Page 1 of 137
CON 202 EXAM 1 PRACTICE | 2027 EDITION |
250 VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES | BRAND NEW!
1. A contractor is reviewing project documents and notes that the
specifications require "Type X gypsum board" in a corridor assembly.
The contractor asks the superintendent what distinguishes this
material from standard gypsum board. The superintendent's most
accurate response is:
A. Type X gypsum board is moisture-resistant and intended for wet
areas.
B. Type X gypsum board contains special additives that enhance fire-
resistance performance.
C. Type X gypsum board is impact-resistant and used in high-traffic
areas.
D. Type X gypsum board is a lightweight version intended for ceiling
applications.
❖ Type X gypsum board is manufactured with glass fibers and other
additives that improve its fire-resistance rating compared to
standard gypsum board. It is commonly specified in rated wall and
ceiling assemblies where a specific fire-resistance rating is
required. Moisture-resistant (green board) and impact-resistant
types serve different purposes.
,Page 2 of 137
2. During a pre-construction meeting, the owner asks who is
responsible for determining the means and methods of construction
on the project. The contractor's correct response is:
A. The architect of record, because design professionals control
construction sequencing.
B. The structural engineer, because structural safety governs all
construction procedures.
C. The contractor, because means, methods, techniques, sequences,
and procedures are solely the contractor's responsibility.
D. The owner's representative, because the owner bears ultimate
liability for the project.
❖ Under standard construction contracting principles, the contractor
retains sole responsibility for means, methods, techniques,
sequences, and procedures. This principle is fundamental to
construction law and risk allocation. Design professionals are
responsible for design intent, not construction methods.
3. A building official is reviewing plans for a new assembly occupancy
with an occupant load of 2,000 persons. The design team has
proposed three exits. Under the applicable code, what is the
minimum number of exits required based on occupant load alone?
A. Two exits
B. Three exits
C. Four exits
D. Five exits
,Page 3 of 137
❖ While specific code thresholds vary by jurisdiction, model codes
generally require a minimum of four exits when occupant load
exceeds 1,000 persons in assembly occupancies. Three exits would
be insufficient for an occupant load of 2,000 under most model
code provisions. The question tests understanding of the
relationship between occupant load and egress capacity.
4. A project architect specifies a fire wall between two adjacent
buildings to allow them to be considered separate structures for code
purposes. The contractor asks what distinguishes a fire wall from a fire
barrier. The most accurate distinction is:
A. Fire walls are rated in hours, while fire barriers are rated in minutes.
B. Fire walls are only required in high-rise buildings, while fire barriers
are used in low-rise construction.
C. Fire walls provide complete horizontal separation between
buildings or fire areas and are structurally stable, while fire barriers
restrict fire spread within a building.
D. Fire walls are non-rated assemblies, while fire barriers carry a fire-
resistance rating.
❖ Fire walls are designed to allow a building to be divided into
separate structures for code compliance, providing both fire
separation and structural independence. Fire barriers, by contrast,
subdivide interior spaces and restrict fire spread within a single
building. The distinction affects structural design, continuity, and
code application.
, Page 4 of 137
5. A masonry contractor is preparing mortar for a foundation wall
below grade. The specification calls for "Type M mortar." The
contractor should anticipate that this mortar will provide:
A. Medium-strength bonding suitable for general above-grade
applications.
B. Low-strength, high-bond mortar for historic restoration.
C. High compressive strength suitable for below-grade and high-load
applications.
D. Moderate strength with enhanced workability for veneer
applications.
❖ Type M mortar is the highest-strength mortar classification,
intended for below-grade applications, foundations, and where
high compressive strength and durability are required. Type S
offers high bond strength, Type N is medium-strength for general
use, and Type O is low-strength for interior non-load-bearing
applications.
6. During a site visit, a superintendent observes that brick veneer has
been installed without a drainage cavity or weep holes. The most
significant risk associated with this omission is:
A. Reduced thermal insulation value of the wall assembly.
B. Moisture accumulation behind the veneer, leading to deterioration
of backup materials and potential freeze-thaw damage.
C. Increased structural load on the foundation due to trapped water
weight.
