Virginia HIC Exam Verified Practice Questions with
Correct Answers & Explanations
1. The MINIMUM length drywall screw required for installing 1/2-inch gypsum board to
wood studs is:
A. 1 inch
B. 1 1/8 inches
C. 1 1/4 inches
D. 1 1/2 inches
Correct Answer: C. 1 1/4 inches
Explanation: A 1 1/4-inch screw provides adequate penetration into the wood stud while fully
securing the drywall. Shorter screws may not achieve the required holding strength. This length
is specified by industry standards to ensure proper fastening and prevent drywall failure.
2. What is the MINIMUM breaking strength required of safety belt lanyards?
A. 3,000 pounds
B. 4,000 pounds
C. 5,000 pounds
D. 5,400 pounds
Correct Answer: D. 5,400 pounds
Explanation: OSHA requires safety belt lanyards to withstand a minimum breaking strength of
5,400 pounds. This ensures worker protection during fall-arrest situations. Using weaker
lanyards increases the risk of equipment failure and serious injury.
3. What is the MINIMUM clearance combustible insulation must maintain from heat-
producing devices?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 2 inches
D. 3 inches
Correct Answer: B. 1 inch
Explanation: A minimum clearance of 1 inch prevents combustible insulation from overheating
or igniting. Heat-producing devices can transfer significant thermal energy. Maintaining proper
clearance reduces fire hazards and code violations.
4. What is the MAXIMUM flame spread index allowed for insulation materials?
A. 15
B. 20
C. 25
D. 30
Correct Answer: C. 25
Explanation: A flame spread index of 25 or less classifies the material as fire-resistant. This
,rating limits how quickly flames can travel across a surface. Lower flame spread values improve
overall building fire safety.
5. The amount of water per sack of cement controls all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Strength
B. Durability
C. Workability
D. Wear resistance
Correct Answer: D. Wear resistance
Explanation: Water content directly affects concrete strength, durability, and workability.
However, wear resistance is primarily influenced by aggregate quality and surface finishing.
Excess water can actually weaken concrete.
6. The escape device for a trench over 4 feet deep must be within a MAXIMUM of:
A. 15 feet
B. 20 feet
C. 25 feet
D. 30 feet
Correct Answer: C. 25 feet
Explanation: OSHA requires ladders or other escape devices within 25 feet of workers in
trenches over 4 feet deep. This ensures quick evacuation in case of collapse. Proper access
significantly reduces trench-related fatalities.
7. What is the correct sequence for installing a bi-fold door?
A. Lower track, top track, upper pivot, bottom pivot
B. Top track, lower track, insert bottom pivot, insert upper pivot
C. Top track, insert upper pivot, lower track, bottom pivot
D. Insert pivots first, then tracks
Correct Answer: B. Top track, lower track, insert bottom pivot, insert upper pivot
Explanation: Installing the tracks first ensures proper alignment of the door panels. The bottom
pivot is set before the upper pivot to stabilize the door. Correct sequencing prevents binding and
alignment issues.
8. What is the MINIMUM height for a stairway handrail?
A. 30 inches
B. 32 inches
C. 34 inches
D. 36 inches
Correct Answer: C. 34 inches
Explanation: Handrails must be at least 34 inches high to provide adequate support and safety.
This measurement is taken from the stair tread nosing. Proper height reduces the risk of falls.
9. How must rafters be framed to each other?
A. With metal hangers
B. With triangular bracing
C. With rectangular ties
, D. With blocking only
Correct Answer: C. With rectangular ties
Explanation: Rectangular ties prevent rafters from spreading under roof loads. They help
maintain structural integrity of the roof system. Improper rafter connections can lead to roof
failure.
10. The nailing holes in aluminum and vinyl siding are elongated to allow for:
A. Easier installation
B. Nail alignment
C. Expansion and contraction
D. Increased strength
Correct Answer: C. Expansion and contraction
Explanation: Aluminum and vinyl expand and contract with temperature changes. Elongated
holes allow movement without buckling or cracking. Nails should not be driven tight to permit
this movement.
11. Batter boards are best described as:
A. Temporary scaffolding supports
B. Framing layout guides
C. Stakes and ledger boards marking building lines
D. Concrete form supports
Correct Answer: C. Stakes and ledger boards marking building lines
Explanation: Batter boards establish the exact location and elevation of building lines. They are
set beyond the excavation area to remain undisturbed. Accurate layout is essential for proper
foundation placement.
12. The first step prior to starting any excavation work is:
A. Obtaining a permit
B. Surveying the site
C. Contracting local utility companies
D. Installing barricades
Correct Answer: C. Contracting local utility companies
Explanation: Utilities must be located and marked before excavation begins. This prevents
damage to underground lines and protects workers. Failing to do so can cause serious injury and
service disruptions.
13. What is the MAXIMUM distance horizontal reinforcement can be placed from the top
of a masonry partition wall?
A. 8 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 16 inches
D. 24 inches
Correct Answer: C. 16 inches
Explanation: Horizontal reinforcement must be close enough to the top to control cracking and
improve strength. Sixteen inches is the maximum allowed distance. Proper placement ensures
structural stability.
