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CBO 3 part exam

Joe.B said:
I'll try asking this question differently.

To anybody who has taken the building codes module (BC) could you share roughly how many questions pertained to plumbing and mechanical codes?

Thanks!
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I would say probably about 35-40% of the questions I had were from the plumbing or mechanical code, but there are several versions of the exam so others could have more and others could have less. My former co-worker had to take the BC exam 4 times before he passed and he said he had different questions on each exam he took so it's not like it would have helped him to try and memorize the answers as may not have any of the same questions the next time.
 
Saugie53 said:
I would say probably about 35-40% of the questions I had were from the plumbing or mechanical code, but there are several versions of the exam so others could have more and others could have less. My former co-worker had to take the BC exam 4 times before he passed and he said he had different questions on each exam he took so it's not like it would have helped him to try and memorize the answers as may not have any of the same questions the next time.
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Thanks. I'm just trying to figure out how many more books I'm going to buy. I really don't want to buy the IPC and IMC because they're not the codes my state has adopted. Most of the other codes we use are based off of the international codes. I am going to buy some books (IBC & IRC), use my CA code books for some (NEC & IFC), and study from online resources for others (IPC & IMC).

I'm considering just taking the test cold with minimal books on the off-chance I actually pass, and assuming I don't pass it will be a valuable learning experience.

I appreciate the input!!
 
Joe.B said:
Thanks. I'm just trying to figure out how many more books I'm going to buy. I really don't want to buy the IPC and IMC because they're not the codes my state has adopted. Most of the other codes we use are based off of the international codes. I am going to buy some books (IBC & IRC), use my CA code books for some (NEC & IFC), and study from online resources for others (IPC & IMC).

I'm considering just taking the test cold with minimal books on the off-chance I actually pass, and assuming I don't pass it will be a valuable learning experience.

I appreciate the input!!
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If it's referenced material , there will be a question from it.
 
Joe.B said:
Thanks. I'm just trying to figure out how many more books I'm going to buy. I really don't want to buy the IPC and IMC because they're not the codes my state has adopted. Most of the other codes we use are based off of the international codes. I am going to buy some books (IBC & IRC), use my CA code books for some (NEC & IFC), and study from online resources for others (IPC & IMC).

I'm considering just taking the test cold with minimal books on the off-chance I actually pass, and assuming I don't pass it will be a valuable learning experience.

I appreciate the input!!
Click to expand...
My state uses the IMC and IPC with state-specific amendments so I am in and out of those books all the time and I can say if I did not have the books during the exam I would not have been able to answer some of those questions. Some of the questions they ask you will have to reference tables in the code after given specific information, for example there may be a question something like in an assembly occupancy with an occupant load of 115 how many fixtures do you need for each sex? Which makes you then have to look up the fixture table in the plumbing code find the section for assembly occupancies and see how many fixtures are needed per how many people to figure out the total. There's no way to know that answer without having to look at that table in the code during the exam. You can give it a try but there were a few questions similar to that on my exam.
 
Most ICC tests are word for word out of the reference materials, so having the books and being familiar with the layout, index & table of contents will be key in get the right answer. They like to trick you with one or two word changes that can make you miss the answer.
 
Joe.B said:
Thanks. I'm just trying to figure out how many more books I'm going to buy. I really don't want to buy the IPC and IMC because they're not the codes my state has adopted. Most of the other codes we use are based off of the international codes. I am going to buy some books (IBC & IRC), use my CA code books for some (NEC & IFC), and study from online resources for others (IPC & IMC).

I'm considering just taking the test cold with minimal books on the off-chance I actually pass, and assuming I don't pass it will be a valuable learning experience.

I appreciate the input!!
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I can honestly say if that is your plan your most likely going to end up spending more money than if you bought the books before taking the exam...the exam is $140 if you take it and fail and realize you need the books your out the $140 for the exam and will end up purchasing them anyway...I just looked on Amazon and the 2018 IPC and IMC are selling for $39 each brand new. If you purchase the books and pass the 1st time you still end up saving $60 compared to not purchasing the books and taking the exam and failing...if your doing it to save a few bucks it's not worth it in my opinion just putting it out there.
 
Hi there. Old thread, but thought Id attempt to get some feedback. I am a licensed architect and am intending to take the three CBO modules starting with management. I read that was the easiest one to start with. I don't know a lot about these test, but am considering attempting to take the first one cold since I am very strong in building code. I'm applying for a job in the nest few days that I know showing progress on the CBO cert would be helpful with. Otherwise I'd probably take more time to study the other references outside of code books.

