CHICAGO GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
EXAMINATION PRACTICE TEST WORKBOOK –
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & RATIONALES WELL
DETAILED A+ PASS
1. Before beginning construction on a commercial building, what is generally
the contractor's first responsibility?
A. Order finish materials
B. Obtain all required permits and approvals
C. Hire the painting subcontractor
D. Schedule the final inspection
Answer: B. Obtain all required permits and approvals
Rationale: Construction should not begin until all required permits and regulatory
approvals have been secured.
2. Which contract type 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
Answer: D. Lump-sum (fixed-price) contract
Rationale: Under a fixed-price contract, the contractor is responsible for
completing the work for the agreed amount regardless of cost increases.
, 3. During excavation work, what is the primary purpose of trench protection
systems?
A. Increase production speed
B. Reduce equipment costs
C. Protect workers from cave-ins
D. Improve soil drainage
Answer: C. Protect workers from cave-ins
Rationale: Protective systems such as sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding help
prevent trench collapses that can seriously injure workers.
4. What document defines the quality standards, materials, and workmanship
required for a construction project?
A. Daily log
B. Equipment schedule
C. Project specifications
D. Payroll report
Answer: C. Project specifications
Rationale: Specifications establish detailed requirements that complement
construction drawings.
5. If there is a conflict between the construction drawings and the project
specifications, what should the contractor do first?
A. Ignore the specifications
B. Follow whichever document is less expensive
C. Continue construction without clarification
,D. Request clarification before proceeding
Answer: D. Request clarification before proceeding
Rationale: Clarification helps avoid costly errors, disputes, and rework.
6. Which project delivery method involves one entity providing both design
and construction services?
A. Design-Bid-Build
B. Construction Management at Risk
C. Design-Build
D. Multiple Prime Contracting
Answer: C. Design-Build
Rationale: Design-Build combines design and construction responsibilities under a
single contract.
7. What is the primary purpose of a construction schedule?
A. Determine employee wages
B. Track equipment depreciation
C. Coordinate project activities and completion dates
D. Calculate tax liability
Answer: C. Coordinate project activities and completion dates
Rationale: Scheduling organizes project tasks to achieve timely completion.
8. A contractor discovers unforeseen underground utilities while excavating.
What should occur first?
, A. Continue excavation carefully
B. Remove the utilities
C. Cover the utilities with concrete
D. Stop work in the affected area and notify the appropriate parties
Answer: D. Stop work in the affected area and notify the appropriate parties
Rationale: Unknown utilities present safety hazards and require immediate
evaluation.
9. Which document typically authorizes a modification to the original
construction contract?
A. Bid bond
B. Certificate of occupancy
C. Change order
D. Daily work report
Answer: C. Change order
Rationale: Change orders formally document approved changes in scope, cost, or
schedule.
10.Which type of foundation is most commonly used where soils have
adequate bearing capacity?
A. Pile foundation
B. Caisson foundation
C. Spread footing
D. Sheet piling
EXAMINATION PRACTICE TEST WORKBOOK –
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & RATIONALES WELL
DETAILED A+ PASS
1. Before beginning construction on a commercial building, what is generally
the contractor's first responsibility?
A. Order finish materials
B. Obtain all required permits and approvals
C. Hire the painting subcontractor
D. Schedule the final inspection
Answer: B. Obtain all required permits and approvals
Rationale: Construction should not begin until all required permits and regulatory
approvals have been secured.
2. Which contract type 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
Answer: D. Lump-sum (fixed-price) contract
Rationale: Under a fixed-price contract, the contractor is responsible for
completing the work for the agreed amount regardless of cost increases.
, 3. During excavation work, what is the primary purpose of trench protection
systems?
A. Increase production speed
B. Reduce equipment costs
C. Protect workers from cave-ins
D. Improve soil drainage
Answer: C. Protect workers from cave-ins
Rationale: Protective systems such as sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding help
prevent trench collapses that can seriously injure workers.
4. What document defines the quality standards, materials, and workmanship
required for a construction project?
A. Daily log
B. Equipment schedule
C. Project specifications
D. Payroll report
Answer: C. Project specifications
Rationale: Specifications establish detailed requirements that complement
construction drawings.
5. If there is a conflict between the construction drawings and the project
specifications, what should the contractor do first?
A. Ignore the specifications
B. Follow whichever document is less expensive
C. Continue construction without clarification
,D. Request clarification before proceeding
Answer: D. Request clarification before proceeding
Rationale: Clarification helps avoid costly errors, disputes, and rework.
6. Which project delivery method involves one entity providing both design
and construction services?
A. Design-Bid-Build
B. Construction Management at Risk
C. Design-Build
D. Multiple Prime Contracting
Answer: C. Design-Build
Rationale: Design-Build combines design and construction responsibilities under a
single contract.
7. What is the primary purpose of a construction schedule?
A. Determine employee wages
B. Track equipment depreciation
C. Coordinate project activities and completion dates
D. Calculate tax liability
Answer: C. Coordinate project activities and completion dates
Rationale: Scheduling organizes project tasks to achieve timely completion.
8. A contractor discovers unforeseen underground utilities while excavating.
What should occur first?
, A. Continue excavation carefully
B. Remove the utilities
C. Cover the utilities with concrete
D. Stop work in the affected area and notify the appropriate parties
Answer: D. Stop work in the affected area and notify the appropriate parties
Rationale: Unknown utilities present safety hazards and require immediate
evaluation.
9. Which document typically authorizes a modification to the original
construction contract?
A. Bid bond
B. Certificate of occupancy
C. Change order
D. Daily work report
Answer: C. Change order
Rationale: Change orders formally document approved changes in scope, cost, or
schedule.
10.Which type of foundation is most commonly used where soils have
adequate bearing capacity?
A. Pile foundation
B. Caisson foundation
C. Spread footing
D. Sheet piling
