Virginia hic Exam Questions with correct Answers
PART 1: GENERAL CONSTRUCTION & CARPENTRY
1. A third stairway stringer should be used when the stair width exceeds:
A) 24 inches
B) 30 inches
C) 36 inches
D) 42 inches
Answer: B) 30 inches
*Rationale: Stairways wider than 30 inches require a third stringer to provide
adequate support for the treads and prevent sagging or flexing under load. This is
a standard building code requirement for stair construction.
2. What is the MINIMUM height for a stairway handrail?
A) 30 inches
B) 32 inches
C) 34 inches
D) 36 inches
Answer: C) 34 inches
*Rationale: Building codes require handrails to be installed at a minimum height
of 34 inches, measured vertically from the stair nosing to the top of the handrail.
This ensures proper safety and accessibility.
3. What is the MAXIMUM size of a floor frame opening?
A) 3 sq ft
B) 4 sq ft
,C) 5 sq ft
D) 6 sq ft
Answer: C) 5 sq ft
*Rationale: Floor frame openings are limited to a maximum of 5 square feet per
building code requirements (R310.2.1). This ensures structural integrity and
proper support.
4. What type of nail is best for hardwood flooring installation?
A) Smooth shank nail
B) Ring shank nail
C) Cut nail
D) Finishing nail
Answer: B) Ring shank nail
*Rationale: Ring shank nails provide superior holding power in hardwood flooring
due to their annular rings that grip the wood fibers. This prevents the floor from
squeaking and ensures a long-lasting installation.
5. Notches may not be located in the ____________ of a joist span.
A) Middle 1/3
B) Outer 1/3
C) Center 1/4
D) Any location
Answer: A) Middle 1/3
*Rationale: Notches are prohibited in the middle third of a joist span because this
is where bending stress is greatest. Cutting notches in this area significantly
weakens the structural member and can lead to failure.
6. What is the MAXIMUM allowable notch in ceiling joists?
, A) 1/4 the depth of the member
B) 1/6 the depth of the member
C) 1/3 the depth of the member
D) 1/2 the depth of the member
Answer: B) 1/6 the depth of the member
*Rationale: Notches in ceiling joists are limited to a maximum of 1/6 of the
member's depth to preserve structural integrity while allowing for necessary
utility runs.
7. How MUST rafters be framed to each other?
A) With metal straps
B) With gusset plates
C) With nails only
D) With lap joints
Answer: B) With gusset plates
*Rationale: Rafters must be framed to each other using gusset plates (R802.3),
which provide the necessary strength and connection at ridge points.
8. A lengthwise grain separation between or through the growth rings of lumber is
called a:
A) Check
B) Split
C) Shake
D) Warp
Answer: C) Shake
*Rationale: A shake is a lengthwise separation of wood fibers between or through
the growth rings. It is a natural defect that can weaken lumber and affect its
structural performance.
PART 1: GENERAL CONSTRUCTION & CARPENTRY
1. A third stairway stringer should be used when the stair width exceeds:
A) 24 inches
B) 30 inches
C) 36 inches
D) 42 inches
Answer: B) 30 inches
*Rationale: Stairways wider than 30 inches require a third stringer to provide
adequate support for the treads and prevent sagging or flexing under load. This is
a standard building code requirement for stair construction.
2. What is the MINIMUM height for a stairway handrail?
A) 30 inches
B) 32 inches
C) 34 inches
D) 36 inches
Answer: C) 34 inches
*Rationale: Building codes require handrails to be installed at a minimum height
of 34 inches, measured vertically from the stair nosing to the top of the handrail.
This ensures proper safety and accessibility.
3. What is the MAXIMUM size of a floor frame opening?
A) 3 sq ft
B) 4 sq ft
,C) 5 sq ft
D) 6 sq ft
Answer: C) 5 sq ft
*Rationale: Floor frame openings are limited to a maximum of 5 square feet per
building code requirements (R310.2.1). This ensures structural integrity and
proper support.
4. What type of nail is best for hardwood flooring installation?
A) Smooth shank nail
B) Ring shank nail
C) Cut nail
D) Finishing nail
Answer: B) Ring shank nail
*Rationale: Ring shank nails provide superior holding power in hardwood flooring
due to their annular rings that grip the wood fibers. This prevents the floor from
squeaking and ensures a long-lasting installation.
5. Notches may not be located in the ____________ of a joist span.
A) Middle 1/3
B) Outer 1/3
C) Center 1/4
D) Any location
Answer: A) Middle 1/3
*Rationale: Notches are prohibited in the middle third of a joist span because this
is where bending stress is greatest. Cutting notches in this area significantly
weakens the structural member and can lead to failure.
6. What is the MAXIMUM allowable notch in ceiling joists?
, A) 1/4 the depth of the member
B) 1/6 the depth of the member
C) 1/3 the depth of the member
D) 1/2 the depth of the member
Answer: B) 1/6 the depth of the member
*Rationale: Notches in ceiling joists are limited to a maximum of 1/6 of the
member's depth to preserve structural integrity while allowing for necessary
utility runs.
7. How MUST rafters be framed to each other?
A) With metal straps
B) With gusset plates
C) With nails only
D) With lap joints
Answer: B) With gusset plates
*Rationale: Rafters must be framed to each other using gusset plates (R802.3),
which provide the necessary strength and connection at ridge points.
8. A lengthwise grain separation between or through the growth rings of lumber is
called a:
A) Check
B) Split
C) Shake
D) Warp
Answer: C) Shake
*Rationale: A shake is a lengthwise separation of wood fibers between or through
the growth rings. It is a natural defect that can weaken lumber and affect its
structural performance.
