General Contractor License (KB2) Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the maximum diameter of a hole that can be bored in a 2 by 10 joist, according to the code?
• How much can be notched from a load bearing stud without compromising its structural integrity?
• How many cubic yards of concrete would be typically required for the footer of a house?
• Roofing nails should be long enough to penetrate through concrete roof tile and at least _____ into the roof deck.
• If you peel off siding and the wood is dark brown and crumbly, what is the probable cause?
• How much can be notched from a non-load bearing stud without compromising its structural integrity?
• Where should a vapor barrier be placed in an attic that has two layers of batt insulation?
• Approximately how many squares of asphalt shingles should be ordered for the rear of a two-story house, considering a 10% allowance for starter and waste?
• What is the primary purpose of insulation in a building?
• The slope ratio of a handicap accessible ramp shall be a maximum of?
• According to code, what fraction of the depth of a joist is the maximum allowed for notches in the top or bottom?
• What is the function of trusses in roof construction?
• When framing a rough opening for a door using metal studs, how much wider should the rough opening be than the door?
• What is the maximum header joist span allowed with a single member header when framing openings in floors with header and trimmer joists?
• If a grade rises 86 feet over a horizontal distance of 277 feet, what is the percent of slope?
• What is a common cause of subsidence in building foundations?
• Under what condition must footings be stepped according to code?
• Which type of screws are suitable for attaching drywall to wood studs?
• Perimeter fastening for tile roofing areas from either side of the hips or ridges and edges of eaves and gable rakes include _____.
• What is the maximum depth of a notch in the top or bottom of a floor joist relative to the depth of the joist?
• 10 foot long planks used on scaffolding should not extend over the edges of the support more than:
• The top and bottom horizontal member of a truss is called?
• What is the purpose of fiber reinforced plastic or zinc coated reinforcing bars?
• Which of the following is essential for proper concrete curing?
• What is the optimum moisture content of the soil related to?
• What is the minimum width of a footing required for light frame construction?
• In relation to the dimensions of a building, what does the term "overhang" refer to?
• When constructing a new building, what permits are typically required?
• What is the required depth of a footing if the frost line is 24 inches below the surface?
• Where should the vapor barrier be installed in relation to insulation?
• According to OSHA rules, what is the minimum extension required for scaffold planks beyond their end supports?
• The maximum depth of a notch in the end of a floor joist is _____ of the depth of the joist.
• What is the dimension of a standard 2"x4" piece of lumber after it is surfaced?
• What is the maximum aggregate size for shotcrete?
• What is a common requirement for exterior insulation in terms of its depth below grade?
• What is the minimum distance allowed between holes in steel studs?
• What is the minimum required clearance between the edge of a trench and the toe of the dirt or spoils pile?
• What is the maximum mortar thickness allowed in a masonry wall, excluding the starter course?
• How does excessive water impact the performance of concrete?
• What type of gypsum board is recommended for use as a base for an interior veneer plaster finish?
• What effect does moisture control have on concrete placement?
• How is reverse-board-and-batten siding typically attached?
• The "Total Run" of a stairway is _____.
• What is the minimum net clear height and width requirement for egress window openings?
• What is the minimum width of a load-bearing CMU wall with filled cells?
• What type of door offers the best fire protection?
• Which construction method improves the stability of masonry walls?
• What is the primary purpose of installing an underlayment for roofing?
• What is the process when laying poly underlayment under a concrete slab?
• How can the compaction of sandy soil be increased?
• What is the maximum allowable spacing between fire blocking in a concealed wall?
• What maximum percentage of joist depth is allowed for notches on the ends of joists?
• What is the maximum exposure permissible for 24 inch No. 2 preservative-treated taper sawn wood shakes on a 4:12 pitch roof?
• When positioning reinforcing steel in a concrete wall, what is used to maintain its position?
• What is the inner piece around a door frame called?
• According to OSHA, powered concrete trowels that are manually guided shall be equipped with what feature?
• What does the "R" after the contractors license number represent?
• A kind of molding installed on the vertical wall used to accept aluminum soffit panels is?
• What is the minimum depth of a hearth required in front of a masonry fireplace?
