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Exam Review

Key Facts: ICC 21 Exam

80 Qs

Exam Questions

ICC exam catalog

2.5 hrs

Time Limit

Open book

75

Passing Score

Scaled score

$320

Exam Fee

Catalog list price; members discounted

IBC + IEBC + A117.1

Reference Codes

2021 or 2024 edition

3 years

Certification Period

Renew with CEUs

The ICC 21 exam has 80 multiple-choice questions with a 2 hour 30 minute time limit and is open book. A scaled score of 75 is required to pass. The 2021 and 2024 editions use the matching IBC and IEBC with ICC A117.1-2017. The ICC exam catalog lists a $320 fee per attempt, with discounted pricing for ICC members, and the exam is delivered through ICC PRONTO online or at an in-person test center.

Sample ICC 21 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ICC 21 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 127+ 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 1108 (2021/2024; formerly 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 more than 20 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 1108.6.2.2.1 (2021/2024; formerly 1107.6.2.2.1) requires that in Group R-2 occupancies containing more than 20 dwelling or sleeping units, at least 2 percent but not less than one of the units must be a Type A unit. For 50 units, 2% equals 1 unit (50 × 0.02 = 1.0). All remaining units that are not Accessible or Type A must generally be Type B units. Exam tip: The trigger is more than 20 units (not 20 or more); always round up to a whole unit.
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 A117.1-2017 for new buildings and facilities, what is the required minimum diameter of a circular turning space for a wheelchair?
A.48 inches
B.54 inches
C.60 inches
D.67 inches
Explanation: ICC A117.1-2017 Section 304.3.1.1 increases the circular turning space for new buildings and facilities to a 67-inch minimum diameter (was 60 inches in A117.1-2009 and still allowed for existing buildings under 304.3.1.2). T-shaped turning options were also enlarged. Exam tip: Know both figures — 67 inches for new construction and 60 inches for existing buildings — because the ICC 21 exam references A117.1-2017 with the IBC.
9Per ICC A117.1-2017 for new buildings and facilities, 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.30 inches by 52 inches
D.36 inches by 60 inches
Explanation: ICC A117.1-2017 Section 305.3.1 requires a clear floor space of 30 inches wide by 52 inches long in new buildings and facilities (increased from the prior 30 × 48). Existing buildings may continue to use 30 × 48 per Section 305.3.2. Exam tip: 30 × 52 (new) vs 30 × 48 (existing/ADA) is a high-yield A117.1-2017 change on the ICC 21 exam.
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 who inspect buildings and review plans for accessibility compliance. The open-book exam is offered on 2021 and 2024 code editions and covers IBC Chapter 11 scoping, IBC Section 1009 accessible means of egress, IEBC Section 306 for existing buildings, and ICC A117.1-2017 technical criteria for routes, doors, ramps, toilet rooms, signage, assembly seating and dwelling units. One certification covers both inspection and plan review.

Exam sponsor: ICC (PRONTO). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

80 questions

Time Limit

2 hours 30 minutes

Passing Score

75 (scaled score)

Exam / Certification Fees

$320 (members discounted)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

7%

General Administrative and Scoping Provisions

Occupancy group accessibility (2%), general administration and definitions (1%), and accessibility in existing buildings under IEBC Section 306 (4%).

11%

Building Blocks

Floor surfaces and level changes (3%), wheelchair turning spaces (3%), clearances (2%), reach ranges and operable parts (1%), and protruding objects (2%) under ICC A117.1 Chapter 3.

27%

Accessible Routes

Accessible entrances (4%), accessible means of egress (10%), windows, doors and doorways (5%), walking surfaces, ramps and curb ramps (5%), and elevators and platform lifts (3%).

10%

General Site and Building Elements

Parking, passenger loading zones and bus stops (4%), site accessibility (3%), and ramps, stairways and handrails (3%).

10%

Plumbing Elements and Facilities

Toilet and bathing rooms, water closets and compartments, grab bars, lavatories, urinals, bathtubs, showers, drinking fountains and related elements.

6%

Communication Elements

Alarms and signs (4%); telephones, assistive listening systems and ATMs (1%); and detectable warnings (1%).

