APPLICANT HANDBOOK

CERTIFIED BUILDING PLANS EXAMINER (CBPE)

CERTI FI ED BUI LDI NG I NSPECTOR ( CBI )
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT NFPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
OTHER NFPA CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
TESTING AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
RECOMMENDED LEVELS OF EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
APPLICATION FEES (INCLUDES EXAMINATION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION
The Application Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ASSESSMENT CENTER LOCATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT CHANGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TEST CONTENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Certified Building Inspector Detailed Content Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Certified Building Plans Examiner Detailed Content Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SAMPLE TEST ITEMS
CBI Sample Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CBPE Sample Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
REVIEW REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SECURITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PRACTICE TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
TIMED EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
INCLEMENT WEATHER, POWER FAILURE OR EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
RULES FOR EXAMINATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
FAILING TO REPORT FOR AN EXAMINATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
IF YOU PASS THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
RECERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ANNUAL PROGRAM FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SCORES CANCELED BY THE NFPA OR AMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
CONFIDENTIALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
DUPLICATE TEST RESULT REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
NFPA CBI/CBPE EXAMINATION APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
i
Copyright 2002. NFPA. All rights reserved. 11/02
ii
ABOUT NFPA
NFPA is an international nonprofit membership organ-
ization founded in 1896 as the National Fire Protection
Association. Today, with more than 75,000 members
representing nearly 100 nations and 320 employees
around the world, NFPA serves as the worlds leading
advocate of fire prevention and is an authoritative
source on public safety. In fact, NFPAs 300 safety
codes and standards influence every building,
process, service, design, and installation in the United
States, as well as many of those used in other coun-
tries. The NFPA mission is to reduce the worldwide
burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life
by developing and advocating scientifically based
consensus codes and standards, research, training,
and education.
OTHER NFPA CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
Certified Fire Inspector I and II (CFI-1 and CFI-II)
Certified Fire Plan Examiner (CFPE)
Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI)
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
This handbook provides information that you will need
to register for either the Certified Building Inspector
(CBI) Examination or the Certified Building Plans
Examiner (CBPE) Examination, including eligibility
requirements, examination policies, examination con-
tent outlines and an examination application. Be sure
to keep the handbook after you take the examination;
you may wish to refer to it later.
TESTING AGENCY
NFPA has contracted with Applied Measurement
Professionals, Inc. (AMP) to assist in the development,
administration, scoring and analysis of its CBI and
CBPE examinations. AMP services also include
reporting of scores to candidates who take the exam-
inations.
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
NFPA and AMP do not discriminate among candidates
on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion,
national origin, disability or marital status.
RECOMMENDED LEVELS OF EDUCATION
AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Building Inspector:
High School or Vocational High School Diploma
5-years construction experience
1-year Building Inspector experience
Familiarity with NFPA Codes and Standards
Building Plans Examiner:
Associate Degree
3-years Plan Review experience
Familiarity with NFPA Codes and Standards
EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION
The CBI and CBPE Examinations are delivered via
computer at over 100 AMP Assessment Centers geo-
graphically located throughout the United States.
There are no application deadlines and a candidate
may submit an application and fee at any time. The
examinations are administered by appointment only
Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-
served basis. Examinations are not offered on the fol-
lowing holidays:
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Thanksgiving (and the following Friday)
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
The week between Christmas Day and
New Years Day
APPLICATION FEES (INCLUDES EXAMINATION)
Candidates must submit the appropriate fee with a
complete examination application according to the fol-
lowing schedule. Payment may be made by credit
card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or
Discover), cashiers check, money order or personal
check made payable to NFPA.
CBI Application Fee $250.00
CBPE Application Fee $250.00
1
SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION
The Application Process
Complete all sections of the application form included
in this handbook or downloaded from the NFPA
Certification web page at www.nfpa.org/certification
and submit it to the NFPA Certification Department
with the appropriate fee to the address indicated on
the form. It will be returned if it is incomplete, illegible
or submitted with an incorrect fee.
After applications are reviewed by NFPA and the can-
didate has received written confirmation from NFPA,
there are two ways to schedule an appointment for the
CBI and CBPE Examinations.
1. Schedule Online: The candidate may schedule a
testing appointment online by visiting
www.goAMP. com and clicking on the link Online
Application/Scheduling. The computer screens
will guide the candidate through the complete
scheduling process. If special testing accommo-
dations are being requested, please contact AMP
at 888/519-9901.
OR
2. Call AMP to Schedule a Testing Appointment:
Call AMP at 888/519-9901 to schedule a testing
appointment. This toll-free number is answered
from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) Monday
through Thursday and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Central Time) on Friday.
