Certification Exam Practice Questions And

ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary purpose of a building code?
• To increase construction costs
• To reduce design flexibility
• To ensure public health, safety, and welfare
• To restrict property use

Rationale: The building code establishes minimum standards to

protect public health, safety, and welfare.

• What type of construction does the IRC define for single-family

homes?

• Type I
• Type II 1 / 4

• Wood-frame construction
• Type IV

Rationale: The International Residential Code primarily addresses

wood-frame construction for one- and two-family dwellings.

• When inspecting a foundation, which is the most critical factor to

assess?

• Paint color
• Structural integrity and proper load-bearing capacity
• Landscaping
• Roof pitch

Rationale: Inspecting foundations focuses on structural soundness

and load-bearing capacity to ensure stability.

• What is the maximum riser height allowed by the IRC for residential

stairs?

• 7 3/4 inches
• 7 3/4 inches (197 mm)
• 8 1/2 inches
• 6 1/2 inches

Rationale: The IRC limits stair riser height to 7 3/4 inches to ensure

safe stair usage.

• What is the minimum headroom required for residential stairways?
• 6 feet
• 6 feet 6 inches 2 / 4

• 6 feet 8 inches
• 7 feet

Rationale: The IRC requires a minimum headroom of 6 feet 8 inches

measured vertically from the stair tread.

• Which of the following is a primary inspection point for a residential

roof framing system?

• Paint thickness
• Shingle color
• Rafter spacing and connections
• Gutter slope

Rationale: Roof framing inspection focuses on rafter spacing,

alignment, and secure connections.

• What is the maximum spacing for wood floor joists in a typical 2x10

floor system supporting a residential load?

• 12 inches
• 16 inches on center
• 24 inches
• 36 inches

Rationale: The IRC specifies a maximum joist spacing of 16 inches on

center for 2x10 floor joists to safely support typical residential loads.

• Which of the following materials is not permitted in direct contact

with the ground?

• Pressure-treated lumber 3 / 4

• Concrete
• Untreated wood
• Masonry

Rationale: Untreated wood in direct contact with the ground is prone

to decay and insect damage.

• What is the minimum thickness of a residential concrete slab-on-

grade?

• 3 inches
• 3 1/2 inches
• 4 inches
• 5 inches

Rationale: The IRC requires a minimum 4-inch thickness for slab-on-

grade floors to ensure structural performance.

• When inspecting a deck, what is the maximum allowable span

for 2x8 deck joists supporting a residential load at 16-inch spacing?

• 8 feet
• 10 feet
• 12 feet
• 14 feet

Rationale: IRC span tables indicate that 2x8 joists spaced at 16 inches

can span up to 12 feet for residential loading.

• Which type of footing is typically required for residential exterior

walls?

• / 4