[GIE1C] GIE1C Wood Flooring Contractor
Certification Review Guide
**Question 1.** Which environmental condition is most critical to monitor before installing a
wood floor?
A) Light intensity
B) Temperature (60‑80 °F)
C) Noise level
D) Air pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper temperature ensures the wood acclimates correctly and prevents
dimensional changes after installation.
**Question 2.** The target equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for wood flooring is based on:
A) Outdoor humidity only
B) Interior temperature and relative humidity
C) Subfloor moisture level
D) Manufacturer’s recommended moisture content
Answer: B
Explanation: EMC is calculated from the indoor temperature and relative humidity where the
floor will reside.
**Question 3.** When reading a construction drawing, the “finish schedule” provides:
A) Electrical conduit locations
B) Types and colors of floor finishes
C) HVAC duct sizes
D) Structural load capacities
Answer: B
Explanation: A finish schedule lists the specified floor materials, species, and finish details.
, [GIE1C] GIE1C Wood Flooring Contractor
Certification Review Guide
**Question 4.** Which of the following indicates a site is “dried‑in”?
A) All interior walls are painted
B) Windows and exterior doors are installed and sealed
C) HVAC system is operational
D) Flooring subfloor is primed
Answer: B
Explanation: “Dried‑in” means the building envelope is closed, preventing moisture infiltration.
**Question 5.** The recommended waste factor for solid hardwood installation is:
A) 1‑2 %
B) 3‑5 %
C) 5‑10 %
D) 15‑20 %
Answer: C
Explanation: A 5‑10 % waste allowance accounts for cuts, defects, and pattern matching.
**Question 6.** Which subfloor type requires a vapor barrier before installing engineered
wood?
A) Plywood with ≤ ¾‑in. thickness
B) OSB with ¼‑in. thickness
C) Concrete slab
D) Raised timber joist floor
Answer: C
Explanation: Concrete can transmit moisture; a polyethylene vapor barrier protects the wood.
, [GIE1C] GIE1C Wood Flooring Contractor
Certification Review Guide
**Question 7.** Pin‑style moisture meters are used primarily on:
A) Concrete substrates
B) Wooden subfloors
C) Metal joists
D) Vinyl underlayment
Answer: B
Explanation: Pin meters measure moisture content within wood by drawing a small sample of
moisture.
**Question 8.** The calcium chloride test for concrete moisture measures:
A) Surface temperature
B) Relative humidity within concrete pores
C) Concrete compressive strength
D) pH level of the slab
Answer: B
Explanation: Calcium chloride absorbs moisture from the concrete, indicating internal relative
humidity.
**Question 9.** A high spot on a subfloor is best corrected by:
A) Adding a self‑leveling compound
B) Grinding or sanding the area
C) Installing a thicker underlayment
D) Increasing the expansion gap
Answer: B
, [GIE1C] GIE1C Wood Flooring Contractor
Certification Review Guide
Explanation: Grinding removes the high spot, creating a level surface for flooring.
**Question 10.** The purpose of a 6‑mil polyethylene vapor retarder under a wood floor is to:
A) Provide acoustic insulation
B) Prevent moisture migration from below
C) Increase subfloor stiffness
D) Reduce static electricity
Answer: B
Explanation: Polyethylene acts as a barrier to moisture rising from the subfloor.
**Question 11.** In a crawl space, the minimum vent area required per 100 sq ft of space is:
A) 0.5 sq ft
B) 1.0 sq ft
C) 1.5 sq ft
D) 2.0 sq ft
Answer: C
Explanation: Proper ventilation (1.5 sq ft per 100 sq ft) helps control humidity and prevent
moisture buildup.
**Question 12.** Which hardwood species has the highest Janka hardness rating?
A) Red Oak
B) White Oak
C) Hickory
D) Maple (Hard)
Answer: C
Certification Review Guide
**Question 1.** Which environmental condition is most critical to monitor before installing a
wood floor?
A) Light intensity
B) Temperature (60‑80 °F)
C) Noise level
D) Air pressure
Answer: B
Explanation: Proper temperature ensures the wood acclimates correctly and prevents
dimensional changes after installation.
**Question 2.** The target equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for wood flooring is based on:
A) Outdoor humidity only
B) Interior temperature and relative humidity
C) Subfloor moisture level
D) Manufacturer’s recommended moisture content
Answer: B
Explanation: EMC is calculated from the indoor temperature and relative humidity where the
floor will reside.
**Question 3.** When reading a construction drawing, the “finish schedule” provides:
A) Electrical conduit locations
B) Types and colors of floor finishes
C) HVAC duct sizes
D) Structural load capacities
Answer: B
Explanation: A finish schedule lists the specified floor materials, species, and finish details.
, [GIE1C] GIE1C Wood Flooring Contractor
Certification Review Guide
**Question 4.** Which of the following indicates a site is “dried‑in”?
A) All interior walls are painted
B) Windows and exterior doors are installed and sealed
C) HVAC system is operational
D) Flooring subfloor is primed
Answer: B
Explanation: “Dried‑in” means the building envelope is closed, preventing moisture infiltration.
**Question 5.** The recommended waste factor for solid hardwood installation is:
A) 1‑2 %
B) 3‑5 %
C) 5‑10 %
D) 15‑20 %
Answer: C
Explanation: A 5‑10 % waste allowance accounts for cuts, defects, and pattern matching.
**Question 6.** Which subfloor type requires a vapor barrier before installing engineered
wood?
A) Plywood with ≤ ¾‑in. thickness
B) OSB with ¼‑in. thickness
C) Concrete slab
D) Raised timber joist floor
Answer: C
Explanation: Concrete can transmit moisture; a polyethylene vapor barrier protects the wood.
, [GIE1C] GIE1C Wood Flooring Contractor
Certification Review Guide
**Question 7.** Pin‑style moisture meters are used primarily on:
A) Concrete substrates
B) Wooden subfloors
C) Metal joists
D) Vinyl underlayment
Answer: B
Explanation: Pin meters measure moisture content within wood by drawing a small sample of
moisture.
**Question 8.** The calcium chloride test for concrete moisture measures:
A) Surface temperature
B) Relative humidity within concrete pores
C) Concrete compressive strength
D) pH level of the slab
Answer: B
Explanation: Calcium chloride absorbs moisture from the concrete, indicating internal relative
humidity.
**Question 9.** A high spot on a subfloor is best corrected by:
A) Adding a self‑leveling compound
B) Grinding or sanding the area
C) Installing a thicker underlayment
D) Increasing the expansion gap
Answer: B
, [GIE1C] GIE1C Wood Flooring Contractor
Certification Review Guide
Explanation: Grinding removes the high spot, creating a level surface for flooring.
**Question 10.** The purpose of a 6‑mil polyethylene vapor retarder under a wood floor is to:
A) Provide acoustic insulation
B) Prevent moisture migration from below
C) Increase subfloor stiffness
D) Reduce static electricity
Answer: B
Explanation: Polyethylene acts as a barrier to moisture rising from the subfloor.
**Question 11.** In a crawl space, the minimum vent area required per 100 sq ft of space is:
A) 0.5 sq ft
B) 1.0 sq ft
C) 1.5 sq ft
D) 2.0 sq ft
Answer: C
Explanation: Proper ventilation (1.5 sq ft per 100 sq ft) helps control humidity and prevent
moisture buildup.
**Question 12.** Which hardwood species has the highest Janka hardness rating?
A) Red Oak
B) White Oak
C) Hickory
D) Maple (Hard)
Answer: C
