Question 1

What's included in Building Codes 101?

Accepted Answer

Building Codes 101 gives you everything you need to understand the International Building Code for the ARE and your actual career.

You get 4.5+ hours of expert video instruction covering the essential IBC chapters that show up repeatedly on ARE exams.

This isn’t the entire 800+ page code book. It’s the specific chapters and concepts that actually matter: occupancy classification, building heights and areas, construction types, fire protection, means of egress, and plumbing fixtures.

Plus you get 200+ building code practice questions with detailed explanations, step-by-step calculation guides for occupant loads and egress sizing, and digital flashcards for code definitions and construction types.

The course is structured in three parts:

Part 1: Occupancy Classification & Building Size (IBC Chapters 3 & 5)

Part 2: Construction Types & Fire Protection (IBC Chapters 6 & 7)

Part 3: Means of Egress & Plumbing (IBC Chapters 10 & 29)

You’ll see real project examples throughout, including actual life safety plans from healthcare projects.

We walk through these step-by-step, showing you exactly how occupancy classifications, fire ratings, and egress calculations show up in practice.

Question 2

Do I get access to just Building Codes 101 or all the ARE courses?

Accepted Answer

You get access to all ARE 101 courses. That's 9 courses total: PcM, PjM, CE, PA, PPD, PDD, Mechanical Systems 101, Building Codes 101, and AIA Contracts 101. This matters because building codes show up across multiple ARE exams. You'll use Building Codes 101 for: PA (Programming & Analysis): Codes and regulations make up 16-22% of this exam. You need to understand zoning, setbacks, FAR, and building code requirements. PPD & PDD: These technical exams heavily test occupancy classification, construction types, egress calculations, and accessibility. You can't design without understanding code constraints. PcM, PjM, CE: Even the practice exams include code questions about life safety, occupant loads, and regulatory compliance. Building codes aren't just one exam. They're woven throughout the entire ARE, which is why we created a dedicated course instead of trying to cover codes piecemeal in each division.

Question 3

Do I need to buy the 2021 IBC code book separately?

Accepted Answer

The IBC is available online for free at codes.iccsafe.org.

We highly recommend using the Francis Ching Building Codes Illustrated book alongside the course. It takes the code information and makes it more graphic, breaks it down better, and provides helpful visual references.

Is it required? No. It’s a nice-to-have, not a must-have. We reference it throughout the course, but you can complete Building Codes 101 without it.

Question 4

Which code edition does this course use?

Accepted Answer

Building Codes 101 uses the 2021 International Building Code, which is what NCARB currently tests on. This matters more than you might think. The 2021 IBC includes significant changes from the 2018 edition, including new heavy timber construction types (4A, 4B, 4C), updated sprinkler requirements, and changes to door width requirements. If you're using older study materials or the 2018 Ching book, you're learning outdated information. We specifically highlight what changed from 2018 to 2021 throughout the course so you know you're studying the right content.

Question 5

How long does it take to complete Building Codes 101?

Accepted Answer

There's no time limit. You study at your own pace. The course includes 4.5+ hours of video instruction, but how much additional time you need varies per person. If you work with codes regularly in your practice, concepts might click faster. If you've never worked with building codes before, you'll need more time to practice and let the information sink in. Building codes take time to absorb. This isn't content you watch once and instantly master. You need repetition and practice. That's why we created this course - to give you a strong foundation in a topic that shows up across every ARE exam, not just one division.

Question 6

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cancel anytime with no penalties or fees. Your access continues through your current billing cycle, so you can keep studying until your paid period ends.

If you cancel and want to come back later, just resubscribe and you’ll pick up right where you left off.

Question 7

Is Building Codes 101 self-paced or scheduled?

Accepted Answer

Completely self-paced. There are no scheduled classes or deadlines. You study when it works for you.

Watch videos at your preferred speed. Rewatch sections as many times as you need. Take breaks to practice navigating the actual code book. Work through the examples at your own pace.

Question 8

Can I download Building Codes 101 materials for offline study?

Accepted Answer

No, all content is online only and streams through your browser. This lets us keep everything updated with the latest code changes and give you access across all your devices.

You can use Building Codes 101 on your phone, tablet, or computer, so you can study wherever you have an internet connection.

Question 9

Is there a Building Codes 101 mobile app?

Accepted Answer

There's no standalone app, but the entire course works perfectly on your phone's browser. Just log in at youngarchitect.com and everything adapts to your screen size.

