ICC General Requirements Practice Exam

Who has the authority to approve the qualifications of special inspectors?

1. The RDP

2. The owner

3. The general contractor

4. The building official

The correct answer is: The building official

The building official has the authority to approve the qualifications of special inspectors. This role is crucial in the construction process as the building official ensures that all aspects of building codes and regulations are being adhered to. By approving special inspectors, the building official helps guarantee that these individuals possess the necessary expertise and qualifications to perform the specialized inspection tasks required during construction projects. Special inspectors often deal with critical aspects of construction, such as materials and workmanship, to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications. Therefore, the building official’s oversight is vital for maintaining safety and quality standards in the construction industry. The other options, while relevant to the construction process, do not carry the formal authority to approve such qualifications. The registered design professional (RDP) may have input regarding the qualifications based on design needs, but the ultimate authority lies with the building official. Similarly, the owner and general contractor might have a vested interest in the qualifications of special inspectors, but only the building official has the regulatory power to formally approve them. This structure helps to preserve the integrity of the inspection process and the overall safety of construction projects.