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Question 1

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Which chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) contains the primary scoping provisions for accessibility in new construction?

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 34

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ICC 21 Exam

80 Qs

Exam Questions

Open-book

2.5 hrs

Time Limit

~1:53 per question

Passing Score

Scaled score

$219-$292

Exam Fee

ICC member discount

IBC + A117.1

Reference Codes

Open-book allowed

Nationwide

Recognition

ICC certification

The ICC 21 exam has 80 multiple-choice questions with a 2 hour 30 minute time limit in an open-book format. You must score at least 75 on a scaled score (approximately 60 of 80 questions correct). The exam is based on IBC Chapter 11, the IEBC, and ICC A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Exam fee ranges from $219-$292 depending on ICC membership status. Testing is available at Pearson VUE centers or via ICC PRONTO remote proctoring 24/7.

Sample ICC 21 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ICC 21 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) contains the primary scoping provisions for accessibility in new construction?

A.Chapter 10

B.Chapter 11

C.Chapter 12

D.Chapter 34

Explanation: IBC Chapter 11 contains the accessibility scoping provisions — telling you which buildings, spaces, and elements must be accessible. The technical criteria (exact dimensions and clearances) are found in ICC A117.1, which is referenced by Chapter 11. Chapter 10 covers means of egress, and Chapter 12 covers interior environment. Exam tip: The ICC 21 exam asks both 'is it required?' (IBC Chapter 11) and 'what does it look like?' (A117.1) — you must flip between both books.

2Which referenced standard provides the technical criteria for accessible design used with the IBC?

A.ASCE 7

B.ICC A117.1

C.NFPA 101

D.ANSI Z535

Explanation: ICC A117.1 'Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities' provides the technical requirements (dimensions, clearances, reach ranges) that IBC Chapter 11 scoping references. The current edition used on most ICC 21 exams is A117.1-2017, though the 2024 IBC references A117.1-2017. Exam tip: IBC Chapter 11 says 'how many accessible spaces are required' and A117.1 says 'what each accessible space must look like.'

3Which occupancy group contains dwelling and sleeping units subject to Type A and Type B unit scoping in IBC Section 1107?

A.Group B

B.Group M

C.Group R

D.Group S

Explanation: IBC Section 1107 scopes accessibility in Group R occupancies (residential) — apartments, condominiums, monasteries, dormitories, and certain hotels. Type A and Type B dwelling unit scoping thresholds are based on the number of units within a Group R structure. Exam tip: Group R-2 apartments are where Type A/Type B ratios are most frequently tested — remember that in R-2 buildings with 20 or more dwelling units, at least 2% must be Type A.

4In a Group R-2 apartment building containing 50 dwelling units, what is the minimum number of Type A dwelling units required by the IBC?

A.0 Type A units

B.1 Type A unit

C.2 Type A units

D.5 Type A units

Explanation: IBC 1107.6.2.2.1 requires that in Group R-2 occupancies with 20 or more dwelling units, at least 2% but not less than one of the units must be a Type A unit. For 50 units, 2% equals 1 unit (50 x 0.02 = 1.0). All remaining units that are not Accessible or Type A must be Type B units. Exam tip: Always round up to a whole unit, and never go below 1 Type A when the threshold of 20 units is reached.

5When existing buildings undergo alterations, which of the following provisions generally applies regarding accessibility?

A.No accessibility upgrades are ever required in existing buildings

B.The altered area must comply to the maximum extent technically feasible, and an accessible route to the altered area is generally required

C.The entire building must be brought fully into compliance with all current accessibility provisions

D.Only primary function area alterations trigger any accessibility requirements

Explanation: IBC Chapter 11 (and Chapter 11 of the IEBC) require that when existing buildings are altered, the altered portion comply with new-construction accessibility requirements to the maximum extent technically feasible. Alterations to a primary function area trigger additional 'path of travel' obligations — an accessible route (including restrooms and drinking fountains) serving the altered area, up to 20% of the alteration cost. Exam tip: The 20% disproportionality threshold for path-of-travel upgrades is a frequently tested number.

6Per the IBC, the accessibility requirements of Chapter 11 do NOT apply to which of the following?

