ICC F11 General Building Contractor Fast Practice Exam

The actual F11 exam is a 4-hour test with 90 multiple-choice questions. It is open book, meaning you can bring approved reference materials into the exam—but don’t let this fool you into thinking it’s an easy test! Success requires an in-depth knowledge of core subjects and familiarity with your materials to locate answers quickly.

The Pearson VUE testing platform provides a professional and controlled environment where candidates can focus solely on the questions at hand. For further details on exam requirements, download the official F11 Candidate Bulletin.

Not ready for the full exam yet? Try our practice test to build your skills before heading to Pearson VUE!

Our F11 practice exam is the perfect tool to help you prepare for the real thing. Here’s why:

• Fast-Paced and Convenient: Each practice exam consists of 20 questions that you must answer in 40 minutes. This format is ideal for studying on the go and helps you get used to the time pressure of the actual exam.
• Affordable: At just $3.50 per exam, you can take multiple practice tests without breaking the bank.
• Comprehensive Question Bank: With over 1300 questions, every practice exam you take will be different, ensuring you’re exposed to a wide range of topics.
• Realistic Simulation: Our practice exam closely mirrors the format and difficulty of the actual Pearson Vue exam, giving you a true sense of what to expect.

The practice exam thoroughly addresses the four primary subject domains that appear on the official F11 certification test:

Administrative General Regulations

Questions in this section test your understanding of permit requirements, code compliance, inspection processes, and other administrative aspects of construction projects. Mastering these regulations is crucial for ensuring projects meet legal requirements from start to finish.

Building Planning and Life Safety

This section focuses on design considerations that directly impact occupant safety and accessibility. Topics include exit requirements, fire separation, occupancy classifications, and other critical planning elements that ensure buildings meet safety standards.

Structural Systems

Questions covering structural systems test your knowledge of load calculations, foundation requirements, framing systems, and other elements that ensure structural integrity. Understanding these concepts is essential for constructing buildings that can withstand environmental forces and support intended uses.

Building Envelope

This domain examines your familiarity with components that separate interior and exterior environments, including roofing systems, wall assemblies, moisture barriers, and insulation requirements. Mastery of building envelope concepts ensures construction projects achieve proper protection from the elements and energy efficiency.

Success on both the practice exam and the official certification test requires familiarity with specific code references. The two primary resources used for the F11 exam are:

• 2015 International Building Code® – The comprehensive building code that establishes minimum requirements for building systems
• Concrete Manual – Essential reference for concrete specifications and requirements

Becoming familiar with the organization of these references is particularly important since the official exam is open-book. Knowing where to find information quickly can dramatically improve your test performance.

Obtaining the F11 National Standard General Building Contractor A certification opens numerous professional pathways. With this credential, you can:

• Oversee general building construction projects
• Qualify to obtain certain building permits
• Demonstrate professional competence to clients and employers
• Meet licensing requirements in jurisdictions that recognize the certification
• Command higher compensation for your demonstrated expertise

The F11 certification is accepted across multiple jurisdictions that recognize International Code Council (ICC) credentials. For specific information about jurisdictional acceptance, visit the ICC website for the most current information.

Question 1:

What is the minimum required fire-resistance rating for an exterior wall in a Type IIB construction building located less than 5 feet from a property line, assuming no openings are present?

(A) No fire-resistance rating required
(B) 1-hour
(C) 2-hour
(D) 3-hour

Answer: (C) 2-hour (Refer to the 2015 IBC, Table 601 and 602 for fire-resistance ratings based on construction type and fire separation distance).

Question 2:

According to the 2015 IBC, what is the maximum allowable height for a wood-framed, three-story office building of Type VA construction?

(A) 40 feet
(B) 50 feet
(C) 60 feet
(D) 70 feet

Answer: (C) 60 feet (Refer to the 2015 IBC, Table 504.3 for allowable building heights. Note: this example may change if there are sprinklers)

Question 3:

What is the minimum clear width for an accessible route serving an occupancy load of less than 50 people?

(A) 32 inches
(B) 36 inches
(C) 44 inches
(D) 48 inches

Answer: (B) 36 inches (Refer to the 2015 IBC, Chapter 10, and Chapter 11 for accessibility requirements).

Question 4:

What is the typical compressive strength (in psi) specified for concrete used in residential foundation walls?

(A) 1500 psi
(B) 2500 psi
(C) 3500 psi
(D) 4500 psi

Answer: (B) 2500 psi (While this can vary, 2500 psi is a common minimum strength for residential foundations. Refer to the Concrete Manual and local amendments).

Question 5:

A building permit is typically required for which of the following activities?

(A) Painting the exterior of a single-family dwelling.
(B) Replacing existing kitchen cabinets with new cabinets of the same size.
(C) Constructing a detached storage shed that is 150 square feet.
(D) Replacing a damaged light fixture with a similar fixture.

Answer: (C) Constructing a detached storage shed that is 150 square feet. (The 2015 IBC generally requires permits for structures over a certain size, often 120 or 200 sq ft, but this can vary by jurisdiction. Options A, B, and D are typically considered minor repairs or alterations that don’t require permits).

Question 6:

What is the purpose of a vapor retarder in a wall assembly?
(A) increase thermal resistance
(B) Provide structural support
(C) To slow or reduce water vapor movement
(D) Increase Sound Reduction

Answer (C) To slow or reduce water vapor movement

Question 7:

What does the R-Value represent in insulation?
(A) Resistance to heat flow.
(B) The thickness of insulation.
(C) How flammable a product is.
(D) How much structural value is added to the structure

Answer (A) Resistance to heat flow.