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100+ Free OBC Large Buildings Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: OBC Large Buildings Exam

100

Practice Questions

Antigravity Exam Bank

3 hours

Exam Duration

Humber Rules

70%

Passing Mark

MMAH Licensing

$150 CAD

Exam Fee

Humber Polytechnic

Open Book

Exam Format

Humber Proctoring

The OBC Large Buildings exam is a 3-hour open-book test covering Part 3 rules. It contains 70 MCQs, requires a 70% passing score, and costs $150.00 CAD.

Sample OBC Large Buildings Practice Questions

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

1Under the 2024 Ontario Building Code, how is a group home providing care for up to 10 residents categorized?
A.Group B, Division 3 (Care Occupancy)
B.Group C (Residential Occupancy)
C.Group B, Division 2 (Care and Treatment Occupancy)
D.Group A, Division 2 (Assembly Occupancy)
Explanation: According to Division B, Part 3 of the 2024 OBC, a care occupancy where occupants receive care without treatment is classified under Group B, Division 3. This includes residential-style facilities such as group homes or children's custodial homes where residents may require some level of care or supervision but do not require professional treatment.
2Which of the following major occupancies is strictly prohibited from being contained within the same building as a Group F, Division 1 (High-Hazard Industrial) major occupancy?
A.Group C (Residential Occupancy)
B.Group D (Business and Personal Services)
C.Group E (Mercantile Occupancy)
D.Group F, Division 2 (Medium-Hazard Industrial)
Explanation: OBC Division B, Article 3.1.3.2. states that no major occupancy of Group F, Division 1 shall be contained within a building with Group A, B, or C major occupancies. High-hazard industrial processes present an extreme fire and life safety hazard that cannot be safely co-located with residential suites.
3A bank or professional office suite is classified under which major occupancy classification in OBC Division B, Part 3?
A.Group D (Business and Personal Services)
B.Group E (Mercantile Occupancy)
C.Group A, Division 2 (Assembly Occupancy)
D.Group C (Residential Occupancy)
Explanation: According to OBC Part 3, professional offices, banks, and personal service shops (like hair salons) are classified as Group D, Business and Personal Services occupancies. This group represents low fire hazard occupancies where transactions and services take place.
4A clothing retail shop is classified under which major occupancy group?
A.Group E (Mercantile Occupancy)
B.Group D (Business and Personal Services)
C.Group F, Division 3 (Low-Hazard Industrial)
D.Group A, Division 2 (Assembly Occupancy)
Explanation: Retail stores, department stores, and supermarkets where goods are displayed and sold directly to the public are classified as Group E, Mercantile occupancies. These spaces present unique fire load hazards due to merchandise storage and public customer traffic.
5What is the occupancy classification of a storage garage that serves a commercial office building?
A.Group F, Division 3 (Low-Hazard Industrial)
B.Group F, Division 2 (Medium-Hazard Industrial)
C.Group D (Business and Personal Services)
D.Group E (Mercantile Occupancy)
Explanation: Under the OBC, storage garages are classified as Group F, Division 3 (Low-Hazard Industrial) occupancies. Even though vehicles contain fuel, the ventilation and storage requirements place parking structures in the lowest hazard industrial category.
6A floor area of 370 square metres is designed for a new clothing store (Group E) on the first storey. What is the minimum occupant load for this space under OBC Table 3.1.17.1.?
A.100 persons
B.66 persons
C.185 persons
D.50 persons
Explanation: Table 3.1.17.1. specifies an occupant load factor of 3.70 m² per person for mercantile occupancies on the first storey or basement. Dividing the floor area of 370 m² by 3.70 m²/person yields an occupant load of exactly 100 persons.
7Under the 2024 Ontario Building Code, what is the occupant load factor for classrooms in a primary or secondary school?
A.1.85 m² per person
B.4.60 m² per person
C.9.30 m² per person
D.0.75 m² per person
Explanation: OBC Table 3.1.17.1. lists the occupant load factor for classrooms as 1.85 m² per person. This density factor is used to calculate the minimum number of occupants for exit sizing, washrooms, and alarm systems.
8A dining room in a new restaurant has a net floor area of 165 square metres. What is the minimum design occupant load for this area under Table 3.1.17.1.?
A.150 persons
B.110 persons
C.174 persons
D.200 persons
Explanation: Table 3.1.17.1. specifies an occupant load factor of 1.10 m² per person for dining, alcoholic beverage, and cafeteria spaces. Dividing 165 m² by 1.10 m²/person yields exactly 150 persons.
9An open office area on the third storey of a building has a floor area of 744 square metres. What is the minimum calculated occupant load for this space?
A.80 persons
B.120 persons
C.60 persons
D.100 persons
Explanation: Table 3.1.17.1. lists the occupant load factor for offices (business and personal services) as 9.30 m² per person. Dividing 744 m² by 9.30 m²/person results in an occupant load of exactly 80 persons.
10A storage garage has a total floor area of 1,380 square metres. What is the minimum calculated occupant load for this garage under OBC Table 3.1.17.1.?
A.30 persons
B.46 persons
C.15 persons
D.60 persons
Explanation: Table 3.1.17.1. specifies an occupant load factor of 46.00 m² per person for storage garages. Dividing 1,380 m² by 46.00 m²/person yields an occupant load of exactly 30 persons.

