OHIO BUILDING CODE ENFORCER EXAM
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD
1. What is the primary purpose of the Ohio Building Code?
A. To increase construction costs
B. To standardize building construction and ensure safety
C. To limit new construction
D. To promote architectural design freedom
B. To standardize building construction and ensure safety
The Ohio Building Code ensures that buildings meet minimum standards for
safety, health, and accessibility.
2. Which agency enforces the Ohio Building Code?
A. Ohio Department of Commerce
B. Ohio Department of Health
C. Ohio Building Authority
D. Local Building Departments
D. Local Building Departments
Local jurisdictions are responsible for enforcing building codes within their
area.
3. What is required before starting construction on a new commercial
building?
A. A design patent
B. A building permit
C. A contractor license
D. A zoning variance
B. A building permit
, A building permit ensures that the project meets code requirements before
construction begins.
4. Which type of occupancy requires the strictest fire safety standards?
A. Residential
B. Educational
C. Assembly
D. Storage
C. Assembly
Buildings with large numbers of occupants, like theaters or auditoriums,
require stricter fire safety measures.
5. How often must a commercial building be inspected for fire safety?
A. Every month
B. Every 5 years
C. As determined by local fire codes
D. Only when a complaint is filed
C. As determined by local fire codes
Local fire codes establish inspection frequency based on occupancy type and
risk.
6. Which document specifies minimum structural requirements for buildings?
A. Ohio Residential Code
B. Ohio Building Code
C. National Electrical Code
D. Ohio Fire Code
B. Ohio Building Code
The Ohio Building Code sets minimum standards for structural safety.
7. When is a certificate of occupancy issued?
A. After the building design is approved
B. After construction is complete and all inspections pass
C. At the start of construction
D. After the building is sold
B. After construction is complete and all inspections pass
It certifies that the building complies with all codes and is safe for
occupancy.
, 8. What is the minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms in residential
buildings?
A. 6 feet
B. 7 feet
C. 7 feet 6 inches
D. 8 feet
C. 7 feet 6 inches
The Ohio Residential Code specifies minimum heights to ensure adequate
living conditions.
9. Which type of construction requires a soil test before foundation work?
A. Wood-frame residential
B. Concrete slab residential
C. Commercial structures
D. Modular homes
C. Commercial structures
Soil tests determine load-bearing capacity to ensure foundation safety.
10.What is the primary purpose of a building inspection?
A. To increase government revenue
B. To ensure compliance with codes and safety standards
C. To check the contractor’s skill
D. To evaluate the building’s aesthetic design
B. To ensure compliance with codes and safety standards
Inspections verify that construction meets the safety and structural
requirements outlined in the code.
11.Which of the following is a critical element in preventing structural
collapse?
A. Paint selection
B. Proper foundation design
C. Interior decoration
D. Window size
B. Proper foundation design
Foundations provide the necessary support for the entire building structure.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD
1. What is the primary purpose of the Ohio Building Code?
A. To increase construction costs
B. To standardize building construction and ensure safety
C. To limit new construction
D. To promote architectural design freedom
B. To standardize building construction and ensure safety
The Ohio Building Code ensures that buildings meet minimum standards for
safety, health, and accessibility.
2. Which agency enforces the Ohio Building Code?
A. Ohio Department of Commerce
B. Ohio Department of Health
C. Ohio Building Authority
D. Local Building Departments
D. Local Building Departments
Local jurisdictions are responsible for enforcing building codes within their
area.
3. What is required before starting construction on a new commercial
building?
A. A design patent
B. A building permit
C. A contractor license
D. A zoning variance
B. A building permit
, A building permit ensures that the project meets code requirements before
construction begins.
4. Which type of occupancy requires the strictest fire safety standards?
A. Residential
B. Educational
C. Assembly
D. Storage
C. Assembly
Buildings with large numbers of occupants, like theaters or auditoriums,
require stricter fire safety measures.
5. How often must a commercial building be inspected for fire safety?
A. Every month
B. Every 5 years
C. As determined by local fire codes
D. Only when a complaint is filed
C. As determined by local fire codes
Local fire codes establish inspection frequency based on occupancy type and
risk.
6. Which document specifies minimum structural requirements for buildings?
A. Ohio Residential Code
B. Ohio Building Code
C. National Electrical Code
D. Ohio Fire Code
B. Ohio Building Code
The Ohio Building Code sets minimum standards for structural safety.
7. When is a certificate of occupancy issued?
A. After the building design is approved
B. After construction is complete and all inspections pass
C. At the start of construction
D. After the building is sold
B. After construction is complete and all inspections pass
It certifies that the building complies with all codes and is safe for
occupancy.
, 8. What is the minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms in residential
buildings?
A. 6 feet
B. 7 feet
C. 7 feet 6 inches
D. 8 feet
C. 7 feet 6 inches
The Ohio Residential Code specifies minimum heights to ensure adequate
living conditions.
9. Which type of construction requires a soil test before foundation work?
A. Wood-frame residential
B. Concrete slab residential
C. Commercial structures
D. Modular homes
C. Commercial structures
Soil tests determine load-bearing capacity to ensure foundation safety.
10.What is the primary purpose of a building inspection?
A. To increase government revenue
B. To ensure compliance with codes and safety standards
C. To check the contractor’s skill
D. To evaluate the building’s aesthetic design
B. To ensure compliance with codes and safety standards
Inspections verify that construction meets the safety and structural
requirements outlined in the code.
11.Which of the following is a critical element in preventing structural
collapse?
A. Paint selection
B. Proper foundation design
C. Interior decoration
D. Window size
B. Proper foundation design
Foundations provide the necessary support for the entire building structure.
