Ohio (OH) 767 Home Improvement Contractor Practice Exam |
RCO & ICC Study Guide 100 Questions and Correct Answers
Question 1: What is the primary reference code for the Ohio 767 Home Improvement Contractor
exam? A. International Building Code B. Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) C. Ohio Mechanical Code D.
National Electrical Code
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) Rationale: The 767 exam is based primarily on the
Residential Code of Ohio, which adopts the International Residential Code with state amendments,
focusing on one- to three-family dwellings.
Question 2: What percentage of the 767 exam content typically covers Framing? A. 5% B. 12% C. 55%
D. 10%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 55% Rationale: Framing constitutes the largest section of the exam at
approximately 55%, emphasizing structural requirements for floors, walls, and roofs in residential
construction per the RCO.
Question 3: According to the RCO, what is the minimum clear width required for an emergency escape
and rescue opening (egress window) in a first-floor bedroom? A. 16 inches B. 20 inches C. 24 inches D.
32 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 20 inches Rationale: The RCO mandates a minimum net clear opening width of 20
inches for egress windows to ensure safe emergency escape, along with minimum height and area
requirements.
Question 4: What is the minimum years of hands-on experience required for a Columbus Home
Improvement General Contractor license? A. 1 year B. 2 years C. 3 years D. 5 years
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 3 years Rationale: Applicants must demonstrate at least three full years of hands-
on installation experience in 1-, 2-, and 3-family dwelling improvements for the general license.
Question 5: In residential framing, what is the typical maximum spacing for wood studs in load-bearing
walls under standard RCO provisions? A. 12 inches on center B. 16 inches on center C. 24 inches on
center D. 36 inches on center
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 16 inches on center Rationale: The RCO allows 16 inches on center for most wood
stud walls to provide adequate structural support, with engineering required for wider spacing in some
cases.
Question 6: What organization administers the 767 Ohio Home Improvement Contractor examination?
A. Ohio Department of Commerce B. PSI Services C. Ohio Registrar of Contractors D. International Code
Council (ICC)
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. PSI Services Rationale: PSI Services administers the exam on behalf of relevant
Ohio authorities for contractor licensing in municipalities like Columbus.
Question 7: What is the minimum net clear opening area for an egress window in sleeping rooms per
the RCO? A. 4 square feet B. 5.0 square feet C. 5.7 square feet D. 6.0 square feet
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 5.7 square feet Rationale: Egress windows must provide at least 5.7 square feet of
net clear opening area (5.0 for grade floor) to meet life safety standards in the Residential Code of Ohio.
Question 8: For footings in residential construction, what primary factor determines the minimum
width and depth? A. Roof pitch only B. Soil bearing capacity and frost line C. Siding material D. Window
size
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Soil bearing capacity and frost line Rationale: Footings must be sized based on
soil load-bearing capacity and extend below the frost line to prevent heaving, as specified in RCO
foundation sections.
Question 9: What is required for masonry fireplaces regarding clearance to combustible materials? A. 0
inches B. 1 inch C. 2 inches D. Specific clearances per code tables
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Specific clearances per code tables Rationale: The RCO and IRC require minimum
clearances to combustibles for fireplaces and chimneys to prevent fire hazards, detailed in masonry
sections.
Question 10: Which of the following is a key requirement for deck ledger board attachment? A. Nails
only B. Proper flashing and lag screws or bolts with lateral load connections C. Adhesive only D. No
attachment needed for small decks
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Proper flashing and lag screws or bolts with lateral load connections Rationale:
Decks must be securely attached with corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing to prevent water
intrusion and ensure structural integrity per RCO deck provisions.
Question 11: What does the RCO primarily regulate for 1- to 3-family dwellings? A. Commercial high-
rises B. Erection, construction, repair, and alteration C. Industrial facilities D. Public buildings only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Erection, construction, repair, and alteration Rationale: The Residential Code of
Ohio provides comprehensive prescriptive requirements for residential buildings up to three stories.
Question 12: In wall framing, what is typically required above door and window openings? A. Single
top plate B. Properly sized headers C. No reinforcement D. Only bottom plate
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Properly sized headers Rationale: Headers transfer loads around openings in
load-bearing walls, with sizes determined by span tables in the RCO.
