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100+ Free ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) Practice Questions

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Per TMS 602 Article 3.3, what is the tolerance for variation from plumb in the surface of a completed masonry wall?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) Exam

90

Total Exam Questions

ICC (60 on 84C + 30 on 84P)

75

Scaled Passing Score

ICC each module

210 min

Total Exam Time

120 min 84C + 90 min 84P

$219-292

Per-Module Fee

ICC member/non-member

8-11 in

Required Grout Slump

TMS 602

12'-8"

Max High-Lift Grout Pour

TMS 602

ICC Exam 84 is two modules: 84C Codes (60 questions / 120 minutes) and 84P Plans (30 questions / 90 minutes). Each requires a scaled score of 75. Both are open-book and reference IBC Chapter 17, TMS 402/602, and ASTM standards (C90 CMU, C270 mortar, C476 grout). Combined with the GR exam, passing both modules earns the full Structural Masonry Special Inspector certification.

Sample ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Per IBC Section 1705.4, special inspection of masonry construction is required to comply with which referenced standard?
A.ACI 318 and ASTM C39
B.TMS 402 and TMS 602
C.AISC 360 and AWS D1.1
D.ACI 530 and ASTM C150
Explanation: IBC Section 1705.4 directs special inspection of masonry construction to be performed in accordance with TMS 402 (Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures) and TMS 602 (Specification for Masonry Structures). These are the joint TMS/ACI/ASCE consensus standards that govern structural masonry design and construction quality assurance. Exam tip: ACI 530 was the legacy MSJC designation; the current ICC adoption is the TMS-prefixed edition.
2Per IBC Table 1705.4, which Quality Assurance level applies to most engineered masonry structures classified as Risk Category III or IV?
A.Level A
B.Level B
C.Level C
D.Level D
Explanation: IBC Table 1705.4 references TMS 402 quality assurance levels A, B, and C. Level C applies to essential facilities and most Risk Category IV (and certain Risk Category III) structures; it requires the most rigorous inspection including continuous inspection of grouting, reinforcement placement, and prestressing. Level B is the typical 'engineered masonry' default for Risk Category I/II buildings. Exam tip: There is no Level D in TMS 402.
3Per TMS 402, which masonry inspection task generally requires CONTINUOUS special inspection (rather than periodic) at Quality Assurance Level B?
A.Verifying compliance of materials prior to use
B.Inspection of grout placement
C.Inspection of mortar joint tooling
D.Verifying size and location of structural elements
Explanation: TMS 402 quality assurance tables identify grout placement as a continuous-inspection task at Level B and Level C — the inspector must be on-site observing the entire grout pour, including consolidation. Material verification and structural element location can be performed periodically. Exam tip: Anchor and reinforcement placement is also commonly continuous at Level C but typically periodic at Level B.
4When a special inspector observes a non-conforming condition that cannot be immediately corrected, the inspector's FIRST documented action should be to:
A.Stop all work on the project immediately
B.File a formal report with OSHA
C.Notify the contractor and the registered design professional in responsible charge
D.Issue a written certificate of non-compliance to the building owner
Explanation: IBC Section 1704.2.4 and TMS 402 require the special inspector to bring discrepancies to the immediate attention of the contractor for correction. If not corrected, the inspector must notify the registered design professional in responsible charge and the building official. Stopping work is not the inspector's authority — that rests with the building official or EOR. Exam tip: The inspector documents and reports; the EOR makes structural disposition decisions.
5Per IBC Section 1704.3, when must the final report of special inspections be submitted?