A.Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer sleeping units

B.A new 4-story office building

C.A Group A-2 restaurant of 3,000 square feet

D.A Group M mercantile store

Explanation: IBC 1103.2.4 exempts owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guest rooms from Chapter 11 accessibility requirements. Commercial uses like offices, restaurants, and retail — regardless of size — must comply. Exam tip: The short list of Chapter 11 exceptions (detention guard towers, raised areas for security, nonoccupiable spaces, walk-in coolers, owner-occupied B&Bs, etc.) is heavily tested — know them cold.

7In a building with multiple stories, which of the following generally requires an accessible means of egress from each accessible occupied portion?

A.Only the entrance level

B.Every accessible occupied portion of the building

C.Only stories above the level of exit discharge

D.Only stories that contain dwelling units

Explanation: IBC Section 1009 (Accessible Means of Egress) requires that each occupied portion of a building that is required to be accessible also have at least one accessible means of egress, with two required where two or more means of egress are required. Accessible means of egress must include at least one of: exit stairways with areas of refuge, enclosed elevators serving areas of refuge, horizontal exits, or ramps. Exam tip: Know the accessible means of egress options in IBC 1009.2 and the exceptions for buildings with sprinklers.

8Per ICC A117.1, what is the required minimum diameter of a circular turning space for a wheelchair?

A.48 inches

B.54 inches

C.60 inches

D.66 inches

Explanation: ICC A117.1 Section 304.3.1 requires a circular turning space with a minimum diameter of 60 inches (5 feet). Alternatively, Section 304.3.2 allows a T-shaped turning space within a 60-inch square. Exam tip: The 60-inch turning diameter is one of the most frequently tested dimensions on the ICC 21 exam — it appears in restrooms, kitchens, dwelling units, and wherever a wheelchair must turn 180 degrees.

9Per ICC A117.1, what is the minimum clear floor space required to accommodate a single stationary wheelchair user?

A.24 inches by 36 inches

B.30 inches by 48 inches

C.36 inches by 48 inches

D.36 inches by 60 inches

Explanation: ICC A117.1 Section 305.3 establishes the minimum clear floor space for a single stationary wheelchair as 30 inches wide by 48 inches long. This rectangle can be positioned for a forward or parallel approach depending on the element being used. Exam tip: The 30x48 clear floor space is the basic building block for almost every accessible element — fixtures, controls, seating, and appliances.

10Per ICC A117.1 Section 308, what is the maximum allowable unobstructed high forward reach for a wheelchair user?

A.44 inches

B.46 inches

C.48 inches

D.54 inches

Explanation: ICC A117.1 Section 308.2.1 sets the maximum unobstructed high forward reach at 48 inches above the floor. The minimum low forward reach is 15 inches. These dimensions are measured from the finished floor to the operable part of the element. Exam tip: Remember the 15-48 rule for forward and side reach — these are the single most tested dimensions in the Building Blocks domain.

About the ICC 21 Exam

The ICC Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner (21) exam is administered by the International Code Council and certifies individuals to inspect buildings and review plans for accessibility compliance. The open-book exam covers IBC Chapter 11 scoping, ICC A117.1 technical requirements, accessible routes, toilet and bathing facilities, parking, signage, and Type A/B dwelling units. ICC 21 certification is recognized nationally and is a critical credential for accessibility plan review and field inspection careers. The credential serves both plans examiners and field inspectors with a single exam.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours 30 minutes

Passing Score

75 (scaled score)

Exam Fee

$219-$292 (ICC (Pearson VUE / PRONTO))

ICC 21 Exam Content Outline

General Administrative and Scoping Provisions

IBC Chapter 11 scoping, application to additions and alterations, and existing building accessibility

11%

Building Blocks

Floor surfaces, changes in level, turning spaces, clear floor space, knee/toe clearance, and reach ranges

27%

Accessible Routes

Walking surfaces, doors, ramps, curb ramps, elevators, and platform lifts

10%

General Site and Building Elements

Parking, passenger loading zones, stairways, handrails, and drinking fountains

10%

Plumbing Elements and Facilities

Toilet/bathing rooms, water closets, grab bars, lavatories, urinals, showers, and mirrors

Communication Elements

Visible alarms, assistive listening, ATMs, detectable warnings, and accessible signage

