ICC General Requirements Practice Exam

What indicates a non-conforming item during an inspection?

1. Approval from the contractor

2. A solid written rationale from the design professional

3. Deviations from the project specifications

4. Verbal agreements made on site

The correct answer is: Deviations from the project specifications

A non-conforming item during an inspection is identified by deviations from the project specifications. This refers to any condition or characteristic of a material, component, or work that fails to meet the established requirements set forth in the project documents. These specifications are crucial as they define the expected quality, performance, and compliance with codes and standards. Identifying non-conformance is essential for ensuring that the final product complies with safety standards, functionality, and overall design intent. When an item does not adhere to these specifications, it signals that corrections or actions are necessary before the project can proceed. None of the other options effectively indicate non-conformance. Approval from the contractor does not address whether an item meets the specified requirements, and a solid written rationale from the design professional may not necessarily relate to compliance with specifications. Lastly, verbal agreements made on-site lack the documentation needed to formally recognize non-conforming conditions. Hence, deviations from the project specifications are the key indicator of a non-conforming item.