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100+ Free ICC 86 SFRM Inspector Practice Questions

Pass your ICC Spray-Applied Fireproofing Special Inspector (Exam ID 86) Certification Path exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Key Facts: ICC 86 SFRM Inspector Exam

GR + 86

Current ICC Modular Path

ICC Special Inspector Exams page

40

Exam ID 86 Questions

ICC 86 content outline

1.5 hrs

Exam ID 86 Time Limit

ICC 86 content outline

75

Scaled Passing Score

ICC Certification FAQs

Open-book

Exam Format

ICC 86 content outline

$210+

ICC Store Listed Price

ICC Store listing for Exam ID 86

For the current ICC modular credential path, candidates generally pass GR plus Spray-applied Fireproofing Codes and Plans Exam ID 86 unless they already hold an active ICC Special Inspector certification. ICC's 86 content outline lists 40 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour 30 minutes, open-book, with a scaled passing score of 75. The outline weights General Requirements at 20% and SFRM materials, substrate checks, application, thickness, sampling, and testing at 80%.

Sample ICC 86 SFRM Inspector Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ICC 86 SFRM Inspector 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 primary role of a Spray-applied Fireproofing Special Inspector on a project?
A.Design the fire-resistance rating for each member
B.Observe and document whether the SFRM work complies with the approved construction documents
C.Select the lowest-cost fireproofing material for the contractor
D.Issue the building permit for structural steel work
Explanation: The special inspector observes, verifies, tests, and reports on the work required by the approved construction documents and the statement of special inspections. Design decisions, material substitutions, and permit issuance belong to other project roles. The inspector must stay independent and document facts clearly.
2Which document should the inspector rely on first when deciding where SFRM special inspection is required?
A.A contractor daily log
B.The approved construction documents and statement of special inspections
C.A generic product brochure from a different project
D.The inspector's memory of a similar building
Explanation: The approved plans, specifications, listing information, and statement of special inspections define the required inspection scope for the project. Field habits or unrelated product literature cannot override approved project documents. When information conflicts, the inspector should ask for clarification from the proper design or code authority.
3In ICC special inspection work, what does open-book exam format mainly require from a candidate?
A.Memorizing every word of each reference
B.Knowing how to navigate code, plans, specifications, and ASTM procedures efficiently
C.Ignoring formulas because reference books are available
D.Using only personal notes during the exam
Explanation: Open-book exams still require strong understanding and fast reference navigation. Candidates must know where requirements are located and how to apply them to inspection scenarios. The references are a tool, not a substitute for preparation.
4Who typically employs the approved agency performing special inspections under IBC Chapter 17?
A.The owner or the owner's authorized agent
B.The SFRM applicator
C.The fireproofing material manufacturer
D.The steel erector on every project
Explanation: IBC special inspection provisions generally require the owner or the owner's authorized agent to retain the approved agency. This helps preserve inspection independence from the contractor performing the work. Some project delivery arrangements may need code-official review, but the independence principle remains central.
5Before beginning SFRM inspection, which item should the inspector confirm is available?
A.The final certificate of occupancy
B.The approved fire-resistance design or listing for the protected assemblies
C.A list of future tenant paint colors
D.The contractor's payroll records
Explanation: SFRM thickness and application requirements are tied to approved fire-resistance designs, tested assemblies, project specifications, and member information. Without those documents, the inspector cannot determine what thickness or material performance to verify. Nontechnical administrative records do not establish the fireproofing requirements.
6What is the best description of a special inspector's authority when nonconforming SFRM work is observed?
A.The inspector automatically redesigns the fireproofing thickness
B.The inspector documents the discrepancy and reports it through the required project channels
C.The inspector deletes the inspection requirement from the permit documents
D.The inspector approves concealed work without checking repairs
Explanation: The inspector observes, records, and reports discrepancies to the contractor and, when required, to the registered design professional and building official. The inspector does not redesign the work or erase permit requirements. Correction and acceptance must follow the project's approved procedures.
7Which party is the authority having jurisdiction for enforcing building code requirements on a typical permitted project?
A.The building official
B.The material supplier
C.The testing technician
D.The project scheduler
Explanation: The building official or authority having jurisdiction enforces the building code and accepts required inspection reports. The special inspector provides observations and test results to support that enforcement process. Suppliers, technicians, and schedulers do not hold code enforcement authority.
8When a measured SFRM thickness is below the approved requirement, what should the inspector do first?
A.Ignore it if nearby members look acceptable
B.Immediately identify and communicate the discrepancy for correction according to project procedures
C.Change the recorded thickness to the required value
D.Approve the work because all SFRM shrinks after curing
Explanation: A deficient thickness is a discrepancy that must be documented and brought to the contractor's attention for correction. If it remains uncorrected, it must be elevated according to IBC and project reporting procedures. Falsifying records or assuming compliance defeats the purpose of special inspection.
9A contractor proposes substituting a different SFRM product than the one shown in the approved submittals. What is the inspector's proper response?
A.Approve the substitution if the bag color is similar
B.Require approval through the project's submittal and design-review process before accepting it for inspected work
C.Accept it if the applicator has used it before
D.Tell the crew to mix both products together
Explanation: A product substitution can affect fire-resistance ratings, density, bond strength, thickness, and compatibility. It must be approved through the required project process before the inspector treats it as compliant. Prior use or similar appearance is not enough.
10If the contractor corrects a reported SFRM discrepancy, what should the inspector do next?
A.Verify and document the correction
B.Delete the original discrepancy from all records
C.Stop inspecting the project
D.Assume all other areas with the same material are acceptable
Explanation: Corrections should be reinspected or retested as appropriate, then documented in the inspection record. The original discrepancy remains part of the project history along with the corrective action. One correction does not automatically prove all other areas comply.