• What is the function of lintels in construction?
• What is one of the primary measures to ensure the structural integrity of a scaffold?
• At what stage of the construction process should the builder cut out the sole plate in a door opening?
• Which is the best method to compact sand and gravel?
• What is the standard method to test the load-bearing capacity of soil?
• What is the minimum clear opening width required for an escape window in a bedroom?
• In conventional light-frame construction, what is the minimum thickness of the spread footing on soil with a load-bearing value of 2,000 psf?
• Wood floor joists shall have a minimum of how many inches of bearing on masonry?
• What is the significance of the "R" value in construction?
• How should a drip edge be installed at the eave?
• A lot should be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls for a minimum of how many feet?
• What type of roof is commonly used in residential house plans featuring gables and valleys?
• What is the height of the foyer in the two-story house plans, expressed in inches?
• While trenching and excavating, OSHA requires that excavated materials be at least how far from the trench?
• Which of the following shall not be assumed to have a presumptive load bearing capacity for foundations?
• What is the required clearance between the bottom of the roof sheathing and the insulation for a cornice vent?
• For stairways in single-family dwellings with an occupant load of less than 10, what is the minimum tread run?
• How large of a hole can be drilled into a steel stud?
• What material is added to mortar to enhance its bonding abilities?
• How many pieces of 8-foot chair rail are needed for the dining room, installed at a height of 36 inches?
• What type of insulation is commonly used in exterior walls?
• What is the minimum clear height required for an egress door in a dwelling?
• What is the minimum gauge for sheet metal veneer wall ties?
• What is the minimum number of stringers needed for each run of stairs?
• When should the concrete curing procedures begin after finishing?
• What is the minimum thickness of fiber cement panel siding?
• What is the gauge of an average brick tie?
• What is the correct placement of anchors for a metal track in steel frame construction?
• How many sheets of 4 x 8 drywall are needed for the downstairs bathroom walls?
• What is the maximum notch allowed at the end of a joist?
• For soils classified as sandy gravel, foundation pressure shall not exceed how many PSF?
• What is the minimum height for weep screed above the earth?
• What is the minimum size of a bed joint in a masonry wall at the foundation?
• What is the minimum size width for metal flashing used in a valley with asphalt shingles?
• What is the maximum thickness of insulation panel allowed in an interior floor assembly?
• According to OSHA, what is the maximum lateral distance a person can travel to reach a ladder from a trench that is 4 feet deep?
• What is the load bearing value(PSF) of sandy gravel?
• What does the R-value in insulation primarily indicate?
• What is the most important factor when deciding the depth of a footing?
• In framing the space for a door, what is the term used for the door jamb and space for adjustment?
• According to the code, what is the minimum allowable height of a guardrail at a restaurant deck or commercial building?
• On graded sites, the top of any exterior foundation shall extend above the elevation of:
• If a builder's level shows a rod reading of 4.70 with a bench mark elevation of 100.00, what should the rod reading for the bottom of the footing be at an elevation of 94.00?
• What is the minimum distance a ladder should extend above the roof?
• Which component is essential for effective drainage in foundation design?
• In a 3 to 1 slope, how many inches per foot will the bank rise?
• In concrete masonry, which of the following ingredients increases compressive strength?
• What is the effect of dampening the subgrade or wood concrete forms prior to concrete placement?
• How far below the grade must exterior insulation board extend?
• In window sizing, which dimension appears first?
• What is the mil rating of a vapor barrier that must be installed under concrete slab?
• Why are cabinets scribed to the wall?
• What is a key factor in choosing the right moisture content for soil compaction?
• Emergency egress lighting is required to provide lighting for a duration of how many minutes?
• To get air bubbles out of already laid concrete, it is best to _____.
• Brick veneer supports _______.
• What is the function of a weep screed in construction?
• According to OSHA, what is not required when welding?
• What type of roof construction is indicated for the described two-story house?
• Which type of fastener is most commonly used for framing in construction?
• What is the standard height from the first floor to the landing in a typical stair design?
• Which type of fastener is recommended for attaching steel studs to runners?
• What is the maximum spacing for wall ties in veneer construction?
