Illinois Excavation Contractor Licensing
Examination Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of calling JULIE before beginning
excavation in Illinois?
A. To inform nearby property owners
B. To notify local government
C. To locate and mark underground utilities
D. To obtain a permit
Rationale: Calling JULIE is required to identify and mark buried utilities to
prevent damage and ensure safety.
2. JULIE must be contacted at least how many hours before digging
(excluding weekends/holidays)?
,A. 24 hours
B. 48 hours
C. 72 hours
D. 96 hours
Rationale: Illinois law requires a minimum 48-hour notice for utility
marking.
3. Which OSHA regulation applies directly to trenching and excavation?
A. 1910
B. 1926 Subpart P
C. 1926 Subpart R
D. 1926 Subpart Q
Rationale: Subpart P covers trenching, shoring, sloping, and excavation
safety standards.
4. A trench is defined as an excavation that is:
A. Wider than it is deep
B. Narrow and not more than 15 feet wide
C. Deeper than 20 feet
D. Always less than 10 feet deep
Rationale: OSHA defines trenches as narrow excavations up to 15 ft wide.
5. Soil Type C is considered:
A. Stable rock
B. Cohesive soil
,C. Compacted clay
D. The least stable soil
Rationale: Type C soils (sand, gravel) are the most unstable and require
maximum protective systems.
6. Protective systems are required for excavations deeper than:
A. 2 feet
B. 3 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems for excavations deeper than 5
ft unless in stable rock.
7. The maximum allowable slope for Type B soil is:
A. ¾ : 1
B. ½ : 1
C. 1 : 1
D. 1½ : 1
Rationale: Type B soils require 45-degree (1:1) slopes.
8. What is the minimum safe distance to keep spoil piles from the trench
edge?
A. 1 foot
B. 2 feet
C. 2 feet or more
, D. 4 feet
Rationale: Spoil must be kept at least 2 ft from the edge to prevent
collapse.
9. The person responsible for daily excavation inspections is the:
A. Site manager
B. Competent person
C. Safety officer
D. Inspector general
Rationale: OSHA requires daily inspections by a competent person trained
in soil classification and hazards.
10. Water accumulation in a trench requires:
A. Work to continue normally
B. Immediate removal and added protective measures
C. A deeper trench
D. A second competent person
Rationale: Water greatly increases collapse risk and requires immediate
correction.
11. Trench boxes are primarily used to:
A. Remove water
B. Support machinery
C. Protect workers from cave-ins
Examination Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of calling JULIE before beginning
excavation in Illinois?
A. To inform nearby property owners
B. To notify local government
C. To locate and mark underground utilities
D. To obtain a permit
Rationale: Calling JULIE is required to identify and mark buried utilities to
prevent damage and ensure safety.
2. JULIE must be contacted at least how many hours before digging
(excluding weekends/holidays)?
,A. 24 hours
B. 48 hours
C. 72 hours
D. 96 hours
Rationale: Illinois law requires a minimum 48-hour notice for utility
marking.
3. Which OSHA regulation applies directly to trenching and excavation?
A. 1910
B. 1926 Subpart P
C. 1926 Subpart R
D. 1926 Subpart Q
Rationale: Subpart P covers trenching, shoring, sloping, and excavation
safety standards.
4. A trench is defined as an excavation that is:
A. Wider than it is deep
B. Narrow and not more than 15 feet wide
C. Deeper than 20 feet
D. Always less than 10 feet deep
Rationale: OSHA defines trenches as narrow excavations up to 15 ft wide.
5. Soil Type C is considered:
A. Stable rock
B. Cohesive soil
,C. Compacted clay
D. The least stable soil
Rationale: Type C soils (sand, gravel) are the most unstable and require
maximum protective systems.
6. Protective systems are required for excavations deeper than:
A. 2 feet
B. 3 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems for excavations deeper than 5
ft unless in stable rock.
7. The maximum allowable slope for Type B soil is:
A. ¾ : 1
B. ½ : 1
C. 1 : 1
D. 1½ : 1
Rationale: Type B soils require 45-degree (1:1) slopes.
8. What is the minimum safe distance to keep spoil piles from the trench
edge?
A. 1 foot
B. 2 feet
C. 2 feet or more
, D. 4 feet
Rationale: Spoil must be kept at least 2 ft from the edge to prevent
collapse.
9. The person responsible for daily excavation inspections is the:
A. Site manager
B. Competent person
C. Safety officer
D. Inspector general
Rationale: OSHA requires daily inspections by a competent person trained
in soil classification and hazards.
10. Water accumulation in a trench requires:
A. Work to continue normally
B. Immediate removal and added protective measures
C. A deeper trench
D. A second competent person
Rationale: Water greatly increases collapse risk and requires immediate
correction.
11. Trench boxes are primarily used to:
A. Remove water
B. Support machinery
C. Protect workers from cave-ins
