VIRGINIA HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR
(HIC) EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Comprehensive Review
1. What is the maximum size of a floor frame opening?
A. 3 sq ft
B. 4 sq ft
C. 5 sq ft
D. 6 sq ft
Answer: C. 5 sq ft
Explanation: Floor openings larger than 5 square feet require additional framing or support to
maintain structural integrity.
2. What is a maximum header span for a 4 ft floor frame opening?
A. 2 ft
B. 3 ft
C. 4 ft
D. 5 ft
Answer: C. 4 ft
Explanation: Headers must be sized according to the width of the opening and the load above to
prevent sagging or structural failure.
3. What is the minimum length drywall screw for installing 1/2 inch gypsum board to wood
studs?
A. 1 inch
B. 1 1/4 inch
C. 1 1/2 inch
D. 2 inches
Answer: B. 1 1/4 inch
Explanation: Screws must penetrate sufficiently into the stud to hold the drywall securely while
avoiding damage to the board.
4. What is the minimum breaking strength required of safety belt lanyards?
A. 3,600 pounds
B. 4,500 pounds
C. 5,400 pounds
D. 6,000 pounds
Answer: C. 5,400 pounds
,Explanation: OSHA standards require lanyards and safety belts to meet this strength to ensure
worker safety during falls.
5. What is the minimum clearance that combustible insulation must maintain from heat-
producing devices?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 2 inches
D. 3 inches
Answer: B. 1 inch
Explanation: Clearance prevents insulation from catching fire and ensures safe operation of
devices like chimneys and light fixtures.
6. What is the purpose of a floor plan?
A. Show structural loads
B. Indicate heating and cooling
C. Show layout of rooms, windows, and doors
D. Show electrical circuits
Answer: C. Show layout of rooms, windows, and doors
Explanation: Floor plans provide detailed layout information critical for construction, including
placement of doors, windows, and walls.
7. What is the maximum allowable notch in a joist?
A. 1/8 depth
B. 1/6 depth
C. 1/4 depth
D. 1/3 depth
Answer: B. 1/6 depth
Explanation: Notching beyond 1/6 of the joist depth compromises its strength, which could
cause sagging or failure.
8. What are the stakes and ledger boards used for in construction?
A. Hold concrete forms
B. Mark building lines (batter boards)
C. Support scaffolding
D. Anchor posts
Answer: B. Mark building lines (batter boards)
Explanation: Batter boards outline the foundation and ensure walls are positioned correctly
according to the plan.
9. What is a “shake” in lumber?
A. A nail defect
B. A lengthwise separation through growth rings
C. A surface crack
D. A knot in wood
Answer: B. A lengthwise separation through growth rings
, Explanation: Shakes are natural defects that weaken lumber, usually caused during drying or
stress in the tree.
10. The abbreviation “16d” in nails refers to:
A. Diameter
B. Depth
C. Penny
D. Distance
Answer: C. Penny
Explanation: “16d” identifies the nail size by the traditional penny system; the larger the
number, the longer the nail.
11. Notches in joists should not be located in the:
A. Ends
B. Middle 1/3
C. Outer edges
D. Anywhere
Answer: B. Middle 1/3
Explanation: The middle third of a joist carries the most load, and notching here significantly
weakens the member.
12. How should board and batten siding be installed?
A. Tight fit
B. 1-inch overlap with 10d nails
C. Butt joint
D. Staggered
Answer: B. 1-inch overlap with 10d nails
Explanation: Overlapping prevents water penetration and the nails secure the boards firmly.
13. What is the maximum allowable notch in ceiling joists?
A. 1/4 depth
B. 1/6 depth
C. 1/3 depth
D. No notch allowed
Answer: B. 1/6 depth
Explanation: Notching too deep in ceiling joists reduces structural integrity and could cause
failure.
14. Rafters must be connected to each other using:
A. Nails only
B. Gusset plates
C. Glue
D. Overlapping
Answer: B. Gusset plates
Explanation: Gusset plates reinforce the joint, providing strength at high-stress points.