Question 10

I've never worked with building codes before. Is this too advanced?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. This course was designed specifically for people who don't use codes daily at work. We repeatedly acknowledge throughout the sessions that if you don't do this all the time, this can seem cumbersome. We teach at a pace that assumes you're learning this fresh, not reviewing content you already know. You'll start with the fundamentals and build up systematically. Every concept gets explained with the why behind it, not just the what. And you'll see real project examples that show how these abstract code requirements actually get applied. If you've never opened the IBC before, you're in the right place.

Question 11

I work in residential architecture. Do I still need this?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ARE tests building codes regardless of what you practice. Even if you only do residential work, you'll face code questions on PA, PPD, and PDD. These exams include commercial buildings, mixed-use projects, and complex occupancy classifications. Plus, understanding the broader code beyond just residential makes you a better architect. You'll understand how different building types relate to each other, why certain requirements exist, and how to think through code compliance systematically.

Question 12

When should I take Building Codes 101?

Accepted Answer

Start as early as possible. Building codes take time to absorb. This isn't content you can cram the week before an exam. The ideal approach: Start Building Codes 101 while you're studying for your practice exams (PcM, PjM, CE). By the time you're ready for PA, PPD, and PDD, you'll have a solid foundation in code concepts and you won't be learning codes and exam content simultaneously. You'll need Building Codes 101 for PA, PPD, and PDD. You can work through it alongside those courses or complete it beforehand.

Question 13

Can I share my Building Codes 101 membership with others?

Accepted Answer

No, memberships are for individual use only. Each person needs their own account.

We track your IP address and sharing your user account will cause your account to get locked and violate our terms of service.

Question 14

How is Building Codes 101 different from just reading the IBC or the Ching book?

Accepted Answer

The IBC is over 800 pages. We focus on the specific chapters and concepts that consistently appear on ARE exams and in professional practice. But here's the bigger difference: We explain the why behind the requirements. Why is A-1 occupancy more stringent than A-5? Why is heavy timber fire-resistant even though it's wood? Why do ambulatory surgery centers count as B occupancy even though surgeries happen there? Understanding the logic makes everything stick. It transforms codes from random rules you're trying to memorize into a system that actually makes sense. And you get worked examples with real projects. You'll see actual life safety plans, smoke compartment designs, and egress calculations from buildings we've worked on. That's something you can't get from a book. The Ching Building Codes Illustrated book is a great reference to have alongside this course. We actually reference it throughout. But the course brings those concepts to life with interactive problem-solving you won't get from reading alone.

Question 15

How often is Building Codes 101 updated?

Accepted Answer

We update Building Codes 101 whenever there are significant code changes or when we identify areas where students need more help.

The course was created for the 2021 IBC. When NCARB changes the building code tested on the ARE, we’ll make appropriate updates to the course. The core concepts remain evergreen, but we’ll update specific requirements, table references, and explain what changed between editions.

You always get the most current version. Updates happen automatically, so you don’t need to do anything.

Question 16

Is there a free trial for Building Codes 101?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer free trials, but we do have a 7-day money-back guarantee. If Building Codes 101 isn't helping you understand codes, email us within 7 days of purchase and we'll refund you. No hassle, no questions asked. We have so much content and information available that there's no way a free trial could give you a real sense of the course. But 7 days gives you enough time to dive in, watch lessons, work through practice questions, and decide if it's right for you. If after 7 days this isn't a good fit, just let us know.

Question 17

What if the IBC gets updated again?

Accepted Answer

Building codes get updated every three years, but NCARB doesn’t immediately switch to the new edition. There’s typically a lag time.

When NCARB adopts a new code edition, we’ll update the course content. You won’t pay anything extra for updates. Your membership always includes the most current version we offer.

Question 18

Why do building codes matter for the ARE?

Accepted Answer

Because codes are the foundation for how buildings actually get designed and built. And NCARB tests whether you understand that foundation. PA, PPD, and PDD are heavily code-based exams. You can't evaluate site feasibility without understanding height and area limitations. You can't plan a project without knowing occupancy classifications and construction types. You can't document construction details without understanding fire ratings and egress requirements. Here's what people don't realize: The ARE isn't testing whether you memorized IBC tables. It's testing whether you understand how codes shape design decisions. It's testing whether you can apply code requirements when real situations come up on projects. When you know building codes, you can answer questions about occupancy separations, construction type selection, egress calculations, and fire protection with confidence. You're not guessing based on what seems right. You're applying knowledge you actually understand. Codes unlock understanding across every technical exam. That's why we created an entire 4.5+ hour course with 200+ practice questions just for this.