About the ICC 86 SFRM Inspector Exam

The ICC Spray-Applied Fireproofing Special Inspector path verifies whether a candidate can inspect sprayed fire-resistive material on structural members using approved plans, specifications, listed fire-resistance designs, IBC special inspection concepts, manufacturer instructions, and ASTM testing procedures. The current modular path pairs GR General Requirements with Spray-applied Fireproofing Codes and Plans Exam ID 86 unless the candidate already holds an active ICC Special Inspector certification. Exam ID 86 is an open-book ICC exam focused on inspector duties, material condition, substrate preparation, thickness, density, cohesion/adhesion, repairs, and inspection reports.

Assessment

Current ICC modular Special Inspector path: GR General Requirements plus Spray-applied Fireproofing Codes and Plans Exam ID 86, unless the candidate already holds an active ICC Special Inspector certification. The ICC 86 content outline lists 40 multiple-choice questions for the open-book Codes and Plans exam.

Time Limit

1 hour 30 minutes

Passing Score

75 scaled score

Exam Fee

ICC Store lists as low as $210 for Exam ID 86 (International Code Council (ICC) through Pearson VUE / PRONTO)

ICC 86 SFRM Inspector Exam Content Outline

20%

General Requirements

Special inspector duties, approved construction documents, statement of special inspections, discrepancy reporting, daily records, and final reports

10%

Material Identification

Approved SFRM product verification, packaging condition, storage, manufacturer instructions, product substitutions, and material traceability

7%

Substrate Conditions

Steel surface condition, primer compatibility, moisture, contaminants, access, deck interfaces, obstructions, and pre-application checks

28%

Application and Thickness

Fire-resistance ratings, member schedules, listed designs, required surfaces, field thickness readings, deficient areas, damage, and repairs

35%

Sampling and Testing

ASTM E605/E605M thickness and density concepts, ASTM E736/E736M cohesion/adhesion concepts, sample control, failure modes, retesting, and reportable acceptance criteria

How to Pass the ICC 86 SFRM Inspector Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75 scaled score
  • Assessment: Current ICC modular Special Inspector path: GR General Requirements plus Spray-applied Fireproofing Codes and Plans Exam ID 86, unless the candidate already holds an active ICC Special Inspector certification. The ICC 86 content outline lists 40 multiple-choice questions for the open-book Codes and Plans exam.
  • Time limit: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Exam fee: ICC Store lists as low as $210 for Exam ID 86

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 86 SFRM Inspector Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the ICC outline weights: 20% General Requirements and 80% SFRM materials, substrate, application, thickness, sampling, and testing.
2Practice tracing a beam or column from the plans to the fire-resistance rating, listed design, SFRM product, and required thickness.
3Know the difference between thickness, dry density, and cohesion/adhesion; a passing result in one property does not automatically pass the others.
4Tab references for special inspection duties, discrepancy reporting, SFRM inspection provisions, ASTM E605/E605M, and ASTM E736/E736M concepts.
5For every practice problem, ask what the inspector can decide, what must be documented, and what requires design professional or building official clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current ICC path for Spray-Applied Fireproofing Special Inspector?

ICC lists the current modular path as GR General Requirements plus Spray-applied Fireproofing Codes and Plans Exam ID 86, unless the candidate already holds an active ICC Special Inspector certification. This metadata is written for that current modular path rather than an older single-exam-only model.

How many questions are on ICC Exam ID 86?

The official ICC 86 content outline lists 40 multiple-choice questions with a 1 hour 30 minute time limit. Candidates should still verify their selected exam cycle and delivery option in the ICC catalog at registration.

Is the ICC 86 exam open-book?

Yes. ICC identifies Exam ID 86 as an open-book exam. Passing depends on knowing how to use approved references quickly, including plans, specifications, listed fire-resistance designs, manufacturer instructions, IBC special inspection concepts, and ASTM testing procedures.

What score do I need to pass?

ICC National Certification exams use a scaled passing score of 75. Passing candidates receive a pass result; unsuccessful candidates receive diagnostic information to guide additional study.

What ASTM topics should I know for SFRM inspection?

Know the inspection concepts behind ASTM E605/E605M for thickness and density and ASTM E736/E736M for cohesion/adhesion. Also understand sample location documentation, dry density calculations, pull-test failure modes, repairs at sample holes, and retesting after deficiencies.

What should I study first?

Start with GR duties and reporting, then learn how to read approved fire-resistance schedules and listed designs. After that, focus on material identification, substrate condition, required thickness, density, cohesion/adhesion, and repair closeout scenarios.