Demolition Contractor
Practice Exam | Questions,
Verified Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Complete
Contractor License Exam Prep
Study Guide | Updated 2026
1. Before demolition begins, what is the most important
initial structural safety step?
A. Remove all windows
B. Begin interior stripping
C. Conduct a structural survey
D. Start debris removal
Correct Answer: Conduct a structural survey
Rationale: A structural survey identifies the building's
condition, weakened areas, load paths, adjacent
structures, and potential collapse hazards before
demolition work begins.
2. Which OSHA regulation specifically addresses
demolition operations?
A. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L
B. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M
C. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R
D. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T
Correct Answer: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T
,Rationale: OSHA's 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T contains
requirements specifically governing demolition
operations.
3. Why should utilities be disconnected before
demolition?
A. To reduce disposal costs
B. To make the building easier to paint
C. To prevent accidental electrical, gas, water, or other
utility hazards
D. To speed up equipment delivery
Correct Answer: To prevent accidental electrical, gas,
water, or other utility hazards
Rationale: Active utilities can create electrocution, fire,
explosion, flooding, and other serious hazards during
demolition.
4. Which hazardous material is especially important to
identify before disturbing older building materials?
A. Concrete
B. Structural steel
C. Clean lumber
D. Asbestos-containing material
Correct Answer: Asbestos-containing material
Rationale: Asbestos may be present in insulation, floor
materials, pipe coverings, roofing, and other
components and must be evaluated before disturbance.
5. What is the primary purpose of a pre-demolition
survey?
A. Determine employee wages
B. Select the paint color
,C. Identify structural conditions, hazards, utilities, and
hazardous materials
D. Calculate sales tax
Correct Answer: Identify structural conditions, hazards,
utilities, and hazardous materials
Rationale: The survey provides information needed to
develop a safe demolition sequence and protect workers
and the public.
6. Which condition presents a major concern when
demolishing a structure?
A. Recently painted walls
B. New light fixtures
C. Unstable or weakened structural members
D. Clean floors
Correct Answer: Unstable or weakened structural
members
Rationale: Weakened structural components can cause
premature or uncontrolled collapse.
7. What should be established before demolition begins
when adjacent structures are present?
A. A new parking area
B. A landscaping plan
C. Protection measures for adjacent structures and
occupants
D. A new office location
Correct Answer: Protection measures for adjacent
structures and occupants
Rationale: Demolition can transmit vibration, falling
debris, dust, and structural movement to nearby
property.
, 8. What is a major danger of removing structural
members in the wrong sequence?
A. Increased paperwork
B. Higher fuel consumption
C. Unexpected structural collapse
D. Reduced equipment noise
Correct Answer: Unexpected structural collapse
Rationale: Structural members work together as a
system. Removing them without proper sequencing can
eliminate essential support.
9. What is the safest approach to a potentially unstable
wall?
A. Stand directly beneath it
B. Push it manually
C. Establish an appropriate exclusion zone and use a
planned demolition method
D. Allow workers to work on both sides
Correct Answer: Establish an appropriate exclusion zone
and use a planned demolition method
Rationale: Unstable walls can collapse suddenly.
Workers should be kept outside the danger area while
the wall is brought down in a controlled manner.
10. Why should demolition debris be removed regularly?
A. To improve the building's appearance
B. To increase the building height
C. To prevent accumulation that creates hazards and
overloads floors
D. To reduce ventilation