Question 19

What makes building codes so intimidating and how do you make them accessible?

Accepted Answer

Codes feel intimidating because the IBC is over 800 pages of dense technical language organized into 35 chapters. When you open it for the first time, it's overwhelming. Where do you even start? How do the chapters connect? What parts matter most for the ARE? Here's how we make codes accessible: We focus on the chapters that actually matter and teach you how they work together. Instead of just telling you here's what Chapter 3 says about occupancy types, we show you the logic behind the requirements. Why use Type I construction versus Type V construction? Why does unfamiliarity make assembly spaces more dangerous? Why is heavy timber fire-resistant even though it's wood? We don't assume you've worked with codes before. We start with the fundamentals and build your understanding progressively. We use real project examples so you can see how these abstract requirements actually get applied. Most people discover that codes are actually fascinating once they understand what they're reading. These documents explain how buildings stay safe. Once you understand the logic, everything else makes sense.

Question 20

What's the relationship between occupancy classification, construction types, and building size?

Accepted Answer

These three concepts work together to determine what you can build. You can't understand one without understanding the others. Occupancy classification (Chapter 3) establishes what the building is used for. Is it assembly, business, residential, mercantile? This determines how stringent all the other requirements will be. An A-1 theater has different requirements than an A-5 stadium because of the inherent risks. Construction type (Chapter 6) determines how fire-resistant the building structure needs to be. Type I is the most fire-resistive (concrete and protected steel). Type V is the least (wood frame). Your choice of construction type directly affects how large and tall your building can be. Building heights and areas (Chapter 5) limit how big you can build based on occupancy and construction type. A Type IB business occupancy can be much larger than a Type VB business occupancy. If you want a bigger building, you need a more fire-resistant construction type or sprinklers or both. Here's what makes this powerful: Once you understand how these chapters interact, you can solve complex code problems. You can determine what construction type you need for a specific program. You can figure out if a mixed-use building needs occupancy separation. You can calculate allowable heights and areas. We walk through these relationships and examples throughout Building Codes 101, showing you exactly how to navigate between these connected chapters.

Question 21

Why can't I just figure out codes on the job?

Accepted Answer

Because by the time you figure it out through trial and error, you've already made expensive mistakes. Here's what happens in the real world: Most firms don't teach you codes systematically. They hand you a project and expect you to know how to classify occupancies, determine construction types, and calculate egress. But if you don't understand how the IBC actually works, you're making assumptions instead of applying knowledge. You might classify an occupancy wrong, which changes every other code requirement. You might miss that a building exceeds allowable area and needs fire walls. You might miscalculate egress width and create a life safety issue. These aren't just exam questions. These are real situations that expose buildings to code violations and your firm to liability. Learning codes properly before you need them protects your career. And here's the practical reality: You need to know this stuff to pass the ARE anyway. So why not learn it correctly now, understand it deeply, and have that knowledge serve you for the rest of your career?

Question 22

What's the difference between learning codes alone versus learning with us?

Accepted Answer

Learning codes alone is like trying to navigate an 800+ page technical document without a map. You'll eventually figure some things out, but you'll miss a lot and develop bad habits along the way. We have extensive experience applying building codes to actual healthcare and laboratory projects. We know which code sections matter most for the ARE, which concepts trip people up, and how everything connects to real design situations. When we say we teach you how codes actually work, that's literally what happens. We walk through each essential chapter, explain what it means in plain language, show you how it applies to actual projects, and connect it to NCARB's exam objectives. We catch the things you'd miss on your own. We explain why certain requirements exist and what problems they're solving. We show you how seemingly separate chapters actually work together to create a complete system. We teach you how to use the IBC tables, which would take hours on your own if you even figure it out. We show you how to navigate between chapters efficiently and find what you need quickly. Most importantly, we make dense technical documents interesting. Once you see how the IBC structures everything about building safety, it becomes fascinating instead of intimidating. You could spend dozens of hours reading the IBC alone and still be confused. Or you could spend 4.5+ hours learning with someone who's mastered it and walk away with real understanding. Plus, we use our 200+ practice questions as a teaching tool. You practice recalling what you learned, and if you get something wrong, we teach you in the moment why that's the right answer. Our questions are organized from beginner to intermediate to hard, so you're not overwhelmed with difficult material before you understand the fundamentals.

