SIAA ADA Level 2 common mistakes
SIAA ADA Level 2 · Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
Treating the ADA Standards as the only controlling requirement and ignoring that state or local accessibility codes, or a stricter locally adopted standard, can govern the same feature and override the federal minimum.
Candidates study the federal standards in isolation and assume compliance is a single closed rulebook, so they miss that projects must satisfy whichever requirement is most stringent among all applicable laws.
What to do instead
For each scenario, run a two-step check: first identify every jurisdiction and standard in play, then apply the most restrictive requirement for each element. Practice with short scenarios that state a state code is stricter than the federal rule and confirm you select the stricter value.
Applying new-construction compliance rules to an alteration project instead of evaluating the alteration against the alteration-specific provisions and the maximum extent feasible standard.
Candidates memorize the new-construction dimensional tables and reflexively apply them to every scenario, missing the alteration-specific logic that permits limited exceptions where full compliance is structurally or financially infeasible.
What to do instead
Before answering any alteration question, label the project type explicitly (new construction, alteration, or existing facility) and then recall the rule set tied to that label. Build a one-page comparison of the three project types with the governing standard for each.
Measuring clear width, maneuvering clearance, or turning space from finish-to-finish in the wrong direction, such as measuring door maneuvering clearance on the wrong side of the door or omitting the strike-side clearance.
Candidates memorize a single number without the geometry of where it applies, so they apply the pull-side clearance to the push side or forget that the clearance depends on approach direction and door swing.
What to do instead
Redraw the door swing and approach direction for every door question before choosing a dimension. Sketch the required clearance zone on the correct side and confirm which approach (front, hinge, latch) applies.
Confusing the required number of accessible parking spaces with the required number of van-accessible spaces, or misapplying the van-space ratio to small lots.
The two tables look similar and candidates conflate the total accessible count with the van-accessible subset, especially in small lots where the van requirement is a minimum of one.
What to do instead
Answer in two separate steps: first compute total accessible spaces from the lot size, then compute van-accessible spaces from the total accessible count, remembering that at least one van space is required whenever any accessible space is required.
Assuming every accessible parking space must be van-accessible, or assuming every accessible space must have an access aisle on both sides.
Candidates overgeneralize from a single familiar site plan and do not distinguish car-accessible spaces from van-accessible spaces or recall when a shared access aisle is permitted.
What to do instead
Memorize the distinct dimensional requirements for car and van spaces and the conditions under which two spaces may share one access aisle. Practice labeling each space type on a sample lot diagram.
Applying the wrong slope limit to a ramp versus a walkway, or forgetting that a running slope between certain thresholds triggers ramp requirements including handrails and landings.
Candidates treat any sloped surface as a ramp or as a walkway without checking the threshold that converts a walking surface into a ramp with full ramp requirements.
What to do instead
Memorize the running-slope thresholds that separate a walkway, a ramp, and a non-compliant surface. For each sloped-surface question, state the measured slope first, then list the elements that slope triggers.
Selecting an assistive listening system type or number of receivers without first determining the seating capacity and the assembly occupancy conditions that set the requirement.
Candidates jump to the technology category (induction loop, FM, infrared) before establishing whether a system is required at all and how many receivers are needed based on capacity.
What to do instead
Work the problem in order: confirm the space is an assembly area requiring an ALS, compute receiver counts from seating capacity, then address the technology and signage requirements.
Missing that accessible routes must connect all required elements and spaces, including site arrival points, and instead checking only the interior path.
Candidates focus on the building interior and forget the exterior route from parking, transit stops, and public sidewalks, or forget that the route must be an accessible route rather than merely a walkable one.
What to do instead
For every site or route question, trace the full path from arrival point to destination and confirm each segment meets accessible-route criteria, including slope, width, and surface.
Treating signage requirements as a single rule and missing that tactile characters, braille, and visual character requirements apply to different sign types with different mounting heights and locations.
Candidates memorize one sign specification and apply it to every sign, missing the distinctions between permanent room signs, directional signs, and signs at doors.
What to do instead
Build a sign-type matrix: for each sign category, list required character type, mounting height, location relative to the door, and braille requirements. Drill by classifying a described sign before answering.
Writing inspection findings that state a deficiency without citing the specific requirement, measurement, or location, making the report unusable for correction.
Candidates treat documentation as narrative rather than evidence, so they omit the measured value, the applicable requirement, and the exact location needed to verify and remediate.
What to do instead
Use a fixed finding template for every deficiency: location, element, measured condition, applicable requirement, and required correction. Practice converting vague observations into templated findings until the pattern is automatic.