CHICAGO GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
EXAMINATION CERTIFICATION PREP | FULL-
LENGTH PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
GUIDE WELL ARRANGED HURRY
1. Before beginning excavation near an existing utility line, the contractor
should first:
A. Begin digging carefully by hand
B. Notify nearby residents
C. Verify the location of underground utilities
D. Remove all surface vegetation
Rationale: Verifying underground utility locations helps prevent damage, injuries,
and service interruptions before excavation begins.
2. Which document establishes the legal agreement between the owner and
the contractor?
A. Building permit
B. Inspection report
C. Safety manual
D. Construction contract
Rationale: The construction contract defines the responsibilities, scope of work,
payment terms, and obligations of all parties.
3. What is the primary purpose of a building permit?
A. To guarantee project financing
B. To ensure the work complies with applicable building codes
C. To reduce insurance premiums
D. To authorize subcontractor hiring
Rationale: Building permits allow authorities to verify that construction meets
applicable codes and safety standards.
, 4. Which construction drawing typically shows the building from above?
A. Elevation
B. Section
C. Detail
D. Floor plan
Rationale: A floor plan provides a top-down view showing room layouts, walls,
doors, and dimensions.
5. What is the main function of a footing?
A. Support roof loads
B. Transfer building loads safely to the soil
C. Prevent wall insulation damage
D. Improve drainage around the building
Rationale: Footings distribute structural loads evenly to prevent settlement.
6. Concrete gains most of its design strength through:
A. Drying
B. Freezing
C. Hydration
D. Evaporation
Rationale: Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement and water that
hardens concrete.
7. OSHA requires fall protection for most construction workers exposed to falls
of:
A. 4 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA generally requires fall protection at heights of 6 feet or more in
construction.
, 8. Which material is commonly used to reinforce concrete?
A. PVC pipe
B. Aluminum flashing
C. Fiberglass insulation
D. Steel reinforcing bars
Rationale: Reinforcing steel improves concrete's tensile strength.
9. The purpose of a lintel is to:
A. Strengthen the roof deck
B. Support loads above doors and windows
C. Drain rainwater
D. Anchor floor joists
Rationale: Lintels carry structural loads over openings.
10.Which roofing material generally has the longest service life?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shingles
C. Slate
D. Roll roofing
Rationale: Slate roofs can last well over 75 years with proper maintenance.
11.A change order is used to:
A. Hire additional workers
B. Replace inspectors
C. Modify the original construction contract
D. Extend permit expiration
Rationale: Change orders document approved changes in scope, cost, or schedule.
12.Which foundation type is most common for residential slab construction?
A. Pier foundation
B. Slab-on-grade
C. Floating roof
D. Mat foundation
EXAMINATION CERTIFICATION PREP | FULL-
LENGTH PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWER
GUIDE WELL ARRANGED HURRY
1. Before beginning excavation near an existing utility line, the contractor
should first:
A. Begin digging carefully by hand
B. Notify nearby residents
C. Verify the location of underground utilities
D. Remove all surface vegetation
Rationale: Verifying underground utility locations helps prevent damage, injuries,
and service interruptions before excavation begins.
2. Which document establishes the legal agreement between the owner and
the contractor?
A. Building permit
B. Inspection report
C. Safety manual
D. Construction contract
Rationale: The construction contract defines the responsibilities, scope of work,
payment terms, and obligations of all parties.
3. What is the primary purpose of a building permit?
A. To guarantee project financing
B. To ensure the work complies with applicable building codes
C. To reduce insurance premiums
D. To authorize subcontractor hiring
Rationale: Building permits allow authorities to verify that construction meets
applicable codes and safety standards.
, 4. Which construction drawing typically shows the building from above?
A. Elevation
B. Section
C. Detail
D. Floor plan
Rationale: A floor plan provides a top-down view showing room layouts, walls,
doors, and dimensions.
5. What is the main function of a footing?
A. Support roof loads
B. Transfer building loads safely to the soil
C. Prevent wall insulation damage
D. Improve drainage around the building
Rationale: Footings distribute structural loads evenly to prevent settlement.
6. Concrete gains most of its design strength through:
A. Drying
B. Freezing
C. Hydration
D. Evaporation
Rationale: Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement and water that
hardens concrete.
7. OSHA requires fall protection for most construction workers exposed to falls
of:
A. 4 feet
B. 5 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA generally requires fall protection at heights of 6 feet or more in
construction.
, 8. Which material is commonly used to reinforce concrete?
A. PVC pipe
B. Aluminum flashing
C. Fiberglass insulation
D. Steel reinforcing bars
Rationale: Reinforcing steel improves concrete's tensile strength.
9. The purpose of a lintel is to:
A. Strengthen the roof deck
B. Support loads above doors and windows
C. Drain rainwater
D. Anchor floor joists
Rationale: Lintels carry structural loads over openings.
10.Which roofing material generally has the longest service life?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shingles
C. Slate
D. Roll roofing
Rationale: Slate roofs can last well over 75 years with proper maintenance.
11.A change order is used to:
A. Hire additional workers
B. Replace inspectors
C. Modify the original construction contract
D. Extend permit expiration
Rationale: Change orders document approved changes in scope, cost, or schedule.
12.Which foundation type is most common for residential slab construction?
A. Pier foundation
B. Slab-on-grade
C. Floating roof
D. Mat foundation
