INDIANA RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE EXAMINATION — LOCAL JURISDICTION PRACTICE EXAM 2026 150 Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales | Complete Exam Prep & Study Guide.

INDIANA RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE EXAMINATION
— LOCAL JURISDICTION PRACTICE EXAM 2026 150
Questions & Answers with Detailed Rationales |
Complete Exam Prep & Study Guide.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I: LICENSING & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (Questions 1–25)
• Indiana Contractor Licensing Structure & Local Jurisdiction Requirements

• Statewide vs. Local Licensing Authority

• Contractor Registration & Renewal Procedures

• Bonding & Insurance Requirements

• E-Verify & Public Works Compliance

PART II: CONTRACT LAW & BUSINESS OPERATIONS (Questions 26–45)
• Indiana Home Improvement Contract Act (IC 24-5-11)

• Mechanic's Liens & Lien Waivers (Title 32)

• Contract Requirements & Consumer Protections

• Change Orders & Project Modifications

• Estimating & Bidding Practices

PART III: BUILDING CODES & STANDARDS (Questions 46–70)
• Indiana Residential Code (IRC) – Adopted Editions & Amendments

• Indiana Building Code (IBC) Requirements

• Indiana Electrical Code (675 IAC 17)

• Indiana Plumbing Code (675 IAC 16)

, • Floodplain & Sump/Discharge Requirements (675 IAC 16)

• Zoning Ordinances & Local Amendments

PART IV: SITE WORK & FOUNDATIONS (Questions 71–85)
• Site Preparation & Excavation

• Soil Conditions & Bearing Capacity

• Footing Design & Frost Protection

• Foundation Types (Slab, Basement, Pier, Crawlspace)

• Drainage & Waterproofing

• Concrete Work & Reinforcement

PART V: STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS & FRAMING (Questions 86–100)
• Wood Framing Methods & Connections

• Floor, Wall, & Roof Framing

• Load Paths & Structural Integrity

• Stair Construction (Rise/Run Requirements)

• Indiana Railing Code (Guard Height, Baluster Spacing)

PART VI: EXTERIOR SYSTEMS & ROOFING (Questions 101–115)
• Roofing Materials & Installation

• Flashing & Weather-Resistive Barriers

• Exterior Wall Systems & Cladding

• Window & Door Installation

• Vapor Control & Insulation

PART VII: INTERIOR SYSTEMS & MECHANICALS (Questions 116–130)
• Interior Finish & Drywall

• Electrical Systems (GFCI, AFCI Requirements)

• Plumbing Systems & Venting

, • HVAC Systems & Ductwork

• Insulation & Energy Efficiency

PART VIII: SAFETY, PROJECT MANAGEMENT & EXAM PREP (Questions 131–150)
• OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 – Construction Safety Standards

• Trench Safety & Confined Space Protocols

• Project Scheduling & Coordination

• Quality Control & Inspections

• Permit Application & Approval Process

• Exam-Day Logistics & Test-Taking Strategies



PART I: LICENSING & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK


• Q1. A residential contractor is preparing to begin work on a new home in an Indiana
municipality. Which consideration is most important before relying on a statewide licensing
assumption?

A. The contractor's preferred supplier relationships
•• B. The municipality's adopted licensing, registration, permit, and building requirements
C. The homeowner's insurance deductible amount
D. The contractor's advertising budget and marketing plan

Rationale: Indiana does not maintain a statewide general contractor license for residential
construction. Local jurisdictions may impose their own contractor registration, licensing,
permitting, inspection, and administrative requirements. A contractor must verify the specific
requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before beginning work.



• Q2. Which construction trade is licensed at the state level in Indiana?
A. General contractors
B. Roofing contractors
•• C. Plumbers
D. HVAC contractors

, Rationale: The only construction contractors licensed by the State of Indiana are plumbers.
The Indiana Plumbing Commission regulates statewide plumbing contractors. Every other
trade—electrical, HVAC, general contracting, roofing—is regulated only at the local level.



• Q3. A contractor wants to perform work in both Indianapolis and a smaller Indiana town.
What must the contractor understand about licensing?

A. A single state license covers all Indiana municipalities
B. Only Indianapolis requires contractor licensing
•• C. Licensing requirements vary by city and county, and contractors must comply with each
local jurisdiction's requirements
D. No licensing is required anywhere in Indiana

Rationale: Indiana has no statewide general contractor license. Contractors must identify each
city or county where they will pull permits and comply with local requirements. Some cities like
Indianapolis require local contractor licensing through the Department of Business and
Neighborhood Services.



• Q4. What is the typical passing score required for local contractor licensing exams in Indiana
municipalities?

A. 60%
•• B. 70%
C. 80%
D. 90%

Rationale: Many Indiana municipalities require a passing score of 70% or above on contractor
licensing exams. For example, Mishawaka requires applicants to "take a test in the office and
pass with a minimum of 70% correct".



• Q5. According to Indiana Code, how is a "contractor" defined for licensing purposes?
A. Any person who owns a construction business
B. Any person who employs three or more construction workers
•• C. Any person, except a licensed architect or registered professional engineer, who