What is the hierarchy of codes and standards?

• A. Codes are legally adopted minimums, standards are consensus guidance, and listings are tested assemblies.
• B. Listings are legally adopted minimums, standards are consensus guidance, and codes are tested assemblies.
• C. Standards are legally adopted minimums, codes are consensus guidance, and listings are tested assemblies.
• D. Codes are tested assemblies, standards are legally adopted minimums, and listings are consensus guidance.

Answer: (A)

Codes establish the legal minimums that a jurisdiction requires for safety and performance; they’re the enforceable rules that govern how buildings and roofs must be designed and constructed. Standards are developed by consensus groups to provide the technical criteria, methods, and performance expectations used to meet those rules; they guide engineers, designers, and installers but aren’t laws by themselves unless a code or contract adopts them. Listings come from independent testing organizations that verify a product or assembly meets the applicable standard, providing a recognized mark of conformity that helps show compliance to inspectors and design professionals. In practice, codes set the floor, standards provide the path to meet those requirements, and listings document that a product or assembly has been tested and found to meet the standard.