Certification: Building Plans Examiner
Exam ID: B3
Scope:
A Building Plans Examiner will be responsible for reviewing submitted plans to determine if they meet the
requirements of the various Building Codes and Standards that have been adopted by his / her jurisdiction. At
this level of certification, the Examiner shall be able to review plans for any size of structure in any occupancy
classification.
• 80 multiple-choice questions
• 3-1/2-hour limit
• Open book
01 General Administration 5%
0101 Project Administration 3%
Verify that plans, specifications, and other project information is provided and is complete. Verify
that the project is designed by approved persons when required, and has required approvals. Verify
that design calculations are submitted in support of structural designs. Verify that alternative
materials and methods of construction which are not specified by the building code are listed by an
approved standard and approved by the building official. Verify that estimated project valuations
are consistent with industry norms.
0102 Public Information and Legal 2%
For new and existing structures, answer questions about the need for permits and inspections
including special inspections and structural observations, general code compliance of designs,
procedures, and materials.
02 Building Planning 21%
0201 Building Location 1%
Verify from the site plan that the building or structure location is in compliance with the
requirements of the local ordinances, fire separation regulations, fire access, and setbacks. 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.
0202 Allowable Increases 2%
Verify that allowable height and area increases are based on the open perimeter, and compliance
of access to the open space. Verify compliance of allowable area modifications for automatic fire
suppression and special occupancies.
0203 Use and Occupancy Classification 4%
Verify that use and occupancy classification, incidental use areas, accessory uses, and mixed
occupancies are correct.
0204 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy 2%
Verify that special use and occupancy classification is correct. Verify compliance of special
provisions for atriums, covered mall buildings, high-rise buildings, hazardous occupancies, stages,
amusement buildings, and other occupancies or uses.
0205 Type of Construction 2%
Verify that the type of construction is correct for the type of occupancy. Verify that structural
members, interior walls, floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies, roofs, and stairways conform to
type of construction requirements.
0206 Height and Area Design 3%
Verify the actual height and floor area designs are within the allowable height and floor area limits.
0207 Exterior Walls and Openings 3%
Verify exterior walls, openings, parapets, and projections conform to the fire-resistive requirements
for the type of construction, location on the site, and proximity to other buildings.
0208 Interior Environment 1%
Verifies compliance of minimum room dimensions and openings. Verify compliance of lighting,
ventilation, exhaust, and minimum sanitation systems.
0209 Safeguards During Construction 1%
Assures that the precautions are taken for the safety at the construction site are specified in the
construction documents.
0210 Accessibility 1%
Verify accessibility of facilities and building elements to physically disabled persons comply with
minimum code requirements.
0211 Materials Specifications 1%
Verify that materials specifications comply with minimum code requirements and listing.
03 Footings and Foundations 8%
0301 Footing and Foundations 3%
Verify that necessary reports are submitted of the building site’s soil capacity and stability when
required. Verify that footings are specified with correct size and setbacks and extend below the
frost line. Verify that footing and foundation reinforcement meets minimum requirements.
0302 Stepped Footings and Special Foundations 2%
Verify that stepped footings, piles, piers, and special foundations are correctly specified. Verify that
wood members are protected against insects and decay.
0303 Foundation Walls 3%
Verify that foundation stem walls are correctly sized and have sufficient height above grade. Verify
that foundation wall reinforcement, anchor bolts, and fasteners are correct type, size, spacing, and
grade. Verify that foundation dampproofing and waterproofing is specified where required. Verify
maximum unbalanced fill height.
04 Floor Construction 4%
0401 Floor Systems 3%
Verify that floor system spans, bearing, and connections comply with minimum code requirements.
Verify that materials are protected against insects and decay where required. Verify that
subflooring and decking has required thickness, span, and grade and meets installation
specifications. Verify compliance of floor design. Verify that crawlspaces have required clearance,
ventilation, insulation, screening, and access openings.
0402 Concrete Slabs and Floor Systems 1%
Verify that concrete slabs and floor systems are designed in compliance with standards and
material characteristics for specified exposure conditions.
05 Wall Construction and Coverings 12%
0501 Wood Wall Systems 2%
Verify compliance of wall systems for proper spans, spacing, bearing, and connections. Verify that
pre-engineered wall systems are specified in accordance with their listing and manufacturer’s
specifications. Verify that wood members are protected against insects and decay where required.
0502 Steel Framing Systems 2%
Verify steel wall system spans, spacing, bearing, and connections. Verify that pre-engineered steel
wall systems are in accordance with their listing and manufacturer’s specifications.
0503 Masonry Wall Systems 2%
Verify compliance of masonry grouting, bonding, mortar type, height, size, lintels, reinforcement,
and distance between lateral supports for masonry walls.
