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🔹Scope – Residential Mechanical Inspector
A Residential Mechanical Inspector is responsible for reviewing the installation, alteration, and maintenance of mechanical systems in one- and two-family dwellings not more than three stories. This includes heating, cooling, ventilation, hydronic systems, water heaters, fuel gas piping, gas appliances, and combustion air requirements. Inspectors must be able to verify compliance with code provisions, manufacturer’s instructions, and listing requirements, ensuring safety and proper system operation.
🔹 Exam Information
About the ICC Residential Mechanical Inspector Exam
- Based on: 2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
- Format: Open-book, multiple choice
- Time: 2 hours (60 questions)
- Passing Score: 75%
🔹Exam Content Breakdown – 2024 Residential Mechanical Inspector🔹
| Exam Section | Relevant IRC Chapters / Focus |
|---|---|
| ✅ General Administration (10%) | Ch. 12 – Mechanical Administration (scope, authority, enforcement) Ch. 13 – General Mechanical System Requirements (listing, labeling, clearances, protection, access) |
| ✅ Heating / Cooling / Water Heaters (24%) | Ch. 14 – Heating & Cooling Equipment (furnaces, appliances, clearances, ducts/plenums) Ch. 20 – Boilers & Water Heaters (installation, access, clearances) Ch. 21 – Hydronic Piping (piping and valves for heating/cooling systems) Ch. 23 – Solar Thermal Energy Systems (hazard-free design & installation) |
| ✅ Exhaust & Ventilation Systems (8%) | Ch. 15 – Exhaust Systems (fans, dryer vents, range hoods, ventilation requirements) |
| ✅ Duct Systems (8%) | Ch. 16 – Duct Systems (construction, support, insulation, supply & return sizing, plenums) |
| ✅ Combustion Air (16%) | Ch. 17 – Combustion Air (openings, sizing, materials, location; NFPA 31 reference for oil-fired) Ch. 24 – Fuel Gas (combustion air provisions) |
| ✅ Chimneys & Vents (19%) | Ch. 18 – Chimneys & Vents (fuel-burning appliance venting, connectors, factory-built and masonry chimneys, clearances, terminations) Ch. 24 – Fuel Gas (appliance venting) |
| ✅ Fuel Supply Systems (15%) | Ch. 22 – Special Piping & Storage Systems (fuel oil storage and piping) Ch. 24 – Fuel Gas (gas piping, sizing, materials) |
| ✅ Special Systems & Appliances | Ch. 19 – Special Appliances & Systems (ranges, ovens, sauna heaters, decorative systems, hydrogen/fuel cell) |
🔹 Study Tips
- Focus extra time on the highest-weighted sections — they carry the most points on the exam.
- Mark your codebook with tabs for fast navigation.
- Practice under timed conditions to simulate real test pressure.
- Use flashcards for quick lookup and instant feedback when reviewing material.
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