North Carolina (NC) (PU) Public Utilities
Contractor Practice Exam
1. Which of the following best describes the NC Public Utilities (PU) Contractor License?
A. A license allowing any type of general contracting work in North Carolina.
B. A specialized license permitting work on public utility systems, such as water, sewer, and gas
distribution pipelines.
C. A real estate broker’s license for selling and leasing utility properties in NC.
D. A specialized license for electrical work on public utilities only.
Correct Answer: B. A specialized license permitting work on public utility systems, such as
water, sewer, and gas distribution pipelines.
Rationale: The NC Public Utilities (PU) Contractor License is specifically designed for
professionals engaged in the construction, repair, and maintenance of public utility systems,
including water, sewer, and gas pipelines.
2. What is the primary purpose of erosion and sedimentation control measures in public
utility construction?
A. To enhance the aesthetic value of the construction site.
B. To prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff into water bodies.
C. To comply with local zoning regulations.
D. To reduce construction costs.
Correct Answer: B. To prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff into water bodies.
Rationale: Erosion and sedimentation control measures are implemented to prevent soil erosion
and the subsequent runoff of sediment into nearby water bodies, which can degrade water quality
and aquatic habitats.
3. Which of the following is a common method used for trenchless installation of utility
pipelines?
A. Open-cut excavation.
B. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
,C. Vertical boring.
D. Manual digging.
Correct Answer: B. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
Rationale: Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method used to install pipelines
beneath obstacles such as roads, rivers, or existing utilities, minimizing surface disruption.
4. What is the minimum depth required for burying a gas distribution pipeline in North
Carolina?
A. 12 inches.
B. 18 inches.
C. 24 inches.
D. 30 inches.
Correct Answer: C. 24 inches.
Rationale: In North Carolina, the minimum burial depth for gas distribution pipelines is
typically 24 inches to protect the pipeline from physical damage and to ensure safety.
5. Which of the following materials is commonly used for water distribution pipelines?
A. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
B. Copper.
C. Asbestos cement.
D. Cast iron.
Correct Answer: A. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Rationale: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used for water distribution pipelines due to
its corrosion resistance, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness.
6. What is the primary function of a backflow preventer in a public utility system?
A. To regulate water pressure.
B. To prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply.
C. To measure water consumption.
D. To filter water impurities.
,Correct Answer: B. To prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water
supply.
Rationale: A backflow preventer is installed in water systems to prevent the reverse flow of
contaminated water into the clean water supply, ensuring water quality and public health.
7. Which of the following is a key consideration when designing a sewer system?
A. Aesthetic appearance.
B. Slope and flow velocity.
C. Color coding of pipes.
D. Pipe length.
Correct Answer: B. Slope and flow velocity.
Rationale: Proper slope and flow velocity are crucial in sewer system design to ensure efficient
wastewater transport and to prevent blockages or sediment accumulation.
8. What is the purpose of a utility locate request before excavation?
A. To schedule the construction project.
B. To identify the location of existing underground utilities.
C. To obtain permits for excavation.
D. To hire subcontractors.
Correct Answer: B. To identify the location of existing underground utilities.
Rationale: A utility locate request is made to identify the location of existing underground
utilities to prevent accidental damage during excavation and to ensure worker safety.
9. Which of the following is a safety measure when working near high-voltage electrical
lines?
A. Wearing rubber-soled shoes.
B. Maintaining a safe distance from the lines.
C. Using wooden tools.
D. Working during daylight hours only.
Correct Answer: B. Maintaining a safe distance from the lines.
, Rationale: Maintaining a safe distance from high-voltage electrical lines is essential to prevent
electrical shock hazards and ensure worker safety.
10. What is the primary purpose of a utility easement?
A. To allow public access to private property.
B. To grant permission for utility installation and maintenance.
C. To restrict property development.
D. To provide space for landscaping.
Correct Answer: B. To grant permission for utility installation and maintenance.
Rationale: A utility easement grants permission for utility companies to install, maintain, and
repair utility lines on private property without transferring ownership.
11. Which of the following is the correct procedure for dewatering a trench
during pipeline installation?
A. Pump water from the trench directly into a nearby river.
B. Use pumps to remove water and direct it to a sediment basin or approved drainage area.
C. Allow water to evaporate naturally.
D. Fill the trench with gravel to absorb the water.
Correct Answer: B. Use pumps to remove water and direct it to a sediment basin or approved
drainage area.
Rationale: Dewatering ensures a safe and dry work environment during trench construction.
Water should be discharged in a controlled manner to prevent sediment runoff and comply with
environmental regulations.
12. When installing a water main, what is the purpose of a “thrust block”?
A. To prevent the pipe from floating in the trench.
B. To anchor the pipe at bends or fittings to resist hydraulic forces.
C. To measure water pressure in the line.
D. To cover the pipe for aesthetic purposes.
Correct Answer: B. To anchor the pipe at bends or fittings to resist hydraulic forces.
