ICC 78 – COMMERCIAL ENERGY PLANS EXAMINER EXAM PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE|
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – Chapter 5 Commercial Provisions
ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Standard Requirements
Building Envelope Thermal Compliance
Mechanical Systems and HVAC Energy Efficiency
Lighting Systems and Controls
Service Water Heating Requirements
Compliance Documentation and Plan Review Procedures
Energy Code Administration and Enforcement
Professional Ethics and Professional Standards
Real-World Scenario-Based Decision Making
Introduction
,The ICC 78 Commercial Energy Plans Examiner Exam certifies professionals who review commercial
construction documents for energy code compliance. This exam assesses knowledge of the IECC Chapter 5
provisions and ASHRAE 90.1-2019, including building envelope thermal performance, HVAC system efficiency,
lighting controls, and service water heating. The multiple-choice and scenario-based format emphasizes real-
world application, requiring candidates to analyze construction documents, identify compliance issues, and
make informed regulatory decisions. Success demands both foundational theory and applied professional
judgment in plan review contexts.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
The primary purpose of the IECC is to regulate which of the following?
A. Structural integrity of buildings
B. Fire-resistance ratings
C. Energy conservation in building design and construction
D. Accessibility for persons with disabilities
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The IECC's fundamental purpose is to establish minimum energy efficiency requirements for
building design, construction, and installation of systems to reduce energy consumption.
,Question 2
For commercial buildings, which chapter of the IECC contains the prescriptive commercial provisions?
A. Chapter 2
B. Chapter 3
C. Chapter 4
D. Chapter 5
🟢 Correct answer: D
🔴 RATIONALE: IECC Chapter 5 contains the commercial energy efficiency provisions, including building
envelope, mechanical, lighting, and service water heating requirements for commercial structures.
Question 3
Which standard is referenced by the IECC as an alternative compliance path for commercial buildings?
A. ASHRAE 90.1-2019
B. ASHRAE 62.1-2019
C. ICC A117.1
D. NFPA 90A
🟢 Correct answer: A
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The IECC references ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as an alternative compliance path for commercial
buildings, allowing designers to meet energy efficiency requirements through this widely adopted standard.
Question 4
The thermal envelope includes all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Roof assemblies
B. Exterior walls
C. Interior partition walls
D. Fenestration
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The thermal envelope separates conditioned space from unconditioned space and includes
roofs, walls, floors, doors, and fenestration. Interior partition walls do not separate conditioned from
unconditioned space.
Question 5
What is the maximum allowable U-factor for fixed fenestration in Climate Zone 3 under IECC 2021 prescriptive
requirements?
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE|
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – Chapter 5 Commercial Provisions
ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Standard Requirements
Building Envelope Thermal Compliance
Mechanical Systems and HVAC Energy Efficiency
Lighting Systems and Controls
Service Water Heating Requirements
Compliance Documentation and Plan Review Procedures
Energy Code Administration and Enforcement
Professional Ethics and Professional Standards
Real-World Scenario-Based Decision Making
Introduction
,The ICC 78 Commercial Energy Plans Examiner Exam certifies professionals who review commercial
construction documents for energy code compliance. This exam assesses knowledge of the IECC Chapter 5
provisions and ASHRAE 90.1-2019, including building envelope thermal performance, HVAC system efficiency,
lighting controls, and service water heating. The multiple-choice and scenario-based format emphasizes real-
world application, requiring candidates to analyze construction documents, identify compliance issues, and
make informed regulatory decisions. Success demands both foundational theory and applied professional
judgment in plan review contexts.*
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
The primary purpose of the IECC is to regulate which of the following?
A. Structural integrity of buildings
B. Fire-resistance ratings
C. Energy conservation in building design and construction
D. Accessibility for persons with disabilities
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The IECC's fundamental purpose is to establish minimum energy efficiency requirements for
building design, construction, and installation of systems to reduce energy consumption.
,Question 2
For commercial buildings, which chapter of the IECC contains the prescriptive commercial provisions?
A. Chapter 2
B. Chapter 3
C. Chapter 4
D. Chapter 5
🟢 Correct answer: D
🔴 RATIONALE: IECC Chapter 5 contains the commercial energy efficiency provisions, including building
envelope, mechanical, lighting, and service water heating requirements for commercial structures.
Question 3
Which standard is referenced by the IECC as an alternative compliance path for commercial buildings?
A. ASHRAE 90.1-2019
B. ASHRAE 62.1-2019
C. ICC A117.1
D. NFPA 90A
🟢 Correct answer: A
, 🔴 RATIONALE: The IECC references ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as an alternative compliance path for commercial
buildings, allowing designers to meet energy efficiency requirements through this widely adopted standard.
Question 4
The thermal envelope includes all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Roof assemblies
B. Exterior walls
C. Interior partition walls
D. Fenestration
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: The thermal envelope separates conditioned space from unconditioned space and includes
roofs, walls, floors, doors, and fenestration. Interior partition walls do not separate conditioned from
unconditioned space.
Question 5
What is the maximum allowable U-factor for fixed fenestration in Climate Zone 3 under IECC 2021 prescriptive
requirements?
