RBQ 1.2 Small Buildings Exam: The 2026 Guide

RBQ 1.2 Small buildings contractor exam: the essentials

The work execution exam for subclass 1.2 Contractor – Small buildings lasts 3 hours, requires 60% to pass and is taken with three documents provided by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Here is what the licence allows, what the exam covers, the documents provided, common pitfalls and a study plan, based on the RBQ's official exam information sheet (in circulation since July 21, 2025, checked November 1, 2026).

Prof-RBQ.ca is an independent exam preparation center. It is not affiliated with the RBQ.

What the 1.2 licence allows

According to the RBQ, subclass 1.2 authorizes construction work on:

• buildings covered by Part 9 of the National Building Code (the subclass definition in Schedule I of B-1.1, r. 9 refers to Part 9 of the NBC 2015) that do not fall under subclasses 1.1.1 or 1.1.2;
• Part 9 buildings under subclasses 1.1.1 and 1.1.2, but only as a subcontractor for the holder of one of those subclasses;
• tents covered by the Construction Code.

It also authorizes the work of Schedule II subclasses 2.6, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1 and 6.1 for a covered building or tent, as well as similar or related work, within the scope authorized by the subclass; this does not extend to work reserved by law for master electricians or master pipe-mechanics (B-1.1, r. 9, s. 11). The official definition contains other details: check it before bidding.

Which exams for a 1.2 licence?

1.2 is a general contractor subclass (Schedule I). As a rule, the business must have respondents qualified in four areas: Administration, Construction site safety management, Project and construction site management, and Work execution 1.2. One respondent can cover several areas, or the qualifications can be split among several respondents. Recognized training, an equivalence or an exemption can reduce the number of exams. See our guides RBQ license 2026 and RBQ Administration exam.

The 1.2 exam at a glance

The 10 exam modules

1. Legislative, normative and regulatory framework
2. Building design
3. Excavation and building foundations
4. Building structure
5. Building envelope
6. Fire protection and means of egress
7. Building mechanical systems
8. Architectural and functional components
9. Renovation, restoration and alteration of buildings
10. Sustainable development

Documents provided and documents to know

What is not provided must be known in advance: questions on the Building Act, the Safety Code or sustainable development are answered without documents.

5 common pitfalls

1. Opening the wrong document

With three documents on the table, time is lost searching in the wrong place. Before flipping pages, ask yourself whether the question is about qualification (B-1.1, r. 9), a construction requirement (Code), the new-home guarantee (B-1.1, r. 8), or a topic that is not provided and must be known.

2. Confusing the edition provided with the edition in force

The Code provided at the exam is the edition based on the NBC 2015 (amended). Since April 17, 2025, Chapter I is based on the NBC 2020 (amended); the previous provisions may still apply to certain work under the transitional provisions of Chapter I (until October 17, 2027, under conditions). At the exam, use the references and instructions given for the session.

3. Leaving Part 9

1.2 covers Part 9 buildings. Part 9 sets out many requirements for small buildings, but certain structural elements or conditions require design under Part 4: knowing when that applies is also part of the material.

4. Forgetting the subcontracting rule

For new residential buildings covered by the guarantee plan (1.1.1 and 1.1.2), the 1.2 holder works only as a subcontractor of a contractor holding the appropriate 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 subclass and meeting the guarantee-plan accreditation requirements. It is a classic question on the scope of the licence.

5. Managing time poorly

The sheet does not give the number of questions. Answer the ones you know first, flag long searches in the Code and come back to them.

6-week study plan

1. Week 1: legislative framework (Building Act, qualification regulation, scope of 1.2, guarantee plan) and structure of the Code.
2. Week 2: design, excavation and foundations.
3. Week 3: structure (wood framing, spans) and envelope.
4. Week 4: fire protection, means of egress and mechanical systems.
5. Week 5: architectural components, renovation, sustainable development and Safety Code.
6. Week 6: fast look-up practice in the three documents provided and timed section quizzes at the pace of a 3-hour exam.

Fees and retakes

In 2026, each RBQ exam costs $105.27, and a retake after a failure costs $105.27 per exam. After a failure, only one retake is possible: it must be requested within 30 days of the notice sent by the RBQ. After failing the retake, or if it is not requested in time, a 4-month wait applies before being admitted again to the same exam. Details: RBQ license cost 2026.

FAQ

How many questions are on the RBQ 1.2 exam?

The official sheet does not say. It gives a duration of 3 hours and a passing mark of 60%.

Is the Construction Code provided?

Yes: the Quebec Construction Code, Chapter I – Building, and the NBC 2015 (amended) are provided, with the qualification regulation (B-1.1, r. 9) and the guarantee plan regulation (B-1.1, r. 8).

Is the Building Act provided?

No. It is recommended reading only: the concepts that may be asked must be known in advance.

Can I take the exam in English?

Yes, the exam is offered in French or English.

Can a 1.2 holder build a new house for a client?

For a new residential building covered by the guarantee plan, only as a subcontractor for the holder of a 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 subclass. Check the RBQ's official definition for your project.

Prepare with Prof-RBQ

Our RBQ 1.2 Contractor – Small buildings course follows the 10 modules of the sheet, with lessons, quizzes with explained answers, guided calculations and flashcards. The first lessons are free.

Save with a path

Our paths bundle the exam-preparation courses generally required for a licence, with 15% to 25% off and 6 months of access. The General contractor – Small buildings path bundles the Administration, Safety management, Project management and 1.2 courses. Compare them on the Choose my path page.

Official sources

• RBQ – 1.2 exam information sheet (English, July 21, 2025)
• RBQ – List of licence subclasses (in French)
• RBQ – Extension of the transition period (August 2026, in French)

Last checked: November 1, 2026. The RBQ is the authority. French version of this guide: Examen RBQ 1.2.