Residential Building Inspector (B1) Practice Exam

The Residential Building Inspector (B1) certification, offered by the International Code Council (ICC), signifies expertise in inspecting one- and two-family dwellings, townhomes up to three stories, and accessory structures for adherence to relevant building codes and standards. This certification empowers individuals to contribute significantly to public safety and ensure occupants reside in safe and compliant living spaces.

Who Should Take the B1 Exam?

This certification caters to a diverse group of professionals, including:

• Building inspectors: Enhance your qualifications and expand your service offerings.
• Construction professionals: Gain a deeper understanding of code compliance for informed construction practices.
• Real estate agents and appraisers: Provide valuable insights to clients regarding property condition and potential issues.
• Homeowners: Gain knowledge to navigate home improvement projects confidently.

Roles and Responsibilities of a B1 Inspector

B1 inspectors perform inspections at various stages of construction, including:

• Plan review: Examining construction plans for code compliance.
• Site inspections: verifying that construction adheres to approved plans and codes.
• Final inspections: Confirming completion according to code requirements.
• Issuing reports: documenting findings and recommendations.

Exam Details

• Format: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Time Limit: 2 hours
• Cost: Varies based on location and testing provider
• Passing Score: 75%

Course Outline 

The Residential Building Inspector (B1) Exam covers the following topics - 

DOMAIN 1 - Code Administration 4%

• Project Administration - 2%
• Public Information and Legal - 2%

DOMAIN 2  - Building Planning 8%

• Unit Separation - 3%
• Building Location - 3%
• Room and Opening Dimensions - 2%

DOMAIN 3 - Footings and Foundations 16%

• Footings - 5%
• Stepped Footings and Special Foundations - 3%
• Columns and Piers - 3%
• Site Preparations, Foundation, and Basement Walls - 5%

DOMAIN 4 - Floor Construction 14%

• Lumber Quality - Floors - 3%
• Floor Joist Framing - 3%
• Concrete Slab Inspection - 2%
• Subflooring and Decking - 2%
• Crawl Spaces - 2%
• Draftstops - 2%

DOMAIN 5 - Wall Construction and Coverings 27%

• Lumber Quality - Walls - 4%
• Wood Framing - Walls - 4%
• Header Spans - 2%
• Steel Framing - 2%
• Fireblocking - 2%
• Masonry Materials and Placement - 2%
• Concrete Wall Inspection - 2%
• Braced Wall Panels - 2%
• Interior Coverings - 2%
• Exterior Sheathing, Veneers, and Weather-Resistant Coverings - 3%
• Exterior Plaster, Stucco, and Lath - 2%

DOMAIN 6 - Roof/Ceiling Construction 14%

• Roof/Ceiling Insulation and Vapor Barriers
• Attics/Ceiling - 2%
• Roof Framing - 4%
• Roof Sheathing - 2%
• Roofs and Roof Coverings and Reroofing - 2%
• Fireplaces and Chimneys - 2%

DOMAIN 7 - Public Safety and Special Construction 17%

• Means of Egress - 4%
• Exit Stairways and Ramps - 3%
• Exterior Construction - 3%
• Smoke Detectors - 2%
• Flamespread of Insulation and Finishes - 2%
• Safety Glazing - 3%