ICC R3 Residential Plans Examiner Exam | Complete Questions
with Verified Correct Answers & Detailed Explanations –
2026/2027 Update | Graded A+
Question 1
During review of a proposed two-story single-family dwelling, the plans show
a bedroom located directly beneath a portion of an attached garage. The
submitted drawings do not identify any separation between the garage and
the dwelling. What should the plans examiner do FIRST?
A. Approve the plans because the garage is attached to the dwelling
B. Verify the required separation and determine whether the submitted
assembly complies
C. Require the entire dwelling to be constructed with fire-resistance-rated
walls
D. Require the garage to be converted to an accessory structure
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
An attached garage creates specific life-safety concerns because vehicles and
combustible materials can introduce fire and carbon-monoxide hazards into
the dwelling. The examiner should review the applicable IRC provisions
concerning separation, opening protection, and penetrations and determine
whether the proposed construction satisfies those requirements.
Question 2
A residential plan identifies a stairway serving a second floor. The
architectural plan shows a stair width that appears adequate, but the riser
height and tread depth are not specified anywhere in the construction
documents. What is the BEST plans-examination response?
A. Approve the stair because its width is compliant
B. Require sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the
1
,applicable stair requirements
C. Require the stair to be replaced with a ladder
D. Assume the contractor will determine the dimensions in the field
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Plans examination is not limited to one dimension. Stair geometry must satisfy
applicable requirements for risers, treads, width, headroom, landings, and
related safety provisions. When critical information is missing, the plans
should provide enough information to establish compliance before approval.
Question 3
A proposed dwelling has an attic containing HVAC equipment. The plans show
access to the attic but do not provide dimensions for the access opening. What
should the examiner determine?
A. Whether the access provisions satisfy the applicable requirements for the
equipment and attic
B. Whether the attic is painted
C. Whether the roof covering is combustible
D. Whether the dwelling has a basement
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Attic access requirements can depend on the size and configuration of the
attic and the presence of mechanical equipment. When equipment is located
in an attic, adequate access for service and other applicable requirements
must be addressed on the plans.
Question 4
A foundation plan identifies a continuous footing but does not indicate footing
width, thickness, reinforcement, soil conditions, or supporting wall
information. What is the MOST appropriate response?
2
,A. Approve the foundation because every dwelling uses the same footing
B. Require sufficient structural information to establish compliance
C. Require a steel frame for the entire house
D. Ignore the foundation plan because it is not part of architectural review
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Foundation design depends on factors such as loads, soil conditions,
foundation type, dimensions, and applicable structural provisions. A plans
examiner must have sufficient information to determine whether the
proposed foundation complies with the governing requirements.
Question 5
A roof plan shows prefabricated wood trusses, but no truss layout or
manufacturer information is provided. Which issue is MOST important?
A. Whether the structural design provides sufficient information for the
proposed roof system
B. Whether the roof will be painted
C. Whether the attic will contain furniture
D. Whether the exterior siding is installed before the trusses
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Trusses are engineered structural components. The plans must provide
sufficient information to establish the proposed structural system and its
connections and loading requirements. Depending on the design and adopted
code provisions, additional truss documentation may be required.
Question 6
A designer proposes a window in a sleeping room but does not identify its
clear opening dimensions. The window is labeled only “egress window.” What
should the examiner do?
3
, A. Accept the label as proof of compliance
B. Require sufficient information to verify the required emergency escape and
rescue opening
C. Require all windows in the house to be removed
D. Assume the manufacturer's standard size is compliant
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A label alone does not necessarily establish compliance. The plans examiner
must be able to verify the applicable requirements, including clear opening
dimensions, operational characteristics, location, and other relevant
provisions.
Question 7
A residential plan shows a habitable room with no identified source of
required natural light or artificial lighting. Which action is MOST appropriate?
A. Approve because lighting is entirely a construction issue
B. Review the applicable light and ventilation provisions and require missing
information
C. Require the room to become a garage
D. Ignore the issue if the room has a door
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Plans must demonstrate compliance with applicable light and ventilation
requirements. The examiner should determine whether the room has the
required openings or mechanical systems and whether the submitted
documentation adequately demonstrates compliance.