D. Reduced fire-resistance rating of the exterior wall assembly.
CON 202 EXAM 1 PRACTICE | 2027 EDITION |
250 VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES | BRAND NEW!
1. A contractor is reviewing project documents and notes that the
specifications require "Type X gypsum board" in a corridor assembly.
The contractor asks the superintendent what distinguishes this
material from standard gypsum board. The superintendent's most
accurate response is:
A. Type X gypsum board is moisture-resistant and intended for wet
areas.
B. Type X gypsum board contains special additives that enhance fire-
resistance performance.
C. Type X gypsum board is impact-resistant and used in high-traffic
areas.
D. Type X gypsum board is a lightweight version intended for ceiling
applications.
❖ Type X gypsum board is manufactured with glass fibers and other
additives that improve its fire-resistance rating compared to
standard gypsum board. It is commonly specified in rated wall and
ceiling assemblies where a specific fire-resistance rating is
required. Moisture-resistant (green board) and impact-resistant
types serve different purposes.
,Page 2 of 137
2. During a pre-construction meeting, the owner asks who is
responsible for determining the means and methods of construction
on the project. The contractor's correct response is:
A. The architect of record, because design professionals control
construction sequencing.
B. The structural engineer, because structural safety governs all
construction procedures.
C. The contractor, because means, methods, techniques, sequences,
and procedures are solely the contractor's responsibility.
D. The owner's representative, because the owner bears ultimate
liability for the project.
❖ Under standard construction contracting principles, the contractor
retains sole responsibility for means, methods, techniques,
sequences, and procedures. This principle is fundamental to
construction law and risk allocation. Design professionals are
responsible for design intent, not construction methods.
3. A building official is reviewing plans for a new assembly occupancy
with an occupant load of 2,000 persons. The design team has
proposed three exits. Under the applicable code, what is the
minimum number of exits required based on occupant load alone?
A. Two exits
B. Three exits
C. Four exits
D. Five exits
,Page 3 of 137
❖ While specific code thresholds vary by jurisdiction, model codes
generally require a minimum of four exits when occupant load
exceeds 1,000 persons in assembly occupancies. Three exits would
be insufficient for an occupant load of 2,000 under most model
code provisions. The question tests understanding of the
relationship between occupant load and egress capacity.
4. A project architect specifies a fire wall between two adjacent
buildings to allow them to be considered separate structures for code
purposes. The contractor asks what distinguishes a fire wall from a fire
barrier. The most accurate distinction is:
A. Fire walls are rated in hours, while fire barriers are rated in minutes.
B. Fire walls are only required in high-rise buildings, while fire barriers
are used in low-rise construction.
C. Fire walls provide complete horizontal separation between
buildings or fire areas and are structurally stable, while fire barriers
restrict fire spread within a building.
D. Fire walls are non-rated assemblies, while fire barriers carry a fire-
resistance rating.
❖ Fire walls are designed to allow a building to be divided into
separate structures for code compliance, providing both fire
separation and structural independence. Fire barriers, by contrast,
subdivide interior spaces and restrict fire spread within a single
building. The distinction affects structural design, continuity, and
code application.
, Page 4 of 137
5. A masonry contractor is preparing mortar for a foundation wall
below grade. The specification calls for "Type M mortar." The
contractor should anticipate that this mortar will provide:
A. Medium-strength bonding suitable for general above-grade
applications.
B. Low-strength, high-bond mortar for historic restoration.
C. High compressive strength suitable for below-grade and high-load
applications.
D. Moderate strength with enhanced workability for veneer
applications.
❖ Type M mortar is the highest-strength mortar classification,
intended for below-grade applications, foundations, and where
high compressive strength and durability are required. Type S
offers high bond strength, Type N is medium-strength for general
use, and Type O is low-strength for interior non-load-bearing
applications.
6. During a site visit, a superintendent observes that brick veneer has
been installed without a drainage cavity or weep holes. The most
significant risk associated with this omission is:
A. Reduced thermal insulation value of the wall assembly.
B. Moisture accumulation behind the veneer, leading to deterioration
of backup materials and potential freeze-thaw damage.
C. Increased structural load on the foundation due to trapped water
weight.
D. Reduced fire-resistance rating of the exterior wall assembly.
