NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR
EXAM — QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum ceiling height required for habitable rooms
in NC residential construction?
a. 6 ft 8 in
b. 7 ft
c. 7 ft 0 in
d. 7 ft 6 in
The NC Residential Code requires habitable rooms to have at least
7 feet of ceiling height.
2. Which document establishes the legally binding scope, terms, and
cost agreement between contractor and owner?
a. Change order
b. Purchase order
c. Contract
d. Work log
The construction contract is the main legally binding agreement.
3. In North Carolina, which agency licenses residential contractors?
a. NC Board of Architects
b. NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
c. Department of Labor
, d. NC Secretary of State
General contracting licenses are administered by NCLBGC.
4. When must an erosion control plan be implemented for a
residential project?
a. Only after rough grading
b. Only during heavy rain
c. For sites under ½ acre
d. Before any land-disturbing activity
NC regulations require erosion control prior to site disturbance.
5. A contractor discovers a discrepancy between drawings and
specifications. What should be done first?
a. Ignore it
b. Follow drawings only
c. Follow specifications only
d. Request clarification from the designer/owner
Clarification avoids incorrect work.
6. What is the typical minimum compressive strength for residential
concrete footings?
a. 1,000 psi
b. 2,000 psi
c. 2,500 psi
d. 3,500 psi
NC code generally requires at least 2,500 psi for footings.
7. Which soil type provides the poorest load-bearing capacity?
a. Gravel
b. Sand
c. Silt
, d. Clay
Clay retains water and has poor stability.
8. What is the minimum required slope for drainage away from a
foundation?
a. 1%
b. 5%
c. 3%
d. 2%
Code recommends 6 in. fall over first 10 ft (≈5%).
9. A footing must extend at least how far below undisturbed soil?
a. 6 in
b. 12 in
c. 18 in
d. 24 in
NC code requires 12 inches minimum.
10. What type of drawing shows the "cut-through" view of a
building?
a. Elevation
b. Site plan
c. Section
d. Detail
Sections show interior structural relationships.
11. What is the purpose of anchor bolts in residential framing?
a. Hold rafters
b. Secure sill plates to foundation
c. Connect studs to plates
EXAM — QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum ceiling height required for habitable rooms
in NC residential construction?
a. 6 ft 8 in
b. 7 ft
c. 7 ft 0 in
d. 7 ft 6 in
The NC Residential Code requires habitable rooms to have at least
7 feet of ceiling height.
2. Which document establishes the legally binding scope, terms, and
cost agreement between contractor and owner?
a. Change order
b. Purchase order
c. Contract
d. Work log
The construction contract is the main legally binding agreement.
3. In North Carolina, which agency licenses residential contractors?
a. NC Board of Architects
b. NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
c. Department of Labor
, d. NC Secretary of State
General contracting licenses are administered by NCLBGC.
4. When must an erosion control plan be implemented for a
residential project?
a. Only after rough grading
b. Only during heavy rain
c. For sites under ½ acre
d. Before any land-disturbing activity
NC regulations require erosion control prior to site disturbance.
5. A contractor discovers a discrepancy between drawings and
specifications. What should be done first?
a. Ignore it
b. Follow drawings only
c. Follow specifications only
d. Request clarification from the designer/owner
Clarification avoids incorrect work.
6. What is the typical minimum compressive strength for residential
concrete footings?
a. 1,000 psi
b. 2,000 psi
c. 2,500 psi
d. 3,500 psi
NC code generally requires at least 2,500 psi for footings.
7. Which soil type provides the poorest load-bearing capacity?
a. Gravel
b. Sand
c. Silt
, d. Clay
Clay retains water and has poor stability.
8. What is the minimum required slope for drainage away from a
foundation?
a. 1%
b. 5%
c. 3%
d. 2%
Code recommends 6 in. fall over first 10 ft (≈5%).
9. A footing must extend at least how far below undisturbed soil?
a. 6 in
b. 12 in
c. 18 in
d. 24 in
NC code requires 12 inches minimum.
10. What type of drawing shows the "cut-through" view of a
building?
a. Elevation
b. Site plan
c. Section
d. Detail
Sections show interior structural relationships.
11. What is the purpose of anchor bolts in residential framing?
a. Hold rafters
b. Secure sill plates to foundation
c. Connect studs to plates
