21 Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner Exam Prep

21 Accessibility Inspector Exam Study Guide

Exam Overview

The Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner certification tests your knowledge of accessibility requirements in the International Building Code (IBC) and the ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard. This exam focuses on practical application of accessibility regulations in building design, construction, and inspection.

Exam Details:

• 80 multiple-choice questions
• 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
• Open book: 2021 IBC + ICC A117.1-2017
• Passing score: ~70% (56/80 correct)

Reference Materials:

• 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
• ICC A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

Category Breakdown

Category 1: Accessible Routes (22% — ~13 questions)

Key Concepts:

Accessible routes are continuous, unobstructed paths connecting all accessible elements and spaces within a building or site. This is the highest-weighted category and forms the foundation of accessibility compliance.

IBC Chapter 11 Requirements:

Section 1104 — Accessible Route:

• At least one accessible route must connect accessible building entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building
• Accessible route required from site arrival points to accessible building entrance
• Exceptions for raised platforms, non-occupiable spaces, equipment areas
• In multi-story buildings, accessible route required to all levels except where exempted

Section 1104.3 — Connected Spaces:

Accessible routes must connect:

• Accessible parking spaces to accessible entrance
• Public streets/sidewalks to accessible entrance
• Accessible entrances to all publicly accessible spaces on floor
• Each accessible space to other accessible spaces on same floor

Section 1104.4 — Multilevel Buildings and Facilities:

• Accessible route required to each level unless building meets specific exemptions
• Exemptions for certain small buildings (less than 3,000 sq ft per story with no more than one story above or below)

ICC A117.1 Chapter 4 — Accessible Routes:

Section 403 — Walking Surfaces:

• Clear width: 36" minimum continuous width
• Exception: 32" minimum for 24" maximum length
• Passing spaces: 60" x 60" minimum every 200 feet where width is less than 60"
• Cross slope: 1:48 (2%) maximum

Section 403.3 — Slope:

• Running slope must be 1:20 (5%) or less
• Slopes exceeding 1:20 are considered ramps (see Category 1 ramps section)

Section 403.5 — Changes in Level:

• Vertical changes up to 1/4" permitted
• Vertical changes 1/4" to 1/2" must be beveled with 1:2 maximum slope
• Changes exceeding 1/2" require ramp or curb ramp

Section 404 — Doors, Doorways, and Gates:

Clear Width:

• Swinging doors: 32" minimum clear opening (measured from door face to stop with door open 90°)
• Sliding/folding doors: 32" minimum clear opening

Maneuvering Clearances:

Critical dimensions that vary by door approach and operation:

• Front approach, pull side: 60" depth x 18" latch side strike clearance
• Front approach, push side: 48" depth x 0" strike clearance (12" if door has closer and latch)
• Latch approach, pull side: 60" depth x 36" (48" if door has closer)
• Latch approach, push side: 42" depth x 24"
• Hinge approach, pull side: 60" depth x 36" maneuvering on latch side
• Hinge approach, push side: 42" depth x 54" maneuvering on latch side

Thresholds:

• 1/2" maximum height
• Beveled with 1:2 maximum slope if exceeding 1/4"

Door Hardware:

• Operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting
• Hardware mounted 34" minimum to 48" maximum above floor
• Closing speed: Minimum 5 seconds from 90° to 12° from latch

Section 405 — Ramps:

Slope and Rise:

• Maximum running slope: 1:12 (8.33%)
• Maximum rise for any ramp run: 30"
• Cross slope: 1:48 (2%) maximum

Width:

• Minimum clear width: 36" (between handrails if provided)

Landings:

• Required at top and bottom of each ramp run
• Required when ramp changes direction
• Minimum size: 60" x 60"
• Landing length equal to ramp width minimum
• Slope: 1:48 (2%) maximum in any direction

Edge Protection:

• Required on each side when drop-off exceeds 6"
• Curb minimum 4" high, or barrier preventing passage of 4" sphere, or extended surface

Handrails:

• Required on both sides when rise exceeds 6"
• Gripping surface 34" to 38" above ramp surface
• Extended 12" minimum beyond top and bottom (parallel to ground)
• Top and bottom extensions minimum 12" plus width of ramp run

Section 406 — Curb Ramps:

• Running slope: 1:12 (8.33%) maximum
• Cross slope: 1:48 (2%) maximum
• Clear width: 36" minimum (excluding flared sides)
• Landings: 36" minimum length at top (in direction of ramp run)
• Detectable warnings required at pedestrian street crossings

Section 407 — Elevators: