North Carolina Residential Contractor License Practice
Exam Q&A (Part 1) – 164 Questions | With Book
References | Latest Update 2026 | Licensing Exam Prep
1. A topographic map is being used to determine cut and fill requirements. The
contour interval is 2 feet. Across a distance of 200 feet there are 10 contours.
What is the slope of the grade?
10:1
50:1
20:1
100:1
2. If a contractor is selecting materials for a residential project, how should
flame spread ratings influence their choices?
Contractors should prioritize aesthetics over flame spread ratings.
Contractors should choose materials with low flame spread ratings
to enhance fire safety.
Contractors should use materials with high flame spread ratings to
improve ventilation.
Contractors should select materials based solely on cost, ignoring
flame spread ratings.
3. If a contractor discovers that the ground adjacent to a newly constructed
foundation wall has a slope of only 3%, what steps should they take to
comply with the NC Residential Code 2018?
The contractor must apply for a variance to the building code.
The contractor can leave the slope as is since it is within acceptable
limits.
, The contractor should add drainage systems to compensate for the
slope.
The contractor should regrade the area to achieve a minimum slope
of 5% away from the foundation.
4. Describe the significance of the maximum dimension for ventilation coverings
in under-floor spaces as outlined in the NC Residential Code 2018.
The maximum dimension is designed to limit the size of construction
materials used.
The maximum dimension ensures adequate airflow and prevents
moisture buildup, which can lead to structural damage.
The maximum dimension is set to reduce construction costs
significantly.
The maximum dimension is irrelevant to airflow and only concerns
aesthetic choices.
5. Describe the role of temporary horizontal bracing in the context of truss
erection.
Temporary horizontal bracing is only necessary in high wind areas.
Temporary horizontal bracing is used to insulate the trusses from
moisture.
Temporary horizontal bracing is primarily for aesthetic purposes
during construction.
Temporary horizontal bracing is used to stabilize trusses and
prevent lateral movement until permanent connections are made.
6. If the trench dimensions are doubled while keeping the same production rate
and efficiency factor, how would the excavation time change?
, The excavation time would increase by a factor of four.
The excavation time would double.
The excavation time would increase by a factor of eight.
The excavation time would remain the same.
7. Vertical and horizontal reinforcement shall not be spaced farther apart than
___ times the wall thickness nor __ inches in concrete walls.
3 18
6 18
4 12
8. Describe the importance of restrictive covenants in residential construction.
Restrictive covenants are not legally enforceable.
Restrictive covenants are only applicable to commercial properties.
Restrictive covenants help maintain the aesthetic and functional
integrity of a neighborhood by regulating property development.
Restrictive covenants allow homeowners to build without any
limitations.
9. The minimum thickness of a concrete slab on grade is....
4 inches.
3 ½ inches.
3 inches.
6 inches.
, 10. If a contractor mistakenly fastens drywall parallel to the steel studs instead
of perpendicular, what potential issue might arise during the building
inspection?
Improved sound insulation
Increased risk of cracking and structural instability
Faster installation time
No issues will arise during the inspection
11. What is the minimum concrete cover required for steel reinforcement in a
footing according to the North Carolina Residential Code?
2 inches
3 inches
1 inch
4 inches
12. Describe how the slope of the grade can be calculated using the
information provided about the contours and distance.
The slope can be calculated by dividing the total change in
elevation (contours multiplied by contour interval) by the
horizontal distance.
The slope is calculated by adding the contour interval to the
horizontal distance.
The slope is the same as the contour interval.
The slope is determined by the number of contours alone.
Exam Q&A (Part 1) – 164 Questions | With Book
References | Latest Update 2026 | Licensing Exam Prep
1. A topographic map is being used to determine cut and fill requirements. The
contour interval is 2 feet. Across a distance of 200 feet there are 10 contours.
What is the slope of the grade?
10:1
50:1
20:1
100:1
2. If a contractor is selecting materials for a residential project, how should
flame spread ratings influence their choices?
Contractors should prioritize aesthetics over flame spread ratings.
Contractors should choose materials with low flame spread ratings
to enhance fire safety.
Contractors should use materials with high flame spread ratings to
improve ventilation.
Contractors should select materials based solely on cost, ignoring
flame spread ratings.
3. If a contractor discovers that the ground adjacent to a newly constructed
foundation wall has a slope of only 3%, what steps should they take to
comply with the NC Residential Code 2018?
The contractor must apply for a variance to the building code.
The contractor can leave the slope as is since it is within acceptable
limits.
, The contractor should add drainage systems to compensate for the
slope.
The contractor should regrade the area to achieve a minimum slope
of 5% away from the foundation.
4. Describe the significance of the maximum dimension for ventilation coverings
in under-floor spaces as outlined in the NC Residential Code 2018.
The maximum dimension is designed to limit the size of construction
materials used.
The maximum dimension ensures adequate airflow and prevents
moisture buildup, which can lead to structural damage.
The maximum dimension is set to reduce construction costs
significantly.
The maximum dimension is irrelevant to airflow and only concerns
aesthetic choices.
5. Describe the role of temporary horizontal bracing in the context of truss
erection.
Temporary horizontal bracing is only necessary in high wind areas.
Temporary horizontal bracing is used to insulate the trusses from
moisture.
Temporary horizontal bracing is primarily for aesthetic purposes
during construction.
Temporary horizontal bracing is used to stabilize trusses and
prevent lateral movement until permanent connections are made.
6. If the trench dimensions are doubled while keeping the same production rate
and efficiency factor, how would the excavation time change?
, The excavation time would increase by a factor of four.
The excavation time would double.
The excavation time would increase by a factor of eight.
The excavation time would remain the same.
7. Vertical and horizontal reinforcement shall not be spaced farther apart than
___ times the wall thickness nor __ inches in concrete walls.
3 18
6 18
4 12
8. Describe the importance of restrictive covenants in residential construction.
Restrictive covenants are not legally enforceable.
Restrictive covenants are only applicable to commercial properties.
Restrictive covenants help maintain the aesthetic and functional
integrity of a neighborhood by regulating property development.
Restrictive covenants allow homeowners to build without any
limitations.
9. The minimum thickness of a concrete slab on grade is....
4 inches.
3 ½ inches.
3 inches.
6 inches.
, 10. If a contractor mistakenly fastens drywall parallel to the steel studs instead
of perpendicular, what potential issue might arise during the building
inspection?
Improved sound insulation
Increased risk of cracking and structural instability
Faster installation time
No issues will arise during the inspection
11. What is the minimum concrete cover required for steel reinforcement in a
footing according to the North Carolina Residential Code?
2 inches
3 inches
1 inch
4 inches
12. Describe how the slope of the grade can be calculated using the
information provided about the contours and distance.
The slope can be calculated by dividing the total change in
elevation (contours multiplied by contour interval) by the
horizontal distance.
The slope is calculated by adding the contour interval to the
horizontal distance.
The slope is the same as the contour interval.
The slope is determined by the number of contours alone.
