Inspection, Testing, and Verification
What this domain tests
Domain 5 tests verification: planning inspections and tests, using valid instruments, applying acceptance criteria, and handling nonconformance. The exam distinguishes contractor quality control from AHJ and third-party inspection roles.
Core rules
- Inspection roles. Know who witnesses or performs AHJ, special, third-party, and contractor quality-control inspections.
- Test plan. Define method, sample size, frequency, acceptance criteria, and reporting before testing begins.
- Instrument validity. Confirm calibration certificate, measurement range, and physical condition.
- Sampling. Use representative and, where required, random locations; document each location.
- Nonconformance. Contain, document, evaluate, disposition, and retest the affected work.
- Acceptance. Compare results to the specified criterion, not to a remembered rule or a similar project.
Worked example
A performance test fails at one location. Reasoning: first verify instrument calibration and test setup, then recheck the procedure and product. If the failure is real, issue a nonconformance, correct the cause, and retest the affected area plus a representative sample. Do not average away a failing location.
Traps that cost marks
- Using an instrument with expired calibration.
- Testing only the easiest or most accessible locations.
- Passing work on visual inspection when a test is required.
- Accepting verbal test results without a record.
- Retesting without identifying the root cause.