CFPS Codes and Standards Application 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the International Building Code (IBC), educational facilities serving students above the 12th grade (colleges and universities) are classified as which occupancy group?
- Group A-3
- Group B (Correct answer)
- Group E
- Group I-4
Correct answer: Group B
The IBC classifies colleges and universities as Group B (Business) because they serve students beyond the 12th grade.
Question 2: The International Fire Code (IFC) is published and maintained by which organization?
- NFPA
- SFPE
- ICC (Correct answer)
- FEMA
Correct answer: ICC
The IFC is published by the International Code Council (ICC), which also produces the IBC and other model I-codes.
Question 3: When an existing building undergoes a change of occupancy to a more hazardous classification under the IBC, the code generally requires:
- The entire building to be rebuilt to current code
- Compliance with requirements applicable to the new occupancy classification (Correct answer)
- No changes if the building was compliant under the original occupancy
- A 10-year phase-in period for compliance
Correct answer: Compliance with requirements applicable to the new occupancy classification
A change to a higher-hazard occupancy requires that the building meet fire protection and life safety requirements for the new classification.
Question 4: Which chapter of the International Building Code specifically addresses fire protection system requirements such as automatic sprinklers, standpipes, and fire alarms?
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 9 (Correct answer)
- Chapter 14
Correct answer: Chapter 9
IBC Chapter 9 covers fire protection systems, consolidating requirements for automatic sprinklers, standpipes, fire alarms, and related systems.
Question 5: The IBC defines a 'high-rise building' as one with an occupied floor located more than how many feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access?
- 35 feet
- 55 feet
- 75 feet (Correct answer)
- 100 feet
Correct answer: 75 feet
The IBC defines a high-rise as a building with an occupied floor more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Question 6: Code 'equivalency' provisions permit an alternative design or material if it:
- Costs less than the prescriptive code method
- Provides an equivalent or greater degree of safety than the prescriptive requirement (Correct answer)
- Has been successfully used in at least 10 prior projects
- Is endorsed by at least two separate AHJs
Correct answer: Provides an equivalent or greater degree of safety than the prescriptive requirement
Equivalency provisions allow alternatives that achieve at least the same level of safety as the prescriptive code requirement.
Question 7: Under IBC Section 903.2.1.2, automatic sprinklers are required in Group A-2 occupancies (restaurants, bars) when the fire area exceeds which threshold?
- 5,000 sq ft or occupant load exceeds 100 (Correct answer)
- 7,500 sq ft or occupant load exceeds 200
- 10,000 sq ft or occupant load exceeds 300
- 12,000 sq ft or occupant load exceeds 500
Correct answer: 5,000 sq ft or occupant load exceeds 100
IBC Section 903.2.1.2 requires sprinklers in Group A-2 when the fire area exceeds 5,000 sq ft or the occupant load exceeds 100 persons.
CFPS Codes and Standards Application 3
Under the International Building Code (IBC), educational facilities serving students above the 12th grade (colleges and universities) are classified as which occupancy group?