ICC NATIONAL STANDARD
GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR
EXAM (CLASS A) ACTUAL EXAM
WITH DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS
Q1
A contractor is preparing documents for a high-rise
project and must determine which code governs fire-
resistance ratings, occupancy types, and structural
safety requirements. Which code is most appropriate?
A. OSHA Construction Standards
B. International Energy Conservation Code
C. International Building Code
D. National Electrical Code
Answer: C. International Building Code (IBC)
Rationale: The IBC regulates building design, including
fire resistance, structural systems, occupancy
classification, and safety requirements. OSHA governs
worker safety, not building design.
,Q2
A trench is 11 feet deep in previously disturbed soil.
Workers are preparing to enter it. What is the required
safety measure before entry?
A. Warning tape around trench only
B. Ladder placed every 50 feet
C. Protective system such as trench box or shoring
D. Supervisor verbal approval
Answer: C. Protective system such as trench box or
shoring
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems (shoring,
shielding, or sloping) for trenches deeper than 5 feet in
unstable or disturbed soil.
Q3
During a concrete pour, the contractor notices the
surface drying too quickly due to hot weather. What is
the most appropriate corrective action?
A. Add cement to mixture
B. Begin curing immediately using moisture retention
methods
,C. Stop pouring permanently
D. Remove reinforcement to reduce cracking
Answer: B. Begin curing immediately using moisture
retention methods
Rationale: Rapid evaporation causes shrinkage cracks.
Proper curing (water, wet coverings, curing compounds)
maintains moisture and ensures strength development.
Q4
A contractor wants to minimize delays caused by
subcontractors not completing tasks on time. Which
scheduling method is most effective?
A. Daily verbal instructions
B. Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling
C. Random task assignment
D. Eliminating float time completely
Answer: B. Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling
Rationale: CPM identifies task dependencies and critical
activities that directly affect project completion.
Q5
, Which roofing system is typically used for commercial
buildings with low slope roofs and large spans?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Clay tile roof
C. EPDM membrane roofing
D. Wood shake roof
Answer: C. EPDM membrane roofing
Rationale: EPDM and similar membranes are designed
for flat or low-slope commercial roofs due to
waterproofing efficiency.
Q6
A site supervisor allows workers to operate at 8 feet
height without fall protection. Which regulation is
being violated?
A. IBC
B. OSHA
C. EPA
D. ADA
Answer: B. OSHA
Rationale: OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet or
higher in construction environments.
GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR
EXAM (CLASS A) ACTUAL EXAM
WITH DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS
Q1
A contractor is preparing documents for a high-rise
project and must determine which code governs fire-
resistance ratings, occupancy types, and structural
safety requirements. Which code is most appropriate?
A. OSHA Construction Standards
B. International Energy Conservation Code
C. International Building Code
D. National Electrical Code
Answer: C. International Building Code (IBC)
Rationale: The IBC regulates building design, including
fire resistance, structural systems, occupancy
classification, and safety requirements. OSHA governs
worker safety, not building design.
,Q2
A trench is 11 feet deep in previously disturbed soil.
Workers are preparing to enter it. What is the required
safety measure before entry?
A. Warning tape around trench only
B. Ladder placed every 50 feet
C. Protective system such as trench box or shoring
D. Supervisor verbal approval
Answer: C. Protective system such as trench box or
shoring
Rationale: OSHA requires protective systems (shoring,
shielding, or sloping) for trenches deeper than 5 feet in
unstable or disturbed soil.
Q3
During a concrete pour, the contractor notices the
surface drying too quickly due to hot weather. What is
the most appropriate corrective action?
A. Add cement to mixture
B. Begin curing immediately using moisture retention
methods
,C. Stop pouring permanently
D. Remove reinforcement to reduce cracking
Answer: B. Begin curing immediately using moisture
retention methods
Rationale: Rapid evaporation causes shrinkage cracks.
Proper curing (water, wet coverings, curing compounds)
maintains moisture and ensures strength development.
Q4
A contractor wants to minimize delays caused by
subcontractors not completing tasks on time. Which
scheduling method is most effective?
A. Daily verbal instructions
B. Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling
C. Random task assignment
D. Eliminating float time completely
Answer: B. Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling
Rationale: CPM identifies task dependencies and critical
activities that directly affect project completion.
Q5
, Which roofing system is typically used for commercial
buildings with low slope roofs and large spans?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Clay tile roof
C. EPDM membrane roofing
D. Wood shake roof
Answer: C. EPDM membrane roofing
Rationale: EPDM and similar membranes are designed
for flat or low-slope commercial roofs due to
waterproofing efficiency.
Q6
A site supervisor allows workers to operate at 8 feet
height without fall protection. Which regulation is
being violated?
A. IBC
B. OSHA
C. EPA
D. ADA
Answer: B. OSHA
Rationale: OSHA requires fall protection at 6 feet or
higher in construction environments.