• When using wide square edge boards for board and batten siding, how should the batten strips be nailed?
• What is the minimum footing width required on solid rock?
• On house wrap, how far do you lap the edges and ends?
• What should be added to concrete to make it pump easier?
• Which of the following statements about lightweight concrete is NOT true?
• What is the minimum flange width required for tracks used in structural steel framing?
• Which type of foundation is most commonly used in residential light-frame construction?
• What is the minimum size screw for attaching gypsum board to steel studs?
• What problem does water in an excavated trench create?
• Which type of hydrated lime is best to use with Portland cement for mortar?
• Which of the following is classified as a softwood?
• What is the maximum slope of a footing trench before stepping is required?
• What is the general purpose of waterproofing foundation walls?
• If you are using a mason's line to build a wall, how far should the string be from the wall?
• What is the minimum thickness for a corrosion resistant weep screed?
• Which one of the following is a test for concrete consistency?
• How many cubic yards of concrete are needed for the floor slab, excluding the garage and fireplace areas?
• When asphalt shingles are installed on a roof with 5/8 inch sheathing, how far should the nails penetrate?
• What are rain gutters primarily attached to?
• When installing vinyl siding horizontally, what is the maximum spacing for fasteners?
• What does a rough opening for a door allow for?
• What is the minimum distance a portable heat source must be from a plastic or canvas tarpaulin?
• When can the moisture curing process of concrete begin?
• What is the typical overlap amount for installing 6-inch siding?
• What is the minimum flange width required for structural steel framing?
• A stairway with a handrail installed on one side only shall develop a minimum width of _____.
• Which factor significantly impacts the workability of concrete mixtures?
• What is the common minimum width for a residential hallway to ensure safety and accessibility?
• What type of door has stiles, rails, and raised panels?
• Which of the following can be used as backfill outside a foundation without being compacted?
• According to the code, what is the minimum slope on which asphalt strip shingles may be installed?
• What is the most important consideration when rescuing someone from a permit-required confined space?
• Which of the following provides the best support for a structure?
• In a building, the term 'live load' refers to:
• How many acres is the site for a standard house plan if it is stated to be 1/3 acre?
• What is the purpose of using headers in construction?
• What is the minimum height requirement for guardrails on a residential deck?
• What is the smallest sized screw that can be used to attach 1/2 inch gypsum board to load bearing steel studs?
• What is the minimum slope requirement for ground adjacent to the foundation to drain water?
• What is the maximum allowable pressure for a latch on an emergency egress door?
• What is the minimum overlap of a vapor barrier in an unvented crawl space?
• When floor joists are supported by masonry walls, the joists shall have a minimum bearing distance on each end of how many inches?
• What type of connection should be used when an I-joist and a beam meet?
• What is the maximum distance that a header of two 2 x 12's can span across an opening with a clear span floor, roof, and ceiling above it?
• If using untreated wood siding, how far above the earth should it be placed?
• What is the maximum spacing allowed for ceiling joists in a shower with 1/2 inch water-resistant gypsum board?
• How often are strength tests required for concrete?
• What is the correct method of building a masonry wall?
• What is a common use of guardrails in construction?
• In a building span of 36 feet with a snow load of 30 pounds per square foot, what is the maximum span that a header of two 2x10's can support, considering the dead load?
• For residential buildings, what is a common height for risers in staircases?
• What is the maximum distance a cement plasterer's scaffolding platform can be from the face of the wall without additional fall protection?
• What is a Fire Alarm Control Unit?
• Where a roof and a parapet wall meet, how far above the roof line must the parapet wall extend?
• According to OSHA, what type of guard (or safety) is required for a power saw?
• What type of gypsum board is used on a curved wall?
• When should the finish flooring be installed?
• The right amount of moisture (or maximum water content) for soil to reach the greatest density is called the _____.
• What is the proper starting place for laying parquet flooring?
• Underlayment for clay roof tile shall comply with which standard?
• Where the roof and exterior walls come together, how much higher should the exterior wall be than the roof on a built up roof?
• What is the minimum required width of a sidewalk around a construction site?
• What is the standard gauge of exterior flashing?
