BCIN Designer Legal
Every Ontario building designer must pass this legal and process exam to get a BCIN. It covers the Building Code Act, permits, inspections and the rules for registering as a designer. The real exam has 70 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, is open book, and needs 70% to pass.
Official exam: Ontario Building Code Qualification Exam (BCIN): Designer Legal/Process, by Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH).
The real exam
What the exam body publishes. Checked 2026-10-17.
| Questions | 70 multiple choice |
|---|---|
| Time | 180 minutes |
| Pass mark | 70% (official) |
| Delivery | online with remote live proctoring at home/office, online at an Ontario college test centre, or on paper in parts of northern Ontario |
| Fee | CAD 150 per exam |
| Language | English, French (paper only, on request) |
What the exam covers
- Building Code Act: interpretation and enforcement roles
- Chief building official and inspector powers
- Permits, conditional permits and plans review
- Inspections, unsafe buildings, orders and appeals
- Qualifications and duty to carry identification
- Division A: scope and referenced documents
- Division C: designer qualification, registration and insurance
- Division C: registered code agencies
Sample questions
In our own words, from this exam area. Try five more on the home page.
Under Ontario's Building Code Act, 1992, who must issue a permit before a building is constructed or demolished?
- The chief building official
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- The designer who signed the drawings
- The local fire chief
Show the answer
A. The Act requires a permit issued by the chief building official.
Under the Building Code Act, 1992, a structure with walls, roof or floor and no plumbing is a "building" when its area is greater than what?
- 10 square metres
- 15 square metres
- 25 square metres
- 50 square metres
Show the answer
A. The Act's definition uses an area greater than ten square metres.
Questions about DESIGNER-LEGAL
Is this the real Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing exam?
No. This is practice built to the published format of the official exam. The real exam is run by Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH).
What is the pass mark?
70% (official)
How long do I have access?
30 days from when your access is activated. Need more time? You can buy the course again.
When does it open?
Tap "Notify me when it opens" and we message you as soon as this course is ready.