General contractor ALL VERSIONS 2025 | LATEST AND ACCURATE REAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS | VERIFIED FOR GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST UPDATE

What is the maximum height of a masonry wall before weep holes are required? A. 10 feet B. 5 feet C. 0 feet D. 12 feet Correct Answer: C. 0 feet Rationale: Weep holes are required at the base of masonry walls regardless of height to allow drainage and prevent water accumulation. What is the minimum size of a steel pipe pile that can be capped off? A. 6 inches B. 8 inches C. 10 inches D. 12 inches Correct Answer: B. 8 inches Rationale: Steel pipe piles must be at least 8 inches in diameter to ensure structural integrity when capped. What does the color orange signify in utility marking? A. Gas lines B. Communications/phone lines C. Electric power lines D. Sewer lines Correct Answer: B. Communications/phone lines Rationale: Utility color codes assign orange for communication lines, including phone and cable. Which hinge should be used for ease of installation and adjustment? A. Butt hinge B. Continuous hinge C. Cup hinge D. Piano hinge Correct Answer: C. Cup hinge Rationale: Cup hinges are adjustable in multiple directions, making them easy to install and finetune. When setting a bearing truss, how far can it be from the layout? A. 1 inch B. 1/2 inch C. 1/4 inch D. 3/4 inch Correct Answer: C. 1/4 inch Rationale: Trusses must be within 1/4 inch of the layout to ensure load distribution accuracy. All of the following can be used for open or skip sheathing except: A. Clay tile B. Wood shakes C. Asphalt shingles D. Metal roofing Correct Answer: C. Asphalt shingles Rationale: Asphalt shingles require solid sheathing for proper support, unlike other materials. Precast concrete forms are ___________. A. Reusable B. Temporary C. Permanent D. Adjustable Correct Answer: C. Permanent Rationale: Precast concrete forms are designed to remain in place as part of the structure. When using a horizontal lifeline, what is required? A. Must be at waist level B. At or above the point of connection to the harness C. Below worker’s chest level D. At floor level Correct Answer: B. At or above the point of connection to the harness Rationale: Proper anchorage prevents fall hazards by reducing free-fall distance. What type of nail is not recommended for use in framing below grade with pressure treated wood? A. Stainless steel B. Hot-dipped galvanized C. Aluminum D. Hot tipped zinc coated galvanized Correct Answer: D. Hot tipped zinc coated galvanized Rationale: These nails corrode quickly in pressure-treated wood; stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails are preferred. How many cubic yards are in an excavation that is 60 feet wide, 100 feet long, and 10 feet deep? A. 2,000 cubic yards B. 2,222.22 cubic yards C. 3,000 cubic yards D. 2,500 cubic yards Correct Answer: B. 2,222.22 cubic yards Rationale: Volume = L × W × D = 60 × 100 × 10 = 60,000 ft³ ÷ 27 = 2,222.22 yd³. Which type of saw should be used to cut tendons? A. Hack saw B. Push saw C. Circular saw D. Reciprocating saw Correct Answer: B. Push saw Rationale: Push saws provide a clean, controlled cut without damaging the tendon material. What is the proper way to pick up a truss? A. By the bottom chord B. By the top chord C. By the web D. By both ends simultaneously Correct Answer: B. By the top chord Rationale: Picking up by the top chord prevents bending stress that could damage the truss. What is the maximum variance allowed for load-bearing steel studs between their centers? A. 1/4 inch B. 1/2 inch C. 3/4 inch D. 1 inch Correct Answer: C. 3/4 inch Rationale: Steel studs must be aligned closely; variance greater than 3/4 inch can weaken wall load distribution. If you have a trench 5 feet deep, how often should the atmosphere pressure be checked? A. Once per shift B. Before workers enter the trench C. Every 2 hours D. Not required Correct Answer: B. Before workers enter the trench Rationale: OSHA requires atmospheric testing before entry in trenches ≥5 ft deep to detect hazards like low oxygen or gases. Refer to the plans, how many risers must be installed on the southeast staircase adjacent to the building? (Riser height may not exceed 7 inches. Elevation change is from 101 feet to 110 feet.) A. 12 B. 14 C. 16 D. 18 Correct Answer: C. 16 Rationale: Elevation change = 9 feet = 108 inches ÷ 7-inch max riser = ~15.4, rounded up to 16 risers. A compaction test has failed due to a low moisture content, what will need to be done? A. Add gravel B. Remove soil completely C. Soil will need to be ripped up, watered, and then recompacted D. Increase compaction force Correct Answer: C. Soil will need to be ripped up, watered, and then recompacted Rationale: Proper moisture is essential for soil compaction; adding water and recompacting corrects the failure. How soon should tongue and groove wood flooring be installed? A. Immediately after delivery B. After wood has acclimated to the building C. One week after delivery regardless of conditions D. After sealing the subfloor Correct Answer: B. After wood has acclimated to the building Rationale: Wood must adjust to building humidity to prevent warping or gaps after installation. Recommended time for removing forms from cast-in-place concrete? A. 12 hours B. 24 hours C. 36 hours D. 48 hours Correct Answer: B. 24 hours Rationale: Forms are typically removed after 24 hours when concrete has gained enough strength to support itself. What size of tie wire is recommended to hold a #11 rebar? A. 1/32 inch B. 1/16 inch C. 1/8 inch D. 3/32 inch Correct Answer: B. 1/16 inch Rationale: 1/16-inch tie wire is strong enough to secure heavy #11 rebar without breaking under tension. How much concrete cover is needed for a 5/8 inch rebar used on a floor for a common living space? A. 1/2 inch B. 3/4 inch C. 1 inch D. 1 1/2 inches Correct Answer: B. 3/4 inch Rationale: Minimum cover for rebar in floors in residential/common spaces is 3/4 inch for protection against corrosion.