(HIC) EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Comprehensive Review
1. What is the maximum size of a floor frame opening?
A. 3 sq ft
B. 4 sq ft
C. 5 sq ft
D. 6 sq ft
Answer: C. 5 sq ft
Explanation: Floor openings larger than 5 square feet require additional framing or support to
maintain structural integrity.
2. What is a maximum header span for a 4 ft floor frame opening?
A. 2 ft
B. 3 ft
C. 4 ft
D. 5 ft
Answer: C. 4 ft
Explanation: Headers must be sized according to the width of the opening and the load above to
prevent sagging or structural failure.
3. What is the minimum length drywall screw for installing 1/2 inch gypsum board to wood
studs?
A. 1 inch
B. 1 1/4 inch
C. 1 1/2 inch
D. 2 inches
Answer: B. 1 1/4 inch
Explanation: Screws must penetrate sufficiently into the stud to hold the drywall securely while
avoiding damage to the board.
4. What is the minimum breaking strength required of safety belt lanyards?
A. 3,600 pounds
B. 4,500 pounds
C. 5,400 pounds
D. 6,000 pounds
Answer: C. 5,400 pounds
,Explanation: OSHA standards require lanyards and safety belts to meet this strength to ensure
worker safety during falls.
5. What is the minimum clearance that combustible insulation must maintain from heat-
producing devices?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 2 inches
D. 3 inches
Answer: B. 1 inch
Explanation: Clearance prevents insulation from catching fire and ensures safe operation of
devices like chimneys and light fixtures.
6. What is the purpose of a floor plan?
A. Show structural loads
B. Indicate heating and cooling
C. Show layout of rooms, windows, and doors
D. Show electrical circuits
Answer: C. Show layout of rooms, windows, and doors
Explanation: Floor plans provide detailed layout information critical for construction, including
placement of doors, windows, and walls.
7. What is the maximum allowable notch in a joist?
A. 1/8 depth
B. 1/6 depth
C. 1/4 depth
D. 1/3 depth
Answer: B. 1/6 depth
Explanation: Notching beyond 1/6 of the joist depth compromises its strength, which could
cause sagging or failure.
8. What are the stakes and ledger boards used for in construction?
A. Hold concrete forms
B. Mark building lines (batter boards)
C. Support scaffolding
D. Anchor posts
Answer: B. Mark building lines (batter boards)
Explanation: Batter boards outline the foundation and ensure walls are positioned correctly
according to the plan.
9. What is a “shake” in lumber?
A. A nail defect
B. A lengthwise separation through growth rings
C. A surface crack
D. A knot in wood
Answer: B. A lengthwise separation through growth rings
, Explanation: Shakes are natural defects that weaken lumber, usually caused during drying or
stress in the tree.
10. The abbreviation “16d” in nails refers to:
A. Diameter
B. Depth
C. Penny
D. Distance
Answer: C. Penny
Explanation: “16d” identifies the nail size by the traditional penny system; the larger the
number, the longer the nail.
11. Notches in joists should not be located in the:
A. Ends
B. Middle 1/3
C. Outer edges
D. Anywhere
Answer: B. Middle 1/3
Explanation: The middle third of a joist carries the most load, and notching here significantly
weakens the member.
12. How should board and batten siding be installed?
A. Tight fit
B. 1-inch overlap with 10d nails
C. Butt joint
D. Staggered
Answer: B. 1-inch overlap with 10d nails
Explanation: Overlapping prevents water penetration and the nails secure the boards firmly.
13. What is the maximum allowable notch in ceiling joists?
A. 1/4 depth
B. 1/6 depth
C. 1/3 depth
D. No notch allowed
Answer: B. 1/6 depth
Explanation: Notching too deep in ceiling joists reduces structural integrity and could cause
failure.
14. Rafters must be connected to each other using:
A. Nails only
B. Gusset plates
C. Glue
D. Overlapping
Answer: B. Gusset plates
Explanation: Gusset plates reinforce the joint, providing strength at high-stress points.
