Maryland Home Improvement Exam
Practice Questions and Answers
1. What is the minimum passing score for the MHIC contractor exam?
A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70%
D. 75%
Correct Answer: C. 70%
Explanation: Maryland requires applicants to score at least 70% to pass the MHIC
contractor licensing examination.
2. Which agency regulates home improvement contractors in Maryland?
A. Maryland Department of Housing
B. Maryland Home Improvement Commission
C. Maryland Construction Board
D. Consumer Protection Agency
Correct Answer: B. Maryland Home Improvement Commission
3. A home improvement contract must be:
A. Verbal only
B. Written for all projects
C. Optional for projects under $5,000
D. Signed only by the contractor
Correct Answer: B. Written for all projects
4. Which of the following is considered home improvement work?
,A. Construction of a new commercial office building
B. Repair or remodeling of a residential property
C. Manufacturing construction materials
D. Highway paving
Correct Answer: B. Repair or remodeling of a residential property
Explanation: MHIC regulates residential alteration, remodeling, repair, and
replacement work.
5. How long is the MHIC contractor examination?
A. 1 hour
B. 90 minutes
C. 2 hours
D. 3 hours
Correct Answer: C. 2 hours
6. Which document protects homeowners from contractor misconduct?
A. Warranty Bond
B. Mechanic’s Lien
C. Guaranty Fund
D. Surety Affidavit
Correct Answer: C. Guaranty Fund
Explanation: Maryland maintains a Guaranty Fund for homeowners harmed by
licensed contractors.
7. Before obtaining a contractor license, an applicant must:
A. Complete college courses
B. Pass the licensing exam
C. Work for 10 years
D. Own construction equipment
, Correct Answer: B. Pass the licensing exam
8. What type of insurance is most important for protecting against jobsite injury
claims?
A. Auto insurance
B. Life insurance
C. Workers’ compensation insurance
D. Renters insurance
Correct Answer: C. Workers’ compensation insurance
9. If an applicant fails the MHIC exam, how long must they wait before
retesting?
A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 30 days
D. 90 days
Correct Answer: C. 30 days
10. Which contract element is required?
A. Estimated completion date
B. Contractor’s favorite supplier
C. Political affiliation
D. Employee salaries
Correct Answer: A. Estimated completion date
11. What is a change order?
Practice Questions and Answers
1. What is the minimum passing score for the MHIC contractor exam?
A. 60%
B. 65%
C. 70%
D. 75%
Correct Answer: C. 70%
Explanation: Maryland requires applicants to score at least 70% to pass the MHIC
contractor licensing examination.
2. Which agency regulates home improvement contractors in Maryland?
A. Maryland Department of Housing
B. Maryland Home Improvement Commission
C. Maryland Construction Board
D. Consumer Protection Agency
Correct Answer: B. Maryland Home Improvement Commission
3. A home improvement contract must be:
A. Verbal only
B. Written for all projects
C. Optional for projects under $5,000
D. Signed only by the contractor
Correct Answer: B. Written for all projects
4. Which of the following is considered home improvement work?
,A. Construction of a new commercial office building
B. Repair or remodeling of a residential property
C. Manufacturing construction materials
D. Highway paving
Correct Answer: B. Repair or remodeling of a residential property
Explanation: MHIC regulates residential alteration, remodeling, repair, and
replacement work.
5. How long is the MHIC contractor examination?
A. 1 hour
B. 90 minutes
C. 2 hours
D. 3 hours
Correct Answer: C. 2 hours
6. Which document protects homeowners from contractor misconduct?
A. Warranty Bond
B. Mechanic’s Lien
C. Guaranty Fund
D. Surety Affidavit
Correct Answer: C. Guaranty Fund
Explanation: Maryland maintains a Guaranty Fund for homeowners harmed by
licensed contractors.
7. Before obtaining a contractor license, an applicant must:
A. Complete college courses
B. Pass the licensing exam
C. Work for 10 years
D. Own construction equipment
, Correct Answer: B. Pass the licensing exam
8. What type of insurance is most important for protecting against jobsite injury
claims?
A. Auto insurance
B. Life insurance
C. Workers’ compensation insurance
D. Renters insurance
Correct Answer: C. Workers’ compensation insurance
9. If an applicant fails the MHIC exam, how long must they wait before
retesting?
A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 30 days
D. 90 days
Correct Answer: C. 30 days
10. Which contract element is required?
A. Estimated completion date
B. Contractor’s favorite supplier
C. Political affiliation
D. Employee salaries
Correct Answer: A. Estimated completion date
11. What is a change order?
