BCIN General Legal/Process exam practice questions (2024 Ontario Building Code)
The BCIN General Legal/Process exam covers the Building Code Act, 1992 and the administrative parts of the Ontario Building Code: permits, inspections, orders, appeals, qualifications, change of use (Part 10), renovation (Part 11) and Division C. BCIN Prep has 186 original practice questions for it, timed 70-question mock exams in the real format, and every answer cites the exact section so you learn where things are in the compendium.
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Exam format (source: Humber BCIN exam FAQ)
- 70 multiple-choice questions, 4 choices each
- 3 hours
- Pass mark 70% (49 correct)
- Open book: Digital 2024 Building Code Compendium via link supplied by Humber (own digital copy not allowed); hard copy recommended as backup
- Online, virtually proctored by Humber Polytechnic; fee CAD 150
Free PDF: BCIN Exam Checklist - format, 4-week study plan, exam-day pacing and a tick-box syllabus map.
Sample General Legal/Process questions
From the free set in the app. Try them, then check the answer and the code reference.
1. Under the Building Code Act, a structure with a wall, roof and floor and NO plumbing is a "building" when it occupies an area of:
- 10 m² or less
- More than 10 m²
- More than 15 m²
- More than 20 m²
Show answer
B. More than 10 m² - BCA s. 1(1) "building" (a)
Clause (a) covers structures over ten square metres. Smaller structures only count if they contain plumbing (clause (b)).
Clause (a) covers structures over ten square metres. Smaller structures only count if they contain plumbing (clause (b)).
2. A 7 m² garden structure contains a sink connected to a drain. Under the Act it is:
- Not a building, because it is under 10 m²
- A building only if a municipal by-law designates it
- A building, because a structure of 10 m² or less that contains plumbing is a building
- A building only if it sits on a permanent foundation
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C. A building, because a structure of 10 m² or less that contains plumbing is a building - BCA s. 1(1) "building" (b)
Clause (b) makes any structure of 10 m² or less a building if it contains plumbing, including the plumbing serving it.
Clause (b) makes any structure of 10 m² or less a building if it contains plumbing, including the plumbing serving it.
3. A permit to construct or demolish a building is issued by the:
- Municipal council
- Building Code Commission
- Chief building official
- Registered code agency
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C. Chief building official - BCA s. 8(1)
No one may construct or demolish without a permit issued by the chief building official. An RCA can review plans and issue certificates but does not issue the permit.
No one may construct or demolish without a permit issued by the chief building official. An RCA can review plans and issue certificates but does not issue the permit.
4. Under s. 15.9(2), a building is unsafe if it is:
- Built to an earlier edition of the Building Code
- Vacant for more than one year
- Structurally inadequate or faulty for the purpose for which it is used
- Missing a current occupancy permit
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C. Structurally inadequate or faulty for the purpose for which it is used - BCA s. 15.9(2)(a)
Unsafe means structurally inadequate/faulty for its use, or in a condition that could be hazardous to people. Older-code compliance alone does not make a building unsafe.
Unsafe means structurally inadequate/faulty for its use, or in a condition that could be hazardous to people. Older-code compliance alone does not make a building unsafe.
5. Which is NOT a power of an inspector under s. 18(1) for the purposes of an inspection?
- Require production of drawings or specifications
- Be accompanied by a person with special or expert knowledge
- Order a person to take and supply tests and samples at that person's expense
- Impose a fine on the spot for a contravention
Show answer
D. Impose a fine on the spot for a contravention - BCA s. 18(1)
Inspectors can demand documents, bring experts and order tests. Fines come only from a court after conviction under s. 36.
Inspectors can demand documents, bring experts and order tests. Fines come only from a court after conviction under s. 36.
6. A permit holder and the CBO disagree about the sufficiency of compliance with the technical requirements of the Building Code. Either party may apply to the:
- Building Code Commission
- Building Materials Evaluation Commission
- Ontario Land Tribunal
- Divisional Court
Show answer
A. Building Code Commission - BCA s. 24(1)(a), (1.1)
Technical compliance disputes go to the Building Code Commission.
Technical compliance disputes go to the Building Code Commission.
What the General Legal/Process exam covers
Topics as organized in BCIN Prep, following the Ministry's exam syllabus.
| Topic | References |
|---|---|
| BCA - Interpretation and roles | BCA s. 1, 1.1 |
| BCA - Enforcement authorities | BCA ss. 2-7.1 (except 3(9), 3.1(7), 4.1(8), 6(2), 6.1(8), 6.1(10)) |
| BCA - Construction and demolition (permits, change of use, occupancy, orders) | BCA ss. 8-14 (except 14(5)-(7)) |
| BCA - Unsafe buildings | BCA ss. 15.9-15.10.x |
| BCA - Maintenance inspection programs | BCA s. 15.10.1 and related |
| BCA - Qualifications | BCA ss. 15.11-15.14 (except 15.11(4), 15.13(3), 15.13(4)) |
| BCA - Registered code agencies | BCA ss. 15.15, 15.17(1) only |
| BCA - General powers of inspection and enforcement | BCA ss. 16-23 (except 17.1(1)) |
| BCA - Dispute resolution, reviews and appeals | BCA ss. 24-27 (except 24(8), 24(9), 26(2)) |
| BCA - Authorizations and rulings | BCA ss. 28-29 (except 28.1(3), 28.1(4), 29(2), 29(3), 29(8)) |
| BCA - General (regulations, offences, penalties) | BCA ss. 30-38 (except 34(2)-(4), 35(3), 35.1) |
| Div A 1.5 - Referenced documents and organizations | Div A 1.5 |
| Div B selected articles (farm 2.1, radon/flood 3.1.1.5-6, 5.9, 7.1.1A, 8.1.1.2, 9.1, 9.10.1.1, 9.10.9.14) | Div B Parts 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 selected |
| Div B Part 10 - Change of use | Div B Part 10 |
| Div B Part 11 - Renovation | Div B Part 11 |
| Div C Part 1 - General (permits, inspections, notices) | Div C Part 1 (except 1.2.1, 1.5, 1.6, 1.9) |
| Div C Part 2 - Alternative solutions, disputes, rulings | Div C Part 2 (except 2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2, 2.3) |
| Div C Part 3 - Qualifications (CBO/inspectors, designers, sewage, RCAs) | Div C 3.1 (except 3.1.2), 3.2 selected, 3.3 selected, 3.4.4, 3.5 (except 3.5.2.2), 3.7 selected |
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