Be prepared to confirm a location, a preferred date
and time for testing, and to provide your Social
Security number as a unique identification number.
When you contact AMP to schedule an examination
appointment, you will be notified of the time to report
to the center. Please make a note of it because you will
NOT receive an admission ticket.
A candidates application is valid for 180-days, during
which the candidate must schedule an appointment to
test on the computer and take the examination. A can-
didate who fails to schedule an appointment within the
180-day eligibility period forfeits the application and
all fees paid to take the examination. A complete
application and application fee are required to reapply
for examination. A candidate is allowed to take only
the examination for which application is made and a
confirmation notice is received. Unscheduled candi-
dates (walk-ins) are not tested.
ASSESSMENT CENTER LOCATIONS
AMP Assessment Centers are typically located in H&R
Block offices. A current list of AMP Assessment
Centers can be viewed at www.goAMP.com. Specific
address information will be provided when a candi-
date schedules an examination appointment.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR
CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES
NFPA and AMP comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act and strive to ensure that no individual
with a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take
the examination solely by reason of that disability.
AMP will provide reasonable accommodations for
candidates with disabilities.
Wheelchair access is available at all established
Assessment Centers. Candidates with visual, sensory
or physical disabilities that would prevent them from
taking the examination under standard conditions may
request special accommodations and arrangements.
To request special accommodations, complete the
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXAMINATION ACCOMMO-
DATIONS form included in this handbook and submit
it with your application and fee at least 45 business
days prior to your desired testing date. Please inform
AMP of your need for special accommodations when
scheduling your examination.
TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF
AMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices for
the Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired
candidates. TDD calling is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. (CST) Monday-Friday at 913/495-4437. This TDD
phone option is for individuals equipped with compat-
ible TDD machinery.
If you contact AMP by Your examination may be
3:00 p.m. Central Time on... scheduled as early as...
Monday Thursday
Tuesday Friday
Wednesday Monday
Thursday Tuesday
Friday Wednesday
2
EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT CHANGES
A candidate may reschedule an examination appoint-
ment at no charge once by calling AMP at 888/519-
9901 at least four business days prior to the sched-
uled testing session. (See table below.)
A candidate who:
wishes to reschedule an examination but fails to
contact AMP at least four business days prior to the
scheduled testing session,
wishes to reschedule a second time,
appears more than 15 minutes late for an examina-
tion and cannot be seated, or
fails to report for an examination appointment,
forfeits the application and all fees paid to take the
examination. A complete application and examination
fee are required to reapply for examination.
TEST CONTENT
CBI Examination: The CBI Examination is based
upon NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety
Code major content areas. Each of the content areas
is briefly described and followed by an outline of the
topics included in the area. In addition, the number of
test items devoted to each major content area is
noted. The examination is a 4-hour open book exam
composed of 110 multiple-choice questions (100
scored items, 10 pretest items). Performance on the
pretest items does not affect your score. The pretest
items are not identified.
CBPE Examination: The CBPE Examination is based
upon NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety
Code major content areas. Each of the content areas
is briefly described and followed by an outline of the
topics included in the area. In addition, the number of
test items devoted to each major content area is
noted. The examination is a 4-hour open book exam
composed of 110 multiple-choice questions (100
scored items, 10 pretest items). Performance on the
pretest items does not affect your score. The pretest
items are not identified.
Each test item on the examinations is categorized by
a cognitive level that a candidate would likely use to
respond. These categories are:
1. Recall: The ability to recall or recognize specific
information is required.
2. Application: The ability to comprehend, relate or
apply knowledge to new or changing situations is
required.
3. Analysis: The ability to analyze and synthesize
information, determine solutions and/or to evalu-
ate the usefulness of a solution is required.
3
AMP must be contacted by
3:00 p.m. Central Time to
If the examination reschedule the examination
is scheduled on by the previous...
