100 Questions & Answers with Rationales
1. Which statement BEST describes the following concept in a residential construction context?
Safety planning: A job hazard analysis identifies hazards and controls before or during work.
A. Replace the need to follow manufacturer instructions
B. Increase project cost without changing the work
C. Eliminate the need for all inspections
D. Identify hazards and controls
✓ Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Planning helps reduce exposure to known job hazards.
2. A Michigan residential builder is reviewing this issue. What is the BEST answer?
Prelicensure elective hours: The remaining portion of the 60-hour requirement can be fulfilled with
approved subject-matter electives.
A. 18 hoursB. 24 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 6 hours
✓ Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The listed seven core areas total 42 hours, leaving 18 elective hours.
3. During planning for a residential project, which choice correctly applies this principle?
Lead-safe work: Renovation of older housing may trigger lead-safe requirements depending on the
project, building age, and applicable law.
A. Eliminate the need for all inspections
B. Increase project cost without changing the work
C. Evaluate applicable lead-safety requirements
D. Replace the need to follow manufacturer instructions
✓ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lead exposure can be a serious hazard.
4. A contractor is preparing for the Michigan Residential Builder examination. Which answer is
correct?PSI Residential Builder time limit: The listed time limit for the Residential Builder
examination is 240 minutes.
A. 300 minutesB. 120 minutes C. 240 minutes
D. 180 minutes
✓ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: PSI's current examination specification lists a 240-minute limit.
5. Which option most accurately identifies the purpose or requirement described below?
,Expansion joints: Expansion or movement joints accommodate dimensional changes in materials or
structures.
A. Accommodate movement
B. Increase project cost without changing the work
C. Eliminate the need for all inspections
D. Replace the need to follow manufacturer instructions
✓ Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Joint requirements depend on the material and design.
6. Which statement BEST describes the following concept in a residential construction context?
Estimating direct cost: Direct material and labor costs are costs that can be traced to a specific project.
A. Traceable project costs
B. Eliminate the need for all inspections
C. Replace the need to follow manufacturer instructions
D. Increase project cost without changing the work
✓ Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Direct costs are attributable to a particular job.
7. A Michigan residential builder is reviewing this issue. What is the BEST answer?
Marketing and Sales education: The approved prelicensure structure includes at least six hours in
Marketing and Sales.
A. 2 hoursB. 4 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 12 hours
✓ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: LARA lists six hours for this subject.
8. During planning for a residential project, which choice correctly applies this principle?Break-even:
Break-even occurs when total revenue equals total costs.
A. Eliminate the need for all inspections
B. Replace the need to follow manufacturer instructions
C. Increase project cost without changing the work
D. Revenue equals total costs
✓ Correct Answer: D
Rationale: At break-even, profit is zero.
9. A contractor is preparing for the Michigan Residential Builder examination. Which answer is
correct?Rebar cover: Concrete cover protects reinforcing steel from corrosion and fire exposure
and helps develop reinforcement properly.
A. Increase project cost without changing the work
B. Eliminate the need for all inspections
C. Protect and properly position reinforcement
D. Replace the need to follow manufacturer instructions
✓ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Required cover varies with exposure and construction conditions.
10. Which option most accurately identifies the purpose or requirement described below?
, License renewal cycle: An individual Michigan Residential Builder/M&A; Contractor license is renewed
every three years.
A. Every 2 years