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Certification: Residential Building Inspector

Exam ID: B1
 
  • 50 multiple-choice questions
  • 2-hour limit
  • Open book
Content Outline: A detailed outline of the subject matter covered by the exam, including the percentage of questions from each content area and task.
01. CODE ADMINISTRATION 4%
 

0101. Project Administration
Verify that project information is provided and is adequate. Verify that the project is designed by approved persons when required, and has required approvals. Verify that products not detailed in the building code are approved by the building official and installed according to their listing. Verify that the required approved plans and specifications are available when required and retained by the building official for the period required.

2%  
 

0102. Public Information and Legal
For new and existing structures, answer questions about the need for permits and inspections, general code compliance of designs, procedures and materials. Communicates, issues and maintains inspection reports, correction notices, stop work orders and data for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

2%  
02. BUILDING PLANNING 8%
 

0201. Unit Separation
Verify that the unit separation is in compliance with the code and tested assembly requirements. Verify that unit separation walls and floor/ceiling assemblies are located where required and have correct fire?resistance.

3%  
 

0202. Building Location
Inspect the construction site to see that the building or structure location is in compliance with the requirements of the local ordinances, fire separation regulations, and the site plan. Verifies that final grade will provide the required slope away from the footing or foundation wall. Verify finish floor elevation in flood-hazard areas for compliance with local and federal requirements.

3%  
 

0203. Room and Opening Dimensions
Verify that the actual and allowable floor area calculations are correct. Inspects for compliance that the room dimensions and openings are minimum for light and ventilation.

2%  
03. FOOTINGS AND FOUNDATIONS 16%
 

0301. Footings
Verify that the building site's soil load-bearing capacity and stability complies with approved plans or reports. Verify that footings are laid out with correct depth, size, setbacks and that footings extend below the frost line. Inspect footing drains for basements and crawl spaces for compliance with the code. Verify that materials used in footings and foundations are in compliance with approved plans and code requirements.

5%  
 

0302. Step Footings and Special Foundations
Verify that stepped footings and specialized foundations are used as per the approved plans or code.

3%  
 

0303. Columns and Piers
Verify that columns and piers are correctly supported and anchored; and that wood members are protected against termites and decay.

3%  
 

0304. Site Preparation, Foundation and Basement Walls
Verify that the area within the foundation walls is properly prepared. Verify that foundation stem walls are correctly sized and have sufficient height above grade. Verify that foundation wall materials, reinforcement, anchor bolts and fasteners are correct type, size and grade and are placed in accordance with building code requirements. Verify that foundation dampproofing and waterproofing is installed where required. Verify maximum unbalanced fill height. Verify that foundation and basement walls are properly braced prior to backfill.

5%  
04. FLOOR CONSTRUCTION 14%
 

0401. Lumber Quality - Floors
Verify that wood materials are in compliance with the markings, standards and the materials characteristics. Verifiy that the cutting, notching and borings are within the limitations permitted by code, and that wood members are protected against termites and decay where required.

3%  
 

0402. Floor Joist Framing
Inspect floor joist framing for proper spans, bearing and connections. Verify that the preengineered floor framing is in accordance with the approved drawings and manufacturer's specifications.

3%  
 

0403. Concrete Slab Inspection
Verify that concrete slabs are placed in compliance with standards and material characteristics, and that proper precautions are used in adverse weather conditions.

3%  
 

0404. Subflooring and Decking
Verify that subflooring and decking has required thickness, span and grade and meets installation specifications. Verify compliance of floor design and fasteners.

2%  
 

0405. Crawl Spaces
Verify that crawl spaces have required clearance, ventilation, insulation, screening and access openings.

2%  
 

0406. Draftstops
Verify that draftstops are provided where required.

1%  
05. WALL CONSTRUCTION AND COVERINGS 27%
 

0501. Lumber Quality - Walls
Verify that wood materials used in walls are in compliance with the markings, standards and the materials characteristics. Verifies that the cutting, notching and borings are within the limitations permitted by code, and that wood members are protected against termites and decay where required.

4%  
 

0502. Wood Framing - Walls
Inspect wood wall framing for proper spacing, bearing and connections. Verify that preengineered wall systems are in accordance with the approved drawings and manufacturer's specifications.