Question 23

Do I need to memorize all the code tables and numbers?

Accepted Answer

No. NCARB isn't testing your ability to recite code tables from memory. They're testing whether you understand the concepts behind the requirements and can apply them to real situations. You don't need to memorize that a Group B occupancy in Type IIA construction can be 11 stories and 55,000 square feet per floor. But you do need to understand how to use Table 504.4 and Table 506.2 to find that information. You need to know how occupancy type and construction type work together to determine allowable heights and areas. Here's what we focus on: Understanding how codes work, not memorizing exact numbers. We teach you the structure, the key concepts, and how to navigate the IBC efficiently. That understanding is what helps you answer exam questions correctly. Will you need to remember some specific things? Sure. You should know the egress width formulas, understand how occupancy classifications work, recognize fire-rated wall types. But that's understanding, not rote memorization. When you understand how something works, you can apply it. When you've only memorized it, you can only recall what you memorized. NCARB writes questions that require application.

Question 24

Does this course address how occupancy classifications, fire ratings, and egress all connect?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These concepts form an integrated system for building safety, and we teach you how they work together. Occupancy classification determines the baseline risk level. An A-1 theater with 500 people in darkness is inherently more dangerous than a B office building with the same occupant load. This risk level drives every other requirement. Fire ratings provide passive protection. Fire barriers separate occupancies from each other. Fire partitions create protected corridors. Fire-rated construction types slow fire spread through the building structure. The more dangerous the occupancy, the more fire protection you need. Egress provides active escape. Occupant load calculations determine how many people need to exit. Exit width ensures enough capacity. Travel distances limit how far people must go to reach safety. Higher occupancy loads require more and wider exits. Here's what makes this powerful for the ARE: When you see a case study with a building program, you're thinking through all three systems simultaneously. You classify the occupancy, determine required fire ratings for separations, and calculate egress requirements. They all work together. Building Codes 101 walks you through these connections with real project examples showing how these systems interact in actual buildings.

Question 25

How does understanding codes help me think about the ARE differently?

Accepted Answer

Once you understand codes, you realize that most ARE questions aren't random. They're testing whether you know how building safety actually works according to the documents that govern it. When you see a PA question about site feasibility, you're not guessing. You know how to use the height and area tables. You understand how zoning affects what you can build. You recognize when a building exceeds allowable parameters. When you hit a PPD question about construction type selection, you understand how occupancy, size, and fire resistance requirements interact. You know when sprinklers allow area increases. You can determine if a mixed-use building needs separation. When PDD asks about egress calculations or fire ratings, you know how to calculate occupant loads, size exits, and assign fire ratings to walls. You understand the difference between applying code requirements and guessing. The exams stop feeling like you're trying to guess what NCARB wants and start feeling like you're applying knowledge you actually have. That shift in mindset is huge. Instead of anxiety about tricky questions, you have confidence that you understand the foundation these questions are built on. Building codes are the rules of the game. Once you know the rules, playing the game gets a lot easier.

Question 26

How is this different from other ARE prep resources like Black Spectacles, Amber Book, or just reading books?

Accepted Answer

We teach you to actually understand building codes, not memorize summaries. Most prep companies give you condensed versions of occupancy types, construction requirements, and egress formulas. They pull out what they think is important and say just memorize this, trust us. It feels efficient. But when NCARB asks you to apply code knowledge to a real scenario, you're trying to recall bullet points instead of understanding how codes actually work. We take a completely different approach. We spend significant time breaking down the essential code sections and teaching you to truly understand the intention behind them, not just skim them. We spent 4.5+ hours on this because that's what it takes to truly understand building codes, not get the highlights. Can you pass using summaries? Maybe. But when you understand the actual code, you can handle any scenario NCARB throws at you. You're not limited to what someone else decided was important. You know how to think about codes yourself. Then we practice recalling this information with our 200+ building code practice questions. We start with beginner-level questions, work through intermediate ones, and build up to the harder questions. When you're just starting to learn the fundamentals, hitting really hard building code questions doesn't help. We help you grow with the information. Here's the critical difference: When you memorize that a Type IIA building can be 65 feet tall, that's all you know. When you understand how Table 504.3 works and how it connects to occupancy classification and construction type, you can solve any height and area problem the exam presents. This approach takes more time upfront than memorizing summaries. But it's the only way that actually prepares you for how NCARB tests this material. And it's knowledge that protects you throughout your career, not just on exam day.

