Pre-course and exam study material

The exam is based on the 2020 code cycle. You will have one year following the course to take the exam. The content below provides important information to review before the course and in preparation for your exam.

• Exam guide. This guide will help you understand what to expect on the exam. It includes the exam format, knowledge areas, requirements and practice questions.

• Guide to the State Building Code. This linked guide offers the history, purpose and benefits to code administration. Information documents are provided for all codes that are enforced.

• Training terms and definitions. This document provides some of the course terminology. You should become familiar with these terms prior to the course.

Three code books are used for the building official limited exam: the 2020 Minnesota Building Code, 2020 Minnesota Residential Code and 2020 Minnesota Accessibility Code. Although not required, you’ll benefit if you have your own copy of the code books to prepare for the course and exam. You will not be able to use your own books for the exam; instead the books will be provided. Code books can be purchased from the International Code Council. It is critical that you are familiar with what the code sections state, as well as where they are located in the respective books.

In addition to the code books, applicants should study the following Minnesota statutes and rules. It is recommended that you print or save them to reference during the course, and to study for the exam.

• Minnesota Statutes 326B.082 & 326B.101 – 326B.160

• Minnesota Rules Chapter 1350, Manufactures Homes

• Minnesota Rules Chapter 1360, Prefabricated Buildings

• Minnesota Rules Chapter 1361, Industrialized/Modular Buildings

Questions?

• View the steps to become a building official, building official limited and accessibility specialist.

• Contact us at bolas.dli@state.mn.us.