North Carolina Building Contractor Licensing
Exam – Unlimited Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A construction schedule’s critical path represents the sequence of
activities that:
A. Have float
B. Can occur in any order
C. Are least costly
D. Must be completed on time to avoid project delay
The critical path determines the minimum project duration.
2. Which soil type has the highest load-bearing capacity?
A. Silts
B. Clays
C. Organic soil
D. Gravel
Gravel provides excellent compaction and support.
3. The primary purpose of a footing is to:
A. Provide ventilation
B. Support roof load
C. Protect from termites
D. Distribute building loads to the soil
Footings spread structural loads over a wider area.
4. When applying OSHA requirements, guardrails are required at
heights of:
, A. 3 ft
B. 4 ft
C. 5 ft
D. 6 ft
OSHA requires fall protection at 4 feet in construction.
5. Which contract type places the most risk on the contractor?
A. Cost-plus
B. Guaranteed maximum price
C. Time and materials
D. Lump sum
The contractor absorbs overruns in a lump-sum contract.
6. Rebar is typically placed in concrete to resist:
A. Compression
B. Tension
C. Shear
D. Stiffness
Concrete resists compression; steel counteracts tension.
7. What is the minimum compressive strength of standard structural
concrete at 28 days?
A. 1500 psi
B. 2500 psi
C. 3000 psi
D. 5000 psi
Common structural mixes are 3000 psi or higher.
8. The Unlimited classification allows a contractor to:
A. Bid only up to $500,000
B. Perform only residential work
, C. Perform work under Intermediate limits
D. Perform work of any dollar amount
Unlimited contractors have no monetary restriction.
9. A foundation wall is typically waterproofed on the:
A. Interior
B. Exterior
C. Top
D. Bottom
Exterior waterproofing prevents moisture intrusion.
10. For safe trenching, a ladder must be provided in excavations
deeper than:
A. 3 ft
B. 4 ft
C. 5 ft
D. 8 ft
OSHA requires access/egress at 4 ft; trenches at 5 ft require
protective systems.
11. Which is considered a fixed cost?
A. Labor hours
B. Office rent
C. Fuel
D. Temporary fencing
Fixed costs do not vary with project activity.
12. A punch list is created during which phase?
A. Design
B. Rough-in
C. Close-out
Exam – Unlimited Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A construction schedule’s critical path represents the sequence of
activities that:
A. Have float
B. Can occur in any order
C. Are least costly
D. Must be completed on time to avoid project delay
The critical path determines the minimum project duration.
2. Which soil type has the highest load-bearing capacity?
A. Silts
B. Clays
C. Organic soil
D. Gravel
Gravel provides excellent compaction and support.
3. The primary purpose of a footing is to:
A. Provide ventilation
B. Support roof load
C. Protect from termites
D. Distribute building loads to the soil
Footings spread structural loads over a wider area.
4. When applying OSHA requirements, guardrails are required at
heights of:
, A. 3 ft
B. 4 ft
C. 5 ft
D. 6 ft
OSHA requires fall protection at 4 feet in construction.
5. Which contract type places the most risk on the contractor?
A. Cost-plus
B. Guaranteed maximum price
C. Time and materials
D. Lump sum
The contractor absorbs overruns in a lump-sum contract.
6. Rebar is typically placed in concrete to resist:
A. Compression
B. Tension
C. Shear
D. Stiffness
Concrete resists compression; steel counteracts tension.
7. What is the minimum compressive strength of standard structural
concrete at 28 days?
A. 1500 psi
B. 2500 psi
C. 3000 psi
D. 5000 psi
Common structural mixes are 3000 psi or higher.
8. The Unlimited classification allows a contractor to:
A. Bid only up to $500,000
B. Perform only residential work
, C. Perform work under Intermediate limits
D. Perform work of any dollar amount
Unlimited contractors have no monetary restriction.
9. A foundation wall is typically waterproofed on the:
A. Interior
B. Exterior
C. Top
D. Bottom
Exterior waterproofing prevents moisture intrusion.
10. For safe trenching, a ladder must be provided in excavations
deeper than:
A. 3 ft
B. 4 ft
C. 5 ft
D. 8 ft
OSHA requires access/egress at 4 ft; trenches at 5 ft require
protective systems.
11. Which is considered a fixed cost?
A. Labor hours
B. Office rent
C. Fuel
D. Temporary fencing
Fixed costs do not vary with project activity.
12. A punch list is created during which phase?
A. Design
B. Rough-in
C. Close-out
