WISCONSIN BC GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR EXAM
TOTAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the 2015 IBC, what is the minimum required compressive strength of
concrete for a foundation wall?
A) 2,000 psi
B) 2,500 psi
C) 3,000 psi
D) 4,000 psi
ANSWER: B
Rationale: The 2015 IBC requires a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi for
foundation walls. This ensures adequate structural support for the building above. Options
A, C, and D represent either insufficient strength or strengths used for other specific
applications.
2. Under the Wisconsin Administrative Code, which entity has the authority to enforce
building code requirements?
,A) Local municipalities
B) State fire marshal
C) Department of Workforce Development
D) OSHA
ANSWER: A
Rationale: In Wisconsin, local municipalities (cities, villages, towns, and counties) have
the authority to enforce building code requirements through their building inspection
departments. The state sets minimum standards, but local jurisdictions administer and
enforce them.
3. What is the minimum required size for a footing supporting a foundation wall in a
residential building under Wisconsin code?
A) 12 inches wide by 6 inches thick
B) 16 inches wide by 8 inches thick
C) 20 inches wide by 8 inches thick
D) 24 inches wide by 10 inches thick
ANSWER: C
Rationale: For residential buildings in Wisconsin, the minimum footing size is typically 20
inches wide by 8 inches thick, depending on soil conditions. This distributes the structural
load over a sufficient area to prevent settlement. Options A and B are undersized for most
applications.
4. Which of the following is the MOST critical reference material for the Wisconsin
General Building Contractor exam?
A) Study Guide for Structural Steel
B) Concrete Finishing manual
,C) International Building Code (IBC), 2015 Edition
D) Study Guide for Commercial Carpentry
ANSWER: C
Rationale: The exam outline specifies that the International Building Code (IBC) accounts
for the largest portion (61-65%) of the exam questions, making it the most critical resource
to study. Options A, B, and D represent smaller portions of the exam content.
5. A contractor is reading a set of construction plans. What does a dashed line
typically represent?
A) Existing structure
B) Hidden or concealed elements
C) Proposed construction
D) Property boundary
ANSWER: B
Rationale: In construction plans, dashed lines typically represent hidden, concealed, or
overhead elements that are not visible in the current view. Option A would be shown with
different hatching or line types, and C would be solid lines.
6. What is the minimum required thickness for a concrete slab on grade?
A) 2 inches
B) 3 inches
C) 4 inches
D) 6 inches
ANSWER: C
Rationale: The minimum required thickness for a concrete slab on grade is 4 inches, as
specified in the IBC. This provides adequate structural capacity for typical residential and
, light commercial loads. Options A and B are insufficient, and 6 inches is used for heavier
loads.
7. Under OSHA regulations, what is the maximum height a worker can be from a
leading edge before fall protection is required on a residential construction site?
A) 6 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 15 feet
D) 20 feet
ANSWER: B
Rationale: OSHA requires fall protection when workers are exposed to a fall of 10 feet or
more on residential construction sites. This includes leading edges, roofs, and elevated
platforms. Options A, C, and D represent thresholds for other types of work or incorrect
distances.
8. What is the minimum required rebar size for a footing according to the 2015 IBC?
A) #3
B) #4
C) #5
D) #6
ANSWER: B
Rationale: The 2015 IBC requires a minimum rebar size of #4 (1/2 inch diameter) for
footings, depending on the structural design. This provides adequate tensile reinforcement.
Option A is too small, and options C and D are larger sizes used for heavier loads.
TOTAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to the 2015 IBC, what is the minimum required compressive strength of
concrete for a foundation wall?
A) 2,000 psi
B) 2,500 psi
C) 3,000 psi
D) 4,000 psi
ANSWER: B
Rationale: The 2015 IBC requires a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi for
foundation walls. This ensures adequate structural support for the building above. Options
A, C, and D represent either insufficient strength or strengths used for other specific
applications.
2. Under the Wisconsin Administrative Code, which entity has the authority to enforce
building code requirements?
,A) Local municipalities
B) State fire marshal
C) Department of Workforce Development
D) OSHA
ANSWER: A
Rationale: In Wisconsin, local municipalities (cities, villages, towns, and counties) have
the authority to enforce building code requirements through their building inspection
departments. The state sets minimum standards, but local jurisdictions administer and
enforce them.
3. What is the minimum required size for a footing supporting a foundation wall in a
residential building under Wisconsin code?
A) 12 inches wide by 6 inches thick
B) 16 inches wide by 8 inches thick
C) 20 inches wide by 8 inches thick
D) 24 inches wide by 10 inches thick
ANSWER: C
Rationale: For residential buildings in Wisconsin, the minimum footing size is typically 20
inches wide by 8 inches thick, depending on soil conditions. This distributes the structural
load over a sufficient area to prevent settlement. Options A and B are undersized for most
applications.
4. Which of the following is the MOST critical reference material for the Wisconsin
General Building Contractor exam?
A) Study Guide for Structural Steel
B) Concrete Finishing manual
,C) International Building Code (IBC), 2015 Edition
D) Study Guide for Commercial Carpentry
ANSWER: C
Rationale: The exam outline specifies that the International Building Code (IBC) accounts
for the largest portion (61-65%) of the exam questions, making it the most critical resource
to study. Options A, B, and D represent smaller portions of the exam content.
5. A contractor is reading a set of construction plans. What does a dashed line
typically represent?
A) Existing structure
B) Hidden or concealed elements
C) Proposed construction
D) Property boundary
ANSWER: B
Rationale: In construction plans, dashed lines typically represent hidden, concealed, or
overhead elements that are not visible in the current view. Option A would be shown with
different hatching or line types, and C would be solid lines.
6. What is the minimum required thickness for a concrete slab on grade?
A) 2 inches
B) 3 inches
C) 4 inches
D) 6 inches
ANSWER: C
Rationale: The minimum required thickness for a concrete slab on grade is 4 inches, as
specified in the IBC. This provides adequate structural capacity for typical residential and
, light commercial loads. Options A and B are insufficient, and 6 inches is used for heavier
loads.
7. Under OSHA regulations, what is the maximum height a worker can be from a
leading edge before fall protection is required on a residential construction site?
A) 6 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 15 feet
D) 20 feet
ANSWER: B
Rationale: OSHA requires fall protection when workers are exposed to a fall of 10 feet or
more on residential construction sites. This includes leading edges, roofs, and elevated
platforms. Options A, C, and D represent thresholds for other types of work or incorrect
distances.
8. What is the minimum required rebar size for a footing according to the 2015 IBC?
A) #3
B) #4
C) #5
D) #6
ANSWER: B
Rationale: The 2015 IBC requires a minimum rebar size of #4 (1/2 inch diameter) for
footings, depending on the structural design. This provides adequate tensile reinforcement.
Option A is too small, and options C and D are larger sizes used for heavier loads.