Question 13: What is the passing score percentage for the 767 exam? A. 60% B. 70% C. 75% D. 80%
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. 70% Rationale: A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the open-book 767
exam.
Question 14: For roofing under the RCO, what is a key requirement for asphalt shingles? A. Installation
without underlayment B. Proper underlayment, flashing, and fastening per manufacturer and code C.
Only adhesive attachment D. No overlap required
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Proper underlayment, flashing, and fastening per manufacturer and code
Rationale: Roofing materials must follow specific installation standards to ensure weather resistance and
structural performance.
Question 15: What is the purpose of fireblocking in wood-frame construction? A. Aesthetic
enhancement B. To restrict the spread of fire within concealed spaces C. To improve insulation only D.
For plumbing support
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To restrict the spread of fire within concealed spaces Rationale: Fireblocking is
required at intervals in walls, floors, and attics to compartmentalize potential fire spread per RCO fire
protection rules.
Question 16: What is the minimum height for guards on decks and stairs per RCO? A. 30 inches B. 36
inches C. 42 inches D. 48 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 36 inches Rationale: Guards must be at least 36 inches high to prevent falls, with
specific opening limitations for child safety.
Question 17: How often must a contractor renew their knowledge of code updates for best practice in
Ohio? A. Never B. Periodically as codes are adopted C. Every 10 years D. Only if cited
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Periodically as codes are adopted Rationale: Staying current with RCO
amendments ensures compliance and safe work.
Question 18: What is required for contract management in home improvement projects over certain
values in Ohio? A. Verbal agreement only B. Written contract with specific disclosures per consumer
protection laws C. Email only D. No documentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Written contract with specific disclosures per consumer protection laws
Rationale: Ohio law requires written contracts for home improvement to protect consumers.
Question 1: What is the maximum down payment a contractor can accept before starting work under
the Ohio Home Improvement Practices Act?
A. 10% of the total contract price B. 33% of the total contract price or $200, whichever is less C. 50% of
the total contract price D. $1,000 flat fee
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 33% of the total contract price or $200, whichever is less
RCO & ICC Study Guide 100 Questions and Correct Answers
Question 1: What is the primary reference code for the Ohio 767 Home Improvement Contractor
exam? A. International Building Code B. Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) C. Ohio Mechanical Code D.
National Electrical Code
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) Rationale: The 767 exam is based primarily on the
Residential Code of Ohio, which adopts the International Residential Code with state amendments,
focusing on one- to three-family dwellings.
Question 2: What percentage of the 767 exam content typically covers Framing? A. 5% B. 12% C. 55%
D. 10%
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 55% Rationale: Framing constitutes the largest section of the exam at
approximately 55%, emphasizing structural requirements for floors, walls, and roofs in residential
construction per the RCO.
Question 3: According to the RCO, what is the minimum clear width required for an emergency escape
and rescue opening (egress window) in a first-floor bedroom? A. 16 inches B. 20 inches C. 24 inches D.
32 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 20 inches Rationale: The RCO mandates a minimum net clear opening width of 20
inches for egress windows to ensure safe emergency escape, along with minimum height and area
requirements.
Question 4: What is the minimum years of hands-on experience required for a Columbus Home
Improvement General Contractor license? A. 1 year B. 2 years C. 3 years D. 5 years
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 3 years Rationale: Applicants must demonstrate at least three full years of hands-
on installation experience in 1-, 2-, and 3-family dwelling improvements for the general license.
Question 5: In residential framing, what is the typical maximum spacing for wood studs in load-bearing
walls under standard RCO provisions? A. 12 inches on center B. 16 inches on center C. 24 inches on
center D. 36 inches on center
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 16 inches on center Rationale: The RCO allows 16 inches on center for most wood
stud walls to provide adequate structural support, with engineering required for wider spacing in some
cases.
Question 6: What organization administers the 767 Ohio Home Improvement Contractor examination?
A. Ohio Department of Commerce B. PSI Services C. Ohio Registrar of Contractors D. International Code
Council (ICC)
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. PSI Services Rationale: PSI Services administers the exam on behalf of relevant
Ohio authorities for contractor licensing in municipalities like Columbus.
