Building Inspector FAQ

Building inspectors are typically individuals with extensive backgrounds in construction who are looking for a stable job with good pay and benefits. They are tired of being in pain all the time and would rather inspect construction projects instead of building them. See Why Building Inspection.

International Code Council (ICC) Standardized building codes govern the construction requirements of county and city building departments across the united states and beyond. The ICC both drafts building codes and certifies the inspectors who review or approve construction. ICC Building Inspector certification is proof you are qualified for the job.

ICC certifications show employers that you have a working knowledge of the code and have passed the ICC’s exam covering that specific area of construction. ICC provides certifications for both residential and commercial construction as well as plan inspectors and beyond.

When beginning your career as a building inspector, we recommend starting with the ICC B1 Residential Building Inspector or the ICC B2 Commercial Building inspector exam. These two exams are key as they typically open the door for employment to most building departments. Typically salaries are tied to certification. The more ICC certifications you posess, the more money you will earn.

Permits are the first step in the building approval process. Inspections are the second step, ensuring that quality work was performed. The contractor must request that the City perform the property inspections at the proper stages of the project. Building inspectors make professional judgments about whether a building meets specific building code requirements. Cities, townships, or counties typically employ building inspectors, with most inspectors holding multiple ICC certifications.

Residential Inspection

B1 Residential Building Inspector:

• Structural components (foundations, framing, walls, roofs)
• Building materials and construction methods
• Means of egress (exits, stairs, ramps)
• Fire-resistant construction
• Energy efficiency
• Accessibility requirements where applicable

P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector:

• Water supply and distribution systems
• Sanitary drainage and venting systems
• Fixtures, faucets, and appliances
• Water heaters and hot water supply systems
• Storm drainage and sump pumps
• Pipe materials, installation, and support
• Traps, interceptors, and back flow prevention
• Minimum fixture requirements and spacing

M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector:

• Heating and cooling equipment (furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, AC systems)
• Duct work installation, materials, and sealing requirements
• Ventilation systems, including whole-house and local exhaust
• Chimneys, vents, and combustion air requirements
• Fuel gas piping and appliances
• Fireplaces, solid fuel-burning appliances, and their clearances
• Refrigeration systems and condensate disposal
• Safety controls, shutdown switches, and protection devices

E1 Residential Electrical Inspector:

• Electrical service, grounding, and bonding
• Branch circuits, wiring methods, and conductor sizing
• Overcurrent protection (circuit breakers, fuses)
• Panel boards, disconnects, and distribution systems
• Receptacle, lighting, and switch installation
• GFCI and AFCI protection requirements
• Electrical requirements for kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Special systems (low-voltage, generators, pools, spas, HVAC wiring)

Commercial Building Inspection

B2 Commercial Building Inspector:

• Structural components (foundations, framing, walls, roofs)
• Construction materials and fire-resistive assemblies
• Means of egress (exits, stairs, ramps, accessibility)
• Occupancy classification and allowable building heights/areas
• Fire-resistance and life safety provisions
• Energy efficiency requirements
• Special inspections and structural integrity compliance
• Accessibility requirements per ADA and IBC

P2 Commercial Plumbing Inspector:

• Water supply and distribution systems
• Sanitary drainage, venting, and waste systems
• Plumbing fixtures, appliances, and minimum facility requirements
• Grease traps, interceptors, and back flow prevention devices
• Storm drainage systems, roof drains, and sump pumps
• Pipe materials, installation methods, and support requirements
• Medical gas and specialized plumbing systems (e.g., hospitals, laboratories)
• Commercial water heaters and hot water supply systems
• Special occupancies and high-capacity plumbing systems (e.g., restaurants, hotels, stadiums)

M2 Commercial Mechanical Inspector:

• Commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Duct work installation, materials, and fire/smoke dampers
• Ventilation systems, including commercial kitchen exhaust and makeup air
• Combustion air requirements for fuel-fired appliances
• Refrigeration systems and cooling towers
• Boilers, pressure vessels, and steam systems
• Chimneys, vents, and flue gas exhaust systems
• Fuel gas piping and appliances (where IMC overlaps with the International Fuel Gas Code – IFGC)
• Fire and smoke protection systems related to mechanical components

E2 Commercial Electrical Inspector:

• Electrical service, grounding, and bonding
• Panel boards, switch gear, and distribution systems
• Branch circuits, wiring methods, and conductor sizing
• Overcurrent protection (circuit breakers, fuses)
• Lighting, receptacle, and switch installations
• Emergency and standby power systems
• GFCI and AFCI protection requirements
• Special occupancies (hazardous locations, healthcare, industrial settings)
• Low-voltage systems (fire alarms, security, data, communication wiring)
• Electrical requirements for elevators, HVAC systems, and commercial kitchens

The ICC exam you should take depends on your career goals, the type of work you plan to perform, and any local jurisdiction requirements.