A.Within 30 days of project completion
B.Prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy
C.At the building official's discretion
D.Within 90 days of the last inspection
Explanation: IBC Section 1704.2.4 requires the final report of special inspections to be submitted to the building official prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy (or completion of work). The report documents that all required special inspections were performed and lists any non-conformances and their resolution. Exam tip: The final report is the inspector's culminating deliverable — its absence will block CO.
6The 'statement of special inspections' required by IBC Section 1704.3 is prepared by which party?
A.The contractor
B.The special inspector
C.The registered design professional in responsible charge
D.The building official
Explanation: IBC Section 1704.3 requires the registered design professional in responsible charge (typically the structural engineer of record) to prepare and seal the statement of special inspections, identifying the materials, systems, components, and work requiring special inspection. The owner submits it with the permit application. Exam tip: The inspector executes the statement; the EOR writes it.
7Per TMS 602 Article 1.5, the masonry compressive strength f'm must be verified prior to construction by which two acceptable methods?
A.ASTM C39 cylinders or ASTM C140 net area testing
B.Unit strength method or prism test method (ASTM C1314)
C.Schmidt rebound hammer or ultrasonic pulse velocity
D.ASTM C780 mortar test or ASTM C1019 grout prism
Explanation: TMS 602 Article 1.4 B permits verification of f'm by either the unit strength method (using TMS 602 Table 2 to look up f'm based on net-area CMU strength and mortar type) or by ASTM C1314 prism tests, where masonry assemblage prisms are constructed and tested. Exam tip: Unit strength is faster and cheaper; prism testing is required when proposed f'm exceeds the unit-strength tabulated values.
8Per TMS 602 Table 2 (unit strength method), what is the typical specified compressive strength of masonry (f'm) for hollow CMU with Type S mortar when the net-area CMU strength is 1,900 psi?
A.1,350 psi
B.1,500 psi
C.2,000 psi
D.2,750 psi
Explanation: Per TMS 602 Table 2 (unit-strength method), hollow CMU with 1,900 psi net-area compressive strength and Type S mortar produces a tabulated f'm of approximately 1,500 psi. Higher unit strengths or stronger mortar types yield higher tabulated f'm values. Exam tip: Memorize the common breakpoint — 1,900 psi CMU + Type S/M gives f'm = 1,500 psi for hollow units.
9Per ASTM C270, what is the minimum 28-day compressive strength of Type S mortar under the property specification?
A.750 psi
B.1,800 psi
C.2,500 psi
D.3,000 psi
Explanation: ASTM C270 sets minimum 28-day compressive strengths under the property specification as follows: Type M = 2,500 psi, Type S = 1,800 psi, Type N = 750 psi, Type O = 350 psi, Type K = 75 psi. Type S is the most commonly specified for structural reinforced masonry. Exam tip: Memorize M-S-N-O at 2500/1800/750/350 — heavily tested on 84C.
10ASTM C270 permits mortar to be specified by either the proportion specification or the property specification. Which statement is TRUE regarding job-site verification?
A.Both methods require 28-day compressive strength testing of cubes
B.Only the property specification requires laboratory strength testing of preconstruction cube specimens
C.Only the proportion specification requires field flow testing of mixed mortar
D.Neither method permits use of pre-blended dry mortar mix
Explanation: Under ASTM C270, the proportion specification governs by volumetric proportions of cement, lime, and sand — no compressive strength testing is required when proportions are met. The property specification requires preconstruction laboratory cube testing to verify the mortar achieves the specified compressive strength. The proportion spec is the default unless the contract documents specify property. Exam tip: Field-mixed mortar tested by C780 is QA only — does not replace C270 acceptance.