Question 27

What makes Young Architect's teaching style unique?

Accepted Answer

We make building codes fascinating. And that sounds impossible if you've ever tried to read the IBC on your own, but it's true. We have extensive experience working with building codes on healthcare and laboratory projects. We've applied them to actual buildings, navigated code reviews with officials, lived with the consequences when things went wrong. That real-world experience shows up in how we teach. We don't just explain what the code says. We show you why it matters and what happens when you don't understand it. We connect abstract code requirements to real project situations you'll encounter. Why is A-1 more stringent than A-5? Why is heavy timber fire-resistant even though it's wood? These aren't random facts. They're logical requirements based on real safety concerns. We also have a natural approach for making complex concepts simple. We break down intimidating technical language into plain English. We anticipate what confuses people and address it before you even realize you're confused. We start from a beginner level and progressively move to intermediate and then expert level. Instead of being hit with all the information at once, you build a foundation first and then slowly ramp up as you go. Most importantly, we teach you to think about codes, not just remember facts about them. That's what makes our instruction so effective for the ARE.

Question 28

Why do you teach us to USE the actual IBC versus giving us summaries?

Accepted Answer

Because summaries teach you someone else's interpretation. Using the actual code teaches you to interpret it yourself. Here's what happens with summaries: You memorize that sprinklers give you an area increase. But when you see an exam scenario asking if a building needs occupancy separation, you're not sure how to use the actual code tables to determine allowable areas with and without sprinklers. You're guessing based on incomplete understanding. But when you've actually worked through the IBC with us, you understand how to navigate Chapter 5's tables, how to apply the increases in Chapter 5, and how to determine if a building exceeds allowable parameters. You can think through the scenario using the same framework the code provides. NCARB writes questions that require this level of understanding. They're not testing whether you memorized our summary or someone else's summary. They're testing whether you understand how codes work well enough to apply them to situations you haven't seen before. Teaching you to use the code yourself also makes you self-sufficient. You can reference the IBC on your next project. You can look up occupancy requirements or egress calculations and understand what you're reading. You don't need someone else to interpret it for you. That self-sufficiency is exactly what NCARB expects. They want architects who can use their resources effectively, not architects who can only recall what a prep company told them. And here's the practical reality: When you're in your office working on something, no one's gonna give you a summary. You're gonna have to look it up yourself and know where to look for it and how to read it. You'll need to figure it out on the test AND in the office.

Question 29

How was Building Codes 101 created and when?

Accepted Answer

We created Building Codes 101 in 2025 because building codes consistently appear across multiple ARE exams. PA, PPD, and PDD all test code knowledge extensively. But most candidates were struggling because nobody was teaching codes properly in a comprehensive way. Actually, we created Building Codes 101 before we made PA 101. There was so much building code information in PA that we wanted to properly address codes in a separate course. This allowed us to create a PA course that focuses more on PA's specific objectives while referencing Building Codes 101 for deeper code instruction. We knew there was a better way. We sat down and said what would it take to truly teach someone how building codes work? The answer was comprehensive instruction covering the essential IBC chapters, real project examples showing how codes apply in practice, and connecting everything to NCARB objectives. That's exactly what we built. Not shortcuts. Not highlights. Not summaries. A complete course that treats building codes with the respect and attention they deserve. Our PPD and PDD courses also reference Building Codes 101. This isn't just about PA. It's about giving you a foundation that serves you across multiple technical exams.

Question 30

Why is the membership affordable compared to other ARE prep?

Accepted Answer

Our customers are the people actually taking these exams. Many other prep companies price their products to sell to firms and AIA chapters, not to the individuals studying. Keeping our membership affordable has been central to Young Architect's mission from the beginning. A big part of what we do is help people succeed at every price point. Starting with free podcast content, through affordable study materials, up to ARE Bootcamp as our premium coaching program. We want building code knowledge accessible to everyone taking the ARE. Not just people whose firms will pay for expensive prep courses. Not just candidates who can afford $1,000+ for study materials. Everyone who's willing to put in the work should have access to quality instruction. The single-user agreement is what makes this possible. We're not selling site licenses to firms. We're selling memberships to individuals. That allows us to keep prices reasonable while still delivering comprehensive, high-quality content.

