FLORIDA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
LICENSING BOARD GENERAL
CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT
EXAM WITH QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS, PLUS DETAILED
RATIONALES/EXPERT VERIFIED FOR
GUARANTEED PASS 2026/LATEST
UPDATE/INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1.
A general contractor is preparing to construct a large commercial
building on a site where the geotechnical report identifies a high
groundwater table and relatively weak near-surface soils. Which
condition would be the strongest reason to investigate a deep foundation
system rather than relying solely on shallow spread footings?
A. The project has a large number of interior partitions
B. The upper soil has inadequate bearing capacity and excessive
settlement potential
C. The building has a large amount of interior electrical work
D. The architectural elevations contain numerous windows
Answer: B. The upper soil has inadequate bearing capacity and
excessive settlement potential
Rationale: Deep foundations are commonly considered when near-
surface soils cannot safely support the anticipated structural loads or
when settlement would be excessive. Deep foundations transfer loads
to deeper, more competent soil or rock through end bearing, skin
friction, or a combination of both. Interior partitions, windows, and
electrical work do not determine the fundamental bearing capacity of
the foundation soil.
1
,2.
During site preparation, the contractor discovers that excavation has
reached a layer of saturated soil that becomes unstable when exposed.
What is the most appropriate initial project-management response?
A. Continue excavation at the original rate and allow the soil to dry
naturally
B. Increase excavation depth until stable soil is encountered without
consulting anyone
C. Evaluate the condition and coordinate an appropriate dewatering,
stabilization, or redesign procedure
D. Place concrete directly over the unstable soil
Answer: C. Evaluate the condition and coordinate an appropriate
dewatering, stabilization, or redesign procedure
Rationale: Saturated unstable soils can create serious excavation,
foundation, and safety problems. The contractor should stop and
evaluate the changed condition rather than proceeding blindly.
Depending on engineering recommendations, solutions may include
dewatering, stabilization, removal and replacement, shoring, or a
revised foundation approach.
3.
A soil compaction specification requires the fill beneath a slab to
achieve 95% of the specified maximum dry density. A field test reports
91%. What should the project manager conclude?
A. The fill automatically passes because it exceeds 90%
B. The fill fails the specified compaction requirement
C. The fill passes if the slab will be reinforced
D. The fill passes if concrete strength is increased
2
,Answer: B. The fill fails the specified compaction requirement
Rationale: A requirement of 95% means the measured dry density
must reach at least 95% of the specified reference maximum dry
density. A result of 91% does not satisfy the requirement. Increasing
concrete strength does not correct deficient subgrade compaction.
4.
A contractor must determine the volume of concrete required for a
rectangular slab measuring 80 ft by 50 ft and 6 inches thick. Ignoring
waste, approximately how much concrete is required?
A. 400 cubic feet
B. 1,200 cubic feet
C. 2,000 cubic feet
D. 20,000 cubic feet
Answer: C. 2,000 cubic feet
Rationale: The slab volume is length × width × thickness. Six inches
equals 0.5 ft. Therefore, 80 × 50 × 0.5 = 2,000 cubic feet. If converted
to cubic yards, 2,000 ÷ 27 ≈ 74.07 cubic yards. Actual ordering would
normally account for appropriate waste and placement considerations.
5.
A concrete specification requires a particular water-cement ratio. The
ready-mix truck arrives with concrete that appears too stiff for
placement. A worker proposes adding water at the site without approval.
What is the primary concern?
A. Additional water may increase the water-cement ratio and reduce
concrete performance
B. Additional water always increases compressive strength
3
, C. Additional water has no effect after concrete leaves the plant
D. Additional water only changes the color of the concrete
Answer: A. Additional water may increase the water-cement ratio
and reduce concrete performance
Rationale: Adding water can increase the water-cement ratio,
potentially reducing strength and durability and increasing shrinkage
or permeability. If workability must be adjusted, the approved mix
design and project procedures should be followed.
6.
During concrete placement, the project superintendent observes that
reinforcement has shifted from its specified position and now has
insufficient concrete cover. What should happen?
A. Ignore it because the reinforcement is still embedded in concrete
B. Correct the reinforcement position before or during placement as
appropriate
C. Add additional water to compensate
D. Increase finishing speed
Answer: B. Correct the reinforcement position before or during
placement as appropriate
Rationale: Reinforcement location is important for structural
performance and durability. Required cover protects reinforcement
from environmental exposure and provides proper development of the
structural system. Incorrectly positioned reinforcing steel should be
corrected rather than concealed by the concrete placement.
