, Question 1
A Virginia contractor holds a Class B license and is offered a single contract
for $140,000. The project involves constructing a new commercial building.
Under Virginia DPOR regulations, which statement is most accurate?
A. The contractor may accept the contract because Class B allows
projects up to $150,000.
B. The contractor may accept the contract because Class B has no dollar
limit for commercial work.
C. The contractor must decline or upgrade to Class A because Class B is
limited to $120,000.
D. The contractor may accept only if the building is not for public use.
Correct Answer: C - The contractor must decline or upgrade to
Class A because Class B is limited to $120,000.
RATIONALE
Class B contractors are limited to projects under $120,000, or
$750,000 for remodeling/repair. A $140,000 new commercial building
exceeds this limit, requiring a Class A license. Class A allows
unlimited project value.
Question 2
During a renovation, a contractor discovers that a load-bearing wall must be
removed. According to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
(USBC), which action is required before proceeding?
A. Notify the local building department and obtain a permit modification.
B. Proceed if a licensed structural engineer approves the removal.
C. Install a temporary shoring system and continue work.
D. Submit as-built drawings within 30 days after completion.
Correct Answer: A - Notify the local building department and
obtain a permit modification.
Page 2
, RATIONALE
The USBC requires a permit for structural alterations. Removing a
load-bearing wall is a structural change, necessitating a permit
modification and inspection. Engineer approval alone does not satisfy
code requirements.
Question 3
A Virginia contractor files a mechanic's lien on a property. The owner disputes
the lien, claiming the contractor did not provide the required pre-lien notice.
Under Virginia Code § 43-3, which factor is most critical in determining the
lien's validity?
A. Whether the contractor recorded the lien within 90 days of last work.
B. Whether the contractor sent a Notice of Intent 30 days before
recording.
C. Whether the contractor obtained a written contract with the owner.
D. Whether the contractor is licensed in the same locality as the property.
Correct Answer: B - Whether the contractor sent a Notice of
Intent 30 days before recording.
RATIONALE
Virginia Code § 43-3 requires a Notice of Intent to file a lien to be
sent at least 30 days prior to recording. Failure to provide this notice
invalidates the lien. Other factors like timing and contract are also
important but the notice is critical.
Question 4
On a Virginia construction site, a subcontractor's employee is exposed to silica
dust. Which OSHA standard primarily governs the required engineering
controls and respiratory protection?
A. 29 CFR 1926.1153 - Respirable Crystalline Silica
B. 29 CFR 1926.501 - Fall Protection
Page 3
, C. 29 CFR 1926.1053 - Ladders
D. 29 CFR 1926.300 - Hand and Power Tools
Correct Answer: A - 29 CFR 1926.1153 - Respirable Crystalline
Silica
RATIONALE
29 CFR 1926.1153 specifically addresses respirable crystalline silica
in construction, mandating engineering controls, work practices, and
respiratory protection. Other standards cover different hazards.
Question 5
A contractor uses the unit price method to estimate a project. The total direct
costs are $80,000. The contractor applies a 15% overhead and 10% profit.
What is the final bid price?
A. $100,000
B. $101,200
C. $102,000
D. $103,500
Correct Answer: B - $101,200
RATIONALE
Overhead is applied to direct costs: $80,000 * 1.15 = $92,000. Profit is
then applied: $92,000 * 1.10 = $101,200. Order of application matters;
if profit applied first, result differs.
Question 6
In Virginia, a contractor must file a state tax return for a project. Which tax
applies to the gross receipts of a construction contract?
A. Virginia Sales and Use Tax
B. Virginia Contractor's Gross Receipts Tax
C. Virginia Personal Property Tax
Page 4
A Virginia contractor holds a Class B license and is offered a single contract
for $140,000. The project involves constructing a new commercial building.
Under Virginia DPOR regulations, which statement is most accurate?
A. The contractor may accept the contract because Class B allows
projects up to $150,000.
B. The contractor may accept the contract because Class B has no dollar
limit for commercial work.
C. The contractor must decline or upgrade to Class A because Class B is
limited to $120,000.
D. The contractor may accept only if the building is not for public use.
Correct Answer: C - The contractor must decline or upgrade to
Class A because Class B is limited to $120,000.
RATIONALE
Class B contractors are limited to projects under $120,000, or
$750,000 for remodeling/repair. A $140,000 new commercial building
exceeds this limit, requiring a Class A license. Class A allows
unlimited project value.
Question 2
During a renovation, a contractor discovers that a load-bearing wall must be
removed. According to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
(USBC), which action is required before proceeding?
A. Notify the local building department and obtain a permit modification.
B. Proceed if a licensed structural engineer approves the removal.
C. Install a temporary shoring system and continue work.
D. Submit as-built drawings within 30 days after completion.
Correct Answer: A - Notify the local building department and
obtain a permit modification.
Page 2
, RATIONALE
The USBC requires a permit for structural alterations. Removing a
load-bearing wall is a structural change, necessitating a permit
modification and inspection. Engineer approval alone does not satisfy
code requirements.
Question 3
A Virginia contractor files a mechanic's lien on a property. The owner disputes
the lien, claiming the contractor did not provide the required pre-lien notice.
Under Virginia Code § 43-3, which factor is most critical in determining the
lien's validity?
A. Whether the contractor recorded the lien within 90 days of last work.
B. Whether the contractor sent a Notice of Intent 30 days before
recording.
C. Whether the contractor obtained a written contract with the owner.
D. Whether the contractor is licensed in the same locality as the property.
Correct Answer: B - Whether the contractor sent a Notice of
Intent 30 days before recording.
RATIONALE
Virginia Code § 43-3 requires a Notice of Intent to file a lien to be
sent at least 30 days prior to recording. Failure to provide this notice
invalidates the lien. Other factors like timing and contract are also
important but the notice is critical.
Question 4
On a Virginia construction site, a subcontractor's employee is exposed to silica
dust. Which OSHA standard primarily governs the required engineering
controls and respiratory protection?
A. 29 CFR 1926.1153 - Respirable Crystalline Silica
B. 29 CFR 1926.501 - Fall Protection
Page 3
, C. 29 CFR 1926.1053 - Ladders
D. 29 CFR 1926.300 - Hand and Power Tools
Correct Answer: A - 29 CFR 1926.1153 - Respirable Crystalline
Silica
RATIONALE
29 CFR 1926.1153 specifically addresses respirable crystalline silica
in construction, mandating engineering controls, work practices, and
respiratory protection. Other standards cover different hazards.
Question 5
A contractor uses the unit price method to estimate a project. The total direct
costs are $80,000. The contractor applies a 15% overhead and 10% profit.
What is the final bid price?
A. $100,000
B. $101,200
C. $102,000
D. $103,500
Correct Answer: B - $101,200
RATIONALE
Overhead is applied to direct costs: $80,000 * 1.15 = $92,000. Profit is
then applied: $92,000 * 1.10 = $101,200. Order of application matters;
if profit applied first, result differs.
Question 6
In Virginia, a contractor must file a state tax return for a project. Which tax
applies to the gross receipts of a construction contract?
A. Virginia Sales and Use Tax
B. Virginia Contractor's Gross Receipts Tax
C. Virginia Personal Property Tax
Page 4
