CON 202 EXAM 1 with correct
questions and answers updated 2026
new!!
SECTION 1: BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS
(Questions 1–20)
1. Who is solely responsible for construction means, methods, techniques,
sequences, procedures, and coordination on a project?
A. The architect
B. The owner
C. The contractor
D. The structural engineer
Rationale: The contractor bears sole responsibility for the means, methods, techniques,
sequences, procedures, and coordination of construction work. This is a fundamental
principle in construction contracts. -1
2. What are building codes?
A. Guidelines for aesthetic design
B. Standards set to protect life, health, and welfare of the public
C. Recommendations for material selection
D. Optional best practices for construction
Rationale: Building codes are legally enforceable standards established to protect the
life, health, and welfare of the public. -1
3. What two major areas do building codes primarily focus on?
,A. Aesthetics and cost
B. Fire safety and accessibility
C. Energy efficiency and sustainability
D. Structural integrity and durability
Rationale: While codes cover many aspects, the primary focus areas are fire safety and
accessibility for persons with disabilities. -1
4. What are Model Codes?
A. Local amendments to building codes
B. Codes that define groups, construction types, and establish minimum
standards for buildings
C. Codes specific to residential construction
D. International trade agreements
Rationale: Model codes (such as the IBC) define occupancy groups, construction types,
and establish minimum standards that jurisdictions can adopt. -1-22
5. What is the purpose of occupancy groups in building codes?
A. To determine property tax rates
B. To categorize buildings based on their intended use
C. To establish construction schedules
D. To assign contractor licensing requirements
Rationale: Occupancy groups classify buildings according to their intended use, which
then determines applicable code requirements. -1
6. What is the primary purpose of the IBC (International Building Code)?
A. To establish maximum construction costs
B. To establish minimum construction standards for the protection of life,
health, and safety of the public
C. To standardize contractor licensing
D. To regulate material suppliers
,Rationale: The IBC's stated purpose is to establish minimum construction standards for
protecting public life, health, and safety. -22
7. What is the purpose of MIR (Material Information Resources)?
A. To provide marketing materials for products
B. To provide standards and specifications to ensure quality and safety in a
project
C. To track material delivery schedules
D. To calculate material costs
Rationale: MIR provides standards and specifications that ensure quality and safety in
construction projects. -1
8. What does sustainable design involve?
A. Using only locally sourced materials
B. Creating energy-efficient buildings, reusing existing structures, using
renewable materials, protecting resources, and reducing pollution
C. Minimizing construction costs
D. Maximizing building height
Rationale: Sustainable design encompasses energy efficiency, structure reuse,
renewable materials, resource protection, and pollution reduction. -1
9. What is the primary purpose of a building code?
A. To increase construction costs
B. To protect the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants
C. To standardize architectural styles
D. To limit building heights
Rationale: Building codes exist fundamentally to protect public health, safety, and
welfare. -1-22
, 10. Which organization publishes the International Building Code (IBC)?
A. ASTM International
B. International Code Council (ICC)
C. American Concrete Institute (ACI)
D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Rationale: The International Code Council publishes the IBC, which is the model code
adopted by most jurisdictions in the United States. -22
11. What is the difference between a code and a standard?
A. There is no difference
B. Codes are legally enforceable; standards are voluntary guidelines
C. Standards are enforceable; codes are voluntary
D. Codes apply only to commercial buildings
Rationale: Building codes are adopted into law and are enforceable; standards (like
ASTM) are voluntary consensus documents unless referenced by code. -1
12. What does "occupancy classification" determine in the IBC?
A. The color scheme of a building
B. The applicable code requirements based on use
C. The number of parking spaces required
D. The building's resale value
Rationale: Occupancy classification (e.g., Assembly, Business, Residential) determines
which code requirements apply to a building. -1
13. What is the primary focus of accessibility codes?
questions and answers updated 2026
new!!
SECTION 1: BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS
(Questions 1–20)
1. Who is solely responsible for construction means, methods, techniques,
sequences, procedures, and coordination on a project?
A. The architect
B. The owner
C. The contractor
D. The structural engineer
Rationale: The contractor bears sole responsibility for the means, methods, techniques,
sequences, procedures, and coordination of construction work. This is a fundamental
principle in construction contracts. -1
2. What are building codes?
A. Guidelines for aesthetic design
B. Standards set to protect life, health, and welfare of the public
C. Recommendations for material selection
D. Optional best practices for construction
Rationale: Building codes are legally enforceable standards established to protect the
life, health, and welfare of the public. -1
3. What two major areas do building codes primarily focus on?
,A. Aesthetics and cost
B. Fire safety and accessibility
C. Energy efficiency and sustainability
D. Structural integrity and durability
Rationale: While codes cover many aspects, the primary focus areas are fire safety and
accessibility for persons with disabilities. -1
4. What are Model Codes?
A. Local amendments to building codes
B. Codes that define groups, construction types, and establish minimum
standards for buildings
C. Codes specific to residential construction
D. International trade agreements
Rationale: Model codes (such as the IBC) define occupancy groups, construction types,
and establish minimum standards that jurisdictions can adopt. -1-22
5. What is the purpose of occupancy groups in building codes?
A. To determine property tax rates
B. To categorize buildings based on their intended use
C. To establish construction schedules
D. To assign contractor licensing requirements
Rationale: Occupancy groups classify buildings according to their intended use, which
then determines applicable code requirements. -1
6. What is the primary purpose of the IBC (International Building Code)?
A. To establish maximum construction costs
B. To establish minimum construction standards for the protection of life,
health, and safety of the public
C. To standardize contractor licensing
D. To regulate material suppliers
,Rationale: The IBC's stated purpose is to establish minimum construction standards for
protecting public life, health, and safety. -22
7. What is the purpose of MIR (Material Information Resources)?
A. To provide marketing materials for products
B. To provide standards and specifications to ensure quality and safety in a
project
C. To track material delivery schedules
D. To calculate material costs
Rationale: MIR provides standards and specifications that ensure quality and safety in
construction projects. -1
8. What does sustainable design involve?
A. Using only locally sourced materials
B. Creating energy-efficient buildings, reusing existing structures, using
renewable materials, protecting resources, and reducing pollution
C. Minimizing construction costs
D. Maximizing building height
Rationale: Sustainable design encompasses energy efficiency, structure reuse,
renewable materials, resource protection, and pollution reduction. -1
9. What is the primary purpose of a building code?
A. To increase construction costs
B. To protect the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants
C. To standardize architectural styles
D. To limit building heights
Rationale: Building codes exist fundamentally to protect public health, safety, and
welfare. -1-22
, 10. Which organization publishes the International Building Code (IBC)?
A. ASTM International
B. International Code Council (ICC)
C. American Concrete Institute (ACI)
D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Rationale: The International Code Council publishes the IBC, which is the model code
adopted by most jurisdictions in the United States. -22
11. What is the difference between a code and a standard?
A. There is no difference
B. Codes are legally enforceable; standards are voluntary guidelines
C. Standards are enforceable; codes are voluntary
D. Codes apply only to commercial buildings
Rationale: Building codes are adopted into law and are enforceable; standards (like
ASTM) are voluntary consensus documents unless referenced by code. -1
12. What does "occupancy classification" determine in the IBC?
A. The color scheme of a building
B. The applicable code requirements based on use
C. The number of parking spaces required
D. The building's resale value
Rationale: Occupancy classification (e.g., Assembly, Business, Residential) determines
which code requirements apply to a building. -1
13. What is the primary focus of accessibility codes?
