spaced at 24 inches on
center .
Question 5
Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices shall be installed ______ minimum and
