PSI PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
GRADED A+ 2025-2026
A foundation drain shall extend past the outside edge of the footing at least how far? -
ANS-12 inches`
What are batter boards? - ANS-Stakes and ledger boards marking building lines.
A topographic map is being used to determine cut and fill requirements. The contour
interval is 2 feet. Across a distance of 200 feet there are 10 contours. What is the slope
of the grade? - ANS-10:1
Before excavating for a new building, how should subsoil conditions be determined? -
ANS-conducting test borings
What is the MINIMUM overlap for joints in the polyethylene film moisture barrier
applied over the exterior of a below grade foundation wall? - ANS-6 inches
What type fastener is NOT allowed when working above grade or below grade on wood
foundations? - ANS-Electrogalvanized steel
What is the approximate optimum hourly production rate for a wheeled backhoe filling
hauling units? Struck capacity for the bucket is 6 loose cubic feet and the bucket fi ll
factor is 110%. The cycle time is 2 minutes, the soil type is moist loam with a 25% swell
factor. - ANS-6 BCY
, A concrete masonry foundation wall extends below grade and will require parge
coating using Portland cement mortar. What is the minimum allowable thickness? -
ANS-3/8"
What is the purpose of a cove or cant strip at a foundation joint? - ANS-Deflect water
from the foundation wall.
Which is true about deck stairs? - ANS-They should be sloped for drainage.
What is the MINIMUM number of anchor bolts REQUIRED for anchoring a 12-foot
section of wood sill plate to a foundation? - ANS-3
Which of the following describes the tendency of lumber to shrink when it dries? -
ANS-more in width than length
What is NOT required in exterior nonbearing walls? - ANS-Load-bearing headers.
Bolts used for anchoring a wood sole plate at an exterior wall on a monolithic slab
MUST extend a MINIMUM of how many inches into concrete? - ANS-7 inches
When MUST class A, B, or C roof coverings be installed? - ANS-When the edge of the
roof is less than 3 feet from the property line.
What is the MAXIMUM distance between a ventilating opening in an under-floor space
and each corner of the building? - ANS-3'
What is the required minimum thickness of perforated sheet metal plates used to
cover crawl space ventilation openings? - ANS-.070 inches
What is the MINIMUM lap of rabbeted horizontal lap siding? - ANS-1/2"
Why are the nailing holes in aluminum and vinyl siding elongated? - ANS-in case of
expansion and contraction
QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
GRADED A+ 2025-2026
A foundation drain shall extend past the outside edge of the footing at least how far? -
ANS-12 inches`
What are batter boards? - ANS-Stakes and ledger boards marking building lines.
A topographic map is being used to determine cut and fill requirements. The contour
interval is 2 feet. Across a distance of 200 feet there are 10 contours. What is the slope
of the grade? - ANS-10:1
Before excavating for a new building, how should subsoil conditions be determined? -
ANS-conducting test borings
What is the MINIMUM overlap for joints in the polyethylene film moisture barrier
applied over the exterior of a below grade foundation wall? - ANS-6 inches
What type fastener is NOT allowed when working above grade or below grade on wood
foundations? - ANS-Electrogalvanized steel
What is the approximate optimum hourly production rate for a wheeled backhoe filling
hauling units? Struck capacity for the bucket is 6 loose cubic feet and the bucket fi ll
factor is 110%. The cycle time is 2 minutes, the soil type is moist loam with a 25% swell
factor. - ANS-6 BCY
, A concrete masonry foundation wall extends below grade and will require parge
coating using Portland cement mortar. What is the minimum allowable thickness? -
ANS-3/8"
What is the purpose of a cove or cant strip at a foundation joint? - ANS-Deflect water
from the foundation wall.
Which is true about deck stairs? - ANS-They should be sloped for drainage.
What is the MINIMUM number of anchor bolts REQUIRED for anchoring a 12-foot
section of wood sill plate to a foundation? - ANS-3
Which of the following describes the tendency of lumber to shrink when it dries? -
ANS-more in width than length
What is NOT required in exterior nonbearing walls? - ANS-Load-bearing headers.
Bolts used for anchoring a wood sole plate at an exterior wall on a monolithic slab
MUST extend a MINIMUM of how many inches into concrete? - ANS-7 inches
When MUST class A, B, or C roof coverings be installed? - ANS-When the edge of the
roof is less than 3 feet from the property line.
What is the MAXIMUM distance between a ventilating opening in an under-floor space
and each corner of the building? - ANS-3'
What is the required minimum thickness of perforated sheet metal plates used to
cover crawl space ventilation openings? - ANS-.070 inches
What is the MINIMUM lap of rabbeted horizontal lap siding? - ANS-1/2"
Why are the nailing holes in aluminum and vinyl siding elongated? - ANS-in case of
expansion and contraction