Monday Tuesday
Tuesday Wednesday
Wednesday Thursday
Thursday Friday
Friday Monday
I. Site Inspection of Excavations 6 9 0 15
A. Location and Soil 2 2 0 4
1. Verify soil conditions to ensure soil bearing capacity and compare with the conditions
documented in the geotechnical reports X
2. Verify the depth of the excavation for foundation and footing locations and for frost
line depth protection X X
3. Verify size of footings and foundation wall dimensions for compliance to the approved
plans X X
4. Determine if foundation penetrations are located properly and have no impact on
structural integrity of the foundation X
5. Ensure that erosion control measures have been installed to jurisdictional requirements X X
6. Examine the site to evaluate that drainage, minimum flood elevations, location of utility
lines, location of building setbacks, retaining walls, access roads, and/or driveways
and Rights of Way are provided as approved and marked as documented in the final
site plan X
B. Materials 4 7 0 11
1. Confirm rod diameters and rod spacing in footings and foundation walls X
2. Review concrete testing reports to ensure that the concrete mix provided for the
footings and foundations meets the design strength required by the design professional X
3. Ensure that hydrological protection such as waterproofing, damp proofing, termite and
pest protection are installed in order to minimize negative impacts to the building or
structure X
4. Confirm that floor slab reinforcement is provided and installed properly X
5. Verify that the full required floor slab thickness is provided X
6. Review concrete testing reports to ensure that the concrete mix provided for the floor
labs meets the design strength required by the design professional X
7. Ensure that moisture barriers are installed in order to minimize negative impacts X
II. Site Inspection of Structures 24 48 8 80
A. Life Safety 5 16 5 26
1. Verify head of wall assemblies to ensure proper construction and installation X
2. Conduct full field verification that life safety requirements (e.g., overall egress
requirements, emergency light levels, exit lights, stairways, handrails, guardrails,
interior finish, windows, doors, glazing, and frames, fire dampers/smoke dampers,
elevator requirements etc.) are provided in compliance with applicable codes
3. Ensure that the building meets State and Federal accessibility requirements X
4. Verify the integrity of the installed chimneys, shafts, fireproofing, fire blocking, draft
stopping through penetration fire stops, barriers, and partitions
5. Verify the construction and ratings of firewalls and assemblies X
6. Perform inspections of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, or security/data
processing equipment X
7. Verify required structural support of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, or
security/data processing equipment X
B. Structural Systems 9 13 0 22
1. Determine if all anchorage, bolting, welds, and other connections are installed in
accordance to the approved plans X
2. Ensure loads, member size, and spans are provided in accordance with structural
requirements, and the approved plans X
3. Visually confirm that all required bracing is installed to ensure structural stability X
4. Examine structural slab formwork for stability and dimensions X
5. Confirm that reinforcing rod diameters are in compliance with specifications X
6. Measure rod spacing for compliance with specifications X
4
Cognitive Levels Note: A shaded cell with an X show items of the indicated cognitive type will not appear
on an examination. Open cells show an examination could include items of indicated
cognitive types. RE = Recall, AP = Application, AN = Analysis
Certified Building Inspector Detailed Content Outline
RE AP AN Totals
C. Materials 6 8 0 14
1. Review field certification tests such as torque testing, weld x-rays, etc. to ensure
connection integrity X
2. Confirm the type of construction and materials are as approved X
3. Review and field verify the building materials provided and installed for exterior
covering, lathing and sheathing, insulation, roofing, and veneers X
4. Verify that field installation of nails, screws, and applicable attaching systems are in
conformance with nail, screw, and attachment schedules X
D. Occupancies 4 11 3 18
1. Assess temporary structures for safety
2. Enforce that precautions during construction are in-place and in-practice in conjunction
with local and Federal safety laws X
3. Confirm proper installation of sprinklers, fire alarm, and special suppression systems X
4. Confirm proper operation of sprinklers, fire alarm, and special suppression systems X
5. Establish that lightning protection is installed in compliance with applicable code
requirements X
III. Enforcement/Administration (Administrative duties include application processing) 2 3 0 5
1. Review building permit application for completeness, compliance, and accuracy X
2. Complete a preliminary plan review for completeness, compliance, and accuracy X
3. Complete any preliminary inspections that may be required in order to process permit
application X
4. Approve building permits X
5. Sign and issue building permits X
6. Coordinate application procedures in accordance with regulations, (i.e., accuracy and
completeness of application information, plan review and approval, zoning regulation
review and approval) X
7. Complete application procedures in accordance with regulations, (i.e., accuracy and
completeness of application information, plan review and approval, zoning regulation
review and approval) X
8. Calculate applicable permit fee(s) X
9. Collect applicable permit fee(s) X
10. Issue a certificate to allow occupancy X
11. Ensure regulatory compliance for new buildings and structures X
12. Ensure regulatory compliance for existing buildings and structures X
13. Conduct a follow up inspection of unsafe buildings X
14. Utilize the Right of Entry process X
15. Issue Stop Work Orders for violations or hazards X
16. Suspend a building permit when or if a building department oversight is discovered X
