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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: BOABC Level 2 Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep Practice Bank

3.0 hrs

Exam Duration

BOABC Rules

Scaled 80

Passing Mark

BOABC Licensing

$295 CAD

Exam Fee

BOABC

Open Book

Exam Format

PRONTO System

The BOABC Level II exam is a 3.0-hour open-book test covering BC Building Code 2024 Part 9 for larger buildings up to 3 storeys. It requires a scaled passing score of 80 and costs $295 CAD plus GST.

Sample BOABC Level 2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your BOABC Level 2 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the minimum required headroom in an exit stairway under Section 9.8 of the 2024 BC Building Code?

A.1950 mm

B.2000 mm

C.2050 mm

D.2100 mm

Explanation: According to Clause 9.8.2.2.1.a of the 2024 BC Building Code, the minimum headroom in stairways must be at least 2050 mm. This measurement is taken vertically from the leading edge of the tread or the landing floor to the ceiling. This ensures adequate clearance for users during normal occupancy and emergencies.

2What is the maximum allowed rise for a single step in a public stairway under the 2024 BC Building Code?

A.180 mm

B.200 mm

C.210 mm

D.220 mm

Explanation: Under Table 9.8.4.1 of the 2024 BC Building Code, the maximum rise of a step in a public stairway is 180 mm. Public stairs must have a safer, more gradual climb than residential stairs (which allow a maximum rise of 200 mm). The minimum rise for public stairs is 125 mm.

3What is the minimum required run for a step in a public stairway under Part 9 of the 2024 BCBC?

A.210 mm

B.255 mm

C.280 mm

D.300 mm

Explanation: Table 9.8.4.1 of the 2024 BC Building Code specifies that public stairways must have a minimum run of 280 mm. This ensures that the user's foot has adequate support when walking down the stairs, reducing slip and fall hazards. Private stairs inside residential suites have a smaller minimum run requirement of 255 mm.

4What is the minimum height required for a guard on a public balcony where the drop to the surface below exceeds 600 mm?

A.900 mm

B.1000 mm

C.1070 mm

D.1200 mm

Explanation: According to Subsection 9.8.8 of the 2024 BC Building Code, guards on public balconies, landings, and decks must be at least 1070 mm high if the drop exceeds 600 mm. This height provides sufficient physical containment to prevent falls. Residential interior guards may be lower (900 mm) in some configurations, but public exterior areas require the 1070 mm standard.

5What is the maximum slope permitted for a barrier-free ramp serving an entrance in a public building?

A.1 in 8 (12.5%)

B.1 in 10 (10%)

C.1 in 12 (8.33%)

D.1 in 16 (6.25%)

Explanation: Under Article 9.8.5.2 of the 2024 BC Building Code, the maximum slope of a ramp in a barrier-free path of travel is 1 in 12 (approximately 8.33%). Slopes steeper than 1 in 12 make manual wheelchair propulsion difficult and increase the risk of tipping. A more gradual slope is always encouraged where site conditions permit.

6What is the minimum unobstructed width for a public corridor serving as an access to exit in a commercial building?

A.900 mm

B.1000 mm

C.1100 mm

D.1200 mm

Explanation: Article 9.9.3.3 of the 2024 BC Building Code states that public corridors must have an unobstructed width of at least 1100 mm. This width allows two people to pass comfortably and provides adequate egress capacity for building occupants. For residential suites, corridors within the suite can be narrower (900 mm).

7Under Subsection 9.10.9 of the 2024 BCBC, what is the minimum fire-resistance rating required for a fire separation between a public corridor and rooms in a Group E (mercantile) occupancy?

A.30 minutes

B.45 minutes

C.1 hour

D.2 hours

Explanation: Under Article 9.10.9.15 of the 2024 BC Building Code, a public corridor must be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 minutes. In non-residential occupancies such as Group E, this separation is permitted to have no fire-resistance rating where the floor area is sprinklered with an electrically supervised system, so 45 minutes is the baseline requirement for the non-sprinklered case.

8In wood-frame wall construction, what is the standard maximum spacing of loadbearing studs supporting a roof and one floor?

A.300 mm o.c.

B.400 mm o.c.

C.500 mm o.c.

D.600 mm o.c.