7.
4
LICENSING BOARD GENERAL
CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT
EXAM WITH QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS, PLUS DETAILED
RATIONALES/EXPERT VERIFIED FOR
GUARANTEED PASS 2026/LATEST
UPDATE/INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1.
A general contractor is preparing to construct a large commercial
building on a site where the geotechnical report identifies a high
groundwater table and relatively weak near-surface soils. Which
condition would be the strongest reason to investigate a deep foundation
system rather than relying solely on shallow spread footings?
A. The project has a large number of interior partitions
B. The upper soil has inadequate bearing capacity and excessive
settlement potential
C. The building has a large amount of interior electrical work
D. The architectural elevations contain numerous windows
Answer: B. The upper soil has inadequate bearing capacity and
excessive settlement potential
Rationale: Deep foundations are commonly considered when near-
surface soils cannot safely support the anticipated structural loads or
when settlement would be excessive. Deep foundations transfer loads
to deeper, more competent soil or rock through end bearing, skin
friction, or a combination of both. Interior partitions, windows, and
electrical work do not determine the fundamental bearing capacity of
the foundation soil.
1
,2.
During site preparation, the contractor discovers that excavation has
reached a layer of saturated soil that becomes unstable when exposed.
What is the most appropriate initial project-management response?
A. Continue excavation at the original rate and allow the soil to dry
naturally
B. Increase excavation depth until stable soil is encountered without
consulting anyone
C. Evaluate the condition and coordinate an appropriate dewatering,
stabilization, or redesign procedure
D. Place concrete directly over the unstable soil
Answer: C. Evaluate the condition and coordinate an appropriate
dewatering, stabilization, or redesign procedure
Rationale: Saturated unstable soils can create serious excavation,
foundation, and safety problems. The contractor should stop and
evaluate the changed condition rather than proceeding blindly.
Depending on engineering recommendations, solutions may include
dewatering, stabilization, removal and replacement, shoring, or a
revised foundation approach.
3.
A soil compaction specification requires the fill beneath a slab to
achieve 95% of the specified maximum dry density. A field test reports
91%. What should the project manager conclude?
A. The fill automatically passes because it exceeds 90%
B. The fill fails the specified compaction requirement
C. The fill passes if the slab will be reinforced
D. The fill passes if concrete strength is increased
2
,Answer: B. The fill fails the specified compaction requirement
Rationale: A requirement of 95% means the measured dry density
must reach at least 95% of the specified reference maximum dry
density. A result of 91% does not satisfy the requirement. Increasing
concrete strength does not correct deficient subgrade compaction.
4.
A contractor must determine the volume of concrete required for a
rectangular slab measuring 80 ft by 50 ft and 6 inches thick. Ignoring
waste, approximately how much concrete is required?
A. 400 cubic feet
B. 1,200 cubic feet
C. 2,000 cubic feet
D. 20,000 cubic feet
Answer: C. 2,000 cubic feet
Rationale: The slab volume is length × width × thickness. Six inches
equals 0.5 ft. Therefore, 80 × 50 × 0.5 = 2,000 cubic feet. If converted
to cubic yards, 2,000 ÷ 27 ≈ 74.07 cubic yards. Actual ordering would
normally account for appropriate waste and placement considerations.
5.
A concrete specification requires a particular water-cement ratio. The
ready-mix truck arrives with concrete that appears too stiff for
placement. A worker proposes adding water at the site without approval.
What is the primary concern?
A. Additional water may increase the water-cement ratio and reduce
concrete performance
B. Additional water always increases compressive strength
3
, C. Additional water has no effect after concrete leaves the plant
D. Additional water only changes the color of the concrete
Answer: A. Additional water may increase the water-cement ratio
and reduce concrete performance
Rationale: Adding water can increase the water-cement ratio,
potentially reducing strength and durability and increasing shrinkage
or permeability. If workability must be adjusted, the approved mix
design and project procedures should be followed.
6.
During concrete placement, the project superintendent observes that
reinforcement has shifted from its specified position and now has
insufficient concrete cover. What should happen?
A. Ignore it because the reinforcement is still embedded in concrete
B. Correct the reinforcement position before or during placement as
appropriate
C. Add additional water to compensate
D. Increase finishing speed
Answer: B. Correct the reinforcement position before or during
placement as appropriate
Rationale: Reinforcement location is important for structural
performance and durability. Required cover protects reinforcement
from environmental exposure and provides proper development of the
structural system. Incorrectly positioned reinforcing steel should be
corrected rather than concealed by the concrete placement.
7.
4
