NORTH CAROLINA BUILDING CONTRACTOR
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025 Q&A | INSTANT
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1. What is the primary purpose of the North Carolina Building Code?
a) To increase property values
b) To set minimum construction standards
c) To promote architectural design
d) To reduce construction costs
b) To set minimum construction standards
The North Carolina Building Code establishes minimum requirements to
safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare.
2. Which of the following requires a licensed general contractor in North
Carolina?
a) A residential job valued at $15,000
b) A commercial job under $20,000
c) A project costing over $30,000
d) Any landscaping project
c) A project costing over $30,000
,North Carolina law mandates licensure for general contractors when the
total project value exceeds $30,000.
3. How long is a building permit valid in North Carolina if work is not
commenced?
a) 30 days
b) 90 days
c) 6 months
d) 12 months
c) 6 months
Permits become invalid if work does not commence within 6 months after
issuance.
4. What is the minimum footing depth for frost protection in North
Carolina?
a) 6 inches
b) 12 inches
c) 18 inches
d) 24 inches
d) 24 inches
Footings must be a minimum of 12 inches below undisturbed ground and
12 inches below the frost line, totaling 24 inches in most NC areas.
5. Who is responsible for ensuring job site safety under OSHA
regulations?
a) Project owner
b) Architect
c) Contractor/employer
d) Inspector
c) Contractor/employer
,OSHA places responsibility on the employer (contractor) to provide a safe
working environment.
6. What is the allowable moisture content for wood framing at the time
of installation?
a) 8%
b) 12%
c) 16%
d) 20%
c) 16%
Wood framing should not exceed 19% moisture content for dimensional
lumber; however, 16% is generally the standard to prevent issues.
7. Which document details the contractor’s scope of work and
responsibilities?
a) Insurance certificate
b) Change order
c) Contract
d) Building permit
c) Contract
The contract outlines all obligations, expectations, and deliverables for
both the contractor and client.
8. A load-bearing wall is typically identified in plans by:
a) Color shading
b) Wall thickness and location
c) Electrical symbols
d) Flooring materials
b) Wall thickness and location
Load-bearing walls are often thicker and located strategically to support
structural loads.
, 9. When is a contractor required to notify the NC Licensing Board for
General Contractors of a change in business address?
a) Within 10 days
b) Within 30 days
c) Annually
d) Only at license renewal
b) Within 30 days
NCGC regulations require address changes be reported within 30 days to
ensure up-to-date records.
10. Which type of construction is most fire-resistant?
a) Type I
b) Type II
c) Type III
d) Type V
a) Type I
Type I construction is non-combustible, using reinforced concrete and steel,
offering the highest fire resistance.
11. The term “draw schedule” refers to:
a) A list of materials
b) A project timeline
c) A payment plan based on completed work
d) A building inspection checklist
c) A payment plan based on completed work
A draw schedule outlines when payments are made to the contractor
based on work progress.
12. Which insulation type has the highest R-value per inch?
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of the North Carolina Building Code?
a) To increase property values
b) To set minimum construction standards
c) To promote architectural design
d) To reduce construction costs
b) To set minimum construction standards
The North Carolina Building Code establishes minimum requirements to
safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare.
2. Which of the following requires a licensed general contractor in North
Carolina?
a) A residential job valued at $15,000
b) A commercial job under $20,000
c) A project costing over $30,000
d) Any landscaping project
c) A project costing over $30,000
,North Carolina law mandates licensure for general contractors when the
total project value exceeds $30,000.
3. How long is a building permit valid in North Carolina if work is not
commenced?
a) 30 days
b) 90 days
c) 6 months
d) 12 months
c) 6 months
Permits become invalid if work does not commence within 6 months after
issuance.
4. What is the minimum footing depth for frost protection in North
Carolina?
a) 6 inches
b) 12 inches
c) 18 inches
d) 24 inches
d) 24 inches
Footings must be a minimum of 12 inches below undisturbed ground and
12 inches below the frost line, totaling 24 inches in most NC areas.
5. Who is responsible for ensuring job site safety under OSHA
regulations?
a) Project owner
b) Architect
c) Contractor/employer
d) Inspector
c) Contractor/employer
,OSHA places responsibility on the employer (contractor) to provide a safe
working environment.
6. What is the allowable moisture content for wood framing at the time
of installation?
a) 8%
b) 12%
c) 16%
d) 20%
c) 16%
Wood framing should not exceed 19% moisture content for dimensional
lumber; however, 16% is generally the standard to prevent issues.
7. Which document details the contractor’s scope of work and
responsibilities?
a) Insurance certificate
b) Change order
c) Contract
d) Building permit
c) Contract
The contract outlines all obligations, expectations, and deliverables for
both the contractor and client.
8. A load-bearing wall is typically identified in plans by:
a) Color shading
b) Wall thickness and location
c) Electrical symbols
d) Flooring materials
b) Wall thickness and location
Load-bearing walls are often thicker and located strategically to support
structural loads.
, 9. When is a contractor required to notify the NC Licensing Board for
General Contractors of a change in business address?
a) Within 10 days
b) Within 30 days
c) Annually
d) Only at license renewal
b) Within 30 days
NCGC regulations require address changes be reported within 30 days to
ensure up-to-date records.
10. Which type of construction is most fire-resistant?
a) Type I
b) Type II
c) Type III
d) Type V
a) Type I
Type I construction is non-combustible, using reinforced concrete and steel,
offering the highest fire resistance.
11. The term “draw schedule” refers to:
a) A list of materials
b) A project timeline
c) A payment plan based on completed work
d) A building inspection checklist
c) A payment plan based on completed work
A draw schedule outlines when payments are made to the contractor
based on work progress.
12. Which insulation type has the highest R-value per inch?
