International Mechanical Code (IMC)
200 Exam Questions and Answers
Note: Based on the 2021 IMC. Verify section numbers, table values
and local amendments against the edition adopted in your jurisdiction.
Correct answers are highlighted.
Chapter 1 - Scope and Administration
1. Which best describes the scope of the International Mechanical
Code (IMC)?
A. Design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of
permanently installed mechanical systems
B. Only the installation of fuel gas piping and gas appliances
C. Installation of plumbing fixtures and drainage systems
D. Structural design of building frames and foundations
Answer: A. Design, installation, maintenance, alteration and
inspection of permanently installed mechanical systems
Rationale: The IMC regulates systems that control environmental
conditions and related processes in buildings.
2. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not
more than three stories above grade plane are generally regulated
by the:
A. International Fire Code (IFC)
B. International Building Code (IBC)
C. International Residential Code (IRC)
D. International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Answer: C. International Residential Code (IRC)
Rationale: These buildings are outside the IMC scope and are
covered by the IRC.
,3. Which code governs fuel gas piping and fuel gas appliance
installation?
A. International Plumbing Code (IPC)
B. International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
C. International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
D. International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
Answer: C. International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
Rationale: The IMC defers to the IFGC for fuel gas piping and gas
appliances.
4. The official charged with administering and enforcing the code
is the:
A. Code official
B. Permit holder
C. Registered design professional
D. Building owner
Answer: A. Code official
Rationale: The code official administers and enforces the code.
5. Which work does NOT require a mechanical permit?
A. Installation of a commercial kitchen exhaust hood
B. Installation of a boiler
C. Installation of a portable heating appliance
D. Installation of a duct system in a commercial building
Answer: C. Installation of a portable heating appliance
Rationale: Portable heating, ventilating and cooling appliances are
exempt from permits.
,6. A permit is NOT required for a self-contained refrigeration
system containing not more than ___ of refrigerant and actuated
by motors of not more than ___ .
A. 10 lb; 1 horsepower
B. 20 lb; 2 horsepower
C. 50 lb; 5 horsepower
D. 5 lb; 1/2 horsepower
Answer: A. 10 lb; 1 horsepower
Rationale: This is the permit exemption limit for small self-
contained refrigeration systems.
7. A mechanical permit becomes invalid if the authorized work is
not commenced within:
A. 1 year
B. 60 days
C. 30 days
D. 180 days
Answer: D. 180 days
Rationale: Permits expire when work is not started (or is
suspended) for 180 days.
8. Where the code is less restrictive than the equipment listing or
the manufacturer's installation instructions, which governs?
A. The local utility company
B. The listing and manufacturer's installation instructions
C. The code
D. The most lenient of the three
Answer: B. The listing and manufacturer's installation
instructions
Rationale: Equipment must be installed per its listing and the
manufacturer's instructions.
, 9. Existing mechanical installations lawfully in existence when the
code was adopted:
A. Must be upgraded to comply fully with the current code
B. Must be removed on change of ownership
C. May continue in use unless the code official finds them
hazardous
D. Must be replaced within one year
Answer: C. May continue in use unless the code official finds
them hazardous
Rationale: Lawful existing installations may continue unless they
are dangerous or unsafe.
10. When an existing mechanical system is altered or extended,
the new work must:
A. Be inspected only after one year
B. Comply with the code for new construction, without forcing the
existing system to comply if no hazard is created
C. Be exempt from the code
D. Match the existing system exactly even if non-compliant
Answer: B. Comply with the code for new construction,
without forcing the existing system to comply if no hazard is
created
Rationale: Alterations conform to new-construction requirements.
11. The code official may approve alternative materials or
methods if they are:
A. At least equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance, durability and safety
B. Used in another state
C. Cheaper than code-prescribed methods
D. Approved by the owner only
Answer: A. At least equivalent in quality, strength,
effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety
200 Exam Questions and Answers
Note: Based on the 2021 IMC. Verify section numbers, table values
and local amendments against the edition adopted in your jurisdiction.
Correct answers are highlighted.
Chapter 1 - Scope and Administration
1. Which best describes the scope of the International Mechanical
Code (IMC)?
A. Design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of
permanently installed mechanical systems
B. Only the installation of fuel gas piping and gas appliances
C. Installation of plumbing fixtures and drainage systems
D. Structural design of building frames and foundations
Answer: A. Design, installation, maintenance, alteration and
inspection of permanently installed mechanical systems
Rationale: The IMC regulates systems that control environmental
conditions and related processes in buildings.
2. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not
more than three stories above grade plane are generally regulated
by the:
A. International Fire Code (IFC)
B. International Building Code (IBC)
C. International Residential Code (IRC)
D. International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Answer: C. International Residential Code (IRC)
Rationale: These buildings are outside the IMC scope and are
covered by the IRC.
,3. Which code governs fuel gas piping and fuel gas appliance
installation?
A. International Plumbing Code (IPC)
B. International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
C. International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
D. International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
Answer: C. International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
Rationale: The IMC defers to the IFGC for fuel gas piping and gas
appliances.
4. The official charged with administering and enforcing the code
is the:
A. Code official
B. Permit holder
C. Registered design professional
D. Building owner
Answer: A. Code official
Rationale: The code official administers and enforces the code.
5. Which work does NOT require a mechanical permit?
A. Installation of a commercial kitchen exhaust hood
B. Installation of a boiler
C. Installation of a portable heating appliance
D. Installation of a duct system in a commercial building
Answer: C. Installation of a portable heating appliance
Rationale: Portable heating, ventilating and cooling appliances are
exempt from permits.
,6. A permit is NOT required for a self-contained refrigeration
system containing not more than ___ of refrigerant and actuated
by motors of not more than ___ .
A. 10 lb; 1 horsepower
B. 20 lb; 2 horsepower
C. 50 lb; 5 horsepower
D. 5 lb; 1/2 horsepower
Answer: A. 10 lb; 1 horsepower
Rationale: This is the permit exemption limit for small self-
contained refrigeration systems.
7. A mechanical permit becomes invalid if the authorized work is
not commenced within:
A. 1 year
B. 60 days
C. 30 days
D. 180 days
Answer: D. 180 days
Rationale: Permits expire when work is not started (or is
suspended) for 180 days.
8. Where the code is less restrictive than the equipment listing or
the manufacturer's installation instructions, which governs?
A. The local utility company
B. The listing and manufacturer's installation instructions
C. The code
D. The most lenient of the three
Answer: B. The listing and manufacturer's installation
instructions
Rationale: Equipment must be installed per its listing and the
manufacturer's instructions.
, 9. Existing mechanical installations lawfully in existence when the
code was adopted:
A. Must be upgraded to comply fully with the current code
B. Must be removed on change of ownership
C. May continue in use unless the code official finds them
hazardous
D. Must be replaced within one year
Answer: C. May continue in use unless the code official finds
them hazardous
Rationale: Lawful existing installations may continue unless they
are dangerous or unsafe.
10. When an existing mechanical system is altered or extended,
the new work must:
A. Be inspected only after one year
B. Comply with the code for new construction, without forcing the
existing system to comply if no hazard is created
C. Be exempt from the code
D. Match the existing system exactly even if non-compliant
Answer: B. Comply with the code for new construction,
without forcing the existing system to comply if no hazard is
created
Rationale: Alterations conform to new-construction requirements.
11. The code official may approve alternative materials or
methods if they are:
A. At least equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance, durability and safety
B. Used in another state
C. Cheaper than code-prescribed methods
D. Approved by the owner only
Answer: A. At least equivalent in quality, strength,
effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety
