South Carolina Metal Fabrication
Contractor License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which classification best describes a metal fabrication contractor
under South Carolina licensing law?
A. Electrical contractor
B. Mechanical contractor
C. Plumbing contractor
D. General engineering contractor
The mechanical contractor classification is correct because metal
fabrication falls under mechanical scopes in South Carolina statutes.
2. What is the minimum experience generally required to sit for the
South Carolina metal fabrication contractor exam?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 4 years
D. 6 years
Four years is typically required to demonstrate adequate industry
experience before qualifying for the exam.
3. According to OSHA, what is the maximum allowable concentration
(action level) for airborne hexavalent chromium in a metal fabrication
environment?
A. 0.1 mg/m³
B. 0.005 mg/m³
, C. 0.05 mg/m³
D. 0.0005 mg/m³
0.005 mg/m³ is the OSHA action level for hexavalent chromium in
workplace air.
4. In welding operations, which gas is most commonly used for shielding
in MIG welding of carbon steel?
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Helium
D. Nitrogen
Carbon dioxide is a widely used shielding gas in MIG welding of
carbon steel due to its effectiveness and cost.
5. Under South Carolina building codes, which code edition is typically
adopted for structural metal work?
A. 2012 IBC
B. 2018 IBC
C. 2009 IBC
D. 2021 IBC
The 2018 International Building Code is generally the adopted
standard for structural metal work in South Carolina.
6. What is the primary purpose of a material safety data sheet (MSDS) in
a fabrication shop?
A. Job scheduling
B. Hazard communication
C. Payroll tracking
D. Equipment maintenance
MSDS documents are used to communicate hazards related to
chemicals and materials used on site.
7. When bending sheet metal, what is the term for the extra material
that must be added to allow for bend radius?
A. Scrap allowance
B. Bend allowance
C. Stretch allowance
D. Draft allowance
, Stretch allowance refers to the additional length needed to
accommodate the bend radius in sheet metal work.
8. Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?
A. SMAW
B. GMAW
C. GTAW
D. FCAW
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten
electrode.
9. What is the required minimum clear space around a welding area to
prevent fire hazards?
A. 5 feet
B. 35 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 20 feet
Thirty-five feet of clearance is generally required around welding to
reduce combustible fire risks.
10. In structural steel fabrication, what does the term “splicing”
refer to?
A. Cutting metal
B. Painting metal
C. Joining two members end-to-end
D. Drilling holes
Splicing refers to joining two structural members end-to-end to make
a continuous length.
11. Which of the following fasteners is most appropriate for high-
strength structural connections?
A. Machine screw
B. High-strength bolt
C. Sheet metal screw
D. Wood screw
High-strength bolts are specified for structural connections due to
their superior load-carrying capacity.
12. What is the standard safety factor typically used for design of
structural steel members?
Contractor License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which classification best describes a metal fabrication contractor
under South Carolina licensing law?
A. Electrical contractor
B. Mechanical contractor
C. Plumbing contractor
D. General engineering contractor
The mechanical contractor classification is correct because metal
fabrication falls under mechanical scopes in South Carolina statutes.
2. What is the minimum experience generally required to sit for the
South Carolina metal fabrication contractor exam?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 4 years
D. 6 years
Four years is typically required to demonstrate adequate industry
experience before qualifying for the exam.
3. According to OSHA, what is the maximum allowable concentration
(action level) for airborne hexavalent chromium in a metal fabrication
environment?
A. 0.1 mg/m³
B. 0.005 mg/m³
, C. 0.05 mg/m³
D. 0.0005 mg/m³
0.005 mg/m³ is the OSHA action level for hexavalent chromium in
workplace air.
4. In welding operations, which gas is most commonly used for shielding
in MIG welding of carbon steel?
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Helium
D. Nitrogen
Carbon dioxide is a widely used shielding gas in MIG welding of
carbon steel due to its effectiveness and cost.
5. Under South Carolina building codes, which code edition is typically
adopted for structural metal work?
A. 2012 IBC
B. 2018 IBC
C. 2009 IBC
D. 2021 IBC
The 2018 International Building Code is generally the adopted
standard for structural metal work in South Carolina.
6. What is the primary purpose of a material safety data sheet (MSDS) in
a fabrication shop?
A. Job scheduling
B. Hazard communication
C. Payroll tracking
D. Equipment maintenance
MSDS documents are used to communicate hazards related to
chemicals and materials used on site.
7. When bending sheet metal, what is the term for the extra material
that must be added to allow for bend radius?
A. Scrap allowance
B. Bend allowance
C. Stretch allowance
D. Draft allowance
, Stretch allowance refers to the additional length needed to
accommodate the bend radius in sheet metal work.
8. Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?
A. SMAW
B. GMAW
C. GTAW
D. FCAW
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten
electrode.
9. What is the required minimum clear space around a welding area to
prevent fire hazards?
A. 5 feet
B. 35 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 20 feet
Thirty-five feet of clearance is generally required around welding to
reduce combustible fire risks.
10. In structural steel fabrication, what does the term “splicing”
refer to?
A. Cutting metal
B. Painting metal
C. Joining two members end-to-end
D. Drilling holes
Splicing refers to joining two structural members end-to-end to make
a continuous length.
11. Which of the following fasteners is most appropriate for high-
strength structural connections?
A. Machine screw
B. High-strength bolt
C. Sheet metal screw
D. Wood screw
High-strength bolts are specified for structural connections due to
their superior load-carrying capacity.
12. What is the standard safety factor typically used for design of
structural steel members?