Special Rooms and Spaces

Assembly areas, dressing rooms, kitchens, courtrooms, and holding cells

Built-in Furnishings and Equipment

Dining/work surfaces, sales and service counters, check-out aisles, and benches

10%

Dwelling and Sleeping Units

Type A, Type B, and Accessible units, and R-occupancy scoping

Recreational Facilities

Pools, spas, play areas, sports facilities, and exercise equipment

How to Pass the ICC 21 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75 (scaled score)
Exam length: 80 questions
Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
Exam fee: $219-$292

Keys to Passing

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

ICC 21 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Tab ICC A117.1 extensively — mark Section 308 (reach ranges: 48-inch high max side reach, 15-inch low), Section 304 (60-inch turning space), Section 404 (doors: 32-inch clear width, 18-inch pull-side clearance), Section 405 (ramps: 1:12 max slope, 30-inch max rise), and Section 604 (water closet: 16-18 inch centerline, 60-inch clearance)

2Focus heavily on Accessible Routes (27% of exam) — memorize ramp slopes, landing dimensions, door maneuvering clearances (A117.1 Table 404.2.3.2), elevator car dimensions (A117.1 407), and minimum 36-inch route width (32-inch at points not more than 24 inches long)

3Master IBC Chapter 11 scoping first — know when accessibility applies, Type A vs Type B unit thresholds (IBC 1107), parking space ratios (Table 1106.1: 1 accessible space per 25 up to 100 spaces), and required accessible route connections

4Know plumbing clearances cold — water closet 16-18 inches off the side wall, side grab bar 42 inches min starting 12 inches from rear wall, rear grab bar 36 inches min, lavatory 34 inches max rim height with 29 inches knee clearance, and mirror 40 inches max to bottom reflecting edge

5Practice flipping between IBC Chapter 11 (scoping — which and how many) and A117.1 (technical — dimensions and clearances). Most ICC 21 questions combine both: the IBC tells you it must be accessible, and A117.1 tells you what that means

Frequently Asked Questions

What score do I need to pass the ICC 21 exam?

The ICC 21 exam requires a scaled score of 75 to pass, which corresponds to approximately 75% correct — about 60 out of 80 questions. If you pass, you see 'PASS' on your immediate results — no numerical score is shown to passing candidates. If you fail, you receive a diagnostic report showing your performance by content area so you can target weak domains before retaking. The exam uses scaled scoring set by the ICC Exam Development Committee.

Is the ICC 21 exam open-book?

Yes, the ICC 21 exam is open-book. You may use the International Building Code (IBC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities as references during the exam. You can tab, highlight, and annotate your codebooks — but only permanent notations are allowed. With roughly 1 minute 53 seconds per question, you must be very familiar with IBC Chapter 11 and the A117.1 layout to find values quickly.

How hard is the ICC 21 exam?

The ICC 21 exam is moderately challenging. Accessible Routes (27%) is by far the largest domain, followed by Building Blocks (11%), and Plumbing Elements, General Site, and Dwelling Units (10% each). The difficulty comes from juggling two references — IBC Chapter 11 for scoping and ICC A117.1 for technical criteria — plus remembering exact dimensional values like 48-inch side reach, 60-inch turning diameter, 34-38 inch grab bar height, and maximum 1:12 ramp slope.

Which codebooks do I need for the ICC 21 exam?

The ICC 21 exam references the International Building Code (IBC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Current ICC PRONTO testing offers both the 2021 and 2024 editions — check the ICC exam bulletin before scheduling to confirm which edition your test will reference. ICC A117.1-2017 is typically paired with both. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are not tested but are referenced as context.

What jobs can I get with ICC 21 certification?

ICC 21 certification qualifies you for accessibility plans examiner and field inspector positions with city, county, and state building departments, ADA consulting firms, and architectural/engineering firms. Average salaries range from $55,000-$90,000 depending on location, experience, and whether the role is inspection-only or combined with plan review. Many jurisdictions require ICC certification as a condition of employment for accessibility review. The credential is often combined with B2 Commercial Building Inspector.

How do I prepare for the ICC 21 exam?

Start by reading IBC Chapter 11 and ICC A117.1 end-to-end. Tab every figure and table — especially reach ranges (A117.1 308), turning space (304), water closet clearances (604), ramp slopes (405), and Type A/B scoping (IBC 1107). Use ICC's official study guide and the ICC 21 exam reference list. Practice flipping between IBC Chapter 11 and A117.1 — most questions require both. Complete at least three full-length timed practice exams before scheduling your test date.