My question is about the open book format, and what they provide during the online proctored exam. Do they provide all of the resource materials refenced don the ICC catalogue (code books, other references) digitally during th exam? In particular the inspector skills book, budgeting guide for local government, or HR management book. Id rather not have to purchase the books to be used during the test if possible. I do want to read these books and will likely ultimately have to purchase them, but I am intending to try to pass one exam in the next day or two to meet the job application deadline. I figure there's no harm in trying to pass one to bolster my application a bit.

Any advice on finding free study guides, the open book aspect of the tests (ARE wasn't open book), or other general advice would be greatly appreciated. Maybe one of the other two modules would be worth attempting first that is geared more toward my code knowledge. Anyways, I appreciate any insight yall can provide. Thanks!
 
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They do not provide the reference material. You either provide the physical copies yourself, or (when available) you can purchase digital copies of the books through ICC, then you will have access to those through the test portal.

I would not recommend attempting the test without the reference material. Many of the questions are formatted "According to Legal Aspects of Code Administration the best way to do ______________ is to: a. b. c. d." Without the books you could make an educated guess, but I doubt that would result in a passing grade.

The legal and management modules have basically nothing to do with codes, so being "very strong in building code" will mean almost nothing for those tests. But you heard right, those two tests are easier than the codes module.
 
Rob said:
Passed the management and now off to study the BC module. I plan to start a new post on the bc
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Hi Rob,

I am preparing for management module. Are you able to share any ideas or access to more practice exams. I have the Building Code Master's Study Guide. Thank-you.
 
Rob said:
Passed the management and now off to study the BC module. I plan to start a new post on the bc
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Hi Rob,

I am preparing for management module. Are you able to share any ideas or access to more practice exams. I have the Building Code Master's Study Guide. Thank-you.
 
dmyers said:
Hi Rob,

I am preparing for management module. Are you able to share any ideas or access to more practice exams. I have the Building Code Master's Study Guide. Thank-you.
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We haven't seen any posts from Rob in a long time. The post you're replying to is from 2018.

Do you have all of the required reference material for the exam? I found that it's not necessary to read every word of every book, you just need to get familiar with what's in each book. Also, many of the questions on the exam start with "According to Building Department Administration...." so you will know what book to look in for each question. The index, glossary, and table of contents are going to be your best friend.

I assume you're going to take this course through ICC? They offer "2018/2021 Management Module - MM Study Guide (Online Self-Paced)" that will be the best practice exams you will find. Just make sure you have all of the required reference material available, or this study guide won't be nearly as useful. The whole point of these study guides is to get you used to finding stuff in the book. It's not about knowing everything; it's about knowing where to find it.
 
Joe.B said:
We haven't seen any posts from Rob in a long time. The post you're replying to is from 2018.

Do you have all of the required reference material for the exam? I found that it's not necessary to read every word of every book, you just need to get familiar with what's in each book. Also, many of the questions on the exam start with "According to Building Department Administration...." so you will know what book to look in for each question. The index, glossary, and table of contents are going to be your best friend.

I assume you're going to take this course through ICC? They offer "2018/2021 Management Module - MM Study Guide (Online Self-Paced)" that will be the best practice exams you will find. Just make sure you have all of the required reference material available, or this study guide won't be nearly as useful. The whole point of these study guides is to get you used to finding stuff in the book. It's not about knowing everything; it's about knowing where to find it.
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Thank-you so much for your assistance.
 
dmyers said:
Thanks again. I was not aware of the online version of 2018/2021 Management Module - MM Study Guide.
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I am studying for the Management module right now and am looking for any study guides, exams etc. I have the Building code master 2021 practice exam but looking for more exams/quizzes.
 
Joe.B said:
Do you have all of the required reference material for the exam? I found that it's not necessary to read every word of every book, you just need to get familiar with what's in each book. Also, many of the questions on the exam start with "According to Building Department Administration...." so you will know what book to look in for each question. The index, glossary, and table of contents are going to be your best friend.

I assume you're going to take this course through ICC? They offer "2018/2021 Management Module - MM Study Guide (Online Self-Paced)" that will be the best practice exams you will find. Just make sure you have all of the required reference material available, or this study guide won't be nearly as useful. The whole point of these study guides is to get you used to finding stuff in the book. It's not about knowing everything; it's about knowing where to find it.
Click to expand...
 
Robbjay66 said:
I am studying for the Management module right now and am looking for any study guides, exams etc. I have the Building code master 2021 practice exam but looking for more exams/quizzes.
Click to expand...
ICC offers "2018/2021 Management Module - MM Study Guide (Online Self-Paced)" that will be the best practice exams you will find.
 
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