VA HIC LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS
COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. What is the MINIMUM length drywall screw for installing 1/2"
gypsum board to wood studs?
A) 2"
B) 1"
C) 1 1/4"
D) 1 3/4"
*Explanation: For 1/2" gypsum board attached to wood studs, a 1 1/4"
screw ensures proper penetration without breaking the opposite face of
the stud. Shorter screws lack holding power; longer screws may split the
stud.*
2. What type of paint will not chalk when applied to exterior walls?
A) Oil-based enamel
B) Acrylic
C) Latex primer
D) Epoxy
Explanation: Acrylic paints form a flexible, UV-resistant film that resists
chalking. Oil-based paints tend to chalk over time as the binder
degrades.
3. What is the MINIMUM breaking strength required of safety belt
lanyards?
,A) 5,000 pounds
B) 5,400 pounds
C) 6,000 pounds
D) 4,800 pounds
Explanation: OSHA requires lanyards used in fall arrest systems to have
a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds to safely stop a falling
worker.
4. What is the MAXIMUM flame spread index for insulation materials?
A) 50
B) 15
C) 35
D) 25
Explanation: Building codes limit insulation flame spread index to 25 or
less (Class A rating). Higher indices pose unacceptable fire risk in
concealed spaces.
5. The escape device for a trench over 4 ft deep must be within a
maximum of how many feet of a worker?
A) 50 ft
B) 25 ft
C) 10 ft
D) 100 ft
Explanation: OSHA requires a ladder, ramp, or other means of egress
within 25 horizontal feet of any worker in a trench deeper than 4 feet.
6. What is the MINIMUM height for a stairway handrail?
A) 30 inches
B) 34 inches
C) 36 inches
,D) 42 inches
Explanation: Residential and commercial codes require handrails to be
between 34 and 38 inches measured vertically from the stair nosing.
7. What is the MAXIMUM distance horizontal reinforcement must be
placed from the top of a masonry partition wall?
A) 24 inches
B) 12 inches
C) No more than 16 inches on center
D) 8 inches
Explanation: Masonry codes often require horizontal joint reinforcement
at intervals not exceeding 16 inches o.c., with the first course near the
top.
8. A third stairway stringer should be used when the stair width
exceeds?
A) 36 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches
D) 48 inches
Explanation: For stair widths over 30 inches, a third stringer prevents
sagging and meets IRC requirements for support.
9. The standard guideline for spacing contraction joints is to space
them in feet equal to?
A) 3 times the slab thickness in inches
B) 2 or 3 times the slab thickness in inches
C) 4 times the slab thickness in inches
D) 1.5 times the slab thickness in inches
, Explanation: Contraction joints (control joints) are typically spaced at 2
to 3 times the slab thickness in inches (e.g., 4" slab → 8–12 ft).
10. What is the MINIMUM lap of riveted horizontal lap siding?
A) 1/2 inch
B) 1 inch
C) 2 inches
D) 3/4 inch
*Explanation: For riveted metal or fiber cement lap siding, a minimum
1-inch lap prevents water infiltration and ensures mechanical hold.*
11. What direction does heat flow?
A) Cold to hot
B) Hot to cold
C) Upward only
D) Randomly
Explanation: Second law of thermodynamics: heat always flows from
higher temperature to lower temperature until equilibrium.
12. What is the MAXIMUM distance between a ventilating opening in
an under-floor space and each corner of the building?
A) 5 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 3 feet
D) 6 feet
*Explanation: Crawl space vents must be within 3 feet of each corner to
ensure cross-ventilation and prevent moisture buildup.*
13. Notches may NOT be located in the ____ of a joist span?
A) Outer thirds
B) Middle 1/3
COMPLETE WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. What is the MINIMUM length drywall screw for installing 1/2"
gypsum board to wood studs?
A) 2"
B) 1"
C) 1 1/4"
D) 1 3/4"
*Explanation: For 1/2" gypsum board attached to wood studs, a 1 1/4"
screw ensures proper penetration without breaking the opposite face of
the stud. Shorter screws lack holding power; longer screws may split the
stud.*
2. What type of paint will not chalk when applied to exterior walls?
A) Oil-based enamel
B) Acrylic
C) Latex primer
D) Epoxy
Explanation: Acrylic paints form a flexible, UV-resistant film that resists
chalking. Oil-based paints tend to chalk over time as the binder
degrades.
3. What is the MINIMUM breaking strength required of safety belt
lanyards?
,A) 5,000 pounds
B) 5,400 pounds
C) 6,000 pounds
D) 4,800 pounds
Explanation: OSHA requires lanyards used in fall arrest systems to have
a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds to safely stop a falling
worker.
4. What is the MAXIMUM flame spread index for insulation materials?
A) 50
B) 15
C) 35
D) 25
Explanation: Building codes limit insulation flame spread index to 25 or
less (Class A rating). Higher indices pose unacceptable fire risk in
concealed spaces.
5. The escape device for a trench over 4 ft deep must be within a
maximum of how many feet of a worker?
A) 50 ft
B) 25 ft
C) 10 ft
D) 100 ft
Explanation: OSHA requires a ladder, ramp, or other means of egress
within 25 horizontal feet of any worker in a trench deeper than 4 feet.
6. What is the MINIMUM height for a stairway handrail?
A) 30 inches
B) 34 inches
C) 36 inches
,D) 42 inches
Explanation: Residential and commercial codes require handrails to be
between 34 and 38 inches measured vertically from the stair nosing.
7. What is the MAXIMUM distance horizontal reinforcement must be
placed from the top of a masonry partition wall?
A) 24 inches
B) 12 inches
C) No more than 16 inches on center
D) 8 inches
Explanation: Masonry codes often require horizontal joint reinforcement
at intervals not exceeding 16 inches o.c., with the first course near the
top.
8. A third stairway stringer should be used when the stair width
exceeds?
A) 36 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches
D) 48 inches
Explanation: For stair widths over 30 inches, a third stringer prevents
sagging and meets IRC requirements for support.
9. The standard guideline for spacing contraction joints is to space
them in feet equal to?
A) 3 times the slab thickness in inches
B) 2 or 3 times the slab thickness in inches
C) 4 times the slab thickness in inches
D) 1.5 times the slab thickness in inches
, Explanation: Contraction joints (control joints) are typically spaced at 2
to 3 times the slab thickness in inches (e.g., 4" slab → 8–12 ft).
10. What is the MINIMUM lap of riveted horizontal lap siding?
A) 1/2 inch
B) 1 inch
C) 2 inches
D) 3/4 inch
*Explanation: For riveted metal or fiber cement lap siding, a minimum
1-inch lap prevents water infiltration and ensures mechanical hold.*
11. What direction does heat flow?
A) Cold to hot
B) Hot to cold
C) Upward only
D) Randomly
Explanation: Second law of thermodynamics: heat always flows from
higher temperature to lower temperature until equilibrium.
12. What is the MAXIMUM distance between a ventilating opening in
an under-floor space and each corner of the building?
A) 5 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 3 feet
D) 6 feet
*Explanation: Crawl space vents must be within 3 feet of each corner to
ensure cross-ventilation and prevent moisture buildup.*
13. Notches may NOT be located in the ____ of a joist span?
A) Outer thirds
B) Middle 1/3