For example – The B1 Residential certificate allows you to perform structural inspections on residential construction. While the B2 Commercial certification enables you to perform structural inspections on commercial construction. ICC B5 Building Inspector certification enables you to perform structural inspections on BOTH residential and commercial construction.

NOTE: to perform multiple types of inspections and to receive the highest possible salary, you should hold numerous certifications.

To perform various inspections, you need one of the following:

• Residential code inspections: ICC R5 Residential Combination certification (B1, M1, P1, and E1)
• Commercial code inspections: ICC C5 Commercial Combination certification (B2, M2, P2, and E2)
• Commercial & Residential code inspections: ICC C8 Combination Inspector certification (B1, B2, M1, M2, P1, P2, E1, E2)

*After taking and passing each certification separately you will become combination certified.
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Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to become a Certified ICC Building Inspector. Construction experience is not required. Many contractors, tradespeople, and designers increased their earning potential by gaining ICC inspector certification.

B1 Residential Building Inspector Certification:
– 60 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 2 hours duration
– Requires 2021 or 2024 IRC

M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector Certification:
– 60 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 2 hours duration
– Requires 2021 IRC

P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector Certification:
– 60 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 2 hours duration
– Requires 2021 IRC

E1 Residential Electrical Inspector Certification:
– 60 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 2 hours duration
– Requires 2021 IRC

B2 Commercial Building Inspector Certification:
– 80 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 3.5 hours duration
– Requires 2021 IBC or 2024 IBC and 2021 Concrete Manual

M2 Commercial Mechanical Inspector Certification:
– 50 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 2 hours duration
– Requires 2021 IMC and IFGC

P2 Commercial Plumbing Inspector Certification:
– 60 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 2.5 hours duration
– Requires 2021 IPC, IFGC

E2 Commercial Electrical Inspector Certification:
– 80 multiple-choice questions
– 75% minimum passing score
– 3.5 hours duration
– Requires 2020 NEC

Depending on which ICC exam you are taking, exam topics and study programs change. For detailed information, select the type of ICC certification you wish to acquire from the course list.
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ICC Codebooks are large and complex publications. Consequently, it isn’t easy to locate every correct answer in the time allocated during the exam. However, our courses help familiarize you with ICC and NEC Code Books, so you know exactly how to find the right answers quickly.

We thoroughly cover each of the subjects appearing on the ICC Building Inspector Exams.

Open-Book ICC Exams

1. The ICC exams are open-book, meaning you can reference the codebook during the test.
   Having the official printed copy ensures you are using the correct layout, page numbers, and indexing system that matches the exam format.
2. Code-Specific Learning & Application
   ICC courses are designed around specific codebooks, teaching students how to navigate and interpret them effectively.
   Since wording, section numbers, and requirements differ slightly between code editions, using an original codebook prevents confusion.
3. Exam and Job Site Familiarity
   Inspectors rely on physical codebooks in real-world scenarios for plan reviews, inspections, and compliance verification.
   Learning directly from an authentic ICC Codebook prepares students for both the exam and on-the-job use.
4. Digital vs. Printed Codebooks
   Some digital versions may have different formatting, making it harder to follow along with course materials and different funcationability during the exam.
   Printed ICC Codebooks ensure consistency when following course references and practice questions.

Exams must be purchased directly through the ICC. Once purchased through the ICC, you will be able to schedule through Proctored Online Testing Option (PRONTO) or Pearson VUE depending on who proctors the exam.

Exam Administration Process: Proctored Online Testing Option (PRONTO) is the ICC’s at-home online testing system. In short, the PRONTO system allows you to take the exam at your home or office and on your schedule.