LOUISIANA RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR EXAM
– CLASSIFICATION 9 – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
CORE DOMAINS
1. Rough Carpentry and Framing
2. Concrete, Foundations, and Rebar
3. Interior and Exterior Finish
4. Roofing Systems and Wind Mitigation
5. Excavation, Site Work, and Drainage
6. Masonry and Associated Trades
7. Plans, Specifications, and Code Compliance
8. Louisiana Licensing Law and Business Practices
9. Safety, OSHA Regulations, and Professional Responsibility
10. Floodplain Management and Elevation Requirements
INTRODUCTION
The Louisiana Residential Construction Contractor Exam – Classification 9 assesses the knowledge,
skills, and judgment required to perform residential construction work in compliance with Louisiana
law and the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. The examination evaluates foundational
theory, applied trade knowledge, regulatory compliance, and professional decision-making. Questions
include direct knowledge recall, scenario-based problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. Candidates
must demonstrate competency in framing, concrete, roofing, site work, code interpretation, licensing
requirements, and safety standards. The exam emphasizes real-world application, ethical practice, and
the critical thinking necessary to succeed as a licensed residential contractor in Louisiana.
,SECTION ONE – QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
What is the maximum allowable riser height for a standard residential stairway under the International
Residential Code?
A. 7 inches
B. 7 1/4 inches
C. 7 3/4 inches
D. 8 1/4 inches
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: The IRC limits stairway riser height to a maximum of 7 3/4 inches to ensure safe ascent
and descent in residential dwellings.
Question 2
A contractor is excavating a trench 6 feet deep in Type C soil. What is the maximum allowable slope for
the excavation walls?
A. Vertical (90 degrees)
B. 3/4:1 (53 degrees)
C. 1:1 (45 degrees)
D. 1 1/2:1 (34 degrees)
🟢 Correct answer: D
🔴 Explanation: OSHA regulations require Type C soil to be sloped at 1 1/2 horizontal to 1 vertical (34
degrees) to protect workers from cave-ins.
Question 3
Under the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors rules, a residential contractor license is
required for residential construction projects exceeding what project value?
A. $25,000
B. $50,000
,C. $75,000
D. $100,000
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Louisiana law requires a residential contractor license for residential construction
projects where the cost of the undertaking exceeds $75,000.
Question 4
What is the minimum thickness for a plain concrete foundation wall in residential construction under
the IRC?
A. 4 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 10 inches
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: The IRC specifies that plain (unreinforced) concrete foundation walls must be a
minimum of 6 inches thick.
Question 5
A contractor is installing asphalt shingles on a roof with a 3:12 slope. What underlayment method does
the IRC require?
A. No underlayment required
B. Single layer of No. 15 felt
C. Double-layer underlayment application
D. Single layer of No. 30 felt only
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: For roof slopes between 2:12 and 4:12, the IRC requires double-layer underlayment to
provide adequate moisture protection.
, Question 6
What is the primary structural function of plywood or OSB wall sheathing on exterior wood-frame
walls?
A. Serve as finished siding material
B. Provide shear wall resistance against lateral loads
C. Act as a primary vapor barrier
D. Replace the need for house wrap
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Wood structural panel sheathing creates rigid diaphragms that resist lateral racking
forces from wind and seismic activity.
Question 7
What is the minimum compressive strength for structural concrete used in residential foundations
under normal exposure conditions?
A. 2,000 psi
B. 2,500 psi
C. 3,000 psi
D. 4,000 psi
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: The IRC establishes 2,500 psi as the baseline minimum compressive strength for
structural concrete in residential applications.
Question 8
What is the maximum spacing for anchor bolts securing a wood sill plate to a concrete foundation
wall?
A. 2 feet on center
B. 4 feet on center
C. 6 feet on center
D. 8 feet on center
– CLASSIFICATION 9 – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
CORE DOMAINS
1. Rough Carpentry and Framing
2. Concrete, Foundations, and Rebar
3. Interior and Exterior Finish
4. Roofing Systems and Wind Mitigation
5. Excavation, Site Work, and Drainage
6. Masonry and Associated Trades
7. Plans, Specifications, and Code Compliance
8. Louisiana Licensing Law and Business Practices
9. Safety, OSHA Regulations, and Professional Responsibility
10. Floodplain Management and Elevation Requirements
INTRODUCTION
The Louisiana Residential Construction Contractor Exam – Classification 9 assesses the knowledge,
skills, and judgment required to perform residential construction work in compliance with Louisiana
law and the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. The examination evaluates foundational
theory, applied trade knowledge, regulatory compliance, and professional decision-making. Questions
include direct knowledge recall, scenario-based problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. Candidates
must demonstrate competency in framing, concrete, roofing, site work, code interpretation, licensing
requirements, and safety standards. The exam emphasizes real-world application, ethical practice, and
the critical thinking necessary to succeed as a licensed residential contractor in Louisiana.
,SECTION ONE – QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
What is the maximum allowable riser height for a standard residential stairway under the International
Residential Code?
A. 7 inches
B. 7 1/4 inches
C. 7 3/4 inches
D. 8 1/4 inches
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: The IRC limits stairway riser height to a maximum of 7 3/4 inches to ensure safe ascent
and descent in residential dwellings.
Question 2
A contractor is excavating a trench 6 feet deep in Type C soil. What is the maximum allowable slope for
the excavation walls?
A. Vertical (90 degrees)
B. 3/4:1 (53 degrees)
C. 1:1 (45 degrees)
D. 1 1/2:1 (34 degrees)
🟢 Correct answer: D
🔴 Explanation: OSHA regulations require Type C soil to be sloped at 1 1/2 horizontal to 1 vertical (34
degrees) to protect workers from cave-ins.
Question 3
Under the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors rules, a residential contractor license is
required for residential construction projects exceeding what project value?
A. $25,000
B. $50,000
,C. $75,000
D. $100,000
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: Louisiana law requires a residential contractor license for residential construction
projects where the cost of the undertaking exceeds $75,000.
Question 4
What is the minimum thickness for a plain concrete foundation wall in residential construction under
the IRC?
A. 4 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 10 inches
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: The IRC specifies that plain (unreinforced) concrete foundation walls must be a
minimum of 6 inches thick.
Question 5
A contractor is installing asphalt shingles on a roof with a 3:12 slope. What underlayment method does
the IRC require?
A. No underlayment required
B. Single layer of No. 15 felt
C. Double-layer underlayment application
D. Single layer of No. 30 felt only
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 Explanation: For roof slopes between 2:12 and 4:12, the IRC requires double-layer underlayment to
provide adequate moisture protection.
, Question 6
What is the primary structural function of plywood or OSB wall sheathing on exterior wood-frame
walls?
A. Serve as finished siding material
B. Provide shear wall resistance against lateral loads
C. Act as a primary vapor barrier
D. Replace the need for house wrap
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: Wood structural panel sheathing creates rigid diaphragms that resist lateral racking
forces from wind and seismic activity.
Question 7
What is the minimum compressive strength for structural concrete used in residential foundations
under normal exposure conditions?
A. 2,000 psi
B. 2,500 psi
C. 3,000 psi
D. 4,000 psi
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 Explanation: The IRC establishes 2,500 psi as the baseline minimum compressive strength for
structural concrete in residential applications.
Question 8
What is the maximum spacing for anchor bolts securing a wood sill plate to a concrete foundation
wall?
A. 2 feet on center
B. 4 feet on center
C. 6 feet on center
D. 8 feet on center
