Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. When preparing a residential site, what is typically the first major
step?
A. Pouring the slab
B. Clear and grade the site
C. Erecting framing
D. Installing utilities
Answer: B. Clear and grade the site
Rationale: Sitework begins with clearing and grading before
foundation work can commence.
2. A contractor licensed under BC-A may perform work on a
residence that is up to how many stories?
A. Two stories
B. Three stories
C. Four stories
D. Five stories
Answer: B. Three stories
Rationale: The BC-A classification covers 1-4 family residences not
exceeding three stories in height.
,3. For the BC-A exam, what is the minimum passing score?
A. 65%
B. 70%
C. 73%
D. 75%
Answer: C. 73%
Rationale: The trade exam requires 73 out of 100 correct to pass.
4. What is the minimum thickness for a residential concrete slab on
grade (typical design)?
A. 3 inches
B. 4 inches
C. 5 inches
D. 6 inches
Answer: B. 4 inches
Rationale: Standard code requirement for slab on grade is 4 inches
in many residential conditions.
5. Which item falls under “Associated Trades” for the BC-A exam
topic list?
A. Framing carpentry
B. Roof trusses
C. Basic plumbing, HVAC or electrical as they relate to residential
building
D. Site grading
Answer: C. Basic plumbing, HVAC or electrical as they relate to
residential building
Rationale: “Associated Trades” covers those non-structural but
connected systems in a residential project.
,6. In a footing inspection, which of the following is a primary
concern?
A. Window sizes
B. Soil bearing capacity and placement of rebar
C. Roofing material
D. Electrical panel location
Answer: B. Soil bearing capacity and placement of rebar
Rationale: Footings must be properly sized, placed on adequate
soil and reinforced as designed.
7. Which of the following best describes the purpose of soffit vents
in a residential roof/attic system?
A. To retain heat
B. To provide attic ventilation
C. To prevent pest entry
D. To drain water
Answer: B. To provide attic ventilation
Rationale: Soffit vents allow air intake into attic space to help
control moisture and temperature.
8. When installing temporary guardrails during construction, at what
height above grade is fall protection typically required?
A. 4 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 7 feet
Answer: C. 6 feet
Rationale: According to OSHA standards, fall protection (like
guardrails) is required when working at heights of 6 ft or more.
, 9. For the BC-A exam topic breakdown, how many questions are
typically dedicated to the carpentry subject area?
A. 10
B. 15
C. 20
D. 25
Answer: C. 20
Rationale: The exam breakdown lists 20 questions for Carpentry.
10. Which state board is responsible for licensing residential
contractors under BC-A in Tennessee?
A. Department of Transportation
B. Local city government
C. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
D. Secretary of State
Answer: C. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Rationale: That is the board identified for contractor licensing.
11. In plan reading for a residential project, a drawing labeled
“S1” most likely refers to what?
A. Electrical schedule
B. Structural framing plan
C. Plumbing diagram
D. Landscape plan
Answer: B. Structural framing plan
Rationale: “S” usually indicates structural drawings; S1 would
commonly be a structural framing or general structural sheet.
12. What is the maximum span of a 2×8 floor joist at 16″ on
center for a typical residential application (approximate)?
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. When preparing a residential site, what is typically the first major
step?
A. Pouring the slab
B. Clear and grade the site
C. Erecting framing
D. Installing utilities
Answer: B. Clear and grade the site
Rationale: Sitework begins with clearing and grading before
foundation work can commence.
2. A contractor licensed under BC-A may perform work on a
residence that is up to how many stories?
A. Two stories
B. Three stories
C. Four stories
D. Five stories
Answer: B. Three stories
Rationale: The BC-A classification covers 1-4 family residences not
exceeding three stories in height.
,3. For the BC-A exam, what is the minimum passing score?
A. 65%
B. 70%
C. 73%
D. 75%
Answer: C. 73%
Rationale: The trade exam requires 73 out of 100 correct to pass.
4. What is the minimum thickness for a residential concrete slab on
grade (typical design)?
A. 3 inches
B. 4 inches
C. 5 inches
D. 6 inches
Answer: B. 4 inches
Rationale: Standard code requirement for slab on grade is 4 inches
in many residential conditions.
5. Which item falls under “Associated Trades” for the BC-A exam
topic list?
A. Framing carpentry
B. Roof trusses
C. Basic plumbing, HVAC or electrical as they relate to residential
building
D. Site grading
Answer: C. Basic plumbing, HVAC or electrical as they relate to
residential building
Rationale: “Associated Trades” covers those non-structural but
connected systems in a residential project.
,6. In a footing inspection, which of the following is a primary
concern?
A. Window sizes
B. Soil bearing capacity and placement of rebar
C. Roofing material
D. Electrical panel location
Answer: B. Soil bearing capacity and placement of rebar
Rationale: Footings must be properly sized, placed on adequate
soil and reinforced as designed.
7. Which of the following best describes the purpose of soffit vents
in a residential roof/attic system?
A. To retain heat
B. To provide attic ventilation
C. To prevent pest entry
D. To drain water
Answer: B. To provide attic ventilation
Rationale: Soffit vents allow air intake into attic space to help
control moisture and temperature.
8. When installing temporary guardrails during construction, at what
height above grade is fall protection typically required?
A. 4 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 7 feet
Answer: C. 6 feet
Rationale: According to OSHA standards, fall protection (like
guardrails) is required when working at heights of 6 ft or more.
, 9. For the BC-A exam topic breakdown, how many questions are
typically dedicated to the carpentry subject area?
A. 10
B. 15
C. 20
D. 25
Answer: C. 20
Rationale: The exam breakdown lists 20 questions for Carpentry.
10. Which state board is responsible for licensing residential
contractors under BC-A in Tennessee?
A. Department of Transportation
B. Local city government
C. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
D. Secretary of State
Answer: C. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Rationale: That is the board identified for contractor licensing.
11. In plan reading for a residential project, a drawing labeled
“S1” most likely refers to what?
A. Electrical schedule
B. Structural framing plan
C. Plumbing diagram
D. Landscape plan
Answer: B. Structural framing plan
Rationale: “S” usually indicates structural drawings; S1 would
commonly be a structural framing or general structural sheet.
12. What is the maximum span of a 2×8 floor joist at 16″ on
center for a typical residential application (approximate)?