About the ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) Exam

The ICC Structural Masonry Special Inspector (Exam 84) is a two-module certification — 84C Codes and 84P Plans — that, combined with the Special Inspector General Requirements (GR) exam, certifies inspectors to perform special inspections of structural masonry construction. The exam tests IBC Chapter 17 special inspection rules, TMS 402/602 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures, and referenced ASTM material standards (C90, C270, C476, A615, C1019, C1314). 84C is 60 questions in 120 minutes; 84P is 30 questions in 90 minutes. Both are open-book.

Questions

90 scored questions

Time Limit

210 minutes (120 min 84C + 90 min 84P)

Passing Score

75 (scaled) on each module

Exam Fee

$219-$292 per module (84C and 84P each) (ICC / Pearson VUE)

ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) Exam Content Outline

20%

General Requirements & Special Inspection (IBC Ch. 17)

IBC 1705.4 continuous vs. periodic inspection, statement of special inspections, inspector qualifications, documentation, non-conformance reporting, final inspection report

20%

Materials (CMU, Mortar, Grout, Reinforcement)

ASTM C90 CMU, C270 mortar Types M/S/N/O (proportion vs. property), C476 fine/coarse grout, A615/A706 reinforcement, sampling and acceptance

20%

Masonry Placement & Construction Tolerances

Mortar joint thickness (3/8 in. typical), bedding, bond, control joints, TMS 602 Article 1.8 cold weather (40°F) and hot weather (90°F/100°F) procedures

15%

Reinforcement & Connector Placement

Bar position and cover, lap splice lengths, bond beams, joint reinforcement, anchor bolts, dowels, wall ties

15%

Grout Placement & High-Lift Grouting

Slump 8-11 in., 5-ft lift height with cleanouts, max pour height 12 ft 8 in. (high-lift), consolidation and reconsolidation, vibrator spacing

10%

Plans Reading & Specification Interpretation (84P)

Structural masonry drawings, bar schedules, f'm, mortar/grout type specification, seismic detailing, masonry symbols

How to Pass the ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75 (scaled) on each module
  • Exam length: 90 questions
  • Time limit: 210 minutes (120 min 84C + 90 min 84P)
  • Exam fee: $219-$292 per module (84C and 84P each)

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 Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Tab IBC Table 1705.4 and Table 1705.3 — know continuous vs. periodic inspection for masonry by Seismic Design Category and Risk Category
2Memorize the TMS 602 Table 2 unit-strength method values: hollow CMU with Type S mortar typically yields f'm = 1,500-2,000 psi for 1,900 psi units, scaling up with stronger units
3Master mortar Type M/S/N/O minimum compressive strengths under the property spec: M=2,500 psi, S=1,800 psi, N=750 psi, O=350 psi at 28 days
4Practice grout slump and lift-height triggers — 8-11 in. slump, 5 ft low-lift, 12'-8" high-lift max pour, cleanouts required when pour exceeds 5'-4"
5On 84P plans questions, build a 5-minute drawing-scan checklist: f'm, mortar/grout type, bar size/spacing, bond beam course, special seismic detailing, control joint spacing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ICC Structural Masonry Special Inspector exam one test or multiple?

It is two modules — 84C Structural Masonry Codes (60 questions, 120 minutes) and 84P Structural Masonry Plans (30 questions, 90 minutes). Candidates must also pass the Special Inspector General Requirements (GR) exam to earn the full Structural Masonry Special Inspector certification.

How is Exam 84 different from the ICC S2 Reinforced Masonry Special Inspector exam?

The S2 is a single 60-question legacy exam for reinforced masonry inspection. Exam 84 is the current modular Structural Masonry Special Inspector certification, with separate 84C Codes and 84P Plans modules plus the GR exam. Exam 84 has broader plans-reading coverage and is the path ICC currently markets for structural masonry inspectors.

What is the passing score for the 84C and 84P modules?

Each module requires a scaled score of 75 to pass. ICC uses scaled scoring rather than raw percentage, but the scaled 75 generally maps to approximately 70-75% correct depending on item difficulty.

Is Exam 84 open-book?

Yes. Both 84C and 84P are open-book. Candidates may bring the 2024 IBC, TMS 402/602 (current edition), referenced ASTM standards, and ICC Masonry Inspectors Handbook. Speed locating provisions is critical given the per-question time pressure (about 2 minutes per item on 84C, 3 minutes on 84P).

What ASTM standards are tested on Exam 84?

Key standards include ASTM C90 (CMU), C270 (mortar), C476 (grout), A615/A706 (reinforcement), C1019 (grout prism strength test), C1314 (masonry prism test), C140 (CMU unit testing), C1437 (mortar flow), and C780 (field sampling and testing of mortar/grout).

What is the maximum grout lift height for low-lift versus high-lift grouting?

Low-lift grouting limits lift height to 5 feet (60 inches) without cleanouts. High-lift grouting allows pour heights up to 12 feet 8 inches (12'-8") with cleanouts at the bottom course required when grout pour height exceeds 5 feet 4 inches, per TMS 602.