What a sign permit test measures

A sign permit test is a written exam that checks whether you understand the rules for displaying signs on your property or business. The test covers local sign codes — the specific laws your city or county has about size, placement, lighting, materials, and what messages are allowed. You take this test to show the permitting office that you know these rules before they issue you a permit to put up a sign.

The test is not about general knowledge. It is about the actual ordinances that explore where your sign will stand. A sign that is legal in one city might violate codes in the next town over. The test confirms you have read your local rules and understand them.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign permit tests are based on your city or county's specific sign ordinance, so the rules you study depend on where your sign will be located.
  • Most tests cover maximum sign dimensions, setback distances from property lines, lighting restrictions, material standards, and prohibited message types.
  • You can obtain a copy of your local sign code from your city or county planning or zoning department, usually free and online.
  • The test is typically short — often 10 to 20 questions — and passing usually requires 70 to 80 percent correct answers.
  • Some jurisdictions allow you to retake the test if you do not pass on your first attempt, though policies vary by location.

Where to find your local sign code

Your city or county planning department, zoning department, or building department publishes the sign ordinance that will be on your test. Call the department directly and ask for the sign code or sign ordinance. Many departments now post this document online on their website, often under a section called "Zoning Ordinance," "Municipal Code," or "Development Standards."

If you cannot find it online, visit the department in person or request it by mail. Some departments email it to you. The document is public record and free. When you get it, look for sections labeled "Signs," "Sign Regulations," or "Advertising Signs." Read through the entire section — do not skip parts you think are irrelevant, because test questions often cover details that seem minor.

What topics the test usually covers

Sign codes address the physical and visual characteristics of signs. Most tests ask about maximum height and width, how far a sign must sit back from the street or property line, whether it can be illuminated and how, what materials are allowed, and whether certain types of signs need special permits. Some tests also cover rules about temporary signs, signs on vehicles, and signs in residential versus commercial zones.

A smaller portion of tests covers prohibited content — messages that are not allowed regardless of the sign's appearance. This might include signs advertising illegal activities, signs that obstruct traffic sight lines, or signs that imitate official government signs. Read the section on prohibited signs carefully, because these questions often have multiple correct-sounding answers.

How to study the sign code effectively

Read the ordinance once all the way through to get the overall structure. Then go back and highlight or underline the specific measurements, distances, and rules. Write down the numbers: maximum height in feet, setback distance in feet, maximum square footage, lighting restrictions. These numbers appear on almost every test.

Create a straightforward study sheet with categories like "Height Limits," "Setback Requirements," "Lighting Rules," and "Prohibited Signs." Write the rule and the number next to it. Review this sheet several times before the test. If your ordinance includes diagrams or examples, study those closely — they often match the style of test questions.

If the ordinance is confusing, call the planning department and ask a staff member to explain a specific rule. They want you to pass because it means you will follow the code. Many departments offer brief phone consultations or even short in-person meetings to walk through the rules with applicants.

What to expect on test day

Bring a photo ID and arrive a few minutes early. The test is usually administered at the planning or zoning department office, though some jurisdictions now offer online testing. You will receive a printed test or access a computer-based version. Most tests are multiple choice with four answer options per question.

Read each question carefully and do not rush. If a question asks about a specific scenario — for example, "A business wants to install a 12-foot-tall sign in a commercial zone where the maximum height is 10 feet. What must happen?" — refer back to the rule in your mind and pick the answer that matches the ordinance exactly. Do not assume; use what you studied.

If you finish early, review your answers. Change an answer only if you are certain you misread the question or the code. Most people who change answers on a second pass change them from correct to incorrect.

What happens if you do not pass

Policies on retesting vary by jurisdiction. Some allow you to retake the test when ready or within a few days. Others require you to wait a set period — often one to two weeks — before retesting. A few jurisdictions allow unlimited retakes; others limit you to two or three attempts.

If you do not pass, ask the department which questions you missed (some provide this feedback, others do not). Review those sections of the ordinance again. If a particular rule is still unclear, ask the staff member to explain it. Then schedule your retake. Most people pass on the second attempt because they now know which topics to focus on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pass the sign permit test to get a permit?

Requirements vary by location. Some jurisdictions require a passing test score before issuing any sign permit. Others use the test as one part of the review process but do not make it a hard requirement. Contact your local planning or zoning department to learn whether the test is mandatory in your area.

Can I use the sign code during the test?

Most jurisdictions do not allow you to reference the ordinance while taking the test — the point is to show you have learned the rules. However, some departments allow an open-book test. Ask when you schedule your test or arrive early and ask the administrator.

How long does the test take?

Most sign permit tests take 15 to 30 minutes. The exact time depends on the number of questions and how quickly you work. There is usually no strict time limit, so you can take as long as you need to read and think through each question carefully.

What score do I need to pass?

Passing scores typically range from 70 to 80 percent, meaning you need to answer 7 to 8 out of 10 questions correctly, or 14 to 16 out of 20. Your local department will tell you the exact passing score when you contact them about the test.

Can I take the test online?

Some jurisdictions now offer online testing, especially after the shift to remote services during recent years. Contact your planning or zoning department to ask whether online testing is available in your area and how to schedule it.