Indiana Carpentry Contractor Exam UPDATED QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES.
Q1. What is the minimum footing size for light-frame exterior wall per Indiana IRC R403.1?
A. 12 in wide by 6 in thick for light-frame, 15x6 for brick veneer
B. 6 in wide by 6 in thick
C. 8 in wide by 4 in thick
D. No footing required
Correct Answer: A. 12 in wide by 6 in thick for light-frame, 15x6 for brick veneer
Rationale: IRC R403.1 Indiana requires 12 in wide x 6 in thick for light-frame 1 floor plus roof, 15x6 brick veneer and
2-story, on 2000 psf soil. Smaller sizes insufficient bearing.
Q2. How deep must exterior footings be placed in Indiana for frost protection per IRC R403.1.4?
A. At least 36 in below finished grade most counties, 30 in southernmost
B. 12 in below grade
C. 6 in below grade
D. No frost depth
Correct Answer: A. At least 36 in below finished grade most counties, 30 in southernmost
Rationale: Indiana frost depth 36 in most central northern, 30 in southern Ohio River counties, some northern 42 in per
local amendment. Must extend below frost to prevent heave.
Q3. What is the maximum spacing for anchor bolts securing sill plate per IRC R403.1.6?
A. Max 6 ft on center, within 12 in of each end and splices, min 1/2 in diameter
B. 10 ft on center
C. 12 ft on center
D. No bolts required
Correct Answer: A. Max 6 ft on center, within 12 in of each end and splices, min 1/2 in diameter
Rationale: IRC R403.1.6 requires 1/2 in dia x 7 in embed, max 6 ft o.c., within 12 in ends splices, min 2 bolts per plate
section.
Q4. Which species and grade of lumber is most commonly used for framing studs in Indiana?
A. SPF Stud grade or No.2 and better Douglas Fir-Larch
B. Oak hardwood framing
C. Walnut
D. Balsa wood
Correct Answer: A. SPF Stud grade or No.2 and better Douglas Fir-Larch
Rationale: SPF Stud grade and DFL No.2 common softwood framing per IRC span tables. Oak walnut hardwood not
economical, balsa weak.
Q5. What is the maximum allowable stud spacing for 2x4 load-bearing wall supporting one floor and
roof per IRC R602.3.1?
A. 16 in on center
B. 48 in on center
C. 36 in on center
Page 1 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
, D. 60 in on center
Correct Answer: A. 16 in on center
Rationale: IRC R602.3.1 2x4 load-bearing supporting floor plus roof max 16 in o.c., 24 in o.c. if roof ceiling only one
story. Wider spacing inadequate.
Q6. How many jack studs are required to support a 6 ft wide opening in load-bearing wall?
A. One per side up to 6 ft, two per side over 6 ft typical per IRC
B. No jack studs required
C. One jack for entire house
D. Only cripple studs
Correct Answer: A. One per side up to 6 ft, two per side over 6 ft typical per IRC
Rationale: IRC R602.7 jack studs trimmers support header load to floor. Up to 6 ft typically 1 per side, over 6 ft 2 per
side, per header span table.
Q7. What is the minimum header size for 36 in window in non-load-bearing interior partition?
A. Single flat 2x4 or double flat 2x4 header per IRC
B. Double 2x12 required
C. Triple 2x12 required
D. Steel beam only
Correct Answer: A. Single flat 2x4 or double flat 2x4 header per IRC
Rationale: IRC R602.7.2 non-load-bearing partition header may be single flat 2x4 up to 8 ft opening, double flat 2x4, no
structural load.
Q8. Which fastener is required for attaching 1/2 in drywall to wood studs?
A. 1-1/4 in drywall screws Type W or 1-1/4 in annular ring nails
B. Roofing nails only
C. 6 in lag bolts
D. Adhesive only
Correct Answer: A. 1-1/4 in drywall screws Type W or 1-1/4 in annular ring nails
Rationale: IRC R702.3.5 drywall fasteners 1-1/4 in Type W screws or annular ring nails, spacing 8 in edges 16 in field
walls 12 in field ceilings. Roofing nails wrong, lag excessive, adhesive supplement not sole.
