Permit Technician Practice Test

What type of code describes exactly what methods and materials are to be used during construction?

1. A performance code

2. A prescriptive code

3. A regulatory code

4. A performance-based code

The correct answer is: A prescriptive code

The correct answer is prescriptive code, which specifies detailed requirements for construction methods and materials. This type of code establishes clear, specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure compliance with safety and construction standards. By outlining precise methods and materials, prescriptive codes help ensure consistency in construction practices, reduce ambiguity, and enhance safety by dictating exactly how building components should be constructed. In contrast, performance codes focus on the outcomes or results of a construction project rather than the exact means of achieving those results. They set performance objectives, allowing for flexibility in how these outcomes are met. Regulatory codes generally refer to broader guidelines set by authorities that govern various aspects of construction, including compliance with laws, safety, and environmental regulations, but do not necessarily detail specific methods or materials. Performance-based codes, similar to performance codes, prioritize achieving specified performance levels without dictating the specific processes involved. Thus, while these alternatives provide valuable frameworks, they do not offer the same level of specificity that prescriptive codes do.