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ICC Residential Plans Examiner (R3) Exam
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
ICC Residential Plans Examiner (R3) Exam Questions with Answers and Rationales
10 MOST-TESTED EXAM COVERAGE AREAS
1. Administrative Requirements and Plan Review — permits, complete construction documents,
plan corrections, approval, documentation, and communication with applicants.
2. Site and Building Location — setbacks, property lines, easements, fire separation, flood hazards,
site plans, drainage, and final grade.
3. Architectural and Life Safety — room dimensions, ceiling heights, emergency escape and rescue
openings, stairs, guards, handrails, doors, windows, glazing, and fire protection.
4. Fire Protection and Smoke Control — dwelling separation, fire-resistance requirements,
draftstopping, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, rated assemblies, and penetrations.
5. Structural Design — foundations, footings, slabs, walls, beams, girders, posts, floor systems,
roof systems, framing connections, and structural loads.
6. Wall, Floor, and Roof Framing — allowable spans, framing members, openings, headers,
bearing walls, bracing, sheathing, fastening, and load paths.
7. Energy Efficiency — insulation, air sealing, fenestration, U-factors, R-values, heating systems,
ducts, lighting, and energy-related construction details.
8. Mechanical Systems — heating, ventilation, exhaust, combustion air, equipment clearances,
ducts, chimneys, fireplaces, and mechanical safety.
9. Plumbing Systems — water supply, drainage, vents, fixtures, water heaters, traps, cleanouts,
materials, protection, and installation requirements.
10. Electrical Requirements and Plan Review — service equipment, branch circuits, receptacles,
GFCI, AFCI, grounding, bonding, wiring methods, and electrical equipment locations.
Question 1
During residential plan review, which document should an examiner first verify before determining
whether the proposed work can receive approval?
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A. The contractor's advertising brochure
B. The complete construction documents
C. The homeowner's insurance policy
D. The contractor's previous project list
Answer: B
Rationale: The plans examiner must determine whether the submitted construction documents are
complete enough to evaluate the proposed work.
Question 2
A site plan shows a proposed house extending into a recorded utility easement on the property. What
should the examiner do?
A. Approve the plan because the owner owns the property
B. Ignore the easement because it is outside the building
C. Identify the conflict and require correction before approval
D. Approve the plan if the contractor accepts responsibility
Answer: C
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Rationale: The examiner reviews the building location for conflicts involving easements and other site
restrictions.
Question 3
A residential stair plan shows stairs without a required handrail where the stair configuration requires
one. What should happen during review?
A. Approve because stairs are structural only
B. Require the handrail requirement to be addressed
C. Allow the owner to install one later
D. Ignore the issue unless an inspector finds it
Answer: B
Rationale: Stairs, handrails, guards, and related means of egress features are important life-safety
review items.
Question 4
Why should a residential plans examiner carefully review emergency escape and rescue openings in
sleeping rooms?
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A. They mainly improve natural lighting
B. They provide an emergency escape route during certain emergencies
C. They reduce electrical energy use
D. They provide additional structural support
Answer: B
Rationale: Emergency escape and rescue openings provide occupants with an emergency means of
escape and access for rescue.
Question 5
A proposed exterior wall is located close to a neighboring property line. Which issue should the
examiner evaluate carefully?
A. Interior cabinet size
B. Fire separation requirements
C. Kitchen appliance color
D. Interior paint type
Answer: B
ICC Residential Plans Examiner (R3) Exam
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
ICC Residential Plans Examiner (R3) Exam Questions with Answers and Rationales
10 MOST-TESTED EXAM COVERAGE AREAS
1. Administrative Requirements and Plan Review — permits, complete construction documents,
plan corrections, approval, documentation, and communication with applicants.
2. Site and Building Location — setbacks, property lines, easements, fire separation, flood hazards,
site plans, drainage, and final grade.
3. Architectural and Life Safety — room dimensions, ceiling heights, emergency escape and rescue
openings, stairs, guards, handrails, doors, windows, glazing, and fire protection.
4. Fire Protection and Smoke Control — dwelling separation, fire-resistance requirements,
draftstopping, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, rated assemblies, and penetrations.
5. Structural Design — foundations, footings, slabs, walls, beams, girders, posts, floor systems,
roof systems, framing connections, and structural loads.
6. Wall, Floor, and Roof Framing — allowable spans, framing members, openings, headers,
bearing walls, bracing, sheathing, fastening, and load paths.
7. Energy Efficiency — insulation, air sealing, fenestration, U-factors, R-values, heating systems,
ducts, lighting, and energy-related construction details.
8. Mechanical Systems — heating, ventilation, exhaust, combustion air, equipment clearances,
ducts, chimneys, fireplaces, and mechanical safety.
9. Plumbing Systems — water supply, drainage, vents, fixtures, water heaters, traps, cleanouts,
materials, protection, and installation requirements.
10. Electrical Requirements and Plan Review — service equipment, branch circuits, receptacles,
GFCI, AFCI, grounding, bonding, wiring methods, and electrical equipment locations.
Question 1
During residential plan review, which document should an examiner first verify before determining
whether the proposed work can receive approval?
, Page 2 of 153
A. The contractor's advertising brochure
B. The complete construction documents
C. The homeowner's insurance policy
D. The contractor's previous project list
Answer: B
Rationale: The plans examiner must determine whether the submitted construction documents are
complete enough to evaluate the proposed work.
Question 2
A site plan shows a proposed house extending into a recorded utility easement on the property. What
should the examiner do?
A. Approve the plan because the owner owns the property
B. Ignore the easement because it is outside the building
C. Identify the conflict and require correction before approval
D. Approve the plan if the contractor accepts responsibility
Answer: C
, Page 3 of 153
Rationale: The examiner reviews the building location for conflicts involving easements and other site
restrictions.
Question 3
A residential stair plan shows stairs without a required handrail where the stair configuration requires
one. What should happen during review?
A. Approve because stairs are structural only
B. Require the handrail requirement to be addressed
C. Allow the owner to install one later
D. Ignore the issue unless an inspector finds it
Answer: B
Rationale: Stairs, handrails, guards, and related means of egress features are important life-safety
review items.
Question 4
Why should a residential plans examiner carefully review emergency escape and rescue openings in
sleeping rooms?
, Page 4 of 153
A. They mainly improve natural lighting
B. They provide an emergency escape route during certain emergencies
C. They reduce electrical energy use
D. They provide additional structural support
Answer: B
Rationale: Emergency escape and rescue openings provide occupants with an emergency means of
escape and access for rescue.
Question 5
A proposed exterior wall is located close to a neighboring property line. Which issue should the
examiner evaluate carefully?
A. Interior cabinet size
B. Fire separation requirements
C. Kitchen appliance color
D. Interior paint type
Answer: B