Question 8
A proposed dwelling has an exterior wall located close to a property line. The
plans show a large number of windows and doors on that wall but provide no
4
with Verified Correct Answers & Detailed Explanations –
2026/2027 Update | Graded A+
Question 1
During review of a proposed two-story single-family dwelling, the plans show
a bedroom located directly beneath a portion of an attached garage. The
submitted drawings do not identify any separation between the garage and
the dwelling. What should the plans examiner do FIRST?
A. Approve the plans because the garage is attached to the dwelling
B. Verify the required separation and determine whether the submitted
assembly complies
C. Require the entire dwelling to be constructed with fire-resistance-rated
walls
D. Require the garage to be converted to an accessory structure
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
An attached garage creates specific life-safety concerns because vehicles and
combustible materials can introduce fire and carbon-monoxide hazards into
the dwelling. The examiner should review the applicable IRC provisions
concerning separation, opening protection, and penetrations and determine
whether the proposed construction satisfies those requirements.
Question 2
A residential plan identifies a stairway serving a second floor. The
architectural plan shows a stair width that appears adequate, but the riser
height and tread depth are not specified anywhere in the construction
documents. What is the BEST plans-examination response?
A. Approve the stair because its width is compliant
B. Require sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the
1
,applicable stair requirements
C. Require the stair to be replaced with a ladder
D. Assume the contractor will determine the dimensions in the field
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Plans examination is not limited to one dimension. Stair geometry must satisfy
applicable requirements for risers, treads, width, headroom, landings, and
related safety provisions. When critical information is missing, the plans
should provide enough information to establish compliance before approval.
Question 3
A proposed dwelling has an attic containing HVAC equipment. The plans show
access to the attic but do not provide dimensions for the access opening. What
should the examiner determine?
A. Whether the access provisions satisfy the applicable requirements for the
equipment and attic
B. Whether the attic is painted
C. Whether the roof covering is combustible
D. Whether the dwelling has a basement
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Attic access requirements can depend on the size and configuration of the
attic and the presence of mechanical equipment. When equipment is located
in an attic, adequate access for service and other applicable requirements
must be addressed on the plans.
Question 4
A foundation plan identifies a continuous footing but does not indicate footing
width, thickness, reinforcement, soil conditions, or supporting wall
information. What is the MOST appropriate response?
2
,A. Approve the foundation because every dwelling uses the same footing
B. Require sufficient structural information to establish compliance
C. Require a steel frame for the entire house
D. Ignore the foundation plan because it is not part of architectural review
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Foundation design depends on factors such as loads, soil conditions,
foundation type, dimensions, and applicable structural provisions. A plans
examiner must have sufficient information to determine whether the
proposed foundation complies with the governing requirements.
Question 5
A roof plan shows prefabricated wood trusses, but no truss layout or
manufacturer information is provided. Which issue is MOST important?
A. Whether the structural design provides sufficient information for the
proposed roof system
B. Whether the roof will be painted
C. Whether the attic will contain furniture
D. Whether the exterior siding is installed before the trusses
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Trusses are engineered structural components. The plans must provide
sufficient information to establish the proposed structural system and its
connections and loading requirements. Depending on the design and adopted
code provisions, additional truss documentation may be required.
Question 6
A designer proposes a window in a sleeping room but does not identify its
clear opening dimensions. The window is labeled only “egress window.” What
should the examiner do?
3
, A. Accept the label as proof of compliance
B. Require sufficient information to verify the required emergency escape and
rescue opening
C. Require all windows in the house to be removed
D. Assume the manufacturer's standard size is compliant
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A label alone does not necessarily establish compliance. The plans examiner
must be able to verify the applicable requirements, including clear opening
dimensions, operational characteristics, location, and other relevant
provisions.
Question 7
A residential plan shows a habitable room with no identified source of
required natural light or artificial lighting. Which action is MOST appropriate?
A. Approve because lighting is entirely a construction issue
B. Review the applicable light and ventilation provisions and require missing
information
C. Require the room to become a garage
D. Ignore the issue if the room has a door
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Plans must demonstrate compliance with applicable light and ventilation
requirements. The examiner should determine whether the room has the
required openings or mechanical systems and whether the submitted
documentation adequately demonstrates compliance.
Question 8
A proposed dwelling has an exterior wall located close to a property line. The
plans show a large number of windows and doors on that wall but provide no
4