Q9. What is the maximum spacing for drywall screws on walls per IRC?
A. 8 in edges 16 in field walls, 12 in field ceilings with 1/2 in board on 16 in studs
B. 24 in everywhere
C. 48 in
D. 2 in
Correct Answer: A. 8 in edges 16 in field walls, 12 in field ceilings with 1/2 in board on 16 in studs
Rationale: Drywall screw spacing IRC walls 8 in edges 16 field ceilings 12 field if 16 o.c. 1/2 board perpendicular. Wider
causes sag.
Q10. How should a contractor determine correct length of common rafter?
A. Pythagorean theorem run squared plus rise squared sqrt plus overhang check span tables
B. Guess length
C. Use same as wall height
D. Use floor joist length
Page 2 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
,Correct Answer: A. Pythagorean theorem run squared plus rise squared sqrt plus overhang check span
tables
Rationale: Rafter length run half span minus ridge squared plus rise squared sqrt add overhang tail adjust ridge check
IRC R802.4 tables.
Q11. What pitch factor is used for 6/12 pitch roof?
A. 13.42 in per foot of run
B. 6
C. 24
D. No factor
Correct Answer: A. 13.42 in per foot of run
Rationale: Rafter factor sqrt(6 squared plus 12 squared)=13.416 per ft run. 4/12=12.65 8/12=14.42.
Q12. What is minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms per IRC R305.1?
A. 7 ft habitable, 6 ft 8 in bathrooms, beams may project to 6 ft 6 in
B. 5 ft
C. 4 ft
D. 10 ft minimum
Correct Answer: A. 7 ft habitable, 6 ft 8 in bathrooms, beams may project to 6 ft 6 in
Rationale: IRC R305.1 Indiana 7 ft habitable rooms 50 percent may be 7 ft sloped, bathrooms 6 ft 8 in hallways 7 ft
basement habitable 6 ft 8 in with exceptions.
Q13. Which joist hanger is required for flush beam supporting floor joists?
A. Face mount or top mount rated e.g., Simpson LUS LUC with proper fasteners
B. No hanger toenail only
C. Drywall screws only
D. Tape only
Correct Answer: A. Face mount or top mount rated e.g., Simpson LUS LUC with proper fasteners
Rationale: Flush beam requires engineered hanger rated load Simpson LUS LUC with 10d common or SD screws.
Toenail alone insufficient, drywall screws prohibited.
Q14. What is maximum allowable notch in load-bearing 2x8 stud per IRC R602.6?
A. Max 25 percent depth if not middle third, 40 percent non-load-bearing, hole max 40 percent load-bearing 60
percent non
B. 90 percent may be notched
C. No limit
D. 75 percent allowed
Correct Answer: A. Max 25 percent depth if not middle third, 40 percent non-load-bearing, hole max 40
percent load-bearing 60 percent non
Rationale: IRC R602.6 stud notching 25 percent load-bearing 40 percent non-load-bearing not in middle third bored hole
40 percent load-bearing 60 non 5/8 in from edge double if over.
Q15. Which code requires fire blocking in stud walls at ceiling floor and 10 ft horizontal per IRC R602.8?
A. IRC R602.8 fire blocking to prevent vertical fire spread
B. No fire blocking required
C. Only commercial
D. Only roof
Page 3 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
, Correct Answer: A. IRC R602.8 fire blocking to prevent vertical fire spread
Rationale: IRC R602.8 fire blocking required ceiling floor levels 10 ft horizontal soffits stair stringers pipe openings
material 2x 3/4 plywood to prevent draft fire spread.
Q16. What is minimum thickness of subfloor for 16 in joist spacing per IRC R503.1?
A. 5/8 in T and G plywood or OSB or 3/4 in if 19.2 in spacing
B. 1/4 in plywood
C. 3/8 in plywood
D. No subfloor needed
Correct Answer: A. 5/8 in T and G plywood or OSB or 3/4 in if 19.2 in spacing
Rationale: IRC R503.1 subfloor min 5/8 T&G; for 16 in joists 3/4 for 19.2 and 24 may need 7/8 or 1-1/8 glue screw.
