ICC S1C – Structural Steel & Bolting (60-Question Mock Exam)
One question at a time. Select an option to see the right answer + explanation, then click “Next”.

Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector (Codes Module) Questions and Answers?
If your answer is YES, then you are in the right place. This page provides a free online ICC S1C Exam practice test designed to help you pass the ICC Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector (Codes Module) exam on your first attempt. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced inspector, this practice quiz will improve your understanding, speed, and confidence for the real ICC S1C Computer-Based Test (CBT).
You will learn everything you need to know about:
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ICC S1C exam pattern
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Important code books
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Inspector responsibilities
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Structural steel inspection
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High-strength bolting inspection
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Real exam-level MCQs with explanations
After completing the last question, you will see the ICC S1C Practice Test Answer Key — no cheating now!
Once finished, you are encouraged to share your score and feedback in the comment section.
What Is the ICC S1C Exam?
The ICC S1C – Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector (Codes Module) certification is a national-level certification issued by the International Code Council (ICC).
This certification qualifies inspectors to verify:
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Structural steel framing
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High-strength bolted connections
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Compliance with approved construction documents
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Compliance with referenced codes and standards
Download Free ICC S1C Exam Practice Test (PDF)
If you want to download this FREE ICC S1C Exam Practice Test (Questions & Answers) in PDF format, you can easily do it yourself.
How to Download:
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Copy all the questions and answers from this page
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Paste them into MS Word
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Save or export as PDF
Important Note: This free practice test contains only 60 sample questions and answers to help you understand:
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Exam pattern
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Question style
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Code navigation
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Inspection-based logic
This is NOT the full question bank.
Want Real Exam-Level Questions? (Highly Recommended)
If you are serious about passing the ICC S1C Exam on your first attempt, then you need many more questions of the same level and format.
FACT: For every 10 practice questions you study properly, at least 1 similar question appears in the real ICC S1C exam.
Buy Self ICC S1C Exam Study Material (Paid)
ICC S1C Exam Question Bank – Learning Package
Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector (Codes Module)
Total Questions: 800+ (Latest & Updated)
Question Type: Real exam–oriented MCQs
Difficulty: Same as actual ICC S1C CBT exam
Coverage:
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IBC Chapter 17 & 22
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RCSC Bolting
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AISC 303
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AISC 360
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AWS D1.1 (Visual only)
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ASTM Bolt Standards
Cost: $25.00 USD (One-time)
How to Buy
Email: upweld.org@gmail.com
Contact On WhatsApp: https://wa.link/j7oewk (Quick response on WhatsApp)
Why This ICC S1C Question Bank Works
- Based on latest ICC S1C (S1CY) exam pattern
- Written in simple, easy-to-understand language
- Inspection-focused (no design, no calculations)
- Ideal for first-time candidates & retakes
- Used by inspectors across the USA and abroad
BONUS: With this question bank, we also provide:
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Additional study material (FREE)
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Guidelines & tips during learning
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Help in understanding code references & responsibilities
Final Advice for ICC S1C Candidates
Reading codes alone is not enough.
The ICC S1C exam tests how well you interpret, locate, and apply code requirements as an inspector.
Using:
Free 60-question practice test (this page)
Paid 800+ question bank
= Very high chance of passing the ICC S1C exam
Scope of the Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector (S1C)
The Structural Steel and Bolting Special Inspector is responsible for enforcing the construction details contained in the approved plans and specifications for:
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Structural steel elements
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High-strength bolting of steel framing
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Bolted structural connections
The special inspector must:
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Review the Statement of Special Inspections
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Review approved plans and specifications
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Verify high-strength bolting installation
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Verify compliance with IBC, RCSC, AISC, ASTM, and AWS codes
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Perform material sampling
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Witness or perform required tests
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Prepare and submit inspection reports
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Report non-compliant work to:
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Building Official
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Contractor
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Registered Design Professional (Engineer of Record)
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Important: The inspector does NOT design, approve, or direct repairs. The inspector’s role is verification and reporting only.
What does this ICC S1C Practice Test cover?
This free practice test includes ~60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) aligned with the latest ICC S1C exam pattern.
International Building Code (IBC) – 35–40% Weightage
20–25 Questions
This is the most important section of the S1C exam. Do not skip it.
Key IBC Topics Covered:
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Chapter 17 – Special Inspections
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Inspector duties and authority
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When a special inspection is required
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Continuous vs periodic inspection
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Chapter 22 – Structural Steel
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Referenced standards (AISC, RCSC, ASTM, AWS)
Highest weightage section
RCSC – Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts – 25–30%
15–20 Questions
This is the most technical and scoring section of the exam.
Common RCSC Topics:
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Bolt types:
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ASTM A325 / A490 (now ASTM F3125)
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Installation methods:
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Snug-tight
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Turn-of-nut
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Calibrated wrench
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Tension Control (TC) bolts
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Bolt tension verification
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Inspection and acceptance criteria
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Rejection conditions
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Faying surface requirements
Master this section to score high
AISC 303 – Code of Standard Practice – 15%
8–10 Questions
This section is easy scoring if properly tabbed.
