NEVADA (NV) A-7 EXCAVATING & GRADING PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY
GRADED A+. 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS | UPDATED PER LATEST GUIDELINES | GRADED A+...
Core Domains
Nevada State Contractors Board A-7 Classification and Regulations
Site Preparation, Clearing, and Grubbing
Soil Classification, Properties, and Testing Methods
Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Safety (OSHA Subpart P)
Grading Operations, Cut and Fill Calculations
Compaction Methods, Equipment, and Density Testing
Erosion Control, Stormwater Management, and SWPPP Compliance
Heavy Equipment Operation, Maintenance, and Safety
Estimating, Blueprint Reading, and Surveying for Earthwork
Nevada Utility Locating (811), Damage Prevention, and Business Law
Introduction
This practice examination is designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge required for the Nevada A-7
Excavating and Grading Contractor license. The exam evaluates competencies in earthwork operations including
site clearing, mass excavation, trenching, backfilling, compaction, and grading. The 100-question multiple-choice
format includes scenario-based questions that test the application of OSHA Subpart P trenching safety standards,
soil mechanics principles, and Nevada-specific environmental regulations to real-world job site conditions.
Candidates must demonstrate critical thinking in cut and fill calculations, equipment selection, SWPPP
,implementation, and shoring system design. Mastery of this material confirms the professional decision-making
skills necessary to excavate and grade safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable codes and standards
in the State of Nevada.
SECTION ONE
Question 1
According to the Nevada State Contractors Board, the A-7 classification authorizes a licensed contractor to
perform which scope of work?
A. Only residential foundation excavation
B. Excavating, grading, trenching, and earthmoving work including site preparation, mass excavation, and
associated hauling
C. Only underground utility installation
D. General building construction including framing and roofing
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
The Nevada A-7 classification (Excavating and Grading) covers a broad scope of earthwork activities including
site clearing, mass excavation, trenching, grading, compaction, and the hauling of excavated materials. It is
distinct from the A-10 classification for underground utilities and from general building classifications.
,Question 2
According to OSHA Subpart P, at what depth must a trench in Type B soil be provided with a protective system
such as sloping, shoring, or a trench shield?
A. 4 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 8 feet
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
OSHA 1926.652 requires that trenches 5 feet or more in depth must have a protective system in place
regardless of soil type, unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. Even for shallower trenches, a
competent person must evaluate the need for protection.
Question 3
In Nevada, before commencing any excavation, a contractor is required by law to contact which service to
locate underground utilities?
A. The local police department
B. Nevada 811 (the state's one-call notification center)
C. The Nevada Department of Transportation only
D. The county assessor's office
, 🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE):
Nevada Revised Statutes require all excavators to contact Nevada 811 at least two working days before digging
begins. The 811 service coordinates with member utility companies to mark the location of underground lines,
preventing damage, injury, and service interruptions.
Question 4
A soil sample has a wet weight of 4.5 pounds and a dry weight of 3.8 pounds. What is the moisture content of
the soil?
A. 12.0 percent
B. 15.5 percent
C. 18.4 percent
D. 21.0 percent
🟢 Correct Answer:
C
🔴 RATIONALE):
Moisture content is calculated as (Wet Weight - Dry Weight) / Dry Weight × 100. (4.5 - 3.8) / 3.8 = 0..8 =
0.1842, or 18.4%. This fundamental calculation is used throughout earthwork for compaction control and soil
classification.
GRADED A+. 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS | UPDATED PER LATEST GUIDELINES | GRADED A+...
Core Domains
Nevada State Contractors Board A-7 Classification and Regulations
Site Preparation, Clearing, and Grubbing
Soil Classification, Properties, and Testing Methods
Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Safety (OSHA Subpart P)
Grading Operations, Cut and Fill Calculations
Compaction Methods, Equipment, and Density Testing
Erosion Control, Stormwater Management, and SWPPP Compliance
Heavy Equipment Operation, Maintenance, and Safety
Estimating, Blueprint Reading, and Surveying for Earthwork
Nevada Utility Locating (811), Damage Prevention, and Business Law
Introduction
This practice examination is designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge required for the Nevada A-7
Excavating and Grading Contractor license. The exam evaluates competencies in earthwork operations including
site clearing, mass excavation, trenching, backfilling, compaction, and grading. The 100-question multiple-choice
format includes scenario-based questions that test the application of OSHA Subpart P trenching safety standards,
soil mechanics principles, and Nevada-specific environmental regulations to real-world job site conditions.
Candidates must demonstrate critical thinking in cut and fill calculations, equipment selection, SWPPP
,implementation, and shoring system design. Mastery of this material confirms the professional decision-making
skills necessary to excavate and grade safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable codes and standards
in the State of Nevada.
SECTION ONE
Question 1
According to the Nevada State Contractors Board, the A-7 classification authorizes a licensed contractor to
perform which scope of work?
A. Only residential foundation excavation
B. Excavating, grading, trenching, and earthmoving work including site preparation, mass excavation, and
associated hauling
C. Only underground utility installation
D. General building construction including framing and roofing
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
The Nevada A-7 classification (Excavating and Grading) covers a broad scope of earthwork activities including
site clearing, mass excavation, trenching, grading, compaction, and the hauling of excavated materials. It is
distinct from the A-10 classification for underground utilities and from general building classifications.
,Question 2
According to OSHA Subpart P, at what depth must a trench in Type B soil be provided with a protective system
such as sloping, shoring, or a trench shield?
A. 4 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 8 feet
🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE:
OSHA 1926.652 requires that trenches 5 feet or more in depth must have a protective system in place
regardless of soil type, unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. Even for shallower trenches, a
competent person must evaluate the need for protection.
Question 3
In Nevada, before commencing any excavation, a contractor is required by law to contact which service to
locate underground utilities?
A. The local police department
B. Nevada 811 (the state's one-call notification center)
C. The Nevada Department of Transportation only
D. The county assessor's office
, 🟢 Correct Answer:
B
🔴 RATIONALE):
Nevada Revised Statutes require all excavators to contact Nevada 811 at least two working days before digging
begins. The 811 service coordinates with member utility companies to mark the location of underground lines,
preventing damage, injury, and service interruptions.
Question 4
A soil sample has a wet weight of 4.5 pounds and a dry weight of 3.8 pounds. What is the moisture content of
the soil?
A. 12.0 percent
B. 15.5 percent
C. 18.4 percent
D. 21.0 percent
🟢 Correct Answer:
C
🔴 RATIONALE):
Moisture content is calculated as (Wet Weight - Dry Weight) / Dry Weight × 100. (4.5 - 3.8) / 3.8 = 0..8 =
0.1842, or 18.4%. This fundamental calculation is used throughout earthwork for compaction control and soil
classification.