Correct Answers & Explanations
1. The MINIMUM length drywall screw required for installing 1/2-inch gypsum board to
wood studs is:
A. 1 inch
B. 1 1/8 inches
C. 1 1/4 inches
D. 1 1/2 inches
Correct Answer: C. 1 1/4 inches
Explanation: A 1 1/4-inch screw provides adequate penetration into the wood stud while fully
securing the drywall. Shorter screws may not achieve the required holding strength. This length
is specified by industry standards to ensure proper fastening and prevent drywall failure.
2. What is the MINIMUM breaking strength required of safety belt lanyards?
A. 3,000 pounds
B. 4,000 pounds
C. 5,000 pounds
D. 5,400 pounds
Correct Answer: D. 5,400 pounds
Explanation: OSHA requires safety belt lanyards to withstand a minimum breaking strength of
5,400 pounds. This ensures worker protection during fall-arrest situations. Using weaker
lanyards increases the risk of equipment failure and serious injury.
3. What is the MINIMUM clearance combustible insulation must maintain from heat-
producing devices?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 2 inches
D. 3 inches
Correct Answer: B. 1 inch
Explanation: A minimum clearance of 1 inch prevents combustible insulation from overheating
or igniting. Heat-producing devices can transfer significant thermal energy. Maintaining proper
clearance reduces fire hazards and code violations.
4. What is the MAXIMUM flame spread index allowed for insulation materials?
A. 15
B. 20
C. 25
D. 30
Correct Answer: C. 25
Explanation: A flame spread index of 25 or less classifies the material as fire-resistant. This
,rating limits how quickly flames can travel across a surface. Lower flame spread values improve
overall building fire safety.
5. The amount of water per sack of cement controls all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Strength
B. Durability
C. Workability
D. Wear resistance
Correct Answer: D. Wear resistance
Explanation: Water content directly affects concrete strength, durability, and workability.
However, wear resistance is primarily influenced by aggregate quality and surface finishing.
Excess water can actually weaken concrete.
6. The escape device for a trench over 4 feet deep must be within a MAXIMUM of:
A. 15 feet
B. 20 feet
C. 25 feet
D. 30 feet
Correct Answer: C. 25 feet
Explanation: OSHA requires ladders or other escape devices within 25 feet of workers in
trenches over 4 feet deep. This ensures quick evacuation in case of collapse. Proper access
significantly reduces trench-related fatalities.
7. What is the correct sequence for installing a bi-fold door?
A. Lower track, top track, upper pivot, bottom pivot
B. Top track, lower track, insert bottom pivot, insert upper pivot
C. Top track, insert upper pivot, lower track, bottom pivot
D. Insert pivots first, then tracks
Correct Answer: B. Top track, lower track, insert bottom pivot, insert upper pivot
Explanation: Installing the tracks first ensures proper alignment of the door panels. The bottom
pivot is set before the upper pivot to stabilize the door. Correct sequencing prevents binding and
alignment issues.
8. What is the MINIMUM height for a stairway handrail?
A. 30 inches
B. 32 inches
C. 34 inches
D. 36 inches
Correct Answer: C. 34 inches
Explanation: Handrails must be at least 34 inches high to provide adequate support and safety.
This measurement is taken from the stair tread nosing. Proper height reduces the risk of falls.
9. How must rafters be framed to each other?
A. With metal hangers
B. With triangular bracing
C. With rectangular ties
, D. With blocking only
Correct Answer: C. With rectangular ties
Explanation: Rectangular ties prevent rafters from spreading under roof loads. They help
maintain structural integrity of the roof system. Improper rafter connections can lead to roof
failure.
10. The nailing holes in aluminum and vinyl siding are elongated to allow for:
A. Easier installation
B. Nail alignment
C. Expansion and contraction
D. Increased strength
Correct Answer: C. Expansion and contraction
Explanation: Aluminum and vinyl expand and contract with temperature changes. Elongated
holes allow movement without buckling or cracking. Nails should not be driven tight to permit
this movement.
11. Batter boards are best described as:
A. Temporary scaffolding supports
B. Framing layout guides
C. Stakes and ledger boards marking building lines
D. Concrete form supports
Correct Answer: C. Stakes and ledger boards marking building lines
Explanation: Batter boards establish the exact location and elevation of building lines. They are
set beyond the excavation area to remain undisturbed. Accurate layout is essential for proper
foundation placement.
12. The first step prior to starting any excavation work is:
A. Obtaining a permit
B. Surveying the site
C. Contracting local utility companies
D. Installing barricades
Correct Answer: C. Contracting local utility companies
Explanation: Utilities must be located and marked before excavation begins. This prevents
damage to underground lines and protects workers. Failing to do so can cause serious injury and
service disruptions.
13. What is the MAXIMUM distance horizontal reinforcement can be placed from the top
of a masonry partition wall?
A. 8 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 16 inches
D. 24 inches
Correct Answer: C. 16 inches
Explanation: Horizontal reinforcement must be close enough to the top to control cracking and
improve strength. Sixteen inches is the maximum allowed distance. Proper placement ensures
structural stability.
