International Residential Code Exam Prep
2026/2027 | Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
& Study Guide
The purpose of this code is to establish ______ requirements to safeguard the
public safety, health, and general welfare. - correct answer-minimum
Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different
materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most ____ shall
govern - correct answer-restrictive
Where the extent of the reference to a reference code or standard includes
subject matter that is within the scope of the IRC, the provisions of the ___ shall
take precedence. - correct answer-IRC
An alternative material or method shall be approved where the proposed design
is ____ and complies with the _____ of the provisions of the IRC. - correct
answer-satisfactory
intent
An alternative material, design, or method of construction shall comply with the
______ of the provisions of the code. - correct answer-intent
,Other than storm shelters, a permit is not required for one-story detached
accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed _____ sqft. -
correct answer-200
Fences not over _______ feet high do not require permits. - correct answer-7
A permit is not required for the replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices
(breakers) of the ____ capacity in the same location (within a parcel) - correct
answer-required
Decks not exceeding ____ sqft in area, that are not more than _____ inches above
grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, do not require a permit. -
correct answer-200
30
Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency
situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the ___ ____ business
day. - correct answer-next working
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been
abandoned ___ days after the date of filing. - correct answer-180
Before issuing a permit, the building official is _____ to examine or cause to be
examined buildings, structures, or sites for which an application has been filed. -
correct answer-authorized
,Where the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be
approved in writing or by a stamp that states ____ ____ ____ ____. - correct
answer-Reviewed for Code Compliance
Final inspection shall be made after the permitted work is ____ and prior to ____.
- correct answer-complete
occupancy
If located in a flood hazard area, the documentation of elevations required in
Section R306.1.10 shall be submitted to the building official prior to the ____
inspection. - correct answer-final
That which enables a device, an appliance, or equipment to be reached by ready
access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement or a panel,
door, or similar obstruction - correct answer-Access
A finished or unfinished habitable space within an attic - correct answer-Attic,
Habitable
.Hot water is water at a temperature great than ____ ℉ - correct answer-120
A wall supporting any vertical load in addition to its own weight is a ____ ____
wall - correct answer-load bearing
What is the minimum uniformly distributed live load of habitable attics and attics
served with fixed stairs? - correct answer-30lbs per sqft.
, Wood structural panels with a thickness of not less than ___ inch and a span of
not more than ___ feet shall be permitted for opening protection in windborne
debris regions. - correct answer-7//16
8
The seismic provisions of the IRC apply to detached one- and two-family dwellings
in Seismic Design Categories ____, ___, and ____. - correct answer-D⌄0
D⌄1
D⌄2
For dwellings with fire sprinkler
systems, exterior walls with a fire
separation distance less than _________
feet shall have not less than a 1-hour
fire-resistance rating with exposure
from the outside. - correct answer-3
Where an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section P2+04 is not
provided, the common wall between townhouse units shall not be less than ____-
hour _____-____-____ wall assembly. - correct answer-2
fire resistance rated
For townhouse separation, a parapet is not required where the roof sheathing is
fire retardant treated wood for a distance of _____ feet on either side of the
wall(s) and there are not penetrations in with roof within ____ feet of the
common walls. - correct answer-4
4
2026/2027 | Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
& Study Guide
The purpose of this code is to establish ______ requirements to safeguard the
public safety, health, and general welfare. - correct answer-minimum
Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different
materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most ____ shall
govern - correct answer-restrictive
Where the extent of the reference to a reference code or standard includes
subject matter that is within the scope of the IRC, the provisions of the ___ shall
take precedence. - correct answer-IRC
An alternative material or method shall be approved where the proposed design
is ____ and complies with the _____ of the provisions of the IRC. - correct
answer-satisfactory
intent
An alternative material, design, or method of construction shall comply with the
______ of the provisions of the code. - correct answer-intent
,Other than storm shelters, a permit is not required for one-story detached
accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed _____ sqft. -
correct answer-200
Fences not over _______ feet high do not require permits. - correct answer-7
A permit is not required for the replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices
(breakers) of the ____ capacity in the same location (within a parcel) - correct
answer-required
Decks not exceeding ____ sqft in area, that are not more than _____ inches above
grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, do not require a permit. -
correct answer-200
30
Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency
situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the ___ ____ business
day. - correct answer-next working
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been
abandoned ___ days after the date of filing. - correct answer-180
Before issuing a permit, the building official is _____ to examine or cause to be
examined buildings, structures, or sites for which an application has been filed. -
correct answer-authorized
,Where the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be
approved in writing or by a stamp that states ____ ____ ____ ____. - correct
answer-Reviewed for Code Compliance
Final inspection shall be made after the permitted work is ____ and prior to ____.
- correct answer-complete
occupancy
If located in a flood hazard area, the documentation of elevations required in
Section R306.1.10 shall be submitted to the building official prior to the ____
inspection. - correct answer-final
That which enables a device, an appliance, or equipment to be reached by ready
access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement or a panel,
door, or similar obstruction - correct answer-Access
A finished or unfinished habitable space within an attic - correct answer-Attic,
Habitable
.Hot water is water at a temperature great than ____ ℉ - correct answer-120
A wall supporting any vertical load in addition to its own weight is a ____ ____
wall - correct answer-load bearing
What is the minimum uniformly distributed live load of habitable attics and attics
served with fixed stairs? - correct answer-30lbs per sqft.
, Wood structural panels with a thickness of not less than ___ inch and a span of
not more than ___ feet shall be permitted for opening protection in windborne
debris regions. - correct answer-7//16
8
The seismic provisions of the IRC apply to detached one- and two-family dwellings
in Seismic Design Categories ____, ___, and ____. - correct answer-D⌄0
D⌄1
D⌄2
For dwellings with fire sprinkler
systems, exterior walls with a fire
separation distance less than _________
feet shall have not less than a 1-hour
fire-resistance rating with exposure
from the outside. - correct answer-3
Where an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section P2+04 is not
provided, the common wall between townhouse units shall not be less than ____-
hour _____-____-____ wall assembly. - correct answer-2
fire resistance rated
For townhouse separation, a parapet is not required where the roof sheathing is
fire retardant treated wood for a distance of _____ feet on either side of the
wall(s) and there are not penetrations in with roof within ____ feet of the
common walls. - correct answer-4
4
