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🔹Scope – Residential Plans Examiner
A Residential Plans Examiner reviews plans and construction documents for one- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures to verify compliance with adopted codes and standards. You’ll confirm submittal completeness, identify deficiencies, coordinate permit readiness, and ensure drawings clearly reflect the proposed work.
🔹 Exam Information
About the ICC Residential Plans Examiner 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 Plans Examiner🔹
| Exam Section | Suggested IRC Chapters / Focus |
|---|---|
| ✅ Administrative (5%) | Ch. 1: Scope & Administration (permits, submittals, enforcement) Ch. 2: Definitions (use for precise term meanings). |
| ✅ Site (10%) | Ch. 3: Building Planning — site-related provisions (setbacks, fire separation distances, flood-hazard requirements R322), grading/drainage away from foundations; coordinate local ordinances. Ch. 4: Foundations (depth, frost, drainage, damp/waterproofing) |
| ✅ Architectural & Life Safety (25%) | Ch. 3: Building Planning (room sizes, ceiling heights, light/ventilation; R311 Means of Egress; R312 Guards; R308 Safety Glazing; R314 Smoke Alarms; R315 CO Alarms) Ch. 7: Wall Covering (WRB, exterior claddings, stucco, lath) Ch. 10: Chimneys & Fireplaces |
| ✅ Structural (25%) | Ch. 3: Loads (design criteria, wind/seismic/snow/flood) Ch. 4: Foundations (depth, frost, drainage, damp/waterproofing) Ch. 5: Floors (joists, span tables; decks) Ch. 6: Wall Construction (wood/steel/masonry/concrete walls, R602.10 braced wall lines) Ch. 8: Roof-Ceiling Construction (rafters/joists spans, ventilation, attic access) |
| ✅ Energy Efficiency (5%) | Ch. 11: (envelope R-values/U-factors/SHGC, air sealing, HVAC & service water heating efficiency) |
| ✅ Mechanical (10%) | Ch. 12–24: Mechanical and Fuel Gas Requirements |
| ✅ Plumbing (10%) | Ch. 25-33: Plumbing Requirements |
| ✅ Electrical (10%) | Ch. 34–44: Electrical Requirements |
🔹 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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