TENNESSEE EXCAVATION CONTRACTOR EXAM (BC-28) EXAM –
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS |
PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*Core Domains*
*• OSHA Trenching and Excavation Standards*
*• Soil Classification and Analysis*
*• Site Preparation and Grading Laws*
*• Tennessee One-Call (811) Regulations*
*• Erosion and Sediment Control (TDEC)*
*• Heavy Equipment Safety Operations*
*• Shoring, Shielding, and Sloping*
*• Regulatory Permits and Licensing*
*Introduction*
*The Tennessee BC-28 Excavation Contractor Exam is designed to evaluate th
comprehensive proficiency of individuals seeking licensure in the excavati
and grading sector. This assessment verifies essential knowledge regarding
state-specific safety protocols, environmental regulations, and technical
earthmoving methodologies. The exam structure incorporates both foundation
theoretical questions and complex, scenario-based problems that reflect
on-site challenges. Candidates must demonstrate a mastery of soil mechanic
protective system implementation, and legal compliance under Tennessee law
By emphasizing real-world application and critical decision-making, this
, assessment ensures that contractors maintain the highest standards of safe
ethical conduct, and professional excellence in the construction industry.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to OSHA standards, at what depth must a protective system be
installed in an excavation unless it is made entirely in stable rock?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 6 feet
🟢 C. 5 feet
🔴 Explanation: OSHA Subpart P requires that excavations 5 feet or deeper must
have a protective system (sloping, shoring, or shielding) to prevent cave-ins.
2. In Tennessee, what is the mandatory minimum time a contractor must wait
after contacting the 811 "One-Call" system before beginning excavation?
A. 24 hours
B.
48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
,C. 72 hours
D. 5 business days
🟢 B. 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
🔴 Explanation: Tennessee state law requires a 72-hour notice in some contexts
but specifically mandates 48 business hours (excluding holidays and weekends)
for utilities to mark the site before digging begins.
3. Which soil type is characterized by a high unconfined compressive strength
of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type C
D. Submerged Soil
🟢 A. Type A
🔴 Explanation: Type A soils are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive
strength of 1.5 tsf or greater, such as clay or silty clay.
4. What is the maximum allowable slope for a permanent excavation in Type C
soil?
, A. 3/4:1
B. 1:1
C. 1 1/2:1
D. 2:1
🟢 C. 1 1/2:1
🔴 Explanation: Type C soil is the least stable; OSHA requires a maximum
allowable slope of 1 1/2 horizontal to 1 vertical (34 degrees).
5. A ladder or other means of egress must be provided in any trench that is at
least how many feet deep?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 10 feet
🟢 B. 4 feet
🔴 Explanation: OSHA requires a stairway, ladder, or ramp as a means of egress
in trench excavations that are 4 feet or deeper.
6. How far must a ladder extend above the top of the trench for safe exit?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS |
PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
*Core Domains*
*• OSHA Trenching and Excavation Standards*
*• Soil Classification and Analysis*
*• Site Preparation and Grading Laws*
*• Tennessee One-Call (811) Regulations*
*• Erosion and Sediment Control (TDEC)*
*• Heavy Equipment Safety Operations*
*• Shoring, Shielding, and Sloping*
*• Regulatory Permits and Licensing*
*Introduction*
*The Tennessee BC-28 Excavation Contractor Exam is designed to evaluate th
comprehensive proficiency of individuals seeking licensure in the excavati
and grading sector. This assessment verifies essential knowledge regarding
state-specific safety protocols, environmental regulations, and technical
earthmoving methodologies. The exam structure incorporates both foundation
theoretical questions and complex, scenario-based problems that reflect
on-site challenges. Candidates must demonstrate a mastery of soil mechanic
protective system implementation, and legal compliance under Tennessee law
By emphasizing real-world application and critical decision-making, this
, assessment ensures that contractors maintain the highest standards of safe
ethical conduct, and professional excellence in the construction industry.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. According to OSHA standards, at what depth must a protective system be
installed in an excavation unless it is made entirely in stable rock?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 6 feet
🟢 C. 5 feet
🔴 Explanation: OSHA Subpart P requires that excavations 5 feet or deeper must
have a protective system (sloping, shoring, or shielding) to prevent cave-ins.
2. In Tennessee, what is the mandatory minimum time a contractor must wait
after contacting the 811 "One-Call" system before beginning excavation?
A. 24 hours
B.
48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
,C. 72 hours
D. 5 business days
🟢 B. 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
🔴 Explanation: Tennessee state law requires a 72-hour notice in some contexts
but specifically mandates 48 business hours (excluding holidays and weekends)
for utilities to mark the site before digging begins.
3. Which soil type is characterized by a high unconfined compressive strength
of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type C
D. Submerged Soil
🟢 A. Type A
🔴 Explanation: Type A soils are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive
strength of 1.5 tsf or greater, such as clay or silty clay.
4. What is the maximum allowable slope for a permanent excavation in Type C
soil?
, A. 3/4:1
B. 1:1
C. 1 1/2:1
D. 2:1
🟢 C. 1 1/2:1
🔴 Explanation: Type C soil is the least stable; OSHA requires a maximum
allowable slope of 1 1/2 horizontal to 1 vertical (34 degrees).
5. A ladder or other means of egress must be provided in any trench that is at
least how many feet deep?
A. 3 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 5 feet
D. 10 feet
🟢 B. 4 feet
🔴 Explanation: OSHA requires a stairway, ladder, or ramp as a means of egress
in trench excavations that are 4 feet or deeper.
6. How far must a ladder extend above the top of the trench for safe exit?
