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BCIN exam

The House exam

The technical exam for houses: Part 9 of Division B as it applies to detached, semi-detached and row houses, plus the Part 3 to 7 and Part 12 provisions, Supplementary Standards and Division C items the guide names.

Houses and Part 9Technical

multiple choice questions
70
multiple choice questions
to finish
3 hours
to finish
to pass
70%
to pass
you work from the code
Open book
you work from the code

Last updated

Who needs it

Building officials who inspect or review houses and BCIN designers who design houses. Both also need a legal exam. Passing Small Buildings also grants the House qualification.

Covered by: Small Buildings. Passing one of those also qualifies you for House.

Free House study guide

One chapter per section of the exam, following the Ministry's study guide for the House exam, in plain language, with every rule linked to the 2024 OBC article it comes from.

  1. 1Code structure, objectives and functional statementsDivision A (application, compliance, definitions, objectives, functional statements), Division B Part 1 and SA-1.6 min read
  2. 2Parts 3 to 7 provisions referenced by Part 9The specific Part 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 provisions listed in the guide: noncombustible materials, firewalls, ratings, building height exceptions.7 min read
  3. 3Part 9 application, materials and structural requirementsPart 9 application items (electrical conductors, radon, flood plains, factory-built buildings), materials (concrete, lumber, metal).5 min read
  4. 4Rooms and spaces, glass, windows and doorsRoom areas and ceiling heights, bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and doorways, glass, and required windows, doors and skylights.5 min read
  5. 5Stairs, ramps, handrails and guardsStair dimensions and configurations, rise and run, ramps, landings, handrails, guards and their construction, plus SB-7 guard designs.7 min read
  6. 6Means of egressExits and means of egress in houses and small residential buildings: dimensions, fire protection of exits, doors.6 min read
  7. 7Fire protection, smoke alarms and sound transmissionPart 9 fire protection: ratings, construction types, fire separations between suites and garages, service rooms, firewalls.7 min read
  8. 8Excavation, dampproofing, drainage, footings and foundationsExcavation and backfill, dampproofing and waterproofing, soil gas control (SB-9), foundation and surface drainage, footing sizes.7 min read
  9. 9Columns, crawl spaces, roof spaces, masonry, chimneys and fireplacesColumns, crawl space and attic venting and access, above-ground masonry and ICF walls, masonry and concrete chimneys, and fireplaces.6 min read
  10. 10Wood-frame and steel stud constructionWood-frame construction: fasteners and nailing, span tables, notching and drilling, anchorage, sill plates, beams, joists, studs, lintels.7 min read
  11. 11Heat transfer, air leakage, condensation and energy efficiencyInsulation, air barriers, vapour barriers and material position in the envelope.6 min read
  12. 12Roofing, cladding and stuccoRoof slopes and coverings, flashing, eave protection, underlay and shingles, roof drains, cladding and the second plane of protection.6 min read
  13. 13Interior finishes and flooringInterior wall and ceiling finishes (gypsum board, plaster, panels, tile) and flooring (underlay, wood, resilient, ceramic).5 min read
  14. 14Plumbing facilities, electrical, garages and special buildingsRequired plumbing facilities, a single HVAC item, electrical facilities, garages and carports, cottages, log construction.5 min read
  15. 15Renovation compliance alternatives and Division C administrationPart 11 compliance alternatives (Table 11.5.1.1.C), and the Division C items on permits, occupancy, notices and inspections.6 min read
Start with chapter 1

House calculations

The Calculation Lab works through the calculations this exam asks for, step by step, with worked examples and the traps that cost marks.

Open the Calculation Lab

Practise for the House exam

Start with the free quiz. When you are ready, paid prep adds the full question bank and timed simulations in the real exam format.

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    • A short timed House quiz
    • Free practice questions, every answer explained and cited
    • The Study room: each guide chapter beside the code PDF
    • Timed lookup drills and Find it fast search lists
    • A one page cheat sheet and a hint sheet for every exam
    • The Calculation Lab
    Start the free quiz

  • House prep

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    • The full question bank, every answer explained and cited
    • The words to search with every answer, to find it fast
    • Timed 70 question, 3 hour simulations with the code PDF, like the real exam
    • Practice by study guide section or question type
    • Progress by section, weakest first
    • Everything in the free account
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Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the House exam?
70 multiple choice questions in 3 hours. You need 70% to pass.
Is the House exam open book?
Yes. The exam is open book: you work from the code, so knowing where to find an answer quickly matters as much as knowing it.
Do I need the House exam if I pass a higher exam?
Passing Small Buildings also qualifies you for House, because that exam covers its material. Check the Ministry rules for your role before you book.