ICC Plans Examiner Certification Exam

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

• Which code primarily governs the construction of new buildings and

structures in the United States?

• International Fire Code (IFC)
• International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Mechanical Code (IMC)

Rationale: The International Building Code (IBC) is the primary model

code adopted for building construction in the U.S., covering structural, life safety, and accessibility requirements.

2. The primary purpose of a plans examiner is to:

• Supervise construction work
• Review building plans for compliance with codes 1 / 4

• Perform on-site inspections
• Approve contractor licensing

Rationale: Plans examiners focus on reviewing submitted building

plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes before construction begins.

• What is the minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms under the

IBC?

• 6 feet 8 inches
• 7 feet
• 7 feet 6 inches
• 8 feet

Rationale: The IBC requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for

habitable spaces to ensure adequate human comfort and egress.

• Fire-resistance ratings for structural elements are typically measured

in:

• Minutes
• Hours
• Hours
• Seconds

Rationale: Fire-resistance ratings indicate the duration a structural

element can withstand fire, and are expressed in hours.

• Which document is required to be submitted for a building permit

application? 2 / 4

• Contractor license only
• Construction drawings and specifications
• Fire alarm system report
• Energy modeling report only

Rationale: Construction drawings and specifications provide the

detailed information needed for plan review and code compliance verification.

6. Occupancy classification for an office building is generally:

A. R-1

B. I-2

• B

D. F-1

Rationale: The IBC classifies office buildings under Group B (Business)

occupancy.

• For mixed-use buildings, how should occupancies be separated?
• With sprinklers only
• By fire-resistance-rated construction
• No separation required
• Only by occupancy load signage

Rationale: The IBC requires fire-resistance-rated construction to

separate different occupancies in a mixed-use building.

• Egress doors must swing in which direction for assembly occupancies

with occupant loads over 50? 3 / 4

• Inward
• Outward
• Either direction
• Sliding only

Rationale: Doors in assembly occupancies with over 50 occupants

must swing in the direction of egress to facilitate safe evacuation.

• Which plan sheet typically shows the structural framing layout?
• Civil site plan
• Structural plan
• Architectural plan
• Mechanical plan

Rationale: Structural plans detail beams, columns, and other framing

elements for construction and code review.

• What is the minimum width of an accessible route per the

ICC/ADA requirements?

• 30 inches
• 32 inches
• 36 inches
• 42 inches

Rationale: An accessible route must be at least 36 inches wide to

allow passage for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

• Smoke barriers are typically required to have a minimum fire-

resistance rating of:

• / 4