Free ICC 79 Exam Prep
ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner (Exam 79)
Prepare for the ICC 79 exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
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ICC ICC Certifications License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
Phase 1: IECC Navigation and Climate ZonesYou are here
Learn the IECC Chapter 4 [RE] layout, R301 climate zones and moisture regimes, R303 documentation, and R401 compliance paths.
Phase 2: Building Thermal Envelope (R402)
Master Tables R402.1.2 (R-values), R402.1.3 (U-factors), R402.4.1.1 air barrier checklist, and R402.4.1.2 blower door testing.
Phase 3: Systems (R403), Lighting (R404), Compliance Paths
Cover duct insulation, sealing and leakage testing, thermostat controls, pipe insulation, R404 lighting, and R405/R406/R407 paths.
Phase 4: Existing Buildings + Timed Open-Book Mocks
Drill IECC Chapter 5 [RE] for alterations and additions, then run 50-question timed mocks with your codebook to build lookup speed.
Can You Take the ICC 79 Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Valid government-issued photo ID required at test center
- •Open book: candidates may bring the IECC Residential Provisions codebook (per exam bulletin edition)
- •Tabs, highlighting, and handwritten margin notes are permitted; printed inserts are not
- •ICC PRONTO remote proctoring available 24/7 with system check
ICC 79 Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
6-10 weeks for most candidates
From start to license in hand
Retake Policy
Failed candidates may retake the exam after waiting the required period and paying a new exam fee. ICC recommends targeted study using the diagnostic report between attempts.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free ICC 79 Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: Approximately 65-75% for first-time test takers (varies by preparation level). These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.
100 Practice Questions
Mapped to the Exam 79 content outline — envelope, mechanical, water heating, and compliance paths.
AI-Powered Coaching
Adaptive feedback on R-values, U-factors, ACH50 limits, and IECC section navigation.
2026 Updated
Review the current IECC 2021 residential provisions and ICC Exam 79 outline.
Free Access
Free, no-signup practice — try the questions before paying the $230-$290 exam fee.
What You'll Study
12 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Exam Overview, Scope & Construction Documents
3 sections
Climate Zones, Materials Identification & Inspections
3 sections
Compliance Paths, UA Tradeoff & Additional Efficiency
3 sections
Building Thermal Envelope Criteria
3 sections
Specific Insulation Assemblies
4 sections
Fenestration, Glazing & Doors
3 sections
Air Leakage Testing, Air Barrier & Moisture
4 sections
HVAC Controls, Sizing & Ventilation
3 sections
Duct Insulation, Sealing & Leakage Testing
3 sections
Service Water Heating, Piping & Lighting
3 sections
Simulated Performance, ERI & Tropical Option
3 sections
Additions, Alterations, Repairs & Change of Occupancy
3 sections
ICC 79 Exam Details
ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner (Exam 79)
Administered by International Code Council (ICC)
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official International Code Council (ICC) content outline
Construction document review, energy certificates, inspection stages, and Table R402.4.1.1 air barrier and insulation installation checklist verification.
IECC R402 insulation R-values, fenestration U-factor and SHGC, air leakage testing (R402.4.1.2 ACH50), and continuous insulation across climate zones.
Duct insulation (R-8 attic supply), UL 181A/B duct sealing, thermostat controls (R403.1), equipment sizing (Manual J/S), and duct leakage testing.
Pipe insulation (R-3 on 3/4-inch and larger), recirculation controls, drain water heat recovery, and water heater efficiency.
R404 high-efficacy lighting (90% minimum), recessed luminaire air sealing, and electrical penetration sealing in the thermal envelope.
IECC Chapter 5 [RE] application to existing buildings — alterations (R503), additions (R502), repairs (R501.3), and change of occupancy (R501.6).
R407 efficiency packages, ERI compliance (R406), simulated performance (R405), UA tradeoff (R402.1.5), and the 2009 IECC envelope backstop.
What's Included
12 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds
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What's Next After the ICC 79?
After passing the ICC 79, you can pursue these career paths
icc-residential-energy-inspector
Combine with ICC Exam 78 to earn the IECC/HERS Compliance Specialist combination designation.
icc-residential-energy-inspector
Add the ICC Commercial Energy Inspector or Commercial Energy Plans Examiner to inspect all building types.
icc-residential-energy-inspector
Pair with HERS Rater (RESNET) credential to provide ERI ratings and energy code third-party verification.
ICC 79 Exam FAQ
Official International Code Council (ICC) Resources
Verify information with these official sources
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Ready to Start Your Free ICC 79 Prep?
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