3%  
 

0503. Header Spans
Inspect header spans for proper span, bearing and connections.

2%  
 

0504. Steel Framing
Verify that steel framing is in compliance with the markings, standards and the materials characteristics.

2%  
 

0505. Fireblocking
Verify that fireblocking is provided where required.

1%  
 

0506. Masonry Materials and Placement
Verify that masonry materials are in compliance with markings, standards, and the materials characteristics. Inspect bonding, mortar type, mortar joint thickness, height, size, lintels, and distance between lateral supports for masonry walls. Verify that masonry is grouted where required. Verify that weather conditions are suitable for masonry construction and that proper precautions are used for adverse weather conditions.

2%  
 

0507. Masonry Reinforcement
Inspect masonry reinforcement for size, length of lap splices, clearances between bars, clearances to masonry units and outside face of walls, alignment, cleanouts, and presence of loose rust, oil, or millscale.

2%  
 

0508. Concrete Wall Inspection
Verify that concrete walls are in compliance with standards and material characteristics, and that proper precautions are used for adverse weather conditions.

2%  
 

0509. Prefabricated Walls
Verify that prefabricated walls and wallforms are installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and approved plans.

1%  
 

0510. Interior Coverings
Verify that wall and ceiling coverings are correct type and thickness, are correctly supported and fastened.

1%  
 

0511. Bathrooms
Inspects wall, floor and ceiling finishes in bathtub and shower spaces for compliance with the code.

1%  
 

0512. Exterior Sheathing, Veneers and Weather-Resistant Coverings
Verify that exterior sheathing, veneers and weather-resistant siding materials are correctly sized, identified and installed, protected against termites and decay, and have appropriate clearances to finish grade. Verify that exterior veneers and weather-resistive siding have correct anchorage, support and backing. Verify that a weather-resistant barrier is correctly installed for all walls and around all wall openings.

3%  
 

0513. Exterior Plaster, Stucco, Lath
Verify that plaster, stucco and metal lath have correct thickness and fasteners, and are correctly installed.

2%  
 

0514. Exterior Insulation Finish Systems
Verify that exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and approved plans.

1%  
06. ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION AND PENETRATIONS 14%
 

0601. Roof-Ceiling Insulation, Vapor Barriers
Verify that insulation is of permitted materials, is provided where required, and is correctly installed. Verify that vapor and moisture barriers are correctly installed.

2%  
 

0602. Attics/Ceilings
Verify that attic and ceiling area construction has proper ventilation, screens and access.

2%  
 

0603. Roof Framing
Inspect roof rafters, collar beams, and ceiling joists, for compliance with span, grade, type, connections, bearing, and quality requirements. Verify that trusses are in accordance with the drawings and properly spaced, braced and supported.

3%  
 

0604. Roof Sheathing
Inspect roof sheathing for proper thickness, grade, support and fastening.

2%  
 

0605. Roofs and Roof Coverings
Verify correct classification of roof coverings, roof slope, installation, flashings and details, and method of roof drainage.

2%  
 

0606. Reroofing
Verify that residences that are reroofed comply with code, design and installation standards.

1%  
  0607. Fireplaces and Chimneys
Verify that fireplaces, flues and chimneys are correctly designed and have required clearances from combustible construction.
2%  
07. PUBLIC SAFETY 17%
 

0701. Means of Egress
Inspect for compliance the means of egress requirements for the building, including emergency egress for sleeping areas. Verify that doors and windows intended for use as emergency egress have correct clear opening areas, width and heights.

4%  
 

0702. Exit Stairways and Ramps
Verify that stairways and ramps have correct width, rise, run, slope, landings, headroom, height, guardrails and handrails.

3%  
 

0703. Exterior Construction
Verify that exterior stairs, ramps, porches, decks and balconies which are open to the weather are constructed to support designed loads, are of suitable materials, and have required slope and width, tread, riser, headroom, guardrails and handrail dimensions.

3%  
 

0704. Smoke Detectors
Inspect smoke detectors for compliance with proper installation, power supply, and locations.

2%  
 

0705. Flame Spread of Insulation and Finishes
Verify that interior wall and ceiling finishes, insulation, and foam plastics comply with flame spread and smoke density requirements.

2%  
  0706. Safety Glazing
Verify that safety glazing is installed and labeled where required.
3%  

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