Question 31

Will this help me in my actual job, not just for exams?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. This might be the most valuable course you take for your actual career, not just for passing the ARE. Understanding building codes protects you from liability every single day in practice. When you know how to classify occupancies correctly, you don't make mistakes that cascade through the entire project. When you understand construction type requirements, you select appropriate systems that actually comply with the IBC. This knowledge makes you more valuable to your firm. You can review code compliance intelligently. You can calculate egress requirements correctly. You can determine when buildings need fire separations. You understand accessibility requirements and life safety systems. Firms notice when someone actually understands codes. It means they can trust you with more responsibility. It means you're less likely to make expensive mistakes that lead to code violations. It means you can communicate effectively with building officials about compliance issues. The ARE tests building code knowledge because it's fundamental to safe, effective architectural practice. You're not learning this just to pass a test. You're learning how to design code-compliant buildings throughout your career. That said, this course was created specifically for the ARE. If you're not studying for the architect exam and you're asking could I use this course just to learn building codes? - sure, if you want. But understand it was created specifically for the architect exam and NCARB's objectives. It's not a holistic building codes course for learning codes outside that context.

Question 32

How is this different from the ARE Bootcamp?

Accepted Answer

Think of the ARE 101 membership as joining a gym. Think of ARE Bootcamp as hiring a personal trainer. ARE 101 is self-guided access to all our study materials, including Building Codes 101. You work through it at your own pace on your own schedule. You have all the content you need, but you're managing your own study plan. ARE Bootcamp is our 10-week intensive coaching program with scheduled meetings, personalized guidance, and a strong community element. You're meeting with other candidates multiple times a week. We work through a structured curriculum that's been tested and refined since 2015. There's substantial accountability and support. All ARE prep study materials talk at you. ARE Bootcamp is the only program that talks with you through dialogue and conversation. That back-and-forth helps you understand how all the pieces fit together. Many people pass their exams using ARE 101 alone, including mastering codes through this course. Some people need the extra structure and accountability Bootcamp provides. It really depends on you and how you learn best.

Question 33

What if I want to upgrade to Bootcamp later?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine. Many people start with ARE 101, work through materials like Building Codes on their own, and then join Bootcamp later. Sometimes it's helpful to explore the content independently first and get the lay of the land. Then when you join Bootcamp, you have context for the structured curriculum and coaching. Other times people jump straight into Bootcamp from the start. There's no wrong way to do this. We're not going to tell you there's only one path that works. Your membership gives you access to all the materials. How you use them and whether you add coaching on top is entirely up to you. More information about Bootcamp is available inside your ARE 101 membership if you want to explore it.

Question 34

How does this course follow NCARB's objectives?

Accepted Answer

Every section of Building Codes 101 connects directly to NCARB's objectives for PA, PPD, and PDD. We don't just teach building codes in isolation. We show you exactly how each IBC chapter relates to specific NCARB objectives. When we cover occupancy classifications, we explain which objectives it supports and how NCARB tests that knowledge. Same with construction types, means of egress, and fire protection. This approach helps you understand why you're learning each concept. You're not just studying codes because someone told you to. You're learning them because NCARB has specifically identified this knowledge as essential for practicing architecture. We also teach you how to read NCARB's objective statements themselves. The objectives tell you exactly what NCARB thinks you should know. Most candidates ignore them. We teach you to use them as your study roadmap.

Question 35

How often do you update the course when the IBC changes?

Accepted Answer

We update Building Codes 101 whenever there are significant IBC changes, and we monitor for updates continuously. The IBC gets updated every three years, but NCARB doesn't immediately switch to the new edition. There's typically a lag time. When NCARB adopts a new code edition, we review the changes and update our instruction to reflect the current version. Your membership gives you access to these updates without paying again for a new version. The fundamentals of how building codes work don't change drastically between editions. But specific requirements, table formats, and code section numbers can shift. We make sure you're studying the version that aligns with what NCARB references in their exam specifications. We're also proactive about quality control. If you find any errors or outdated information, we have an easy system for reporting it. We update materials to maintain accuracy. The goal is always to give you current, accurate instruction that prepares you for exactly what NCARB is testing right now. Not what they tested five years ago. Not what we think they might test someday. What they're testing today based on the current IBC edition and exam objectives.

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