17. Suspend a building permit when construction is not in compliance with approved plans
and specifications X
18. Suspend a building permit for failure to complete corrections required after failing an
inspection X
19. Revoke a building permit for falsifying permit application information X
20. Revoke a building permit due to inaccurate plan information X
21. Revoke a building permit when design professional is not licensed to practice in the
state X
22. Present cases before the board of appeals X
23. Use a field checklist when performing inspections X
TOTALS 32 60 8 100
Cognitive Levels Note: A shaded cell with an X show items of the indicated cognitive type will not appear
on an examination. Open cells show an examination could include items of indicated
cognitive types. RE = Recall, AP = Application, AN = Analysis
RE AP AN Totals
5
I. Prior Approvals, Building Plan & Document Review Administration, and Documenting
Deficiencies 3 9 3 15
1. Provide review of site plan for regulatory compliance X
2. Verify use, location, and district of property under consideration X
3. Check for compliance with building setback requirements X
4. Review miscellaneous requirements (e.g., lot coverage, parking)
5. Ensure that any necessary certifications or approvals required by the authority having
jurisdiction have been issued X
6. Ensure services and utilities are documented on the plans X
7. Review building permit application for completeness, compliance, and accuracy X
8. Provide a comprehensive plan review for completeness, compliance, and accuracy
9. Approve building permit X X
10. Sign and issue building permit X X
11. Coordinate application procedures in accordance with regulations, (i.e., accuracy and
completeness of application information, plan review and approval, zoning regulation
review and approval) X
12. Complete application procedures in accordance with regulations, (i.e., accuracy and
completeness of application information, plan review and approval, zoning regulation
review and approval) X
13. Calculate applicable permit fee(s) X
14. Collect applicable permit fee(s) X X
15. Review structural calculations for accuracy and compliance
16. Conduct verification of the testing companies that will be responsible for specific tests
and inspections X
17. Cite code sections upon discovery of code deficiencies X
18. Notify applicant in writing of code deficiencies X
19. Review resubmittal of documents after submitter has addressed deficiencies. X
II. Review Process 22 38 25 85
A. Life Safety 6 7 19 32
1. Verify that the building is divided into the required fire compartment(s)
2. Check that all fire separation distances comply with the approved code
3. Conduct full verification that life safety requirements (e.g., overall egress requirements,
emergency light levels, exit lights, stairways, handrails, guardrails, interior finish,
windows, doors, glazing, and frames, fire dampers/smoke dampers, open protectives,
elevator requirements etc.) are provided in compliance with applicable codes
4. Ensure that the building meets State and Federal accessibility requirements
5. Verify code compliance of necessary chimneys, shafts, fireproofing, fire blocking, draft
stopping through penetration fire stops, barriers, and partitions
6. Verify ratings of firewalls and assemblies
7. Ensure that adequate fire department access is provided X
8. Review, if applicable, the basis, assumptions, calculations, and alternatives provided
through performance-based design
B. Structural Systems 5 7 0 12
1. Determine if anchorage, bolting, welding, and other connections requirements are
provided X
2. Ensure that loads, member size, and spans are provided in accordance with structural
requirements X
3. Confirm that all required bracing is provided to ensure structural stability X
6
Cognitive Levels Note: A shaded cell with an X show items of the indicated cognitive type will not appear
on an examination. Open cells show an examination could include items of indicated
cognitive types. RE = Recall, AP = Application, AN = Analysis
Certified Building Plans Examiner Detailed Content Outline
RE AP AN Totals
C. Materials 5 7 0 12
1. Ensure that construction type is in compliance with the code and the regulations X
2. Verify that a schedule of building materials is provided for exterior covering, lathing and
sheathing, insulation, roofing, and veneers X
3. Verify that attachment, nail, and screw schedules are provided X
D. Occupancies 6 17 6 29
1. Confirm occupancy classifications of a building and/or portions of a building
2. Ensure that the building complies with height and area limits for the construction type
and occupancy classification
3. Confirm sprinkler, fire alarm, special suppression and/or smoke control system
requirements
4. Establish that lightning protection is provided in compliance with applicable safety
requirements X
5. Ensure that all required fire extinguishers are in appropriate locations X
6. Review equipment installation locations for compliance with requirements X
7. Ensure that all indoor environment protection is provided X
25 47 28 100
7
Cognitive Levels Note: A shaded cell with an X show items of the indicated cognitive type will not appear
on an examination. Open cells show an examination could include items of indicated
cognitive types. RE = Recall, AP = Application, AN = Analysis
RE AP AN Totals
SAMPLE TEST ITEMS
CBI Sample Questions
1. When columns are required to have a fire
resistance rating, the fire resistance protection
shall
A. include connections to beams.
B. extend from the floor to the ceiling.
C. extend from the floor to the floor above.
D. include girders supported by the column.
Answer: A
2. Where fixed drinking fountains are provided,
what percent shall be made accessible?
A. 20
B. 40
C. 50
D. 100
Answer: C
3. In the sloped glazing system of a one and two
family dwelling, a screen shall be required
where the pane of glass is
A. 12 sq. ft. in area, the highest point of glass
is 10 ft. above walking surface, and the
glass thickness is
3
/
16
in.
B. 13 sq. ft. in area, the highest point of glass is
12 ft. above walking surface, and the glass
thickness is
1
/
4
in.
