How many questions are on the building inspector exam (RBQ)?

The RBQ does not publish the number of questions, the duration or the passing grade of a residential building inspector exam — and for an inspector trained in Quebec there is no exam: the qualification required for the certificate is an Attestation d'études collégiales (AEC) in building inspection based on the BNQ 3009-500 standard (an AEC in large-building inspection is added for Category 2).

The only exam provided for applies to holders of a valid inspection accreditation issued in another province or Canadian territory: they must pass an RBQ exam on Quebec rules (a second exam for Category 2). The RBQ does not publish its format.

Published fees (RBQ 2026 fee schedule, non-taxable amounts): Category 1 certificate application: $942.69; Category 2: $1,157.41; retake exam after a failure: $102.65 per exam; annual renewal: $632.65 (Category 1) or $847.37 (Category 2).

Deadline: the certificate becomes mandatory on October 1, 2027 for inspections carried out for a real estate transaction (pre-purchase).