ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector (RC)
Exam. Based on the official 2026 exam outline
and the primary reference codes (ACI 318, IBC)
🔍 Exam Overview
Exam ID: 47 (Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector)
Format & Time: 90 multiple-choice questions, split into a 60-question "open book" code
section (2 hours) and a 30-question structural plans section (1.5 hours).
Core References: The exam questions are based on the International Building Code (IBC)
and the ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.
Passing Score & Retakes: You must pass both the code and plans sections simultaneously. A
14-day wait is required between retakes.
This guide is divided into two sections, with Section 1: General & ACI 318 Knowledge forming
the bulk of the exam.
---
Section 1: General & ACI 318 Knowledge
This section covers the fundamental, code‑specific questions you will see on the ICC Reinforced
Concrete exam.
1.1 Core Concepts & Standards
Q: What is the governing standard for structural concrete design, construction, and
inspection?
> A: ACI 318
> Rationale: ACI 318 is the primary code referenced by the IBC for all structural concrete
requirements. It is the single most important document for the exam.
Q: Which publication is the most useful for a Special Inspector?
> A: ACI 318
> Rationale: Again, ACI 318 is the definitive source for the inspection and acceptance criteria
for concrete construction.
Q: ACI 318 contains a chapter specifically for definitions. Which chapter should you reference
to look them up?
> A: Chapter 2
> Rationale: Chapter 2 of ACI 318 provides a comprehensive glossary of terms used
throughout the code.
, 1.2 Concrete Composition & Properties
Q: What chemical process causes concrete to set and become hard?
> A: Hydration
> Rationale: Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement and water that causes the
concrete to harden and gain strength.
Q: Cement forming chemical bonds with water molecules describes which process?
> A: Hydration Process
> Rationale: This is a detailed description of the hydration chemical reaction.
Q: The term "exothermic" is associated with hydration. What does it mean?
> A: It produces heat.
> Rationale: The hydration reaction releases heat, which is why massive concrete pours can
experience high internal temperatures.
Q: What is a primary reason for using reinforcing steel in concrete structures?
> A: To resist tensile stresses.
> Rationale: Concrete is strong in compression but very weak in tension. Steel reinforcement
is added to carry the tensile forces.
Q: What is the term for concrete that contains less than the minimum amount of reinforcement
specified in ACI 318?
> A: Plain concrete
> Rationale: ACI 318 has specific sections that apply to "plain concrete," which is defined as
concrete with minimal or no reinforcement.
Q: What is the typical time frame for concrete to transition from a plastic state to a hardened
state?
> A: 30 minutes to 5 hours
> Rationale: The setting time is highly variable and depends on temperature, humidity, and
the use of admixtures.
Q: What are the siliceous or aluminous materials that react with calcium hydroxide to form
cementitious compounds called?
> A: Pozzolans
> Rationale: Fly ash and silica fume are common examples of pozzolans used in concrete
mixtures.
Q: According to many project specifications, concrete should be considered rejectable after
what period of time?
> A: Batched for 90 minutes (1.5 hours).
> Rationale: This is a common specification limit to prevent the concrete from losing its
required workability.
Exam. Based on the official 2026 exam outline
and the primary reference codes (ACI 318, IBC)
🔍 Exam Overview
Exam ID: 47 (Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector)
Format & Time: 90 multiple-choice questions, split into a 60-question "open book" code
section (2 hours) and a 30-question structural plans section (1.5 hours).
Core References: The exam questions are based on the International Building Code (IBC)
and the ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.
Passing Score & Retakes: You must pass both the code and plans sections simultaneously. A
14-day wait is required between retakes.
This guide is divided into two sections, with Section 1: General & ACI 318 Knowledge forming
the bulk of the exam.
---
Section 1: General & ACI 318 Knowledge
This section covers the fundamental, code‑specific questions you will see on the ICC Reinforced
Concrete exam.
1.1 Core Concepts & Standards
Q: What is the governing standard for structural concrete design, construction, and
inspection?
> A: ACI 318
> Rationale: ACI 318 is the primary code referenced by the IBC for all structural concrete
requirements. It is the single most important document for the exam.
Q: Which publication is the most useful for a Special Inspector?
> A: ACI 318
> Rationale: Again, ACI 318 is the definitive source for the inspection and acceptance criteria
for concrete construction.
Q: ACI 318 contains a chapter specifically for definitions. Which chapter should you reference
to look them up?
> A: Chapter 2
> Rationale: Chapter 2 of ACI 318 provides a comprehensive glossary of terms used
throughout the code.
, 1.2 Concrete Composition & Properties
Q: What chemical process causes concrete to set and become hard?
> A: Hydration
> Rationale: Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement and water that causes the
concrete to harden and gain strength.
Q: Cement forming chemical bonds with water molecules describes which process?
> A: Hydration Process
> Rationale: This is a detailed description of the hydration chemical reaction.
Q: The term "exothermic" is associated with hydration. What does it mean?
> A: It produces heat.
> Rationale: The hydration reaction releases heat, which is why massive concrete pours can
experience high internal temperatures.
Q: What is a primary reason for using reinforcing steel in concrete structures?
> A: To resist tensile stresses.
> Rationale: Concrete is strong in compression but very weak in tension. Steel reinforcement
is added to carry the tensile forces.
Q: What is the term for concrete that contains less than the minimum amount of reinforcement
specified in ACI 318?
> A: Plain concrete
> Rationale: ACI 318 has specific sections that apply to "plain concrete," which is defined as
concrete with minimal or no reinforcement.
Q: What is the typical time frame for concrete to transition from a plastic state to a hardened
state?
> A: 30 minutes to 5 hours
> Rationale: The setting time is highly variable and depends on temperature, humidity, and
the use of admixtures.
Q: What are the siliceous or aluminous materials that react with calcium hydroxide to form
cementitious compounds called?
> A: Pozzolans
> Rationale: Fly ash and silica fume are common examples of pozzolans used in concrete
mixtures.
Q: According to many project specifications, concrete should be considered rejectable after
what period of time?
> A: Batched for 90 minutes (1.5 hours).
> Rationale: This is a common specification limit to prevent the concrete from losing its
required workability.