C. 16 sq. ft. in area, the highest point of glass is
12 ft. above walking surface, and the glass
thickness is
3
/
16
in.
D. 17 sq. ft. in area, the highest point of glass is
14 ft. above walking surface, and the glass
thickness is
1
/
4
in.
Answer: D
4. The occupant load from a sales area of 20,000
sq. ft. where two or more floors are directly
accessible from the street shall be
A. 200.
B. 333.
C. 500.
D. 666.
Answer: C
5. What is the minimum dimension for wood
columns supporting floor loads for Type IV
buildings?
A. 6 in.
B. 8 in.
C. 10 in.
D. 12 in.
Answer: B
6. When a Type SC soil is used as unbalanced
backfill against a relatively rigid wall, the design
lateral load shall be
A. 30 psf per ft. of depth.
B. 45 psf per ft. of depth.
C. 60 psf per ft. of depth.
D. 100 psf per ft. of depth.
Answer: D
7. What species of wood provides termite
resistance?
A. cedars
B. cypress
C. black locust
D. eastern red cedars
Answer: D
8. A 4 ft. x 8 ft. x
1
/
4
in. interior paneling requires a
minimum of how many 4d casing or finish nails
for proper connection panel edges?
A. 44
B. 48
C. 52
D. 56
Answer: B
9. The installation standards for a wet chemical
system require the building fire alarm system be
A. 12A.
B. 17.
C. 17A.
D. 750.
Answer: C
10. A permit placard must be posted within how
many feet of the construction area?
A. 50
B. 100
C. 150
D. 200
Answer: D
8
CBPE Sample Questions
1. Oil based paint is being stored in a 50 ft. x 80 ft. x
20 ft. building. What is the required CFM of
ventilation?
A. 4,000 CFM
B. 16,000 CFM
C. 40,000 CFM
D. 160,000 CFM
Answer: A
2. Fire doors in horizontal exits shall have an
opening protective of
A.
1
/
2
.
B. 1.
C. 1
1
/
2
.
D. 2.
Answer: C
3. Abrupt changes in elevation on walking surfaces,
in a means of egress, shall NOT exceed
A.
1
/
8
in.
B.
3
/
8
in.
C.
1
/
4
in.
D.
1
/
2
in.
Answer: C
4. An automatic sprinklered, fixed seat theatre has
been designed in which the maximum number of
seats in a row serving an exit aisle from both
sides is 70. The risers in the aisle are 9 in. high.
There is no hand rail in the aisle. What is the
minimum width of the aisle?
A. 36.00 in.
B. 36.75 in.
C. 42.00 in.
D. 48.00 in.
Answer: D
5. In an unsprinklered, three-story office building
with 35,000 sq. ft. per floor, if the travel distance
does not exceed 200 ft., what is the number of
exits required?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
Answer: B
6. An unsprinklered gymnasium is provided with four
standard 36 in. wide doors, located one on each
wall. The maximum egress capacity provided is
A. 480.
B. 680.
C. 720.
D. 750.
Answer: B
7. A 150,000 sq. ft. school is being constructed of
Type V (III) construction. The building contains
a 100 ft. x 120 ft. gym, a 100 ft. x 80 ft. multi-
purpose room with no stage or platform,
automatic sprinklers, and is located 75 ft. from
adjacent buildings and property lines. Which of
the following construction is required?
A. 3-hour fire wall between the educational
space and gymnasium to create separate
buildings
B. 1-hour separation between the educational
space to create required compartments
C. 1-hour separation between use groups and
within the educational space to create
separate compartments
D. 1-hour separation between the educational
space, multi-purpose room and gymnasium
to create separate use groups
Answer: C
8. Which of the following is the criteria for the
requirements for anchorage of a segmented
shearwall?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Answer: A
9. Which of the following is NOT required as
protection in a high hazard area of a business
occupancy?
A. 1-hour fire barrier
B.
3
/
4
-hour fire doors
C. portable fire extinguishers
D. automatic extinguishing system
Answer: C
10. The standard for removal of grease-laden vapors
and smoke from commercial cooking equipment
is NFPA
A. 72.
B. 90A.
C. 96.
D. 99.
Answer: C
9
REVIEW REFERENCES
NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety
Code, is available through the NFPA Customer
Service Department at 800/344-3555. This reference
is allowed during the open-book examination.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST
On the day of your testing appointment, report to the
AMP Assessment Center no later than your scheduled
testing time. Once you enter the H&R Block office,
look for the signs indicating AMP Assessment Center
Check-In. AN APPLICANT WHO ARRIVES MORE
THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED TEST-
ING TIME WILL NOT BE ADMITTED.
