The International Code Council's Residential Building Inspector certification (exam B1) is one of the most common first credentials for building inspectors, and many jurisdictions require it or accept it. The exam is open book: you bring the International Residential Code (IRC) and look things up. With 60 questions in 2 hours, that leaves about 2 minutes a question, so finding things fast matters as much as knowing the code.
What the B1 covers
The content outline has seven areas. Wall construction and coverings is the largest at 27%. Then come public safety and special construction (17%), footings and foundations (16%), floor construction (14%), roof and ceiling construction (14%), building planning (8%) and code administration (4%). Read the B1 exam outline guide.
The exam in brief
- Format: 60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, open book.
- Where you test: through ICC's PRONTO system, either at a test center or online with a remote proctor, available around the clock.
- Cost: $320 per attempt at ICC's list price (members may pay less), and each retake is a new attempt.
- Code book: ICC offers the exam on the 2021 and 2024 codes. Pick one edition and study with that book.
How to use Rafter Tie
- Take the free diagnostic: 25 questions weighted to the seven content areas, with no signup.
- Tab your own IRC by chapter and by the topics you look up most, and practice finding sections against a timer.
- Spend extra time on wall construction, the biggest area, and on whichever area your diagnostic shows is weakest.
Every question is original and written to the published ICC outline. They are never real or recalled exam questions, and we cite IRC sections by number without reproducing code text.