North Carolina Residential General Contractor Exam |
Actual Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest
Update 2026 | Licensing Exam Prep
1. Wood shingles cannot be used on slopes less than...
6:12
4:12
½ the distance from the eave to the peak.
3:12
2. What is the minimum nominal thickness required for wood framing that
supports gypsum board in residential construction?
2x6 inches
3x4 inches
1x4 inches
2x4 inches
3. What is the maximum distance in inches that a per plate section can be
located from the corner?
12 inches
48 inches
24 inches
36 inches
4. If a contractor uses 80 pounds of cement per square yard instead of the
specified amount for foundation walls, what potential issues could arise?
, Faster construction time due to less material used.
Improved insulation properties of the foundation.
No issues, as the amount is within acceptable limits.
Potential structural weaknesses and non-compliance with building
codes.
5. A 45 degree slope would be which of the below?
1 - 25 % slope
2 - 50 % slope
4 - 100 % slope
3 - 75 % slope
6. What is the MINIMUM nominal thickness in at least one direction for wood
framing supporting gypsum board or lath?
2"
3"
1"
4"
7. What is the recommended material for nails used in asphalt shingle
installation?
Aluminum
Plastic
Copper
Galvanized steel
8. In a residential construction project, if a header measures 11 feet, what should
, the builder do to comply with safety regulations?
Double the header
Use a smaller header
Leave it as is
Add additional trimmers only
9. If a residential construction project in North Carolina uses unreinforced
hollow unit masonry parapet walls that are only 6 inches thick, what potential
issues could arise?
Enhanced aesthetic appeal.
Lower construction costs.
Structural failure due to insufficient thickness.
Improved insulation properties.
10. What is the minimum coverage of mortar required over reinforcing or rebar
embedded in mortar joints?
3 inches
2 inches
4 inches
1 inch
11. Describe the implications of reinstalling metal flashings that are damaged or
deteriorated in residential construction.
Reinstalling damaged or deteriorated metal flashings can
compromise the integrity of the roofing system and lead to water
infiltration.
, Reinstalling them is only a cosmetic issue.
Reinstalling them does not affect the overall safety of the structure.
Reinstalling them is acceptable as long as they are painted.
12. What is the specific area of a span where notches are prohibited in solid
lumber joists, rafters, and beams?
Anywhere along the span
In the middle third of the span
At the ends of the span
In the top quarter of the span
13. When working in firm soil the best choice of shoring is ?
Shoring jacks
Benching
A repose angle of 45 degrees
Firm soils do not require shoring
14. In masonry chimneys, multiple flues are usually separated by:
a clay tile liner
a wythe of brick
an air space
a stainless-steel divider
15. Describe the importance of the minimum height requirement for clay flue
lining in residential construction.
The minimum height requirement is only applicable to commercial
buildings.
Actual Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest
Update 2026 | Licensing Exam Prep
1. Wood shingles cannot be used on slopes less than...
6:12
4:12
½ the distance from the eave to the peak.
3:12
2. What is the minimum nominal thickness required for wood framing that
supports gypsum board in residential construction?
2x6 inches
3x4 inches
1x4 inches
2x4 inches
3. What is the maximum distance in inches that a per plate section can be
located from the corner?
12 inches
48 inches
24 inches
36 inches
4. If a contractor uses 80 pounds of cement per square yard instead of the
specified amount for foundation walls, what potential issues could arise?
, Faster construction time due to less material used.
Improved insulation properties of the foundation.
No issues, as the amount is within acceptable limits.
Potential structural weaknesses and non-compliance with building
codes.
5. A 45 degree slope would be which of the below?
1 - 25 % slope
2 - 50 % slope
4 - 100 % slope
3 - 75 % slope
6. What is the MINIMUM nominal thickness in at least one direction for wood
framing supporting gypsum board or lath?
2"
3"
1"
4"
7. What is the recommended material for nails used in asphalt shingle
installation?
Aluminum
Plastic
Copper
Galvanized steel
8. In a residential construction project, if a header measures 11 feet, what should
, the builder do to comply with safety regulations?
Double the header
Use a smaller header
Leave it as is
Add additional trimmers only
9. If a residential construction project in North Carolina uses unreinforced
hollow unit masonry parapet walls that are only 6 inches thick, what potential
issues could arise?
Enhanced aesthetic appeal.
Lower construction costs.
Structural failure due to insufficient thickness.
Improved insulation properties.
10. What is the minimum coverage of mortar required over reinforcing or rebar
embedded in mortar joints?
3 inches
2 inches
4 inches
1 inch
11. Describe the implications of reinstalling metal flashings that are damaged or
deteriorated in residential construction.
Reinstalling damaged or deteriorated metal flashings can
compromise the integrity of the roofing system and lead to water
infiltration.
, Reinstalling them is only a cosmetic issue.
Reinstalling them does not affect the overall safety of the structure.
Reinstalling them is acceptable as long as they are painted.
12. What is the specific area of a span where notches are prohibited in solid
lumber joists, rafters, and beams?
Anywhere along the span
In the middle third of the span
At the ends of the span
In the top quarter of the span
13. When working in firm soil the best choice of shoring is ?
Shoring jacks
Benching
A repose angle of 45 degrees
Firm soils do not require shoring
14. In masonry chimneys, multiple flues are usually separated by:
a clay tile liner
a wythe of brick
an air space
a stainless-steel divider
15. Describe the importance of the minimum height requirement for clay flue
lining in residential construction.
The minimum height requirement is only applicable to commercial
buildings.
