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Denver Class D-1 Lathing, Plastering
and Drywall Contractor Examination
Practice Exam 2026 | 100 Questions &
Answers with Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam Prep Study Guide |
Denver Contractor License Test Prep
1. What is the primary purpose of gypsum wallboard?
A. Structural framing
B. Roofing support
C. Interior wall and ceiling finish
D. Waterproof foundation
Answer: Interior wall and ceiling finish
Rationale: Gypsum wallboard provides a smooth, fire-resistant surface for
interior walls and ceilings but is not intended to provide structural support.
2. Which framing spacing is most commonly used for 1/2-inch drywall on
walls?
A. 12 inches on center
B. 16 inches on center
C. 20 inches on center
D. 30 inches on center
,Answer: 16 inches on center
Rationale: Standard residential wall framing commonly uses 16-inch spacing,
which provides adequate support for 1/2-inch drywall.
3. What is the primary purpose of joint tape?
A. Increase drywall thickness
B. Improve paint color
C. Reinforce drywall joints to reduce cracking
D. Waterproof drywall
Answer: Reinforce drywall joints to reduce cracking
Rationale: Joint tape bridges seams and strengthens the joint compound,
minimizing movement-related cracking.
4. Which tool is primarily used to apply joint compound?
A. Framing square
B. Pipe wrench
C. Taping knife
D. Chalk reel
Answer: Taping knife
Rationale: Taping knives are specifically designed for embedding tape and
smoothing joint compound.
5. Moisture-resistant drywall is commonly identified by:
A. Blue color
B. White color
C. Green or purple facing
D. Black coating
Answer: Green or purple facing
Rationale: Moisture-resistant gypsum board typically has green or purple paper
facing for easy identification.
, 6. Which fastener is commonly used to attach drywall to steel studs?
A. Roofing nails
B. Wood screws
C. Self-drilling drywall screws
D. Lag bolts
Answer: Self-drilling drywall screws
Rationale: Self-drilling drywall screws are designed to penetrate light-gauge
steel framing efficiently.
7. What is the main advantage of paper-faced metal corner bead?
A. Eliminates painting
B. Provides durable outside corners with improved crack resistance
C. Makes walls waterproof
D. Supports structural loads
Answer: Provides durable outside corners with improved crack resistance
Rationale: Paper-faced corner bead bonds well with compound and reduces
edge cracking.
8. Which finish level is generally recommended before applying gloss paint?
A. Level 0
B. Level 1
C. Level 3
D. Level 5
Answer: Level 5
Rationale: Level 5 includes a skim coat that minimizes visible imperfections
under glossy finishes.
9. What is the purpose of a control joint?
A. Increase insulation
B. Allow movement and reduce cracking
Denver Class D-1 Lathing, Plastering
and Drywall Contractor Examination
Practice Exam 2026 | 100 Questions &
Answers with Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam Prep Study Guide |
Denver Contractor License Test Prep
1. What is the primary purpose of gypsum wallboard?
A. Structural framing
B. Roofing support
C. Interior wall and ceiling finish
D. Waterproof foundation
Answer: Interior wall and ceiling finish
Rationale: Gypsum wallboard provides a smooth, fire-resistant surface for
interior walls and ceilings but is not intended to provide structural support.
2. Which framing spacing is most commonly used for 1/2-inch drywall on
walls?
A. 12 inches on center
B. 16 inches on center
C. 20 inches on center
D. 30 inches on center
,Answer: 16 inches on center
Rationale: Standard residential wall framing commonly uses 16-inch spacing,
which provides adequate support for 1/2-inch drywall.
3. What is the primary purpose of joint tape?
A. Increase drywall thickness
B. Improve paint color
C. Reinforce drywall joints to reduce cracking
D. Waterproof drywall
Answer: Reinforce drywall joints to reduce cracking
Rationale: Joint tape bridges seams and strengthens the joint compound,
minimizing movement-related cracking.
4. Which tool is primarily used to apply joint compound?
A. Framing square
B. Pipe wrench
C. Taping knife
D. Chalk reel
Answer: Taping knife
Rationale: Taping knives are specifically designed for embedding tape and
smoothing joint compound.
5. Moisture-resistant drywall is commonly identified by:
A. Blue color
B. White color
C. Green or purple facing
D. Black coating
Answer: Green or purple facing
Rationale: Moisture-resistant gypsum board typically has green or purple paper
facing for easy identification.
, 6. Which fastener is commonly used to attach drywall to steel studs?
A. Roofing nails
B. Wood screws
C. Self-drilling drywall screws
D. Lag bolts
Answer: Self-drilling drywall screws
Rationale: Self-drilling drywall screws are designed to penetrate light-gauge
steel framing efficiently.
7. What is the main advantage of paper-faced metal corner bead?
A. Eliminates painting
B. Provides durable outside corners with improved crack resistance
C. Makes walls waterproof
D. Supports structural loads
Answer: Provides durable outside corners with improved crack resistance
Rationale: Paper-faced corner bead bonds well with compound and reduces
edge cracking.
8. Which finish level is generally recommended before applying gloss paint?
A. Level 0
B. Level 1
C. Level 3
D. Level 5
Answer: Level 5
Rationale: Level 5 includes a skim coat that minimizes visible imperfections
under glossy finishes.
9. What is the purpose of a control joint?
A. Increase insulation
B. Allow movement and reduce cracking