• What is not permitted to be done to planks used for scaffolding?
• A concrete slab-on-ground cast monolithically with the footing shall be permitted to locate _____ as an alternative to placement at the footing top and bottom?
• An untreated wood girder beam that sets in a pocket of a concrete foundation wall that is subject to weather shall have a minimum air space of?
• What is the maximum distance that a scaffold plank may extend over its end support according to OSHA?
• What is the horizontal span or length of a stairway called?
• What must be applied to existing flashing when reusing it to ensure proper adhesion?
• What is the maximum load bearing soil capacity of a sandy soil classification?
• What is the maximum slope on a finish grade?
• What is the minimum requirement for a safe construction storage area?
• What is the minimum required thickness of a structural concrete wall?
• What is the minimum slope allowed for metal shingles?
• What is the minimum depth of a footing required to be below?
• Which is the highest fire proof rating for shingles?
• The minimum overlap of vertical joints of felt or paper, which is applied to exterior walls as a weather-resistant barrier, is how many inches?
• When installing 3 tab asphalt strip shingles in severe climates, the ice protection membrane should extend a minimum of how many inches inside the exterior wall on a roof slope of 5/12?
• What is the minimum thickness of a concrete slab supported directly on the ground, according to code?
• When framing a 5 foot by 5 foot opening in a wood joist floor for a stairwell, what should be done?
• How are the ends of bottom bearing joists normally laterally restrained?
• Which of the following would cause crazing (superficial cracking) on the surface of concrete?
• What is the reason for bull floating a newly placed concrete slab?
• Which technique is often used to remove voids in concrete?
• What is the minimum footing width required for a one-story light-frame construction building?
• What is the primary benefit of having a vapor barrier in construction?
• What material is commonly used for resilient channels when installing drywall?
• In terms of construction, what does the term 'load-bearing' refer to?
• What is the minimum depth of wire wall ties embedded in mortar of solid masonry unit?
• Which action is not recommended when dealing with flammable materials?
• The maximum slope for a horizontal drain and vent combination is _____ every 12 inches.
• How many windows are specified for the two-story house based on the given plans?
• According to the Code, what is the minimum compressive strength (psi) for plain concrete used in basement walls and foundations?
• Which material is typically used for waterproofing foundations?
• Which factor is used to calculate the slope for roofing projects?
• Oxygen bottles in storage shall be separated from combustible materials by a minimum of how many feet?
• According to construction standards, how thick must a footing typically be?
• What is the minimum required illumination in an active construction storage area?
• What type of material is typically used for roofing underlayment?
• Each wall tie supporting masonry veneer shall support not more than how many square feet of wall area?
• What type of insulation is commonly used for attics in residential buildings?
• What is the minimum width perpendicular to the length of K-Series joists for a steel bearing plate anchored in a concrete or masonry wall?
• In finishing a concrete surface, what factors can lead to defects like crazing, dusting, and spalling?
• Excessive slump loss during concrete pumping is an indicator of what issue?
• How much clearance is recommended between the ends of vinyl siding panels and trim?
• What is the term for the frame around a door?
• What is the minimum concrete psi required for basement walls or slabs that are not exposed to weather?
• Steel wall framing track shall have a minimum flange width of _____?
• What is the square footage of a stairway landing in a two-story house with lap siding plans?
• How far can you dig below the bottom edge of the safety box in a trench?
• What would be considered overworking concrete?
• What is the ideal size of head and bed joints in masonry construction?
• When determining the amount of siding needed on the rear of a house, what should be considered for waste and deductions?
• What material is commonly used for waterproofing basements?
• Which of the following cannot be present in an area where empty drums that have held flammable products are being welded or cut?
• Floating and troweling concrete too early in the curing process can cause:
• What is the maximum vertical distance allowed between headers when building multi-wythe masonry walls?
• If a company has 8 employees and moves to a new building, what safety precaution does OSHA require?
• How is unfaced batt insulation typically secured during installation?
• Using a builder's level, what should the mark on the cut stake read if the top of the footing is at an elevation of 94.00?
• According to Code, how far apart should foundation plates or sills be anchored to the foundation with bolts?
