Master mechanical plan review with study guides, practice tests, and a dual-book tabbing system for the 2024 IMC and IFGC.
No credit card required
Everything you need for the M3 Mechanical Plans Examiner exam — based on the 2024 International Mechanical Code® (IMC)
6-hour structured review covering Exhaust and Ventilation Systems, Appliances and Equipment, Combustion Air, and more — weighted to match M3 exam percentages
Timed 50-question simulation matching the M3 exam format with detailed answer explanations
Digital flip-cards for key terms, code sections, and references from the 2024 International Mechanical Code® (IMC)
Listen-and-learn audio covering high-yield M3 topics for studying on the go
Color-coded tab system for the 2024 International Mechanical Code® (IMC) — find answers fast during your open-book exam
Win the computer-based PRONTO exam: digital code book search tactics and a category-by-category section-finding playbook for the M3
Insert sheets with key tables, formulas, and values from the 2024 International Mechanical Code® (IMC) for blank code book pages
6-8 week structured program prioritized by M3 category weights — heaviest topics first
Intensive pre-exam review focusing on the highest-weighted M3 topics: Exhaust and Ventilation Systems, Appliances and Equipment, Combustion Air
Our study materials cover every category tested
Get a head start on your M3 Mechanical Plans Examiner exam preparation with this preview of our comprehensive study guide. Sign up for full access to all study materials.
| Category | Percentage | Questions (of 50) |
|---|---|---|
| General Administration | 5% | 3 |
| Appliances and Equipment | 18% | 9 |
| Exhaust and Ventilation Systems | 25% | 13 |
| Duct Systems | 8% | 4 |
| Combustion Air | 18% | 9 |
| Chimneys and Vents | 17% | 9 |
| Fuel Supply Systems | 9% | 5 |
The 2024 IMC renumbered Chapter 1 (permits are now Section 105, construction documents 106, inspections and testing 111) and Chapter 5 (hood size/location is 507.1.6, Type I hood capacities 507.2.10, Type II capacities 507.3.4, grease duct materials 506.3.1, hazardous exhaust 509, dust/stock/refuse conveying 510, subslab soil exhaust 511, smoke control 512, energy recovery ventilation 513). Every citation below was verified against 2024_INTERNTIONAL_MECHANICAL_CODE.txt and 2024_INTERNATIONAL_FUEL_GAS_CODE.txt.
Verify the permit application matches the submitted construction documents, and that products not detailed in the code are properly approved.
IMC 105 — Permits:
IMC 104.2.3 — Alternative materials, design and methods: the code does not prevent any material, design or method not specifically prescribed, provided it is not prohibited and has been approved. The code official approves it where it complies with the intent of the code (104.2.3.3) and is at least equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability, safety and fire safety (104.2.3.4); the disposition is given in writing (104.2.3.2).
IMC 106.1 — Construction documents: drawn to scale, of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work, and to show in detail that the work conforms to the code. A plans examiner expects to see equipment size/location, controls, equipment schedules, design criteria (heating/cooling loads, cfm), duct layout and sizing, and ventilation rates/calculations.
IMC 312.1 — Load calculations: heating and cooling system design loads for sizing systems, appliances and equipment shall be determined per ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183, or an approved equivalent computation using the IECC design parameters.
Provide general information on code provisions and communicate using proper code definitions and terminology.
IMC 111 — Inspections and testing (was Section 108 in 2021): required inspections (111.2), approval before proceeding (111.2.3), approved agencies (111.2.4), required testing (111.3).
IMC 104.9 — Approved materials and equipment (used, reconditioned or re-identified equipment and materials may be approved).
Common plan-review issues: missing information (incomplete equipment schedules, no load calculations); improper appliance locations (sleeping rooms, bathrooms — see Appliances and Equipment below); clearance violations; inadequate ventilation (missing outdoor-air intakes, wrong rates); duct sizing errors; venting problems (wrong connector material/sizing); combustion-air deficiencies (inadequate opening sizes/locations).
Referenced standards plans examiners must recognize: ACCA Manual J (residential heating/cooling load calc), ACCA Manual D (residential duct design), ASHRAE 62.1 (commercial ventilation), ASHRAE 62.2 (residential ventilation).
IMC 1002.1 — Potable water heaters and hot-water storage tanks shall be listed, labeled, and installed per the manufacturer's instructions and Chapter 10.
IMC 1004 — Boilers:
IMC 1006.1 — Safety valves for steam boilers: every steam boiler shall be protected with a safety valve; 1006–1007 cover additional safety-device requirements.
IMC 1101.1 — Scope: this chapter governs the design, installation, construction and repair of refrigeration systems.
IMC 1103.1 — Refrigerant classification: refrigerants are classified per ASHRAE 34.
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Created by Levi Mittag — a Certified Building Official, Field Inspection Supervisor, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with 19 ICC certifications and 26 years in the building industry.
7 days free, then $19/mo. All 28 exams included. No credit card required.
Not just practice questions — a complete study system with audio, tabbing, and strategy.
Built by an active supervisor who uses these methods to train his own inspection team.