The B1 exam outline: content areas and weights
ICC publishes a content outline for the B1. It lists seven areas with a weight for each, and the topics inside each area follow the IRC's own chapter structure. Use the weights to plan your study and your tabs.
- Questions
- 60
- Time
- 120 minutes
- Exam fee
- 320 (catalog price; ICC says members get discounted exam pricing but the catalog does not show the member price)
What the areas mean in practice
- Wall construction and coverings (27%): wall framing, headers, wall bracing, fireblocking, and exterior coverings and flashing.
- Public safety and special construction (17%): egress, stairs, guards, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and other life-safety provisions.
- Footings and foundations (16%): soils, footings, foundation walls and drainage.
- Floor construction (14%) and roof and ceiling construction (14%): framing, sheathing and the related connections.
- Building planning (8%): design criteria, room sizes, light and ventilation.
- Code administration (4%): permits, inspections and the inspector's duties.
How to prepare
- Take the free check and compare each area's score with its weight.
- Tab your IRC with the outline in hand. Most candidates who run short of time lose it searching, not reading.
- Practice with the same code edition you will test with (2021 or 2024).
- We cite IRC sections by number only and never reproduce code text. Use your own copy.
Exam facts
| Questions | 60 |
| Time | 120 minutes |
| Book | open |
| Question types | multiple choice |
| Passing | scaled score of 75 (National Certification exams) |
| Where you test | PRONTO: in person at 550+ Meazure Learning centres or online remote proctoring, 24/7; pay before scheduling, 365 days to schedule; National exams: up to 6 attempts in 6 months, fee per attempt |
| Exam fee | 320 (catalog price; ICC says members get discounted exam pricing but the catalog does not show the member price) |
What the exam covers
| Code Administration | 4% |
| Building Planning | 8% |
| Footings and Foundations | 16% |
| Floor Construction | 14% |
| Wall Construction and Coverings | 27% |
| Roof/Ceiling Construction | 14% |
| Public Safety and Special Construction | 17% |
Sources
Show the 6 official sources
- iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/b1_content.pdf (checked 2026-10-17)
- iccsafe.org/credentialing/before-exam/ (checked 2026-10-17)
- iccsafe.org/credentialing/pronto/ (checked 2026-10-17)
- iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/Current-Certification-Exams-National-Exams.pdf (checked 2026-10-17)
- iccsafe.org/certification-exam-catalog/ (checked 2026-10-17)
- iccsafe.org/professional-development/certification/
Facts checked 17 October 2026 against International Code Council's own documents (sources above). If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.
Your next step
- 01Free ICC B1 check10 questions, untimed, about 20 minutes. Answers explained as you go.Start free
- 02Free sample lessonHow the IRC works and how an inspector uses it: a full lesson from the course, plus 3 practice questions with explanations.Read the sample
- 03B1 course with IRC navigation drills$99. Lessons, timed practice exams and a plan around your exam date.See the plans
The ICC B1 course
Available now · instant accessLearn how the IRC is laid out, drill finding sections fast, then practice.
- 7modules of lessonsEvery task on the outline
- 2full-length timed exams60 questions in 120 minutes each
- 300practice questionsEach one explained
- 4worked calculationsStep by step
- 60code-navigation drillsFind it fast in IRC
- 1week-by-week study planSet to your exam date
Question bank and timed exams · Expert review in progress: questions marked Reviewed were checked by a building inspection professional with 15 years in the industry (Oct 19, 2026). The newest questions are still being reviewed. Every answer key is confirmed by a separate blind solve, and reported errors are fixed within 2 business days.