To gain admission to the Assessment Center, a candi-
date needs to present two forms of identification, one
with a current photograph. Both forms of identification
must be current and include the candidates current
name and signature. The candidate will also be
required to sign a roster for verification of identity.
Acceptable forms of photo identification include: a
current drivers license with photograph, a current
state identification card with photograph, a current
passport, or a current military identification card with
photograph. Employment ID cards, student ID cards
and any type of temporary identification are NOT
acceptable. Candidates are prohibited from misrepre-
senting their identities or falsifying information to
obtain admission to the Assessment Center. YOU
MUST HAVE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TO GAIN
ADMISSION TO THE ASSESSMENT CENTER.
After your identification has been confirmed, you will
be directed to a testing carrel. You will be prompted
on-screen to enter your Social Security number. Your
photograph will be taken and it will remain on-screen
throughout your testing session. This photograph will
also print on your score report.
SECURITY
NFPA and AMP maintain test administration and test
security standards that are designed to assure that all
candidates are provided the same opportunity to
demonstrate their abilities. The Assessment Center is
continuously monitored by audio and video surveil-
lance equipment for security purposes.
PRACTICE TEST
Prior to attempting the examination, you will be given
the opportunity to practice taking a test on computer.
The time you use for this practice test is NOT counted
as part of your examination time. When you are com-
fortable with the computer testing process, you may
quit the practice session and begin the timed exami-
nation.
TIMED EXAMINATION
Following the practice test, you will begin the actual
examination. Before beginning, instructions for taking
the examination are provided on-screen.
The CBI Examination is open-book and contains 110
test items and 4 hours are allotted to complete the
examination.
The CBPE Examination is open-book and contains
110 test items and 4 hours are allotted to complete
the examination.
The following is a sample of what the computer screen
will look like when candidates are attempting the
examination.
The computer monitors the time you spend on the
examination. The examination will terminate if you
exceed the time limit. You may click on the Time but-
ton in the lower right portion of the screen or select the
TIME key to monitor your time. A digital clock indicates
the time remaining for you to complete the examina-
tion. The time feature may also be turned off during the
examination.
Only one test item is presented at a time. The item
number appears in the lower right portion of the
screen. The entire test item appears on-screen (i.e.,
stem and four options labeled A, B, C and D).
Indicate your choice by either entering the letter of
the option you think is correct (A, B, C or D) or
clicking on the option using the mouse. To change
your answer, enter a different option by pressing the A,
10
When columns are required to have a fire resistance rating, the fire
resistance protection shall
include connections to beams.
extend from the floor to the ceiling.
extend from the floor to the floor above.
include girders supported by the column. D.
C.
B.
A.
Cover Help A > < ! < Time 1 >>
Candidates
Picture
Here
B, C or D key or by clicking on the option using the
mouse. You may change your answers as many times
as you wish during the testing time limit.
To move to the next item, click on the forward arrow (>)
in the lower right portion of the screen or select the
NEXT key. This action will move you forward through
the examination item by item. If you wish to review any
item or items, click the backward arrow (<) or use the
left arrow key to move backward through the exami-
nation.
A test item may be left unanswered for return later in
the testing session. Items may also be bookmarked for
later review by clicking in the blank square to the right
of the Time button. Click on the double arrow (>>) or
select the NEXT key to advance to the next unan-
swered or bookmarked item on the examination. To
identify all unanswered and bookmarked items,
repeatedly click on the double arrow (>>) or press the
NEXT key. When the examination is completed, the
number of test items answered is reported. If not all
items have been answered and there is time remain-
ing, return to the examination and answer those items.
Be sure to provide an answer for each test item
before ending the examination. There is no penalty
for guessing.
Online comments may be provided for any item by
clicking on the button displaying an exclamation point
(!) to the left of the Time button. This opens a dialogue
box where comments may be entered. Comments will
be reviewed, but individual responses will not be pro-
vided.
INCLEMENT WEATHER, POWER FAILURE
OR EMERGENCY
In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emer-
gencies on the day of an examination, AMP will deter-
mine whether circumstances warrant the cancellation,
and subsequent rescheduling, of an examination. The
examination will usually not be rescheduled if the
Assessment Center personnel are able to open the
Assessment Center. If power to a testing center is tem-
porarily interrupted during an administration, your
examination will restart where you left off and you may
continue the examination.
Candidates may contact AMPs Weather Hotline at
913/495-4418 (24 hours/day) prior to the examination
to determine if AMP has been advised that any
Assessment Centers are closed. Every attempt is
made to administer the examination as scheduled;
however, should an examination be canceled at an
Assessment Center, all scheduled candidates will
receive notification following the examination regard-
ing a rescheduled examination date or reapplication
procedures.
