Page 1 of 111
North Carolina (NC) Public Utilities Contractor EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
The NC Public Utilities Contractor exam focuses on safe and compliant installation of utility systems,
including water, sewer, and gas lines. It emphasizes regulatory compliance with the North Carolina
Utilities Commission, OSHA safety standards, excavation practices, blueprint interpretation, material
handling, testing procedures, environmental protection, and proper jobsite management. Candidates
must demonstrate knowledge of trench safety, utility installation methods, pressure testing, erosion
control, and professional worksite conduct.
MCQs (1–50)
1.
A contractor begins excavation for a utility line without identifying underground utilities; what is the
most appropriate initial requirement they failed to follow?
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A. Equipment inspection
B. Call 811 utility locate request
C. Soil compaction
D. Pipe selection
Answer: B
Rationale: Utility locates must be completed before excavation to prevent damage and hazards.
2.
During trenching, a worker enters an unprotected trench deeper than five feet; what regulation is most
likely violated?
A. Traffic control rules
B. OSHA excavation safety standards
C. Plumbing code
D. Electrical code
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems for trenches deeper than 5 feet.
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3.
A contractor notices Type C soil in a trench; what is the safest required slope condition?
A. Vertical walls allowed
B. Maximum slope must be 1.5:1 or protected
C. No slope needed
D. Random slope
Answer: B
Rationale: Type C soil is unstable and requires a 1.5:1 slope or protective systems.
4.
Which document is primarily used to determine the layout and alignment of a utility installation?
A. Employee handbook
B. Blueprint or site plan
C. Safety checklist
D. Invoice
Answer: B
Rationale: Site plans guide installation layout and alignment.
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5.
A worker installs a water pipe without proper bedding material; what issue is most likely to occur?
A. Improved stability
B. Pipe damage or settlement
C. Faster installation
D. Reduced pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper bedding supports the pipe and prevents damage.
6.
Which PPE is most essential when working near active trench excavation?
A. Sandals
B. Hard hat, boots, gloves
C. Shorts
D. No PPE
North Carolina (NC) Public Utilities Contractor EXAM
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
The NC Public Utilities Contractor exam focuses on safe and compliant installation of utility systems,
including water, sewer, and gas lines. It emphasizes regulatory compliance with the North Carolina
Utilities Commission, OSHA safety standards, excavation practices, blueprint interpretation, material
handling, testing procedures, environmental protection, and proper jobsite management. Candidates
must demonstrate knowledge of trench safety, utility installation methods, pressure testing, erosion
control, and professional worksite conduct.
MCQs (1–50)
1.
A contractor begins excavation for a utility line without identifying underground utilities; what is the
most appropriate initial requirement they failed to follow?
, Page 2 of 111
A. Equipment inspection
B. Call 811 utility locate request
C. Soil compaction
D. Pipe selection
Answer: B
Rationale: Utility locates must be completed before excavation to prevent damage and hazards.
2.
During trenching, a worker enters an unprotected trench deeper than five feet; what regulation is most
likely violated?
A. Traffic control rules
B. OSHA excavation safety standards
C. Plumbing code
D. Electrical code
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems for trenches deeper than 5 feet.
, Page 3 of 111
3.
A contractor notices Type C soil in a trench; what is the safest required slope condition?
A. Vertical walls allowed
B. Maximum slope must be 1.5:1 or protected
C. No slope needed
D. Random slope
Answer: B
Rationale: Type C soil is unstable and requires a 1.5:1 slope or protective systems.
4.
Which document is primarily used to determine the layout and alignment of a utility installation?
A. Employee handbook
B. Blueprint or site plan
C. Safety checklist
D. Invoice
Answer: B
Rationale: Site plans guide installation layout and alignment.
, Page 4 of 111
5.
A worker installs a water pipe without proper bedding material; what issue is most likely to occur?
A. Improved stability
B. Pipe damage or settlement
C. Faster installation
D. Reduced pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper bedding supports the pipe and prevents damage.
6.
Which PPE is most essential when working near active trench excavation?
A. Sandals
B. Hard hat, boots, gloves
C. Shorts
D. No PPE
