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IRC TEST FULL EXAM ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED A+||
BRAND NEW!! 2026
Question 1
A fire inspector is reviewing a newly constructed commercial building for
compliance with the International Residential Code. The inspector notes that the
stairways are 34 inches wide. According to code, which statement reflects the
correct requirement for stairway width?
A) Minimum 30 inches wide
B) Minimum 32 inches wide
C) Minimum 36 inches wide
D) Minimum 40 inches wide
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The IRC requires stairways to have a clear width of at least 36 inches
above the handrail height to allow safe evacuation and accessibility.
Question 2
During a residential inspection, the builder installed guardrails on an elevated deck
that is 32 inches above grade. Which IRC requirement must be applied to
determine if guardrails are necessary?
A) Guardrails are required at 24 inches and above
B) Guardrails are required at 30 inches and above
C) Guardrails are required only if stairs are attached
D) Guardrails are not required for residential decks
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The IRC specifies that guardrails are required for any walking surface
elevated 30 inches or more above grade, ensuring fall prevention.
Question 3
A contractor is planning a new residential staircase with a riser height of 8 ½
inches. Which IRC guideline applies regarding maximum riser height?
A) Maximum 7 ¾ inches
B) Maximum 8 inches
C) Maximum 8 ¼ inches
D) Maximum 9 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The IRC mandates that the maximum riser height for residential
stairways cannot exceed 7 ¾ inches to maintain safety and consistency of steps.
Question 4
A building official is verifying smoke alarm placement in a two-story home.
According to IRC, which location is required for smoke alarm installation?
A) Only in hallways outside sleeping areas
B) In each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every story including
basements
C) Only in the kitchen and living room
D) One per floor regardless of layout
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoke alarms must be placed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping
area, and on every level of the dwelling, including basements, to ensure adequate
detection.
Question 5
A residential builder proposes windows with a sill height of 48 inches in sleeping
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rooms. What does the IRC specify as the maximum sill height for emergency
escape and rescue openings?
A) 36 inches
B) 42 inches
C) 44 inches
D) 48 inches
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The IRC requires that the maximum sill height for egress windows in
sleeping rooms must not exceed 44 inches above the floor for safe emergency exit.
Question 6
During foundation inspection, anchor bolts are observed to be spaced 8 feet apart.
Which IRC requirement applies to anchor bolt spacing in residential foundations?
A) Maximum spacing of 6 feet
B) Maximum spacing of 8 feet
C) Maximum spacing of 10 feet
D) Maximum spacing of 12 feet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: IRC requires anchor bolts to be spaced no more than 6 feet apart and
within 12 inches of each plate end to secure the structure against lateral forces.
Question 7
A home’s ceiling height is measured at 6 feet 6 inches in habitable rooms.
According to IRC requirements, which is the minimum ceiling height allowed?
A) 6 feet 4 inches
B) 6 feet 6 inches
C) 7 feet
D) 7 feet 6 inches
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Habitable rooms must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are exceptions and may be 6 feet 8 inches.
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Question 8
A residential garage is attached directly to the home without separation. According
to IRC, what must be installed for compliance?
A) A solid wood door at least 1 ⅜ inches thick or a 20-minute fire-rated door
B) A hollow-core interior door
C) A door with no fire separation required
D) A smoke alarm only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The IRC requires separation between a garage and residence, including
fire-rated doors, to prevent fire spread into living spaces.
Question 9
An inspector reviews an attic with no mechanical equipment. What does the IRC
require regarding attic access?
A) No access is needed if attic is unused
B) Attic access is required for any space over 30 square feet with a height of 30
inches or more
C) Access is only required when attic has electrical wiring
D) Access is required only for attics over garages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The IRC mandates attic access for spaces greater than 30 square feet
and with a vertical height of at least 30 inches, regardless of equipment presence.
Question 10
A new dwelling has bedrooms with windows measuring 20 inches wide by 24
inches high. According to IRC egress requirements, does this window qualify as an
emergency escape opening?