Focus Areas:
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Responsibilities of:
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Fabricator
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Erector
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Inspector
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Mill Test Reports (MTRs)
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Shop work vs field work
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Quality Control (QC) vs Quality Assurance (QA)
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Handling non-conforming work
AISC 360 – Specification for Structural Steel Buildings – 10–12%
5–8 Questions
Mostly conceptual and reference-based.
Topics Include:
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Structural steel material requirements
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Fabrication and erection tolerances
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Inspection authority
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ASTM material references
AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding Code (Steel) – ~5%
2–4 Questions Only
No welding calculations
Covered Topics:
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Visual inspection basics
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Weld discontinuities
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Inspector responsibility
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Crack acceptance (always rejectable)
ASTM Bolt Standards (Recognition Level) – 3–5%
1–3 Questions
ASTM Standards Included:
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ASTM F3125 – High-strength bolts (A325/A490)
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ASTM A563 – Nuts
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ASTM F436 – Hardened washers
ICC S1C Exam Outline (Detailed Breakdown)
1. Material Sampling, Testing, and Verification – 30%
2. Material Identification – 17%
Verify:
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Steel shape type
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Size and grade
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Bolt type and condition
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Compliance with approved plans
3. Material Sampling – 13%
Verify:
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Type and frequency of tests
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Proper identification of samples
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Transportation to the laboratory
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Required testing per standards
4. High-Strength Bolting – 65% (Core Focus)
5. Bolts, Nuts, and Washers – 23%
Verify:
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Correct type, size, and location
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Proper storage and protection
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Correct washer orientation
6. Pre-installation Verification – 17%
Verify:
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Faying surface condition
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Bolt tension verification tests
7. Installation, Testing, and Inspection – 25%
Verify:
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Correct joint type
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Approved installation method
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Correct tightening sequence
8. Steel Framing Observation – 5%
9. Orientation and Frame Member Sizes – 3%
Verify:
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Member sizes
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Orientation
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Compliance with drawings
10. Base Plates – 2%
Verify:
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Base plate configuration
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Hole size and clearance
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Grouting placement and sampling
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Proper seating and fastening
Who Should Attend the ICC S1C Exam?
This exam is ideal for:
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Structural steel inspectors
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Bolting inspectors
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Welding inspectors expanding certification
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Civil engineers
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QA/QC inspectors
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Construction supervisors
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Code compliance inspectors
What Are the Requirements for the ICC S1C Exam?
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No mandatory degree required by ICC
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Experience in steel inspection is recommended
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Familiarity with IBC and steel codes is essential
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Ability to read construction drawings
Latest ICC S1C Exam Pattern (Updated)
Exam Name: Structural Steel and Bolting Codes Module – S1CY
Exam ID: S1CY
Category: Special Inspector
Type: National Certification
State: National / All States
How Many Exams Are There in ICC S1C?
There is ONLY ONE EXAM.
ICC S1C Exam Details:
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Exam Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
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Total Questions: ~60
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Time Duration: ~2 Hours
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Format: Open Book
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Exam Mode: Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
Recommended Study Material & Code Books (Open Book)
Allowed Open Books in Exam Room
1. International Building Code (IBC)
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Edition: As adopted (2018 or 2021 common)
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Focus:
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Chapter 17 – Special Inspections
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Chapter 22 – Structural Steel
MOST IMPORTANT BOOK
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2. RCSC – Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts
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Latest IBC-referenced edition
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High exam weightage
3. AISC 360 – Specification for Structural Steel Buildings
4. AISC 303 – Code of Standard Practice
5. AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding Code (Limited Use)
NOT Allowed in Exam Room
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Loose handwritten notes
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Printed internet notes
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Mobile phones
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PDFs or tablets
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ICC Workbooks (study only)
Best Open Book Combination (Recommended)
- IBC
- RCSC Bolting Specification
- AISC 303
- AISC 360
Tab and highlight before the exam
AISC Steel Construction Manual
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14th Edition or 15th Edition
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Allowed as a bound reference
Exam questions will ONLY come from ICC-approved references.
Yes.
Many candidates pass the ICC S1C exam without field experience by focusing on:
IBC Chapter 17
RCSC inspection rules
Inspector responsibilities
The exam tests code knowledge, not job experience.
Difficulty is moderate.
S1C is considered:
Easier than welding certification exams
More technical than concrete inspections
Best for inspectors comfortable with codes and tabbing
Not mandatory.
ICC training helps, but many inspectors pass using:
Properly tabbed code books
Practice tests
Self-study with IBC + RCSC
Yes.
There is no lifetime limit on retakes.
You can re-register and attempt again after the waiting period set by ICC.
Yes – significantly.
S1C certification is often required for:
Special inspection agencies
Structural steel projects
Government & commercial buildings
Certified inspectors usually get higher pay and better site roles.