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California Residential Building Inspector (J1) Exam

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California Residential Building Inspector (J1) Exam


The California Residential Building Inspector (J1) exam is a state-level certification program designed for individuals who want to inspect one- and two-family dwellings, townhomes up to three stories tall, and accessory structures for compliance with California's building codes and standards.


Who Should Take the J1 Exam?

This certification is ideal for professionals involved in residential construction, including:

  • Building inspectors
  • Contractors
  • Plan reviewers
  • Building code enthusiasts


Course Outline 

The Exam covers the given topics  - 

  • Topic 1: Code Administration
  • Topic 2: Overview of Building Planning                                                                                                         
  • Topic 3: Footings and Foundations                                                                                                                
  • Topic 4: Floor Construction                                                                                                                             
  • Topic 5: Wall Construction and Coverings                                                                                                    
  • Topic 6: Roof/Ceiling Construction                                                                                                                 
  • Topic 7: Public Safety and Special Construction                                                                                           

California Residential Building Inspector (J1) Exam FAQs

Results for examinations taken online or at a testing site are available immediately after completion of the examination.

The California Residential Building Inspector (J1) exam is for professionals with abilities to perform inspections of structures for managing compliance with the various Building Codes and Standards adopted by the jurisdiction. Moreover, the Inspector should also have skills and knowledge to inspect one-and-two family dwellings, townhomes not more than three stories in height, and accessory structures.

You can give the exam by - Pearson VUE provides computer-based testing and proctored online testing that is PRONTO.

For registration, 1. Firstly, log in to myICC to make an exam purchase. However, if you already have an account, please contact ICC before creating a new one so all of your information stays under one account. 2. Secondly, you will be required to pay for your exam first before scheduling if you are taking a National Certification, California, or UST/AST exam via CBT or PRONTO. 3. Thirdly, enter your first and last LEGAL NAME exactly as it appears on the identification you will present before testing.

California Residential Building Inspector (J1) is an open book examination with the code year 2019 that consists of 50 multiple‐choice questions.

The time duration to complete the California Residential Building Inspector (J1) exam is 2 hours (120 minutes).

1. Firstly, the exam title should match your desired exam. 2. Secondly, check the code year and the testing method. 3. Thirdly, the name on the account is necessary to match the government-issued ID of the exam.

The Code Council reserves the right for revoking or withholding any examination scores if, in its only opinion, there is adequate reason to question their validity. The reasons are: 1. Firstly, giving or receiving assistance with answers during testing. 2. Secondly, using unauthorized materials during the exam. 3. Thirdly, not following the rules presented by the proctor(s). Lastly, attempting to, or removing examination materials or questions from the testing center.

Arrive at the exam site at least 30 minutes before the examination is scheduled to begin. Remember, it is your responsibility to already be familiar with the regulations governing Code Council examinations. However, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be refused admission, and exam fees will be forfeited.

For California Residential Building Inspector (J1) exam the objectives include: 1. Firstly, Code Administration; 2. Building Planning; 3. Footings and Foundations; 4. Floor Construction; 5. Wall Construction Coverings 6. Roof/Ceiling Construction 7. Public Safety and Special Construction

The California Residential Building Inspector (J1) Exam is an objective type exam with the multiple-choice format, with one answer on each question, scored as correct.

Yes, it is an open-book exam. Most exams are open books. Examination information, including whether your exam is open- or closed-book, can be found in the applicable exam information by searching for your exam in the exam catalog. However, if you are taking a Contractor/Trades exam, examination information will be found in the applicable bulletin found in the exam catalog.

ICC ensures the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public by creating safe buildings and communities. Every individual participating in an ICC activity shall: 1. Firstly, support the mission of the ICC for providing the highest quality codes, standards, products, and services. 2. Secondly, act in an ethical manner, comply with the ethical rules and regulations related to the profession. Thirdly, demonstrate integrity, honesty, and fairness while participating in ICC activities. Lastly, for ICC-certified individuals, maintaining professional competence in all areas of employment responsibility.

If a candidate renews online, then certifications are renewal starts immediately. Moreover, they will find a new certification expiration date on myICC account immediately after the online renewal application is processed. For Renewing Online: 1. Firstly, log in to myICC account. Then, on myICC dashboard, click “My CEUs.” From there certification screen will appear. Here, you can view your current total Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and certificates. 2. Secondly, when you are ready to renew, click “Renew Certificates.” And select the number of certificates you want to renew. 3. Thirdly, click on the “Proceed to Renew” tab. Then, confirm your renewal information. This will also include the number of CEUs you plan to use to renew and the fee. After that, click “Purchase. Lastly, you will see the Express Checkout screen for entering your billing address and payment method. After completing, click “Place Order Now.”