A) Yes, because it is larger than 4 square feet
B) Yes, because any window counts as egress
IRC TEST FULL EXAM ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) |ALREADY GRADED A+||
BRAND NEW!! 2026
Question 1
A fire inspector is reviewing a newly constructed commercial building for
compliance with the International Residential Code. The inspector notes that the
stairways are 34 inches wide. According to code, which statement reflects the
correct requirement for stairway width?
A) Minimum 30 inches wide
B) Minimum 32 inches wide
C) Minimum 36 inches wide
D) Minimum 40 inches wide
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The IRC requires stairways to have a clear width of at least 36 inches
above the handrail height to allow safe evacuation and accessibility.
Question 2
During a residential inspection, the builder installed guardrails on an elevated deck
that is 32 inches above grade. Which IRC requirement must be applied to
determine if guardrails are necessary?
A) Guardrails are required at 24 inches and above
B) Guardrails are required at 30 inches and above
C) Guardrails are required only if stairs are attached
D) Guardrails are not required for residential decks
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The IRC specifies that guardrails are required for any walking surface
elevated 30 inches or more above grade, ensuring fall prevention.
Question 3
A contractor is planning a new residential staircase with a riser height of 8 ½
inches. Which IRC guideline applies regarding maximum riser height?
A) Maximum 7 ¾ inches
B) Maximum 8 inches
C) Maximum 8 ¼ inches
D) Maximum 9 inches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The IRC mandates that the maximum riser height for residential
stairways cannot exceed 7 ¾ inches to maintain safety and consistency of steps.
Question 4
A building official is verifying smoke alarm placement in a two-story home.
According to IRC, which location is required for smoke alarm installation?
A) Only in hallways outside sleeping areas
B) In each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every story including
basements
C) Only in the kitchen and living room
D) One per floor regardless of layout
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoke alarms must be placed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping
area, and on every level of the dwelling, including basements, to ensure adequate
detection.
Question 5
A residential builder proposes windows with a sill height of 48 inches in sleeping
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rooms. What does the IRC specify as the maximum sill height for emergency
escape and rescue openings?
A) 36 inches
B) 42 inches
C) 44 inches
D) 48 inches
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The IRC requires that the maximum sill height for egress windows in
sleeping rooms must not exceed 44 inches above the floor for safe emergency exit.
Question 6
During foundation inspection, anchor bolts are observed to be spaced 8 feet apart.
Which IRC requirement applies to anchor bolt spacing in residential foundations?
A) Maximum spacing of 6 feet
B) Maximum spacing of 8 feet
C) Maximum spacing of 10 feet
D) Maximum spacing of 12 feet
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: IRC requires anchor bolts to be spaced no more than 6 feet apart and
within 12 inches of each plate end to secure the structure against lateral forces.
Question 7
A home’s ceiling height is measured at 6 feet 6 inches in habitable rooms.
According to IRC requirements, which is the minimum ceiling height allowed?
A) 6 feet 4 inches
B) 6 feet 6 inches
C) 7 feet
D) 7 feet 6 inches
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Habitable rooms must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are exceptions and may be 6 feet 8 inches.
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Question 8
A residential garage is attached directly to the home without separation. According
to IRC, what must be installed for compliance?
A) A solid wood door at least 1 ⅜ inches thick or a 20-minute fire-rated door
B) A hollow-core interior door
C) A door with no fire separation required
D) A smoke alarm only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The IRC requires separation between a garage and residence, including
fire-rated doors, to prevent fire spread into living spaces.
Question 9
An inspector reviews an attic with no mechanical equipment. What does the IRC
require regarding attic access?
A) No access is needed if attic is unused
B) Attic access is required for any space over 30 square feet with a height of 30
inches or more
C) Access is only required when attic has electrical wiring
D) Access is required only for attics over garages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The IRC mandates attic access for spaces greater than 30 square feet
and with a vertical height of at least 30 inches, regardless of equipment presence.
Question 10
A new dwelling has bedrooms with windows measuring 20 inches wide by 24
inches high. According to IRC egress requirements, does this window qualify as an
emergency escape opening?
A) Yes, because it is larger than 4 square feet
B) Yes, because any window counts as egress