Question 7: What is the minimum net clear opening area for an egress window in sleeping rooms per
the RCO? A. 4 square feet B. 5.0 square feet C. 5.7 square feet D. 6.0 square feet
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 5.7 square feet Rationale: Egress windows must provide at least 5.7 square feet of
net clear opening area (5.0 for grade floor) to meet life safety standards in the Residential Code of Ohio.
Question 8: For footings in residential construction, what primary factor determines the minimum
width and depth? A. Roof pitch only B. Soil bearing capacity and frost line C. Siding material D. Window
size
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Soil bearing capacity and frost line Rationale: Footings must be sized based on
soil load-bearing capacity and extend below the frost line to prevent heaving, as specified in RCO
foundation sections.
Question 9: What is required for masonry fireplaces regarding clearance to combustible materials? A. 0
inches B. 1 inch C. 2 inches D. Specific clearances per code tables
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Specific clearances per code tables Rationale: The RCO and IRC require minimum
clearances to combustibles for fireplaces and chimneys to prevent fire hazards, detailed in masonry
sections.
Question 10: Which of the following is a key requirement for deck ledger board attachment? A. Nails
only B. Proper flashing and lag screws or bolts with lateral load connections C. Adhesive only D. No
attachment needed for small decks
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Proper flashing and lag screws or bolts with lateral load connections Rationale:
Decks must be securely attached with corrosion-resistant fasteners and flashing to prevent water
intrusion and ensure structural integrity per RCO deck provisions.
Question 11: What does the RCO primarily regulate for 1- to 3-family dwellings? A. Commercial high-
rises B. Erection, construction, repair, and alteration C. Industrial facilities D. Public buildings only
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Erection, construction, repair, and alteration Rationale: The Residential Code of
Ohio provides comprehensive prescriptive requirements for residential buildings up to three stories.
Question 12: In wall framing, what is typically required above door and window openings? A. Single
top plate B. Properly sized headers C. No reinforcement D. Only bottom plate
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Properly sized headers Rationale: Headers transfer loads around openings in
load-bearing walls, with sizes determined by span tables in the RCO.
Question 13: What is the passing score percentage for the 767 exam? A. 60% B. 70% C. 75% D. 80%
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. 70% Rationale: A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the open-book 767
exam.
Question 14: For roofing under the RCO, what is a key requirement for asphalt shingles? A. Installation
without underlayment B. Proper underlayment, flashing, and fastening per manufacturer and code C.
Only adhesive attachment D. No overlap required
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Proper underlayment, flashing, and fastening per manufacturer and code
Rationale: Roofing materials must follow specific installation standards to ensure weather resistance and
structural performance.
Question 15: What is the purpose of fireblocking in wood-frame construction? A. Aesthetic
enhancement B. To restrict the spread of fire within concealed spaces C. To improve insulation only D.
For plumbing support
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To restrict the spread of fire within concealed spaces Rationale: Fireblocking is
required at intervals in walls, floors, and attics to compartmentalize potential fire spread per RCO fire
protection rules.
Question 16: What is the minimum height for guards on decks and stairs per RCO? A. 30 inches B. 36
inches C. 42 inches D. 48 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 36 inches Rationale: Guards must be at least 36 inches high to prevent falls, with
specific opening limitations for child safety.
Question 17: How often must a contractor renew their knowledge of code updates for best practice in
Ohio? A. Never B. Periodically as codes are adopted C. Every 10 years D. Only if cited
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Periodically as codes are adopted Rationale: Staying current with RCO
amendments ensures compliance and safe work.
Question 18: What is required for contract management in home improvement projects over certain
values in Ohio? A. Verbal agreement only B. Written contract with specific disclosures per consumer
protection laws C. Email only D. No documentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Written contract with specific disclosures per consumer protection laws
Rationale: Ohio law requires written contracts for home improvement to protect consumers.
Question 1: What is the maximum down payment a contractor can accept before starting work under
the Ohio Home Improvement Practices Act?
A. 10% of the total contract price B. 33% of the total contract price or $200, whichever is less C. 50% of
the total contract price D. $1,000 flat fee
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 33% of the total contract price or $200, whichever is less
