CHICAGO GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
EXAMINATION – PRACTICE EXAM STRUCTURAL
SYSTEMS, FOUNDATIONS, CONCRETE, AND
FRAMING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS NEW A+
1. Before beginning construction on a commercial building in Chicago, what is
typically the contractor's first responsibility?
A. Order finish materials
B. Schedule the final inspection
C. Obtain all required permits and approvals
D. Install temporary flooring
Rationale: Construction work generally cannot begin until the required permits
and approvals have been obtained from the appropriate authority.
2. Which document establishes the legal agreement between the owner and
the general contractor?
A. Daily log
B. Material invoice
C. Inspection report
D. Construction contract
Rationale: The construction contract defines the obligations, responsibilities,
pricing, and terms agreed upon by both parties.
3. What is the primary purpose of construction drawings?
A. Estimate employee wages
B. Communicate the design and construction requirements
,C. Schedule inspections only
D. Record completed work
Rationale: Construction drawings provide detailed information needed to
construct the project according to the designer's intent.
4. Which type of foundation is commonly used when transferring building
loads to stable soil below grade?
A. Curtain wall
B. Roof deck
C. Spread footing
D. Floor joist
Rationale: Spread footings distribute structural loads safely into the supporting
soil.
5. A contractor discovers that the site conditions differ significantly from those
shown in the plans. What should be done first?
A. Ignore the difference
B. Continue construction without notice
C. Purchase additional materials immediately
D. Notify the owner or design professional before proceeding
Rationale: Unexpected site conditions should be reported promptly so the
appropriate corrective action can be determined.
6. Which construction document specifies the quality of materials and
workmanship?
A. Payroll records
B. Safety manual
, C. Project specifications
D. Equipment log
Rationale: Specifications establish material standards, installation methods, and
quality requirements.
7. The purpose of a preconstruction meeting is primarily to:
A. Close out the project
B. Process payroll
C. Coordinate responsibilities before work begins
D. Approve final payment
Rationale: A preconstruction meeting allows participants to review schedules,
responsibilities, safety, and communication procedures.
8. Which project delivery method places both design and construction
responsibility under one entity?
A. Design-Bid-Build
B. Construction Management at Risk
C. Design-Build
D. Multiple Prime Contracts
Rationale: In Design-Build, one organization is responsible for both design and
construction services.
9. Which scheduling tool is most commonly used to show the sequence and
duration of project activities?
A. Cost ledger
B. Material invoice
C. Gantt chart
D. Equipment warranty
EXAMINATION – PRACTICE EXAM STRUCTURAL
SYSTEMS, FOUNDATIONS, CONCRETE, AND
FRAMING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS NEW A+
1. Before beginning construction on a commercial building in Chicago, what is
typically the contractor's first responsibility?
A. Order finish materials
B. Schedule the final inspection
C. Obtain all required permits and approvals
D. Install temporary flooring
Rationale: Construction work generally cannot begin until the required permits
and approvals have been obtained from the appropriate authority.
2. Which document establishes the legal agreement between the owner and
the general contractor?
A. Daily log
B. Material invoice
C. Inspection report
D. Construction contract
Rationale: The construction contract defines the obligations, responsibilities,
pricing, and terms agreed upon by both parties.
3. What is the primary purpose of construction drawings?
A. Estimate employee wages
B. Communicate the design and construction requirements
,C. Schedule inspections only
D. Record completed work
Rationale: Construction drawings provide detailed information needed to
construct the project according to the designer's intent.
4. Which type of foundation is commonly used when transferring building
loads to stable soil below grade?
A. Curtain wall
B. Roof deck
C. Spread footing
D. Floor joist
Rationale: Spread footings distribute structural loads safely into the supporting
soil.
5. A contractor discovers that the site conditions differ significantly from those
shown in the plans. What should be done first?
A. Ignore the difference
B. Continue construction without notice
C. Purchase additional materials immediately
D. Notify the owner or design professional before proceeding
Rationale: Unexpected site conditions should be reported promptly so the
appropriate corrective action can be determined.
6. Which construction document specifies the quality of materials and
workmanship?
A. Payroll records
B. Safety manual
, C. Project specifications
D. Equipment log
Rationale: Specifications establish material standards, installation methods, and
quality requirements.
7. The purpose of a preconstruction meeting is primarily to:
A. Close out the project
B. Process payroll
C. Coordinate responsibilities before work begins
D. Approve final payment
Rationale: A preconstruction meeting allows participants to review schedules,
responsibilities, safety, and communication procedures.
8. Which project delivery method places both design and construction
responsibility under one entity?
A. Design-Bid-Build
B. Construction Management at Risk
C. Design-Build
D. Multiple Prime Contracts
Rationale: In Design-Build, one organization is responsible for both design and
construction services.
9. Which scheduling tool is most commonly used to show the sequence and
duration of project activities?
A. Cost ledger
B. Material invoice
C. Gantt chart
D. Equipment warranty