8%

Special Rooms and Spaces

Assembly areas, dressing and locker rooms, kitchens, courtrooms, holding and housing cells, and other special occupancies.

5%

Built-in Furnishings and Equipment

Seating at tables, counters and work surfaces including check-out and service counters (4%), and storage elements (1%).

10%

Dwelling and Sleeping Units

Accessible units, Type A units, Type B units and Type C units, with IBC Section 1108 scoping.

6%

Recreational Facilities

General recreational facilities (3%) and swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and spas (3%).

Preparing for 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 / certification fees: $320 (members discounted) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 127 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ICC 21: Suggested Study Strategy

1Learn the A117.1-2017 new-versus-existing split: new buildings use a 67-inch turning circle (or one of three T shapes), 30 x 52-inch clear floor space, 52-inch push-side door clearance and 48-inch exterior routes; existing buildings keep 60 inches, 30 x 48 inches and 48 inches.
2Spend time on Accessible Routes (27%), including IBC 1009 accessible means of egress (10% on its own): areas of refuge sized at one 30 x 52-inch space per 200 occupants, 48 inches between stair handrails unless sprinklered, and two-way communication at elevator landings.
3Tab IBC Chapter 11 by section: 1103 exceptions, 1104 routes, 1105 entrances, 1106 parking (Table 1106.2 and one van space per six), 1108 dwelling units, 1109 special occupancies, 1110 other features, 1111 recreation and 1112 signage.
4Memorize the 2017 water closet layout: centerline 16 to 18 inches, 60 x 56-inch clearance, 42-inch side bar extending 54 inches from the rear wall, an 18-inch vertical bar at 39 to 41 inches, and a 36-inch rear bar extending 42 inches from the side wall.
5For existing buildings, use IEBC Section 306: the 20 percent primary function route limit, the rule that accessible means of egress need not be added, and the historic structure alternatives decided by the authority having jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

ICC sets the passing score for national certification exams as a scaled score of 75. A scaled score is not the same as answering 75 percent of questions correctly, and ICC does not publish a raw cut score. Candidates who do not pass receive a report showing performance by content area.

Is the ICC 21 exam open book?

Yes. Exam 21 is open book. ICC lists the IBC, the IEBC and ICC A117.1-2017 for the edition you register for (2021 or 2024). You may bring copyrighted, bound books, but training materials, study guides and practice questions are not permitted. With 80 questions in 2.5 hours, you have under two minutes per question, so tabbing your books matters.

What does the ICC 21 exam cover?

ICC's content outline has ten areas: General Administrative and Scoping Provisions 7%, Building Blocks 11%, Accessible Routes 27% (including 10% on accessible means of egress), General Site and Building Elements 10%, Plumbing Elements and Facilities 10%, Communication Elements 6%, Special Rooms and Spaces 8%, Built-in Furnishings and Equipment 5%, Dwelling and Sleeping Units 10%, and Recreational Facilities 6%.

Which codebooks do I need for the ICC 21 exam?

For the 2021 exam: the 2021 IBC, 2021 IEBC and ICC A117.1-2017. For the 2024 exam: the 2024 IBC, 2024 IEBC and ICC A117.1-2017. ICC writes questions from the first printing of each book. Chapter 11 section numbers are the same in the 2021 and 2024 IBC, but some IEBC and Chapter 10 subsections were renumbered in 2024.

How much does the ICC 21 exam cost and how is it delivered?

The ICC exam catalog lists exam 21 at $320 per attempt, and ICC members receive discounted pricing. The exam is delivered through ICC PRONTO, either by online remote proctoring or at an in-person test center. ICC allows six attempts within six months, with the fee paid at each attempt.

How do I prepare for the ICC 21 exam?

Start with IBC Chapter 11 scoping and IBC Section 1009, then learn ICC A117.1-2017 chapter by chapter, paying attention to the separate dimensions for new and existing buildings (for example, a 67-inch turning circle and 30 x 52 inch clear floor space in new buildings versus 60 inches and 30 x 48 inches in existing buildings). Tab the tables you will look up, then take timed 80-question practice sets.