AR BC-R Residential Building Contractor
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary building code used for residential construction in
Arkansas?
A. IBC
B. IRC
C. NEC
D. IECC
Rationale: Arkansas residential construction follows the International
Residential Code (IRC).
2. The IRC applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up
to how many stories?
A. One story
B. Two stories
C. Three stories
D. Four stories
Rationale: The IRC covers structures up to three stories above grade.
3. Which soil type has the greatest load-bearing capacity?
A. Clay
B. Organic soil
C. Silt
D. Sand and gravel
,Rationale: Well-graded sand and gravel provide excellent load-bearing
strength.
4. What is the minimum required footing depth below undisturbed soil
for frost protection in Arkansas?
A. 6 inches
B. 8 inches
C. 10 inches
D. 12 inches
Rationale: Footings must extend at least 12 inches into undisturbed soil for
frost protection.
5. A sill plate anchored to concrete should be made of what material?
A. Standard lumber
B. Pressure-treated lumber
C. Engineered wood
D. Plywood
Rationale: Wood in contact with concrete must be pressure-treated to resist
moisture decay.
6. Anchor bolts for sill plates must be installed no more than how far
from each plate end?
A. 6 inches
B. 9 inches
C. 12 inches
D. 18 inches
Rationale: The IRC requires bolts within 12 inches of each plate end.
7. What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete for a
residential footing?
A. 1,500 psi
B. 2,500 psi
C. 3,000 psi
D. 3,500 psi
, Rationale: Footings typically require 2,500 psi strength under the IRC
unless otherwise engineered.
8. Which framing member carries the load of floor joists over an
opening?
A. Stud
B. Header
C. Trimmer
D. Sill
Rationale: Headers transfer loads across openings such as doors or
windows.
9. What is the minimum slope for asphalt-shingle roofs?
A. 1:12
B. 2:12
C. 2:12 with double underlayment
D. 4:12
Rationale: Asphalt shingles require a minimum of 2:12 slope, with special
underlayment for low slope.
10. The maximum spacing for 2×10 floor joists at 16" O.C. depends
primarily on:
A. Wall height
B. Span and species/grade
C. Roof load only
D. HVAC loads
Rationale: Span tables depend on lumber species and grade.
11. What is the purpose of a vapor retarder?
A. Strength
B. Fire protection
C. Reduce moisture diffusion
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary building code used for residential construction in
Arkansas?
A. IBC
B. IRC
C. NEC
D. IECC
Rationale: Arkansas residential construction follows the International
Residential Code (IRC).
2. The IRC applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up
to how many stories?
A. One story
B. Two stories
C. Three stories
D. Four stories
Rationale: The IRC covers structures up to three stories above grade.
3. Which soil type has the greatest load-bearing capacity?
A. Clay
B. Organic soil
C. Silt
D. Sand and gravel
,Rationale: Well-graded sand and gravel provide excellent load-bearing
strength.
4. What is the minimum required footing depth below undisturbed soil
for frost protection in Arkansas?
A. 6 inches
B. 8 inches
C. 10 inches
D. 12 inches
Rationale: Footings must extend at least 12 inches into undisturbed soil for
frost protection.
5. A sill plate anchored to concrete should be made of what material?
A. Standard lumber
B. Pressure-treated lumber
C. Engineered wood
D. Plywood
Rationale: Wood in contact with concrete must be pressure-treated to resist
moisture decay.
6. Anchor bolts for sill plates must be installed no more than how far
from each plate end?
A. 6 inches
B. 9 inches
C. 12 inches
D. 18 inches
Rationale: The IRC requires bolts within 12 inches of each plate end.
7. What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete for a
residential footing?
A. 1,500 psi
B. 2,500 psi
C. 3,000 psi
D. 3,500 psi
, Rationale: Footings typically require 2,500 psi strength under the IRC
unless otherwise engineered.
8. Which framing member carries the load of floor joists over an
opening?
A. Stud
B. Header
C. Trimmer
D. Sill
Rationale: Headers transfer loads across openings such as doors or
windows.
9. What is the minimum slope for asphalt-shingle roofs?
A. 1:12
B. 2:12
C. 2:12 with double underlayment
D. 4:12
Rationale: Asphalt shingles require a minimum of 2:12 slope, with special
underlayment for low slope.
10. The maximum spacing for 2×10 floor joists at 16" O.C. depends
primarily on:
A. Wall height
B. Span and species/grade
C. Roof load only
D. HVAC loads
Rationale: Span tables depend on lumber species and grade.
11. What is the purpose of a vapor retarder?
A. Strength
B. Fire protection
C. Reduce moisture diffusion
