CON 202 Exam 1 Questions and
Answers 2025/2026 – Building
Codes, Masonry & Construction
Methods Study Guide
CON 202 Exam 1 study guide for 2025/2026. Covers
building codes, occupancy groups, masonry
fundamentals, mortar types, brick firing, bonds, and
construction responsibilities. Includes practice questions
on MIR, sustainable design, CMU dimensions, and joints.
Ideal for construction contracting exam prep. Topics: fire
safety, accessibility, masonry walls, M-type mortar,
bed/head joints. Concise review for your CON 202 exam.
Latest update. Written by students who passed. Instant
PDF download.
1. Who is solely responsible for construction means, methods, techniques,
sequences, and coordination?
A. The owner
B. The architect
C. The contractor
D. The construction manager
C. The contractor
The contractor bears sole responsibility for how the work is executed, including means,
methods, techniques, sequences, procedures, and coordination.
2. Building codes are primarily intended to protect which of the following?
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A. Property values
B. Life, health, and welfare
C. Contractor profits
D. Aesthetic quality
B. Life, health, and welfare
Model building codes exist to safeguard the public's life, health, and welfare.
3. What are the two major focus areas of building codes?
A. Cost and schedule
B. Fire safety and accessibility
C. Energy and water
D. Structure and foundation
B. Fire safety and accessibility
Building codes place primary emphasis on fire safety and accessibility for occupants.
4. What do model codes define?
A. Only fire ratings
B. Groups, construction types, and minimum standards
C. Contractor licensing requirements
D. Labor rates
B. Groups, construction types, and minimum standards
Model codes establish occupancy groups, construction types, and minimum building
standards.
5. What is the purpose of an occupancy group?
A. To determine rent prices
B. To categorize buildings by intended use
C. To assign construction crews
D. To calculate insurance premiums
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B. To categorize buildings by intended use
Occupancy groups classify buildings according to how they are used.
6. What is the primary function of MIR (Material Information Resources)?
A. To track inventory
B. To provide standards and specifications for quality and safety
C. To schedule deliveries
D. To hire subcontractors
B. To provide standards and specifications for quality and safety
MIR supplies standards and specifications that ensure project quality and safety.
7. Sustainable design involves all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Creating energy-efficient buildings
B. Reusing existing structures
C. Using renewable materials
D. Maximizing landfill waste
D. Maximizing landfill waste
Sustainable design reduces pollution, protects resources, and minimizes waste—not
increases it.
8. Which of the following is a primary use of masonry today?
A. High-rise steel frames
B. Foundation walls and low-rise structural support
C. Suspension bridges
D. Airport runways
B. Foundation walls and low-rise structural support
Modern masonry is primarily used for foundation walls, low-rise structural walls,
backup walls, and veneer.
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9. What are the main ingredients in mortar?
A. Cement, gravel, and water
B. Portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water
C. Clay, shale, and water
D. Gypsum, sand, and lime
B. Portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water
Mortar consists of Portland cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water.
10. What makes brick masonry unique?
A. Its low cost
B. Its fire resistance, size, and durability
C. Its flexibility
D. Its lightweight nature
B. Its fire resistance, size, and durability
Brick masonry is valued for fire resistance, its modular size, and long-term durability.
11. In a periodic kiln, how are bricks fired?
A. They pass continuously through a chamber
B. They are loaded, fired, cooled, and unloaded in one spot
C. They are fired individually
D. They are fired without cooling
B. They are loaded, fired, cooled, and unloaded in one spot
A periodic kiln processes bricks in batches at a single location.
12. In a tunnel kiln, how are bricks fired?
A. In batches at one spot
B. By passing continuously through a long chamber