About the OBC Large Buildings Exam

The Ontario Building Code (OBC) Large Buildings qualification exam is a 3-hour open-book test based on Division B, Part 3 of the 2024 Ontario Building Code. It is required for building inspectors, plans examiners, and architectural designers seeking qualification under the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Key topics include major occupancy classifications, occupant load calculations, suite and fire separations, fire-resistance ratings, exit sizing, washroom counts, and barrier-free design rules under Section 3.8. Success requires deep familiarity with the 2024 OBC Compendium.

Assessment

70 multiple-choice questions (Open book, proctored online or in-person)

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$150.00 CAD (Humber Polytechnic / Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH))

OBC Large Buildings Exam Content Outline

15%

Major Occupancy Classifications & Requirements

Group A, B, C, D, E, and F occupancy definitions, occupant load calculations, and suite/tenancy separations.

30%

Fire Safety & Protection

Firewalls, fire separations, fire-resistance ratings, fire doors and closures, sprinkler systems, and fire alarms.

25%

Means of Egress

Exit width sizing (stairs, corridors, doors), travel distances, exit numbers and arrangements, and handrail/guard designs.

15%

Washroom Counts & Plumbing

Patron and employee water closet calculations, urinal substitutions, lavatory ratios, and unisex toilet thresholds.

15%

Accessibility (OBC Section 3.8)

Barrier-free path of travel, wheelchair turning diameters, ramp slopes, accessible toilet stalls, and universal washrooms.

How to Pass the OBC Large Buildings Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 70 multiple-choice questions (Open book, proctored online or in-person)
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $150.00 CAD

Keys to Passing

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

OBC Large Buildings Study Tips from Top Performers

1Familiarize yourself with the layout and index of Division B, Part 3 of the 2024 OBC Compendium.
2Practice occupant load calculations using the density factors listed in Table 3.1.17.1.
3Understand how to determine the required fire separations between different major occupancies using Table 3.1.3.1.
4Memorize the exit width sizing factors (8.0 mm per person for stairs, 6.1 mm per person for doors/corridors).
5Pay special attention to universal washroom size limits (1,700 mm diameter) and accessible stall specifications under Section 3.8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the OBC Large Buildings exam open book?

Yes, the exam is open book. Candidates are permitted to bring physical copies of the 2024 Building Code Compendium, which may be highlighted and tabbed, but must not contain loose-leaf study notes.

What is a passing score on the exam?

The passing score is 70%, which means you must answer at least 49 out of the 70 multiple-choice questions correctly.

How is the exam administered?

The exam is administered online by Humber Polytechnic using virtual proctoring, or can be written in-person at select Humber campus test centres.

Do I need a BCIN before taking the exam?

Yes, you must register for a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) through the Ministry’s QuARTS portal before booking your exam slot at Humber College.