RULES FOR EXAMINATION
1. Report to your designated Assessment Center
location on the day of the examination at the time
you were instructed when your appointment was
scheduled.
Candidates arriving more than 15 minutes late
will not be admitted, will forfeit their examina-
tion fee, and must reregister for the examina-
tion by contacting NFPA.
2. The NFPA 5000, Building Construction and
Safety Code is the only reference allowed at the
examination. No other books, papers, dictionaries,
other reference materials or personal items (e.g.,
purses, briefcases, coats) may be taken into the
Assessment Center; you must leave all personal
items at home or in your automobile. AMP will not
be responsible for loss or damage to personal
items.
3. You will be provided with scratch paper to use
during the examination, which must be returned to
the supervisor at the completion of testing, or you
will not receive a score report. No documents or
notes of any kind may be removed from the exam-
ination room. All computer screens, questions,
paper and written materials are the property of
NFPA and AMP and may not be reproduced in any
form.
4. No questions concerning the content of the exam-
ination may be asked during the test.
5. Eating, drinking or smoking will not be permitted in
the Assessment Center.
6. You may take a break whenever you wish, but you
will not be allowed additional time to make up for
time lost during breaks.
7. The supervisor may dismiss a candidate from the
examination for any of the following reasons:
the candidates admission to the examination is
unauthorized;
the candidate creates a disturbance, is abu-
sive, or otherwise uncooperative;
the candidate gives or receives help or is sus-
pected of doing so;
the candidate attempts to record test questions
or make notes;
the candidate attempts to take the examination
for someone else; or
the candidate is observed with notes.
8. No electronic devices other than approved calcu-
lators are permitted in the Assessment Center,
including telephones or signaling devices such as
pagers and alarms. In addition, personal digital
assistants (PDAs) and other hand-held computers
are prohibited.
11
Violation of any of the above provisions results in dis-
missal from the testing session. The candidates score
on the examination is voided and examination fees are
not refunded.
FAILING TO REPORT FOR AN EXAMINATION
A candidate who fails to report for an examination for-
feits the application and all fees paid to take the exam-
ination. A completed application and application fee
are required to reapply for examination.
FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION
After completing the examination, candidates are
asked to complete a short evaluation of their testing
experience. Then, candidates are instructed to report
to the testing supervisor to receive their score report.
Scores are reported in written form only, in person or
by U.S. mail. Scores are not reported over the tele-
phone, by electronic mail or by facsimile.
Your score report will indicate a pass or fail.
Additional detail is provided in the form of raw scores
by major content category. A raw score is the number
of items you answered correctly. Your pass/fail status
is determined by your raw score. Although the CBI
Examination consists of 110 items, your score is
based on 100 items and 10 items are pretest items.
The CBPE Examination consists of 110 items, your
score is based on 100 items and 10 items are pretest
items.
The methodology used to set the minimum passing
score is the Angoff method, in which expert judges
estimate the passing probability of each item on the
test. These ratings are averaged to determine the min-
imum passing score (i.e., the number of correctly
answered items required to pass the examination).
IF YOU PASS THE EXAMINATION
If you pass the CBI Examination, you are allowed to
use the designation CBI. You will also receive your
NFPA 5000 Certified Building Inspector Certificate,
Wallet Card and Lapel Pin from NFPA.
If you pass the CBPE Examination, you are allowed to
use the designation CBPE. You will also receive your
NFPA 5000 Certified Building Plans Examiner
Certificate, Wallet Card and Lapel Pin from NFPA.
NFPA will issue Certificates, Wallet Cards and Lapel
Pins by the end of the month following the test month
(i.e., those who tested and passed in January would
receive certificates by the end of February).
RECERTIFICATION
Once you have been certified as a Certified Building
Inspector or a Certified Building Plans Examiner,
recertification every 3 years is mandatory. It is impor-
tant that you begin accumulating the required points
as soon as possible. The applicant must submit doc-
umented evidence of a total of 50 credit points from
the following categories.
Recertification 3-years/50 points (Note: Categories
must be professionally related).
Evidence may include:
Course certificates
Letters of attestment from course sponsors
College transcripts
Letters from employers
Other evidence as required
If college courses are declared for training hours, the
same course cannot be duplicated within the three-
year period and credit hours must be converted to
actual contact hours.
ANNUAL PROGRAM FEE
Certificate holders are assessed an annual program
fee of $50 which includes the recertification process.
Certificate holders are notified annually by mail when
their annual program fee is due.
IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE EXAMINATION
If you do not pass the examination, you may reapply
for subsequent examinations. There is no limit on the
number of times the examination may be taken.
Repeat candidates will need to submit a retest appli-
cation and the $100 retest fee to NFPA.
12
Category Allotment Min. Max.
