NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY CONTRACTOR LICENSE
EXAM 2026/2027 — 210 EXAM QUESTIONS & DETAILED
ANSWERS | HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION, BUSINESS &
LAW
1.
A contractor discovers that the plans show a drainage structure at an
elevation that appears inconsistent with the existing field conditions.
What is the best initial action?
A. Change the elevation without notification
B. Ignore the discrepancy
C. Document the condition and request clarification through the proper
project procedure
D. Construct the structure at the lowest possible elevation
Answer: C. Document the condition and request clarification through
the proper project procedure
Rationale: A discrepancy between plans and field conditions should be
documented and formally clarified before unauthorized changes are
made.
2.
,Under North Carolina licensing requirements, what does the license
classification primarily identify?
A. The maximum dollar value of a project
B. The type of construction work the contractor may perform
C. The contractor's insurance premium
D. The number of employees allowed
Answer: B. The type of construction work the contractor may perform
Rationale: NCLBGC distinguishes classification, which identifies the type
of work, from limitation, which controls project value.
3.
A roadway embankment is being constructed in controlled layers. Why
should each layer be compacted before the next layer is placed?
A. To improve density and stability throughout the embankment
B. To increase the amount of trapped air
C. To eliminate the need for testing
D. To prevent surveying
Answer: A. To improve density and stability throughout the
embankment
Rationale: Controlled lift placement and compaction help achieve the
required density and reduce settlement.
4.
Which item would normally be considered a direct project cost?
,A. Corporate headquarters rent
B. Asphalt mixture incorporated into the roadway
C. Corporate legal department expenses
D. General office utilities
Answer: B. Asphalt mixture incorporated into the roadway
Rationale: Material incorporated directly into a project is normally a
direct construction cost.
5.
A highway contractor needs to determine the amount of aggregate
required for a base course. Which estimating activity is most
appropriate?
A. Quantity takeoff
B. Payroll reconciliation
C. License renewal
D. Closeout inspection
Answer: A. Quantity takeoff
Rationale: A quantity takeoff determines the quantities of materials and
work required for a project.
6.
Which current North Carolina license limitation allows a contractor to
undertake a single project without a dollar-value restriction?
, A. Limited
B. Intermediate
C. Unlimited
D. Residential
Answer: C. Unlimited
Rationale: The current Unlimited limitation has no restriction on the
value of a single project.
7.
A roller is making repeated passes over an asphalt mat. The primary
purpose is to:
A. Establish utility locations
B. Compact the asphalt mixture
C. Install drainage structures
D. Measure pavement thickness
Answer: B. Compact the asphalt mixture
Rationale: Rollers are used to densify asphalt after placement.
8.
Which condition is most likely to cause excessive pavement rutting?
A. Adequate structural support
B. Proper compaction
C. Permanent deformation under repeated traffic loading
D. Correct drainage
EXAM 2026/2027 — 210 EXAM QUESTIONS & DETAILED
ANSWERS | HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION, BUSINESS &
LAW
1.
A contractor discovers that the plans show a drainage structure at an
elevation that appears inconsistent with the existing field conditions.
What is the best initial action?
A. Change the elevation without notification
B. Ignore the discrepancy
C. Document the condition and request clarification through the proper
project procedure
D. Construct the structure at the lowest possible elevation
Answer: C. Document the condition and request clarification through
the proper project procedure
Rationale: A discrepancy between plans and field conditions should be
documented and formally clarified before unauthorized changes are
made.
2.
,Under North Carolina licensing requirements, what does the license
classification primarily identify?
A. The maximum dollar value of a project
B. The type of construction work the contractor may perform
C. The contractor's insurance premium
D. The number of employees allowed
Answer: B. The type of construction work the contractor may perform
Rationale: NCLBGC distinguishes classification, which identifies the type
of work, from limitation, which controls project value.
3.
A roadway embankment is being constructed in controlled layers. Why
should each layer be compacted before the next layer is placed?
A. To improve density and stability throughout the embankment
B. To increase the amount of trapped air
C. To eliminate the need for testing
D. To prevent surveying
Answer: A. To improve density and stability throughout the
embankment
Rationale: Controlled lift placement and compaction help achieve the
required density and reduce settlement.
4.
Which item would normally be considered a direct project cost?
,A. Corporate headquarters rent
B. Asphalt mixture incorporated into the roadway
C. Corporate legal department expenses
D. General office utilities
Answer: B. Asphalt mixture incorporated into the roadway
Rationale: Material incorporated directly into a project is normally a
direct construction cost.
5.
A highway contractor needs to determine the amount of aggregate
required for a base course. Which estimating activity is most
appropriate?
A. Quantity takeoff
B. Payroll reconciliation
C. License renewal
D. Closeout inspection
Answer: A. Quantity takeoff
Rationale: A quantity takeoff determines the quantities of materials and
work required for a project.
6.
Which current North Carolina license limitation allows a contractor to
undertake a single project without a dollar-value restriction?
, A. Limited
B. Intermediate
C. Unlimited
D. Residential
Answer: C. Unlimited
Rationale: The current Unlimited limitation has no restriction on the
value of a single project.
7.
A roller is making repeated passes over an asphalt mat. The primary
purpose is to:
A. Establish utility locations
B. Compact the asphalt mixture
C. Install drainage structures
D. Measure pavement thickness
Answer: B. Compact the asphalt mixture
Rationale: Rollers are used to densify asphalt after placement.
8.
Which condition is most likely to cause excessive pavement rutting?
A. Adequate structural support
B. Proper compaction
C. Permanent deformation under repeated traffic loading
D. Correct drainage