Contractor Practice Exam
1. Which of the following best describes the NC Public Utilities (PU) Contractor License?
A. A license allowing any type of general contracting work in North Carolina.
B. A specialized license permitting work on public utility systems, such as water, sewer, and gas
distribution pipelines.
C. A real estate broker’s license for selling and leasing utility properties in NC.
D. A specialized license for electrical work on public utilities only.
Correct Answer: B. A specialized license permitting work on public utility systems, such as
water, sewer, and gas distribution pipelines.
Rationale: The NC Public Utilities (PU) Contractor License is specifically designed for
professionals engaged in the construction, repair, and maintenance of public utility systems,
including water, sewer, and gas pipelines.
2. What is the primary purpose of erosion and sedimentation control measures in public
utility construction?
A. To enhance the aesthetic value of the construction site.
B. To prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff into water bodies.
C. To comply with local zoning regulations.
D. To reduce construction costs.
Correct Answer: B. To prevent soil erosion and sediment runoff into water bodies.
Rationale: Erosion and sedimentation control measures are implemented to prevent soil erosion
and the subsequent runoff of sediment into nearby water bodies, which can degrade water quality
and aquatic habitats.
3. Which of the following is a common method used for trenchless installation of utility
pipelines?
A. Open-cut excavation.
B. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
,C. Vertical boring.
D. Manual digging.
Correct Answer: B. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
Rationale: Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method used to install pipelines
beneath obstacles such as roads, rivers, or existing utilities, minimizing surface disruption.
4. What is the minimum depth required for burying a gas distribution pipeline in North
Carolina?
A. 12 inches.
B. 18 inches.
C. 24 inches.
D. 30 inches.
Correct Answer: C. 24 inches.
Rationale: In North Carolina, the minimum burial depth for gas distribution pipelines is
typically 24 inches to protect the pipeline from physical damage and to ensure safety.
5. Which of the following materials is commonly used for water distribution pipelines?
A. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
B. Copper.
C. Asbestos cement.
D. Cast iron.
Correct Answer: A. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Rationale: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used for water distribution pipelines due to
its corrosion resistance, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness.
6. What is the primary function of a backflow preventer in a public utility system?
A. To regulate water pressure.
B. To prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply.
C. To measure water consumption.
D. To filter water impurities.
,Correct Answer: B. To prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water
supply.
Rationale: A backflow preventer is installed in water systems to prevent the reverse flow of
contaminated water into the clean water supply, ensuring water quality and public health.
7. Which of the following is a key consideration when designing a sewer system?
A. Aesthetic appearance.
B. Slope and flow velocity.
C. Color coding of pipes.
D. Pipe length.
Correct Answer: B. Slope and flow velocity.
Rationale: Proper slope and flow velocity are crucial in sewer system design to ensure efficient
wastewater transport and to prevent blockages or sediment accumulation.
8. What is the purpose of a utility locate request before excavation?
A. To schedule the construction project.
B. To identify the location of existing underground utilities.
C. To obtain permits for excavation.
D. To hire subcontractors.
Correct Answer: B. To identify the location of existing underground utilities.
Rationale: A utility locate request is made to identify the location of existing underground
utilities to prevent accidental damage during excavation and to ensure worker safety.
9. Which of the following is a safety measure when working near high-voltage electrical
lines?
A. Wearing rubber-soled shoes.
B. Maintaining a safe distance from the lines.
C. Using wooden tools.
D. Working during daylight hours only.
Correct Answer: B. Maintaining a safe distance from the lines.
, Rationale: Maintaining a safe distance from high-voltage electrical lines is essential to prevent
electrical shock hazards and ensure worker safety.
10. What is the primary purpose of a utility easement?
A. To allow public access to private property.
B. To grant permission for utility installation and maintenance.
C. To restrict property development.
D. To provide space for landscaping.
Correct Answer: B. To grant permission for utility installation and maintenance.
Rationale: A utility easement grants permission for utility companies to install, maintain, and
repair utility lines on private property without transferring ownership.
11. Which of the following is the correct procedure for dewatering a trench
during pipeline installation?
A. Pump water from the trench directly into a nearby river.
B. Use pumps to remove water and direct it to a sediment basin or approved drainage area.
C. Allow water to evaporate naturally.
D. Fill the trench with gravel to absorb the water.
Correct Answer: B. Use pumps to remove water and direct it to a sediment basin or approved
drainage area.
Rationale: Dewatering ensures a safe and dry work environment during trench construction.
Water should be discharged in a controlled manner to prevent sediment runoff and comply with
environmental regulations.
12. When installing a water main, what is the purpose of a “thrust block”?
A. To prevent the pipe from floating in the trench.
B. To anchor the pipe at bends or fittings to resist hydraulic forces.
C. To measure water pressure in the line.
D. To cover the pipe for aesthetic purposes.
Correct Answer: B. To anchor the pipe at bends or fittings to resist hydraulic forces.
