ICC Combination Inspector Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A combination inspector evaluating a newly constructed building must
verify compliance with which of the following primary code families
first?
A. Electrical and fire codes only
B. Plumbing and zoning codes only
C. Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire codes
D. Structural steel standards only
Answer: C
A combination inspector is responsible for ensuring overall
compliance across all major construction disciplines, including
building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire codes as they
collectively govern safe occupancy.
2. Which document is most commonly adopted as the basis for general
building inspection in many U.S. jurisdictions?
A. NEC only
B. ICC International Building Code (IBC)
C. ASME Section IX
, D. NFPA 70B
Answer: B
The International Building Code (IBC) is widely adopted as the
foundational code for regulating building design, construction, and
safety requirements.
3. A key responsibility of a combination inspector during framing
inspection is to verify that:
A. Paint has been applied correctly
B. Structural members meet approved plans and load requirements
C. Landscaping complies with zoning
D. Interior finishes are complete
Answer: B
Framing inspections focus on ensuring that structural components
align with approved plans and are capable of safely supporting
design loads.
4. When inspecting electrical systems, the most important reference
standard is:
A. NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
B. ASHRAE 90.1
C. ASTM C33
D. ACI 318
Answer: A
NFPA 70, commonly known as the National Electrical Code, governs
safe installation of electrical systems and is the primary reference for
electrical inspections.
5. During a plumbing inspection, a combination inspector should
prioritize checking:
A. Pipe color coding
B. Proper slope, venting, and backflow prevention
, C. Tile alignment
D. Water heater brand
Answer: B
Proper slope, venting, and backflow prevention are critical to ensure
sanitary drainage and prevent contamination of potable water
systems.
6. Fire-resistance ratings in building assemblies are primarily verified
using:
A. Manufacturer brochures only
B. Listed assemblies tested under ASTM or UL standards
C. Contractor statements
D. Visual estimation
Answer: B
Fire-resistance ratings must be based on tested and listed assemblies
from recognized standards such as ASTM or UL, not informal
assessments.
7. Which inspection stage typically occurs after rough-in work but before
walls are closed?
A. Final inspection
B. Certificate of occupancy
C. Rough-in inspection
D. Post-occupancy inspection
Answer: C
Rough-in inspection occurs after systems are installed but before
concealment, allowing verification of concealed components.
8. A combination inspector checking accessibility compliance should
primarily refer to:
A. ADA Standards and ICC A117.1
B. OSHA 1910 only
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A combination inspector evaluating a newly constructed building must
verify compliance with which of the following primary code families
first?
A. Electrical and fire codes only
B. Plumbing and zoning codes only
C. Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire codes
D. Structural steel standards only
Answer: C
A combination inspector is responsible for ensuring overall
compliance across all major construction disciplines, including
building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire codes as they
collectively govern safe occupancy.
2. Which document is most commonly adopted as the basis for general
building inspection in many U.S. jurisdictions?
A. NEC only
B. ICC International Building Code (IBC)
C. ASME Section IX
, D. NFPA 70B
Answer: B
The International Building Code (IBC) is widely adopted as the
foundational code for regulating building design, construction, and
safety requirements.
3. A key responsibility of a combination inspector during framing
inspection is to verify that:
A. Paint has been applied correctly
B. Structural members meet approved plans and load requirements
C. Landscaping complies with zoning
D. Interior finishes are complete
Answer: B
Framing inspections focus on ensuring that structural components
align with approved plans and are capable of safely supporting
design loads.
4. When inspecting electrical systems, the most important reference
standard is:
A. NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
B. ASHRAE 90.1
C. ASTM C33
D. ACI 318
Answer: A
NFPA 70, commonly known as the National Electrical Code, governs
safe installation of electrical systems and is the primary reference for
electrical inspections.
5. During a plumbing inspection, a combination inspector should
prioritize checking:
A. Pipe color coding
B. Proper slope, venting, and backflow prevention
, C. Tile alignment
D. Water heater brand
Answer: B
Proper slope, venting, and backflow prevention are critical to ensure
sanitary drainage and prevent contamination of potable water
systems.
6. Fire-resistance ratings in building assemblies are primarily verified
using:
A. Manufacturer brochures only
B. Listed assemblies tested under ASTM or UL standards
C. Contractor statements
D. Visual estimation
Answer: B
Fire-resistance ratings must be based on tested and listed assemblies
from recognized standards such as ASTM or UL, not informal
assessments.
7. Which inspection stage typically occurs after rough-in work but before
walls are closed?
A. Final inspection
B. Certificate of occupancy
C. Rough-in inspection
D. Post-occupancy inspection
Answer: C
Rough-in inspection occurs after systems are installed but before
concealment, allowing verification of concealed components.
8. A combination inspector checking accessibility compliance should
primarily refer to:
A. ADA Standards and ICC A117.1
B. OSHA 1910 only
