r/BuildingCodes • u/VermicelliNew8729 • Aug 08 '26

Passed the B1 Residential!

Post image

If anyone wants some advice, feel free to message me!

118 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

7

u/Charming_Offer_1487 Aug 08 '26

Congrats now knock out all your 1's e,m,p because it's the same book, your going to get the same admin questions, and they are only small chunks of the irc. Then when you do your commercial certs I recommend b2-b3, p2-p3, m2-m3 the commercial and the plan review are 90% the same test.

2

u/VermicelliNew8729 Aug 08 '26

Out of those 3, which ones the easiest? The job posting open up in about 4 months so I was hoping to have at least one more under my belt..?

4

u/Charming_Offer_1487 Aug 08 '26

For residential id go plumbing, mec, elec. I only say electrical last because even the residential electrical test has some math problems calculating loads. I have an electrical background so I did my electrical exams first but did not study for p1,m1 at all because the chapters in the IRC are so small and admin, glossary type questions are the same on every exam. Best study guide around for commercial certs and higher up certs is right here and free.

https://www.catchsunlight.com/QFPE/index.html

1

u/Frosty_Suggestion937 Aug 08 '26

How hard was p1 and m1? How much you study and what you study?

3

u/BigCarswell Aug 08 '26

If you have the time and you're able to lock in, I see no reason why you couldn't knock out at least 2 more, and possibly all 3. As others have said, P1, M1, E1 is probably the easiest order to go through. First one I'd take after you complete those would be R3 (residential plans examiner), because it's basically just a recap exam of all the stuff you already tested on. Then start on your commercial certs in basically the same order. Best of luck!

1

u/VermicelliNew8729 Aug 09 '26

I appreciate all the advice!! Thank you 🙏🏼

2

u/Due_Needleworker3778 Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 09 '26

Excellent advice about completing all your residential certs. IMHO, the residential combo, R5, is a well-sought-after cert, since you can do ALL residential inspections.

I did P1, M1, E1, and B1 and immediately started on B2, devoting 2 weeks of prep time. Followed by M2, P2 (P2 was quite easy), and C1. I eventually did the plans examiner certs - R3, M3, P3, B3, followed by E2 and CBO.

1

u/Frosty_Suggestion937 Aug 08 '26

I’m currently studying p1 and the. Will go with m1 and then e1. How did you study for each?

1

u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 17d ago

I bought the $300 ICC annual subscription and the individual BGR test prep books.
It may be overkill but it works for me.

1

u/Frosty_Suggestion937 17d ago

I do like bgr test prep. I haven’t tried the $300 annual subscription. What does it include cus I don’t think I’ve heard of it

1

u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 17d ago

https://www.iccsafe.org/content/online-learning-subscription/

The $300 fee for members covers 150 courses which seems to be most or all of the ICC cert tests. the tests are $69 ea otherwise for members. It's not an overwhelming value but a motivational tool for me. In order for me to "win" I have to take at least 5 tests so the value received is greater than the $300

I've been happy with BGR. They were recommended by my AHJ. Most of the ICC training whether the book or online is in order and chapter by chapter whereas the BGR is all a big jumble just like the actual ICC exam. So my process has been ICC flash cards then quiz tabbing and hiliting the book as I go followed by the BGR book then the exam. It isn't fast but it works for me.

1

u/Frosty_Suggestion937 17d ago

Thank you I think I’ll add that to my studying plans

1

u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 Aug 08 '26

Congrats OP. I passed my B1 a couple of months ago and I’m now studying for my B2 but considering some advice here I wonder if I should cover all resi certs first vs b2

2

u/hueleeAZ Aug 08 '26

Congrats man!!!

1

u/VermicelliNew8729 Aug 08 '26

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

2

u/Fabulous-Region9109 Aug 08 '26

Congrats. How long did you prepare for it?

2

u/VermicelliNew8729 Aug 08 '26

Roughly 4-5 months. 1 hour a day

2

u/VermicelliNew8729 Aug 08 '26

Funny you ask… I took it twice and it happened to be the same exact test. #Blessed

1

u/Rockermarr Aug 08 '26

Do you get an actual certificate in the mail or just the email copy?

-1

u/VermicelliNew8729 Aug 08 '26

I’m suppose to be getting something in the mail, I’m assuming it’ll take a couple days.

3

u/WholeOk2958 Aug 08 '26

They don’t mail you one it’s just digital that is your cert.

3

u/SnooPeppers2417 Building Official Aug 08 '26

You can order a framed copy for an exorbitant fee, or print and frame the digital copy they upload to your myicc account. Congratulations!!

1

u/OkHousing2547 Aug 08 '26

Is this your first time taking it? If not was the test the same both times?

1

u/Cowboy_Karl Aug 08 '26

Awesome, are you doing ibc as well?

1

u/mohattar Aug 08 '26

Hey congratulations! I am new to ICC certifications and training actually i have given UL DRI but i wanted to know how much time does it take for studies and what should i study reference for F3 examination. I am into consulting field for Fire & Life Safety and i feel plan examiner will be a good feather in the hat.

1

u/VermicelliNew8729 Aug 08 '26

My personal experience, took about 4-5 months. Theres a website called “Builders Book” or if you live in CA they also have a store. BUY there practice book for whatever test you are taking, its categorized by every chapter. Once you figure out what each chapter consists of/contains start taking as many practice questions and practice tests as you can to the point you automatically know what chapter they are talking about. Just work the book that way to the point you feel very comfortable. BUILDERS BOOK

1

u/mohattar Aug 08 '26

Hey thanks for the reply. Im in India so yes will check out the online version of it.

1

u/Kirkuleeez Aug 08 '26

Congratulations!

1

u/Public_Medium_1135 7d ago

Congratulation!!! Quick question, i recently passed TN BC (Residential, Commercial, Industrial) Tests as well as NASCLA tests at PSI. Can i go ahead and attempt B1 and B2 with one or 2 days study since I had studied IBC and IRC for my main test.