0504 Concrete Wall Systems 2%
Verify compliance of height, size, attachments, bracing, and distance between lateral supports, and
reinforcement for concrete wall systems.
0506 Exterior Wall Coverings 2%
Verify that exterior veneers and siding have correct anchorage, support, and backing. Verify that a
weather-resistant barrier is correctly specified for all walls and around all wall openings. Verify that
exterior sheathing materials are correctly sized and specified. Verify that plaster, stucco, and metal
lath have correct thickness and fasteners.
0507 Interior Wall Coverings 2%
Verify that wall and ceiling coverings are correct type and thickness, are correctly supported and
fastened, and meet minimum sanitation requirements.
06 Roof/Ceiling Construction 4%
0601 Roof/Ceiling Assemblies 3%
Verify compliance of roof/ceiling construction for span, grade, type, connections, and bearing.
Verify that trusses are designed in accordance with code requirements and specified in accordance
with their listing and manufacturer’s specifications. Verify compliance of roof access and roof top
structures. Verify that roof/ceiling insulation is of allowable materials, and is correctly specified.
Verify that vapor and moisture barriers are correctly specified. Verify ventilation, screens, and
access of attic and ceiling area construction.
0602 Roof Coverings 1%
Verify correct classification of roof coverings, roof slope, installation, flashings, and details, and
method of roof drainage.
07 Public Safety and Special Construction 46%
0701 Means of Egress 5%
Verify general means of egress requirements, exit access, exits, and exit discharge. Verify
compliance of public way, public use areas, and the use of public property. Verify emergency
escape and rescue requirements.
0702 Number, Width, and Arrangements of Exits 4%
Verify that the occupancy load calculations are correct. Verify that the correct number of exits and
required egress width are provided. Verify that arrangement of exits conform to requirements for
separation, travel distances, and intervening rooms. Verify compliance of corridor arrangement and
dead ends.
0703 Exit Stairways and Ramps 4%
Verify that stairways and ramps have correct width, rise, run, slope, landings, headroom, and
height. Verify correct escape illumination, signage, handrails, guards, and other requirements.
0704 Exit Doors and Egress Windows 3%
Verify that exit doors have the correct direction of swing, size, and type of hardware. Verify that
windows intended for use as emergency egress have correct clear opening areas, width, and
heights.
0705 Protected Exitways 3%
Verify that corridors, exit passageways, stairway enclosures, horizontal exits, exit balconies, and
exit courts are provided where required and have the correct fire protection.
0706 Special Exiting 1%
Verify correct number and width of aisles and correct seat spacing. Verify requirements for
grandstands, bleachers, and specific occupancies and uses.
0707 Fire Alarm and Extinguishing Systems 3%
Determine when fire alarm, sprinkler, and standpipe systems are required; verify compliance of fire
suppression systems.
0708 Area and Occupancy Separations 4%
Verify that area separation and occupancy separation walls and floor/ceiling assemblies are located
where required and have correct fire-resistance.
0709 Fire-Resistive Construction 4%
Verify that the materials used for structural members, walls, floor/ceiling, and roof/ceiling
assemblies and shaft enclosures comply with requirements for fire-resistive protection. Verify that
fire resistance rated construction and location is in compliance with the code and tested assembly
requirements.
0710 Heat and Smoke 3%
Verify that heat, smoke detection, smoke barriers, and control systems are provided where
required, and are correctly powered and listed. Verify that curtain boards and smoke and heat
vents are correctly specified.
0711 Interior Finishes 2%
Verify that interior finishes meet required flame-spread and smoke developed classifications based
on location, use and occupancy classifications, and are correctly supported.
0712 Safety Glazing 2%
Verify that safety glazing is specified where required.
0713 Opening Protectives, Penetrations, and Joint Systems 4%
Verify compliance of opening protectives, penetrations, and joint systems in fire rated assemblies.
Verify that fire blocking and draft stopping is specified where required.
0714 Miscellaneous Construction 1%
Verify that exterior stairs, ramps, porches, decks, and balconies which are open to the weather
support designed loads; are of suitable materials; and have required slope and width, tread, riser,
headroom, guards, and handrail dimensions.
0715 Building Services and Special Construction 2%
Verify compliance of existing structures, membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian
walkways, tunnels, awnings and canopies, marquees, signs, towers, antennas, elevators, and
conveyance systems. Verify seismic restraint, high-wind, and snow-load design requirements. Verify
that elevator lobbies, cars, and hoistways are correctly specified. Verify that elevator shafts are
properly vented.
0716 Fireplaces and Chimneys 1%
Verify that fireplaces, flues, and chimneys are correctly designed and have required clearances from
combustible construction.