Training 1 point/contact hr. 15 50
Instruction 2 pts/contact hr. 0 35
Prof. Practice pt/inspection or review 0 30
Publications 5 pts/article-10/book 0 15
Membership 2 pts/membership/yr. 0 10
SCORES CANCELED BY THE NFPA OR AMP
NFPA and AMP are responsible for the integrity of the
scores they report. On occasion, occurrences, such
as computer malfunction or misconduct by a candi-
date, may cause a score to be suspect. NFPA and
AMP are committed to rectifying such discrepancies
as expeditiously as possible. NFPA may void exami-
nation results if, upon investigation, violation of its reg-
ulations is discovered.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Information about candidates for testing and their test
results are considered confidential. Studies and
reports concerning candidates will contain no infor-
mation identifiable with any candidate, unless author-
ized by the candidate.
DUPLICATE TEST RESULT REPORT
Candidates may purchase additional copies of their
test result reports at a cost of $25 per copy. Requests
must be submitted to AMP, in writing, within 12 months
after the examination. The request must include the
candidates name, Social Security number, mailing
address, telephone number, date of examination and
examination taken. Submit this information with the
required fee payable to AMP. Duplicate test result
reports will be mailed within approximately two weeks
after receipt of the request and fee.
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER PROGRAMS
Transfer applicants from other recognized building
inspector and building plans examiner certification
programs are considered for acceptance into the
NFPA CBI/CBPE Programs. Transfer applications are
available at the NFPA Certification web page at
www.nfpa.org/certification.
Mandatory Requirements for Transfer:
Application Fee $170
Must provide evidence of active certification in
related recognized building inspector or plans
examiner certification program
Must complete NFPA CBI/CBPE recertification
requirements
Plus one of the following (at additional cost):
A. Complete NFPA 2-day NFPA 5000 Training
Program
OR
B. Successfully complete the written examination
Transfer participants successfully certified in the NFPA
CBI/CBPE Programs are subject to all program
requirements.
13
14
NFPA CBI/CBPE EXAMINATION APPLICATION
To apply for the NFPA CBI or CBPE Examination, complete this form and return to:
NFPA Certification Department, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-9101.
PERSONAL INFORMATION (please print name as it will appear on your certificate using black or blue ink)
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Last, First, Middle)
Social Security Number:______________________________________________ Date of Birth:_____________________________________
E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime Telephone Number:________________________________ Fax Number: _____________________________________
Mailing Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State/Province: _____________________________________________
Zip Code/Country Code:________________________________________ Country: _________________________________________
APPLICATION FEE (INCLUDES EXAMINATION)
CBI $250 CBPE $250
Payment may be made by credit card, cashiers check, money order or check payable to NFPA.
If payment is made by credit card, complete the following:
Visa MasterCard American Express Discover
Credit Card Number: _________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ____________________________
Name on Card: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE (Sign and date in ink the statement below.)
I certify that I agree to abide by the NFPA regulations contained in this Handbook. I believe that I comply with all admis-
sion policies for the NFPA CBI or CBPE Examination. I certify that the information I have submitted in this application is
complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that, if the information I have submitted is
found to be incomplete or inaccurate, my application may be rejected or my examination results may be delayed or
voided.
Name (Please Print):_________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________
15
16
CBI/CBPE Examination
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL
EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please complete this form and the Documentation
of Disability-Related Needs on the reverse side so your accommodations for testing can be processed efficiently. The
information you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and your need for accommodation in testing will
be treated with strict confidentiality.
Candidate Information
Social Security # __________ _______ ____________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (Last, First, Middle)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip Code/Postal Code Country
Special Accommodations
I request special accommodations for the ________________________________________________________ examination.
Please provide (check all that apply):
______ Accessible testing site
______ Special seating
______ Reader
______ Extended testing time (time and a half)
______ Distraction-free room
______ Other special accommodations (Please specify.)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signed: ________________________________________________________________ Date:____________________________
Return this form with your examination application and fee to:
NFPA Certification Department, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-9101.

17
CBI/CBPE Examination
DOCUMENTATION OF
DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS
Please have this section completed by an appropriate professional (education professional, physician, psychologist,
psychiatrist) to ensure that AMP is able to provide the required test accommodations.
Professional Documentation
I have known ______________________________________________ since _____ / _____ / _____ in my capacity as a
Test Candidate Date
__________________________________________________________.
Professional Title
The candidate discussed with me the nature of the test to be administered. It is my opinion that, because of this
candidates disability described below, he/she should be accommodated by providing the special arrangements listed
on the reverse side.
Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signed: ________________________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________
Printed Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________ License # (if applicable): _______________________________
Return this form with your examination application and fee to:
NFPA Certification Department, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-9101.

18