Chapter I, Building, of the Québec Construction Code (Code de construction du Québec), in force since April 17, 2025, is based on the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020, with Québec’s amendments. Yet the RBQ exam information sheets we read in September 2026 still list the NBC 2015 as amended as the document handed out for Project and Site Management and for the 1.2 and 1.3 construction work exams, and older editions for some other subclasses. The RBQ has published nothing further on which edition is handed out on exam day. Here is what is confirmed, what is not, and how to prepare despite the uncertainty.
The code in force since April 17, 2025
The RBQ says the amendments to Chapter I, Building, of the Construction Code came into force on April 17, 2025. The chapter adopts the NBC 2020, with amendments specific to Québec. It is the code that applies to construction work, subject to the transition period described below.
The Construction Code has several chapters. Chapter V, Electricity, was also amended in 2026. For the exam, Chapter I is the one that matters most. To see which edition applies to your work outside the exam, read where the Québec Construction Code stands today.
The edition printed on the exam sheets
Each exam has an information sheet (fiche d’information) that lists the documents handed out in the room and those recommended for reading. Here is the code edition each sheet lists, as read in September 2026:
| Exam | Sheet date | Code edition listed as provided |
|---|---|---|
| Project and Site Management | December 2024 | Chapter I (NBC 2015 as amended) |
| Construction work 1.2 | July 21, 2025 | Chapter I and NBC 2015 (as amended) |
| Construction work 1.3 | July 21, 2025 | Chapter I and NBC 2015 (as amended) |
| Construction work 6.1 | June 24, 2024 | Chapter I and NBC 2015 |
| Construction work 15.7 | August 14, 2024 | Chapter I and NBC 2010 (as amended) |
| Construction work 10 | December 10, 2012 | Chapter I, 1995 edition |
The RBQ’s exam preparation page, checked in September 2026, also lists the NBC 2015 (as amended) for Project and Site Management. The competency profile for that exam refers to Chapter I and Part 9 without naming an edition.
Some course providers say the RBQ uses the 2015 code for its exams. That fits the sheets, but it is not an RBQ confirmation of the edition actually placed on the table.
Why the gap?
We do not know, and we would rather say so than guess. Two explanations are possible: the sheets have not been updated yet, or the RBQ is still using an earlier edition during the transition period. The question is open, and we will update this article as soon as the RBQ publishes a clarification. Until then, treat your exam’s sheet as the best published information, and check it again before your exam date.
The transition period to October 17, 2027
On August 26, 2026, the RBQ announced regulations that extend the transition period by one year. They have been in force since September 10, 2026.
- Chapter I, Building: the text as it read before April 17, 2025 can still be used if the work began before October 17, 2027 (O.C. 1351-2026).
- Chapter V, Electricity: the text as it read before March 26, 2026 can still be used if the work began before October 17, 2027 (O.C. 1352-2026).
In practice, two editions coexist on job sites until 2027. That is one more reason not to assume only one edition will be handed out at the exam.
What it means for your preparation
1. Read your exam’s information sheet
The sheet lists the edition provided. It is the most precise document the RBQ publishes on this. Our documents provided at RBQ exams cheat sheet summarizes them, exam by exam.
2. Learn to find information, not to memorize it
When the code is handed out, much of the work is knowing where to look. Practise finding your way around the code’s structure: parts, sections, index, tables. That skill carries over from one edition to the next, even when articles are renumbered.
3. Work with the shared vocabulary
Start with the overall structure of Chapter I and the terms it defines. Then recheck each specific requirement in the edition you are using, since that is where editions can differ.
4. Do not mix editions in your notes
If you study with one edition, write which one at the top of each page of notes. On exam day, you will know what to recheck in the document provided.
5. Recheck before your exam date
The sheets are dated. If a new sheet comes out, it replaces the old one. Our RBQ regulatory calendar 2025 to 2027 and the article on RBQ exam changes in 2026 track these changes.
What we do not publish (and why)
You will not find code values on RBQexam (spans, strengths, minimum dimensions) or extracts of code articles. Two reasons:
- Copyright. The national codes belong to the National Research Council Canada. Under its terms, reproducing them for commercial redistribution requires written permission.
- Uncertainty about the edition. Until the RBQ confirms the edition handed out at each exam, a value that is right in 2015 could be wrong in 2020, or the other way around. We do not want you memorizing a number that costs you points.
So our practice questions focus on how to use the code and on the acts and regulations, cited by section number with a link to LégisQuébec, without reproducing their text.
If you are aiming for 1.2 or 1.3, also read RBQ licence 1.2 or 1.3: which subclass to choose.
FAQ
Which building code is in force in Québec in 2026?
Chapter I, Building, of the Québec Construction Code, based on the NBC 2020 as amended for Québec, in force since April 17, 2025. The old text can still be used for work begun before October 17, 2027.
Which code edition is handed out at the RBQ exam?
The sheets read in September 2026 list the NBC 2015 as amended for Project and Site Management, 1.2 and 1.3. Other construction work exams list 2015, 2010 or 1995. The RBQ has published nothing further. Check your exam’s sheet.
Do I need to buy the code to prepare?
The RBQ does not require it. For exams where the code is handed out, practising your look-ups is useful. If you do, make sure you know which edition you are using.
Is the code handed out at the Administration exam?
The Administration sheet does not list it among the documents provided. See the documents provided at RBQ exams cheat sheet.
Until when can the old version of the Building chapter be used?
For work begun before October 17, 2027, under O.C. 1351-2026, in force on September 10, 2026.
To practise for the Project and Site Management exam, you can try RBQexam’s free timed practice exam. RBQexam is not affiliated with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
Information current as of September 26, 2026.