Exam FAQ's
How Do I Register for an Exam ?
Members wishing to write the Building/Plumbing Officials exams must complete and submit an Exam Application Form and submit for pre-authorization from the BOABC.
Preauthorization verifies that exam candidates are:
1) Current members in good standing with BOABC, and
2) Eligible to write the requested exam(s).
BCIT Students with submitted transcripts for proof of CURRENT registration, are also permitted one attempt at Level I – exam 1, without membership.
What are the Level and Categories of Exams ?
BC1-1 LEVEL 1 EXAM 1 BCBC part 9 codes exam (one-and two-family dwellings)
BC1-2 LEVEL 1 EXAM 2 BCBC part 9 plan review exam (single family dwelling)
BC2-5 LEVEL II EXAM 5 BCBC part 9
BC2-6 LEVEL II EXAM 6 BCBC part 9 (also parts 3,4,5,6, and 10)
BC3-7 LEVEL III EXAM 7 BCBC part 3 (part 3 buildings classification & construction)
BC3-8 LEVEL III EXAM 8 BCBC part 3 (buildings plan review)
BC3-9 LEVEL III EXAM 9 BCBC part 3 (buildings life safety systems)
BC3-10 LEVEL III EXAM 10 BCBC part 3 (part 3 buildings fire protection)
BC-P1 LEVEL I BCBC Part 7 (One-and-two-family dwellings)
BC-P2 LEVEL II BCBC Part 7 (Other than One-and-two-family dwellings)
What is the Exam Content Outline
Examinations are based on job tasks performed by a building/plumbing official. The exam content outlines provide a detailed description of the job tasks relevant to each exam and shows the number of questions in each job task and content area.
Candidates are STRONGLY advised to review these outlines to support their study and preparation for the exams.
What experience or education do I require before writing and exam?
Currently the BOABC examinations are open to all members, with no prerequisites for education or experience. Exams are difficult for those without practical industry experience and/or in-depth knowledge of how to apply the code.
How long does my pre-authorization for one exam category last?
Once a candidate is preauthorized to write an exam, they have 48 hours to pay for the exam and 60 days to write that exam. If the annual membership fee becomes due before the preauthorization period ends, and the candidate has not yet written that exam, you must renew and keep current your BOABC membership to write the exam.
How are exams scored
A passing score is the score set by the Exam Development Committee (EDC) as the minimum score needed to pass the exam. This score is technically called a scale score and is set as 80 for the BOABC and POABC.
There is no guessing penalty, so it is to your advantage to answer every question.
How often can I write an exam?
A candidate is permitted two attempts to pass an exam in any six-month period. The candidate must be preauthorized by the BOABC for each attempt. If the candidate is unsuccessful on the second attempt they must wait a full 6 months from the date of the first exam.
This does not impact the candidate’s authorization to write other exams, within that level.
Exams are required to be written in sequence of their levels. However, within each of the three levels there are subtests and those do not have to be taken in order. For example, Level III- Exam 10 can be written before Level III- Exam 8.
Are exams "open-book"
Yes, however candidates must ensure they review the exam content outlines in order to prepare for the exam.
When will I receive my results?
Results for examinations are provided immediately after completion of the examination. Members can print their own results from a tab located on the result page.
How do I address issues with my exam?
An examinee may provide feedback or challenge an exam question by submitting a Comment /Challenge form to BOABC with their signature. Comments/challenges should be submitted to BOABC by courier or by email and postmarked or received no later than 30 days following the date of the exam
The form to use for challenges and comments is available here: Exam-Comment-Challenge-Form
After you complete the exam, if you wish to challenge a question, complete the form identifying the question(s) you wish to challenge by providing as complete a description as possible from your memory of the questions while you were writing the exam.
You will not be allowed to complete this form during the exam. ICC staff will then identify the question(s) from your description, research the question(s) to determine if the question may have been flawed and send you a response.
For a more detailed explanation of the process please refer to the Examination Information Bulletin
