ICC Masonry Inspector S2 study plan

Map the masonry materials landscape: list mortar types (M, S, N, O, K) with their cement-lime proportions and typical compressive strengths from memory

Explain the difference between Type N and Type S mortar and state where each is required or prohibited for structural and veneer applications

Describe the properties and permitted uses of clay brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), and natural stone, including absorption and compressive strength ranges

Identify mortar ingredients (portland cement, lime, sand, water, admixtures) and state the code limits on admixture use

Sequence a typical masonry wall assembly from foundation to flashing to veneer, naming each component and its function

Explain the purpose and placement of flashing, weeps, and the air/moisture barrier in cavity and veneer walls

Describe anchor, tie, and reinforcement types (joint reinforcement, wall ties, anchors) and state spacing rules you can recall

Distinguish reinforced, unreinforced, and veneer wall behavior under lateral load

List the field tests and inspections that occur before, during, and after masonry placement (prism tests, mortar/grout sampling, slump, and compressive strength)

Explain how mortar and grout specimens are prepared, cured, and evaluated against acceptance criteria

Describe prism testing versus unit-and-mortar testing and when each is used

Identify common workmanship defects (poor bed joints, inadequate overlap, missing weeps) and how an inspector documents them

Read a set of masonry construction documents and identify the structural drawings, architectural drawings, and specifications that govern masonry

Trace how a plan reviewer confirms that masonry details match the code requirements for the occupancy and construction type

Explain the permit application process: what submittals are required, who reviews them, and what triggers a resubmittal

Describe how inspection records, special inspection reports, and final approvals feed back into the permit file

Explain the role of the building official and the inspector in code administration, including authority to approve, condition, or deny permits

Describe the inspection request, notification, and sign-off workflow from footing to final

Identify the difference between a code violation, a plan deficiency, and a construction defect and how each is handled

Outline the process for stop-work orders, notices of violation, and appeals

Summarize the administrative provisions that govern enforcement: permit validity, expiration, revocation, and re-inspection fees

Explain how referenced standards (masonry materials, testing, and construction standards) are adopted by reference into the code

Distinguish the inspector's authority from the contractor's responsibility for means and methods

Describe documentation practices for inspection reports, corrections, and follow-up verification

Work through mixed-topic practice questions across all four domains and log every miss by domain and reason

Re-study your two weakest subtopics using targeted notes rather than full rereads

Practice explaining a masonry detail aloud as if briefing a contractor, in under two minutes

Review code-administration definitions and terms you have been guessing at

Re-take a full-length timed practice exam and compare domain scores to week 7

Drill the highest-frequency misses from your error log until you can answer without hesitation

Recite the key numeric thresholds (mortar strengths, tie spacing, test frequencies) from memory

Finalize a one-page personal cheat sheet limited to facts you repeatedly missed