Explanation: According to Table 9.23.10.1 of the 2024 BC Building Code, wood studs in loadbearing walls supporting a roof and one floor are typically restricted to a maximum spacing of 400 mm o.c. (16 inches) unless structural calculations or specific tables show 600 mm o.c. is adequate with larger stud sizes (such as 2x6s). Spacing must match the design loads and sheathing span limits.

9What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete required for foundation walls and footings that are not exposed to freeze-thaw cycles?

A.15 MPa

B.20 MPa

C.25 MPa

D.32 MPa

Explanation: Table 9.15.4.1 of the 2024 BC Building Code specifies that concrete for footings and foundation walls not exposed to freezing temperatures or soil contact must have a minimum compressive strength of 15 MPa after 28 days. If concrete is exposed to severe weather or sulfates, the minimum strength must be increased.

10What is the maximum vertical spacing of metal wall ties used to secure masonry veneer to wood-frame backup walls?

A.400 mm

B.500 mm

C.600 mm

D.800 mm

Explanation: Under the masonry veneer provisions of Section 9.20 of the 2024 BC Building Code, metal wall ties connecting masonry veneer to a wood-frame backing must be spaced no more than 600 mm apart vertically. Ties are also spaced at limited horizontal intervals, with each tie supporting only a limited area of veneer, so the veneer is held tightly against the backing to resist wind and seismic forces.

About the BOABC Level 2 Exam

The BOABC Building Official Level II Qualification Examination is designed for building officials who review plans and inspect buildings within the scope of Part 9 of the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC), excluding small residential (Level I). It covers larger, more complex Part 9 buildings (up to 3 storeys and 600 square meters in building area). Key examination areas include structural framing, foundation requirements, fire separations and protection, means of egress, accessibility (barrier-free design), health, ventilation, plumbing, and building envelope details. The exam requires a deep understanding of how to navigate and apply the 2024 BC Building Code under exam conditions.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (Open book, PRONTO online proctoring)

Time Limit

3.0 hours

Passing Score

Scaled score of 80

Exam Fee

$295 CAD plus GST (Building Officials Association of British Columbia)

BOABC Level 2 Exam Content Outline

25%

Structural Design & Wood-Frame Construction

Foundations, framing, loads, span tables, soil-bearing capacity, and concrete slabs under BCBC Part 9.

25%

Fire Protection & Sound Transmission

Fire separations, fire-resistance ratings, spatial separation, flame-spread ratings, and sound control.

20%

Means of Egress & Accessibility

Stairs, ramps, handrails, guards, exit configurations, and barrier-free design for commercial Part 9 buildings.

15%

Health, Ventilation & Plumbing

Room dimensions, ceiling heights, lighting, natural and mechanical ventilation, and plumbing systems.

15%

Building Envelope & Thermal Insulation

Air barriers, vapour barriers, insulation requirements, roofing, cladding, and weatherproofing.

How to Pass the BOABC Level 2 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score of 80
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (Open book, PRONTO online proctoring)
Time limit: 3.0 hours
Exam fee: $295 CAD plus GST

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

BOABC Level 2 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Familiarize yourself with the 2024 BCBC Part 9 tables, specifically span tables for rafters, joists, and beams.

2Understand the fire separation requirements between different occupancies under Subsection 9.10.9.

3Know the specific step-rise-run dimensions for commercial/public stairs compared to residential stairs under Section 9.8.

4Review the requirements for barrier-free access, including ramp slopes, turning diameters, and grab bar placements under Section 9.5 and Subsection 3.8.3.

5Learn to quickly reference standard soil-bearing capacities and concrete foundation wall thickness rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BOABC Level 1 and Level 2?

Level 1 covers small residential structures (single family dwellings, duplexes) within the scope of Part 9. Level 2 expands coverage to include all other Part 9 buildings (commercial, multi-family, mercantile) up to 3 storeys and under 600 square meters.

Is the Level II exam open book?

Yes, it is open book, allowing candidates to reference the print edition of the 2024 BC Building Code. Tabs and highlights are permitted, but loose-leaf inserts are not.

How is the exam administered?

The exam is administered online via the PRONTO system, which uses live remote proctoring. You must have a working webcam and a stable internet connection.

What is a scaled score of 80?

A scaled score adjusts for slight variations in exam difficulty across different forms. A score of 80 represents the minimum passing standard, which typically translates to around 70-75% correct answers.