• Where should gypsum board panels be protected at outside corners?
• What is the industry standard for ceiling height in residential construction?
• What is the typical spacing for studs in residential wall framing?
• Which of the following best defines a confined space?
• Which class of asphalt shingles has the best fire rating?
• What is the minimum net clear opening required for emergency and escape rescue openings?
• When workers are required to enter a trench, shoring is required if the trench reaches what minimum depth?
• In single family dwelling sleeping rooms, what is the minimum net clear opening width of windows required for emergency egress?
• What information is NOT required when submitting shop drawings for fire protection systems?
• Which aspect is crucial when constructing steps in a staircase?
• What is considered the most important factor in determining the "R" value of blown-in insulation?
• Concrete Spread footing projections shall be at least _____ and shall not exceed the thickness of the footings.
• What type of door requires that the frame be installed before the drywall?
• What is the minimum reinforcing bar requirement for a slab-on-ground with turned down footings?
• What is a common cause for cracking in concrete?
• According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, how big does the landing need to be at the bottom of a ramp?
• What should you do if sill plates on a foundation are unprotected?
• What is the actual size of a standard 2 x 4 piece of framing lumber?
• What is required of the header when framing a stairwell opening measuring 5 feet wide by 5 feet long?
• How can the ease of a concrete pour be increased?
• What is the result of vibrating concrete material?
• How are resilient channels utilized in drywall application?
• In home construction, what is the purpose of an egress door?
• How much clearance is required between wood framing and a masonry chimney passing through the roof opening?
• What is a common requirement for scaffolding safety according to OSHA?
• In construction documentation, what is often included in a complete set of plans?
• According to OSHA, ladders or steps are required in all trenches or ditches at what depth for an adequate means of exit?
• In construction, what does shotcrete refer to?
• Curing in concrete continues until the relative humidity in the concrete drops below what percentage?
• How do you calculate cubic yards of material?
• In most construction sites, water is allowed to be added to concrete as long as:
• How can the quality of insulation material be primarily evaluated?
• What is the name of the wood framing member that supports a header over a door?
• A masonry wall that shows signs of high alkalinity needs to be painted. What type of paint should be used?
• What is the proper way to attach base shoe molding on a hardwood floor?
• What is the relationship between the size of a lumber board and its marketed dimension?
• To repair a masonry foundation wall, if a trench is 5 feet wide and 60 feet long, how many cubic yards will be excavated?
• How many cubic yards will be excavated for a basement measuring 30' x 30' x 7' deep, allowing for an additional 3 feet in each direction?
• What term describes a metal used to prevent water from seeping into a house?
• Which material is least likely to chalk when painting an exterior wall?
• Concrete and masonry foundation walls shall be waterproofed _____.
• What type of screws are used to attach steel studs to the top and bottom steel track?
• Exterior gypsum sheathing fasteners should be spaced _____ apart.
• What is the minimum vertical size of the attachment flange of weep screed that is placed on the foundation wall prior to the attachment of exterior lath?
• What size screw should be used to attach steel sheathing to a metal structure?
• Which material is typically used for underpinning foundations?
• According to code, what is the minimum required width of a footing in soil rated at 2000 PSF for a single story building with 8 inch thick masonry walls?
• What type of insulation is commonly used in walls?
• The proper compaction of soil is best achieved by which method?
• An exterior house wrap will do all of the following except?
• What does proper curing of concrete improve?
• What type of materials are used for constructing fire-resistant walls?
• What should be the minimum width of a window in a sleeping room for emergency escape?
• Which of the following is true about weather-resistant barriers?
• What is the proper distance to set forms beyond building lines when excavating?
• OSHA requires how many guards on portable circular saws?
• What is the primary purpose of a concrete footing?
• Which of the following materials is NOT permissible for use as underlayment for hardwood flooring?
• If the blueprint does not specify the rough opening for an exterior door, what is the standard practice for framing the width?
• What is an essential characteristic of load-bearing walls?
• In dirty work, what does the term "lift" refer to?
• In insulation, the "R" value measures what?
• The classification of Type 'X' gypsum board refers to the panel's what?
• Wall ties should be placed how far from the edge of a masonry unit?
