General Contractor (Commercial)
Certification QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
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1. What is the primary purpose of a general contractor on a
commercial construction project?
A. To provide labor only
B. To manage and coordinate all aspects of construction
C. To design the building
D. To inspect electrical systems
Answer: B. To manage and coordinate all aspects of construction
Rationale: The general contractor oversees the entire construction
process, including subcontractors, schedules, budgets, and compliance
with codes.
2. Which document outlines the responsibilities of the owner,
contractor, and architect?
A. Construction schedule
B. Contract agreement
C. Building permit
D. Material specifications
,Answer: B. Contract agreement
Rationale: The contract agreement legally defines roles, responsibilities,
and obligations of all parties involved in the project.
3. What is the typical role of a subcontractor in commercial
construction?
A. Approve project financing
B. Perform specialized work under the general contractor
C. Oversee the entire construction project
D. Issue permits
Answer: B. Perform specialized work under the general contractor
Rationale: Subcontractors are hired for specific trades such as
plumbing, electrical, or HVAC under the management of the general
contractor.
4. Which of the following is a key component of a construction
schedule?
A. Payment terms
B. Milestones and deadlines
C. Material color options
D. Warranty duration
Answer: B. Milestones and deadlines
Rationale: Construction schedules outline start and finish dates for
project phases, critical for timely completion.
,5. What type of insurance is essential for a general contractor to
protect against job site injuries?
A. Life insurance
B. Workers’ compensation insurance
C. Vehicle insurance
D. Health insurance
Answer: B. Workers’ compensation insurance
Rationale: Workers’ compensation protects employees in case of injuries
sustained while working on the construction site.
6. What does the term “retainage” refer to in construction contracts?
A. Profit margin
B. Portion of payment withheld until project completion
C. Insurance premium
D. Overhead costs
Answer: B. Portion of payment withheld until project completion
Rationale: Retainage ensures the contractor completes the work
satisfactorily before receiving full payment.
7. When is a punch list typically created?
A. Before construction begins
B. During the design phase
C. Near the end of construction
D. After warranty period
, Answer: C. Near the end of construction
Rationale: A punch list identifies incomplete or deficient work to be
corrected before final project acceptance.
8. What is the purpose of a building permit?
A. To authorize demolition only
B. To ensure construction complies with local codes
C. To order materials
D. To hire subcontractors
Answer: B. To ensure construction complies with local codes
Rationale: Building permits verify that construction meets safety,
structural, and zoning regulations.
9. Which type of contract pays the contractor a fixed amount
regardless of actual costs?
A. Cost-plus contract
B. Lump-sum contract
C. Time and materials contract
D. Unit-price contract
Answer: B. Lump-sum contract
Rationale: A lump-sum contract sets a fixed total price, placing the risk
of cost overruns on the contractor.
10. What is the main purpose of construction site safety meetings?
A. To train subcontractors on scheduling
Certification QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a general contractor on a
commercial construction project?
A. To provide labor only
B. To manage and coordinate all aspects of construction
C. To design the building
D. To inspect electrical systems
Answer: B. To manage and coordinate all aspects of construction
Rationale: The general contractor oversees the entire construction
process, including subcontractors, schedules, budgets, and compliance
with codes.
2. Which document outlines the responsibilities of the owner,
contractor, and architect?
A. Construction schedule
B. Contract agreement
C. Building permit
D. Material specifications
,Answer: B. Contract agreement
Rationale: The contract agreement legally defines roles, responsibilities,
and obligations of all parties involved in the project.
3. What is the typical role of a subcontractor in commercial
construction?
A. Approve project financing
B. Perform specialized work under the general contractor
C. Oversee the entire construction project
D. Issue permits
Answer: B. Perform specialized work under the general contractor
Rationale: Subcontractors are hired for specific trades such as
plumbing, electrical, or HVAC under the management of the general
contractor.
4. Which of the following is a key component of a construction
schedule?
A. Payment terms
B. Milestones and deadlines
C. Material color options
D. Warranty duration
Answer: B. Milestones and deadlines
Rationale: Construction schedules outline start and finish dates for
project phases, critical for timely completion.
,5. What type of insurance is essential for a general contractor to
protect against job site injuries?
A. Life insurance
B. Workers’ compensation insurance
C. Vehicle insurance
D. Health insurance
Answer: B. Workers’ compensation insurance
Rationale: Workers’ compensation protects employees in case of injuries
sustained while working on the construction site.
6. What does the term “retainage” refer to in construction contracts?
A. Profit margin
B. Portion of payment withheld until project completion
C. Insurance premium
D. Overhead costs
Answer: B. Portion of payment withheld until project completion
Rationale: Retainage ensures the contractor completes the work
satisfactorily before receiving full payment.
7. When is a punch list typically created?
A. Before construction begins
B. During the design phase
C. Near the end of construction
D. After warranty period
, Answer: C. Near the end of construction
Rationale: A punch list identifies incomplete or deficient work to be
corrected before final project acceptance.
8. What is the purpose of a building permit?
A. To authorize demolition only
B. To ensure construction complies with local codes
C. To order materials
D. To hire subcontractors
Answer: B. To ensure construction complies with local codes
Rationale: Building permits verify that construction meets safety,
structural, and zoning regulations.
9. Which type of contract pays the contractor a fixed amount
regardless of actual costs?
A. Cost-plus contract
B. Lump-sum contract
C. Time and materials contract
D. Unit-price contract
Answer: B. Lump-sum contract
Rationale: A lump-sum contract sets a fixed total price, placing the risk
of cost overruns on the contractor.
10. What is the main purpose of construction site safety meetings?
A. To train subcontractors on scheduling
