CHICAGO GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
EXAMINATION – PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS
FOR LICENSING EXAM PREPARATION WITH A+ PASSING
1. Before beginning excavation work adjacent to an existing building, what is
the contractor's most important initial responsibility?
A. Order concrete for the new foundation
B. Begin excavation immediately to save time
C. Verify underground utilities, evaluate site conditions, and implement
protective measures
D. Remove all topsoil from the site
Rationale: Safe excavation begins with identifying underground utilities,
evaluating soil and nearby structures, and implementing protective measures to
prevent accidents and damage.
2. Which contract type generally places the greatest financial risk on the
contractor if material and labor costs increase unexpectedly?
A. Cost-plus contract
B. Time and materials contract
C. Unit price contract
D. Lump-sum (fixed-price) contract
Rationale: Under a lump-sum contract, the contractor agrees to complete the
work for a fixed amount regardless of unexpected cost increases.
3. During construction, a building inspector identifies a code violation. What
should the contractor do first?
A. Ignore the notice until project completion
B. Continue construction without changes
,C. Review the violation, correct the deficiency, and arrange for reinspection if
required
D. Replace the inspector
Rationale: Contractors must promptly address code violations to maintain
compliance and avoid delays or penalties.
4. What is the primary purpose of construction drawings?
A. Determine employee wages
B. Replace written contracts
C. Communicate the design, dimensions, and construction requirements of the
project
D. Establish tax obligations
Rationale: Construction drawings provide the technical information needed to
build the project according to design intent.
5. Which document typically defines the quality of materials and workmanship
required for a construction project?
A. Payroll report
B. Daily logbook
C. Equipment inventory
D. Project specifications
Rationale: Specifications establish material standards, workmanship requirements,
installation methods, and testing requirements.
6. Which OSHA principle best helps reduce workplace injuries?
A. Completing work as quickly as possible
B. Working without personal protective equipment when conditions appear safe
C. Identifying hazards before work begins and implementing appropriate
, controls
D. Allowing workers to choose their own safety procedures
Rationale: Hazard identification and control are fundamental elements of
workplace safety.
7. A contractor discovers that actual site conditions differ significantly from
the plans. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Ignore the difference
B. Continue construction without notifying anyone
C. Demolish completed work immediately
D. Notify the owner or design professional and seek direction before proceeding
Rationale: Unexpected site conditions should be reported promptly to avoid costly
errors and disputes.
8. Why is a project schedule important?
A. It replaces the contract documents.
B. It eliminates the need for inspections.
C. It helps coordinate activities, monitor progress, and manage project
completion.
D. It guarantees no delays will occur.
Rationale: Scheduling improves coordination and helps identify delays before they
become critical.
9. Which material is commonly used to reinforce concrete because it provides
tensile strength?
A. Brick
B. Lumber
EXAMINATION – PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE QUESTIONS
FOR LICENSING EXAM PREPARATION WITH A+ PASSING
1. Before beginning excavation work adjacent to an existing building, what is
the contractor's most important initial responsibility?
A. Order concrete for the new foundation
B. Begin excavation immediately to save time
C. Verify underground utilities, evaluate site conditions, and implement
protective measures
D. Remove all topsoil from the site
Rationale: Safe excavation begins with identifying underground utilities,
evaluating soil and nearby structures, and implementing protective measures to
prevent accidents and damage.
2. Which contract type generally places the greatest financial risk on the
contractor if material and labor costs increase unexpectedly?
A. Cost-plus contract
B. Time and materials contract
C. Unit price contract
D. Lump-sum (fixed-price) contract
Rationale: Under a lump-sum contract, the contractor agrees to complete the
work for a fixed amount regardless of unexpected cost increases.
3. During construction, a building inspector identifies a code violation. What
should the contractor do first?
A. Ignore the notice until project completion
B. Continue construction without changes
,C. Review the violation, correct the deficiency, and arrange for reinspection if
required
D. Replace the inspector
Rationale: Contractors must promptly address code violations to maintain
compliance and avoid delays or penalties.
4. What is the primary purpose of construction drawings?
A. Determine employee wages
B. Replace written contracts
C. Communicate the design, dimensions, and construction requirements of the
project
D. Establish tax obligations
Rationale: Construction drawings provide the technical information needed to
build the project according to design intent.
5. Which document typically defines the quality of materials and workmanship
required for a construction project?
A. Payroll report
B. Daily logbook
C. Equipment inventory
D. Project specifications
Rationale: Specifications establish material standards, workmanship requirements,
installation methods, and testing requirements.
6. Which OSHA principle best helps reduce workplace injuries?
A. Completing work as quickly as possible
B. Working without personal protective equipment when conditions appear safe
C. Identifying hazards before work begins and implementing appropriate
, controls
D. Allowing workers to choose their own safety procedures
Rationale: Hazard identification and control are fundamental elements of
workplace safety.
7. A contractor discovers that actual site conditions differ significantly from
the plans. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Ignore the difference
B. Continue construction without notifying anyone
C. Demolish completed work immediately
D. Notify the owner or design professional and seek direction before proceeding
Rationale: Unexpected site conditions should be reported promptly to avoid costly
errors and disputes.
8. Why is a project schedule important?
A. It replaces the contract documents.
B. It eliminates the need for inspections.
C. It helps coordinate activities, monitor progress, and manage project
completion.
D. It guarantees no delays will occur.
Rationale: Scheduling improves coordination and helps identify delays before they
become critical.
9. Which material is commonly used to reinforce concrete because it provides
tensile strength?
A. Brick
B. Lumber