• Solid blocking is required for floor joists that exceed what nominal size?
• What does the sash of a window hold?
• What is the normal lap for bevel wood siding?
• Exterior doors are more efficient if they are?
• What is the ideal moisture content for freshly sawn lumber to reduce warping?
• What type of power tool requires specific training of operators before they are allowed to operate it?
• On a topographical map with contour lines at 130 feet and 140 feet, what is the percentage of the slope given a contour interval of 50 feet?
• In concrete, certain plasticizers can increase the workability time by how long?
• The soil report states that the soil is sandy-gravel. What is the soil's load-bearing value?
• The loss of slump in concrete is usually due to which of the following?
• What is the recommended R-value insulation for the walls in the two-story house?
• Where is a roof most likely to leak?
• When dropping debris without chutes, what is the minimum height and distance required for barricades from the projected edge of an opening?
• Using a superplasticizer admixture to increase the workability of concrete has a short lived time of?
• In the context of safety, why is it essential to maintain distance from the edge of an excavation?
• When installing brown cellulose insulation in an attic, how many inches of insulation are needed to achieve an R38 if the R factor is 3.1 per inch?
• Why is proper drainage important in construction?
• The minimum distance that end joints shall be offset in double top plates is how many inches?
• When constructing a foundation, what is critical to ensure adequate drainage?
• Nails used for installing Hardboard panel siding vertically must penetrate the framing by a minimum of how much?
• How much overlap should planks on scaffolding have if they are not immovable?
• When setting up a scaffold, it is important to ensure that:
• What is the maximum vertical spacing allowed for fireblocking?
• What is the change in grade for a 30-foot long driveway with a 5% slope?
• In terms of fire safety in building codes, what do resilient channels specifically help to mitigate?
• How should a drip edge be applied at the rake?
• Which material is preferred for its durability in exterior door applications?
• When installing a door, which measurement is crucial for ensuring the door fits properly?
• A concrete slab should be bull floated as soon as possible after what procedure?
• Materials used for Sprayed foamed-in-place roof insulation on type III and IV buildings shall comply with which standard?
• Asphalt shingles installed in warmer climates with a slope of 4 in 12 or more should have what minimum underlayment?
• According to code, what type of underlayment is required for asphalt shingles on roofs with a slope of 4:12 or greater?
• Unfaced insulation installed in wall cavities will do all of the following EXCEPT?
• What is the maximum temperature allowed from a constant heat source behind drywall?
• In high wind areas, what is the maximum spacing for nailing underlayment?
• Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving an occupancy load of _____ or more.
• What is the maximum cubic yards of material a scraper can move in one hour during a one-mile round trip?
• What is the primary purpose of a guardrail on a commercial deck?
• What percentage of a wall stud can be notched in a wood framed bearing wall in light construction?
• Which of the following is not typical of ice protection for asphalt shingle roofs?
• In a wall where brick is on the outside and sheetrock is on the inside, where should the vapor barrier be installed?
• What should be added to the quantity of roofing shingles to account for waste?
• What is the minimum clear height required above and below a mezzanine floor area?
• What is the minimum footing width required for a 2-story light frame construction building with a soil bearing capacity of 2000 PSF?
• Which roofing materials can be reused?
• If the top of a 4-inch concrete slab is at one foot above the benchmark, what is the elevation at the bottom of the slab?
• According to Code, what is the maximum finished sill height for windows intended as an emergency escape route above the finished floor?
• Which factor is most critical in ensuring the longevity of reinforcing bars in concrete?
• What is the primary purpose of using moisture barriers in construction?
• How close can your string line be to the cinder block wall you are building?
• Three types of masonry ties include which of the following?
• For open valleys, what is the minimum width of the top layer of valley lining required?
• According to code, what is the minimum width of at least one egress door serving a residence?
• Which construction material commonly requires adherence to proper spacing methods during installation?
• What is the minimum width of platforms or walkways on scaffolding before fall protection is required?
• When installing drywall on a ceiling, what is the preferred method for board seams?
• As the temperature of the concrete mix increases, what is the effect on the concrete mix?
• Which grade of veneer plywood designates the highest quality?