ICC F12 General Building Contractor (B) Exam (2015 IBC/IRC) Practice Exam
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Complete exam simulation matching the real Pearson VUE test format.
- 80 questions (same as real exam)
- 240 minute time limit
- 4 topic areas covered
- 397 questions in pool
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ICC F12 General Building Contractor (B) (2015 IBC/IRC) Practice Exam Guide
What's on the exam
Questions per topic, out of 80This practice exam follows the official content outline for the ICC F12 General Building Contractor (B) (2015 IBC/IRC) exam: Permits and General Regulations, Building Planning and Life Safety, Structural Systems, Building Envelope.
You can practice two ways. The free practice exam gives you 10 questions per attempt, and you can retake it whenever you like. The full practice exam gives you 80 questions on a 4 hours clock, with a new draw from our question bank each attempt.
Permits and General Regulations 17 items
Our study plan for this topic: Regulations and Job Planning; Code Definitions and Terms; Permit application requirements and procedures; Work exempt from permit requirements; Inspections and required inspection types; Certificate of occupancy requirements and issuance; Building official authority and enforcement powers; Stop work orders and violation penalties.
Building Planning and Life Safety 24 items
Our study plan for this topic: Use & Occupancy & Types of Construction; Fire & Smoke Alarms & Fire Protection Systems; Exiting & Means of Egress; Accessibility; Building Heights, Number of Stories, and Area Limitations by Occupancy and Construction Type; Fire-Resistant Construction and Separation Requirements (IRC); Occupant Load Calculation and Posting Requirements; Egress Illumination and Emergency Power for Means of Egress.
Structural Systems 33 items
Our study plan for this topic: Footings and Foundations; Concrete; Floors; Wall Framing and Stairs; Roof Ceiling Construction Roof Assembly; Masonry; Structural load types and load combinations (dead, live, wind, seismic, snow); Wall bracing methods and braced wall panel requirements.
Building Envelope 6 items
Our study plan for this topic: Interior Finishes; Glass and Glazing; Exterior Finishes and Roof Coverings; Roof drainage systems and secondary overflow protection; Roof fire classification requirements by construction type; Weather protection and flashing installation requirements; Vapor retarders and water-resistive barriers for exterior walls; Exterior wall cladding materials and attachment requirements.
Sample 1 — Structural Systems
Question: As the general building contractor, you are asked to evaluate concrete on an existing commercial structure that is showing visible deterioration. What is identified as the FIRST step in the treatment of concrete showing damage or deterioration?
- A. Review the original mix design
- B. Classify the kind of damage
- C. Remove all deteriorated concrete
- D. Drill cores for compressive testing
Correct Answer: B
Concrete Manual, Chapter 1, Section 1.7 states that the first step in treating concrete that shows damage or deterioration is to classify the damage. Classification assists in diagnosis because the forces producing each kind of damage can be generalized, narrowing the field of possible causes; the cause is determined after classification.
Reference: Concrete Manual (2015 IBC / ACI 318-14), Chapter 1 — Section 1.7 (Distress and Failure of Concrete)
Sample 2 — Building Planning and Life Safety
Question: Handrails must be provided on not less than one side of each continuous run of treads or flight containing at least how many risers?
- A. Five
- B. Four
- C. Two
- D. Three
Correct Answer: B
Per 2015 IRC Section R311.7.8, handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each continuous run of treads or flight with four or more risers.
Reference: IRC 2015 Section R311.7.8
Sample 3 — Permits and General Regulations
Question: The building official has inspected your completed commercial building, found no violations, and is preparing the certificate of occupancy. Which of the following is NOT required to be contained in that certificate?
- A. The design occupant load
- B. The name of the building official
- C. The code edition for the permit
- D. The valuation of the completed work
Correct Answer: D
2015 IBC Section 111.2 lists the required contents of the certificate of occupancy, including the design occupant load (item 10), the edition of the code under which the permit was issued (item 7), and the name of the building official (item 6). Valuation of the work is required on the permit application under Section 105.3, item 5 — not on the certificate of occupancy.
Reference: IBC 2015 Chapter 1 — Section 111.2 Certificate Issued
Your first attempt tells you where you're starting from. After every attempt, the results page shows your score for each outline topic, so you can see what to study next. Compare your score with the real exam's passing score, 70% correct, and keep going until you pass consistently.
- Answer the questions you know first, and bookmark the rest. Our practice exams let you bookmark and come back.
- Return to your bookmarks on the second pass.
- Keep a steady pace. The real exam works out to about 3 minutes per question.
- After each attempt, look up each missed question's reference and read the section.
| Questions | 80 questions |
| Time limit | 4 hours |
| Passing score | 70% correct |
| Books in the exam room | Open book |
| Exam fee | $120 |
- Results for examinations taken electronically are available immediately after the examination is completed.
- You must wait 10 days before retaking a failed exam.
Source: National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin, PUBLISHED June 30, 2026; ICC Exam Catalog, checked October 2, 2026. Check the bulletin before test day: fees and rules can change.