100+ Free ICC R5 Practice Questions
Pass your ICC Residential Combination Inspector (R5) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Per NEC 230.79, the minimum rating of an ungrounded service-entrance conductor for a one-family dwelling is:
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Key Facts: ICC R5 Exam
4 Exams
Combination Designation
B1 + E1 + M1 + P1
240 Qs
Total Questions
60 per component
75
Passing Score
Scaled, each exam
2 hr
Time per Exam
8 hours total
$85+
Fee per Exam
ICC member rate
Open
Book Format
IRC + NEC for E1
ICC R5 is a combination designation awarded after passing four separate exams (B1, E1, M1, P1). Each exam has 60 multiple-choice questions, a 2-hour limit, open-book format, and a scaled passing score of 75. Total fees run $340-$600 across all four. The R5 designation does NOT auto-renew when its component certifications renew. Plan 16-24 weeks of study covering IRC framing, NEC branch circuits, IFGC fuel gas, and IRC plumbing.
Sample ICC R5 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ICC R5 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Per the IRC, what is the minimum width of a hallway in a one- or two-family dwelling?
2According to IRC Section R311.7, what is the maximum riser height permitted for stairways in a dwelling?
3What is the minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms per IRC Section R305?
4Per IRC R403.1.4, where the frost line is below the bottom of the footing, what is the minimum depth below undisturbed ground surface for footings?
5According to IRC Chapter 4, what is the minimum concrete compressive strength for footings, foundation walls, and slabs not exposed to freezing?
6Per IRC R602.10, what is the maximum on-center spacing for studs in a load-bearing wall using 2x4 studs supporting one floor, roof, and ceiling?
7According to IRC Section R310, every sleeping room basement must have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening with a minimum net clear opening of:
8Per IRC R807.1, what is the minimum size of an attic access opening where access is required to mechanical equipment?
9Per IRC R602.10, braced wall panels using continuous wood structural panel sheathing must be sheathed full height with no horizontal joints unless joints occur:
10Per IRC R302.6, what is the minimum thickness of gypsum board required for the wall separating an attached garage from the residence?
About the ICC R5 Exam
The ICC Residential Combination Inspector (R5) is a combination designation, not a single exam. It is granted automatically when a candidate passes all four component exams: B1 Residential Building Inspector (IRC structural and building planning), E1 Residential Electrical Inspector (NEC residential provisions), M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector (IRC mechanical and fuel gas), and P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector (IRC Chapters 25-33). Each component is a separate 60-question, 2-hour, open-book exam scaled to 75 to pass. The R5 designation certifies the holder to inspect one- and two-family dwellings across all four trades and is widely required for residential code enforcement positions.
Assessment
Four component exams: B1 + E1 + M1 + P1 (60 questions each)
Time Limit
2 hours per component (8 hours total across four exams)
Passing Score
Scaled 75 per component
Exam Fee
$85-$150 per component; ~$340-$600 total (ICC (Pearson VUE / PRONTO))
ICC R5 Exam Content Outline
B1 — Building Planning & Code Administration
IRC Chapters 1 and 3: code admin authority, modifications, building planning, ceiling height, room dimensions, emergency egress, guards and stairs.
B1 — Foundations, Floors, Walls & Roof
IRC Chapters 4-9: footings, frost depth, concrete strength, stud spacing, braced wall panels, dryer exhaust framing, attic ventilation, roof slope and covering.
E1 — Services & Service Equipment
NEC Articles 230, 240, 408: service rating minimums, disconnect location, panelboard identification, working space, conductor ampacity.
E1 — Branch Circuits, Receptacles & Lighting
NEC Article 210: small-appliance circuits, bathroom circuits, laundry circuits, receptacle spacing, lighting outlets, outdoor receptacles.
E1 — GFCI/AFCI, Grounding & Special Locations
NEC 210.8, 210.12, 250, 680 (pools), 406, 410: GFCI/AFCI required locations, grounding electrodes, EGC, pool lighting, closet luminaires.
M1 — HVAC, Combustion Air & Water Heaters (Mechanical)
IRC M1305-M1413: equipment access, attic clearances, ACCA load calculations, condensate, secondary drain pans, combustion air methods, refrigerant detection.
M1 — Ducts, Exhaust & Ventilation
IRC M1501-M1602: dryer exhaust length and materials, kitchen exhaust makeup air, return-air prohibited locations, whole-house ventilation, duct leakage.
M1 — Fuel Gas, Venting & Pressure Testing
IRC Chapter 24 (G2401-G2452): gas piping sizing, shutoff valves, pressure tests at 3 psig for 10 minutes, 3-2-10 vent termination, garage ignition source elevation.
P1 — DWV, Traps, Vents & Cleanouts
IRC P3005, P3103, P3105, P3201: drain slope, trap seals, trap arm length, vent termination, cleanout intervals, building sewer water/air test.
P1 — Water Supply, Fixtures, Water Heaters & Backflow
IRC P2503, P2603, P2708, P2803, P2901-P2904: pipe sizing, water service burial, T&P discharge, scald protection (120 degF), air gaps, PRV, thermal expansion.
How to Pass the ICC R5 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled 75 per component
- Assessment: Four component exams: B1 + E1 + M1 + P1 (60 questions each)
- Time limit: 2 hours per component (8 hours total across four exams)
- Exam fee: $85-$150 per component; ~$340-$600 total
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 R5 Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ICC R5 a single exam or four separate exams?
The R5 Residential Combination Inspector is a combination designation, not a single exam. ICC grants it automatically when you pass all four component exams: B1 Residential Building Inspector, E1 Residential Electrical Inspector, M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector, and P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector. Each component is a separate 60-question, 2-hour, open-book exam graded independently with a scaled passing score of 75.
What does the R5 designation cost in total?
Each component exam runs about $85-$150 for ICC members and $110-$199 for non-members. Total fees across all four exams typically come to $340-$600. Add $250-$500 for the IRC, NEC, and supplementary references if you do not already own them. Retakes require the full exam fee per attempt.
Can I take the R5 component exams remotely?
Yes. ICC PRONTO remote proctoring is available 24/7 for all four R5 component exams. You can also schedule in person at any Pearson VUE test center. Open-book references must be physical copies of the approved code editions; digital references are not permitted in the testing environment.
Which code editions are referenced for the R5 component exams?
B1, M1, and P1 reference the International Residential Code (IRC). E1 references the IRC plus the National Electrical Code (NEC, NFPA 70) residential provisions. ICC is transitioning from 2021 to 2024 I-codes through 2026 — verify the current ICC exam bulletin for the edition year required for your scheduled exam date.
Do I have to pass all four R5 exams within a deadline?
No — unlike the CBO (which has an 18-month window), there is no global deadline for completing the four R5 component exams. Each component certification is independent and valid for 3 years. The R5 designation is automatically granted whenever you hold all four active certifications. However, the R5 designation does NOT auto-renew when its component certifications renew.
In what order should I take the four R5 component exams?
Most candidates start with B1 (Residential Building) because the IRC is the foundation for M1 and P1. Then take P1 (Plumbing), which shares IRC chapters with B1. M1 (Mechanical) and E1 (Electrical) can be taken in either order — E1 is often last because it requires the most new reference material (the NEC). Plan 60-80 hours of study per component.