Q17. Which underlayment is required under asphalt shingles per Indiana IRC R905.2.8?
A. One layer No.15 asphalt felt or synthetic meeting ASTM D226 D4869
B. No underlayment
C. Plastic sheet only
D. Newspaper
Correct Answer: A. One layer No.15 asphalt felt or synthetic meeting ASTM D226 D4869
Rationale: IRC R905.2.8 shingle underlayment one layer No.15 felt ASTM D226 Type I or synthetic D4869 D6757 ice
barrier eaves 24 in inside exterior wall line Indiana.
Q18. What is proper nailing schedule for 3/4 in plywood roof sheathing to rafters per IRC Table
R602.3(1)?
A. 8d common 6 in o.c. edges 12 in field 4 in edges high-wind
B. One nail per sheet
C. Staples only
D. 16d nails only
Correct Answer: A. 8d common 6 in o.c. edges 12 in field 4 in edges high-wind
Rationale: Table R602.3(1) roof sheathing 3/4 plywood 8d common 2.5 in x 0.131 6 o.c. edges 12 field high-wind 4
edges.
Q19. How should a contractor flash a window opening to prevent water intrusion per IRC R703.4 ASTM
E2112?
A. Sill pan side overlapping sill head overlapping sides integrated with WRB shingle lap
B. No flashing needed
C. Only caulk
D. Tape inside only
Correct Answer: A. Sill pan side overlapping sill head overlapping sides integrated with WRB shingle lap
Rationale: Window flashing sill pan sloped exterior side flashing overlapping sill head overlapping sides integrated WRB
housewrap shingle fashion caulk not sole barrier.
Q20. What is minimum width of hallway per IRC R311.6?
A. 36 in minimum
B. 24 in
C. 18 in
D. 60 in
Correct Answer: A. 36 in minimum
Page 4 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES.
Q1. What is the minimum footing size for light-frame exterior wall per Indiana IRC R403.1?
A. 12 in wide by 6 in thick for light-frame, 15x6 for brick veneer
B. 6 in wide by 6 in thick
C. 8 in wide by 4 in thick
D. No footing required
Correct Answer: A. 12 in wide by 6 in thick for light-frame, 15x6 for brick veneer
Rationale: IRC R403.1 Indiana requires 12 in wide x 6 in thick for light-frame 1 floor plus roof, 15x6 brick veneer and
2-story, on 2000 psf soil. Smaller sizes insufficient bearing.
Q2. How deep must exterior footings be placed in Indiana for frost protection per IRC R403.1.4?
A. At least 36 in below finished grade most counties, 30 in southernmost
B. 12 in below grade
C. 6 in below grade
D. No frost depth
Correct Answer: A. At least 36 in below finished grade most counties, 30 in southernmost
Rationale: Indiana frost depth 36 in most central northern, 30 in southern Ohio River counties, some northern 42 in per
local amendment. Must extend below frost to prevent heave.
Q3. What is the maximum spacing for anchor bolts securing sill plate per IRC R403.1.6?
A. Max 6 ft on center, within 12 in of each end and splices, min 1/2 in diameter
B. 10 ft on center
C. 12 ft on center
D. No bolts required
Correct Answer: A. Max 6 ft on center, within 12 in of each end and splices, min 1/2 in diameter
Rationale: IRC R403.1.6 requires 1/2 in dia x 7 in embed, max 6 ft o.c., within 12 in ends splices, min 2 bolts per plate
section.
Q4. Which species and grade of lumber is most commonly used for framing studs in Indiana?
A. SPF Stud grade or No.2 and better Douglas Fir-Larch
B. Oak hardwood framing
C. Walnut
D. Balsa wood
Correct Answer: A. SPF Stud grade or No.2 and better Douglas Fir-Larch
Rationale: SPF Stud grade and DFL No.2 common softwood framing per IRC span tables. Oak walnut hardwood not
economical, balsa weak.
Q5. What is the maximum allowable stud spacing for 2x4 load-bearing wall supporting one floor and
roof per IRC R602.3.1?
A. 16 in on center
B. 48 in on center
C. 36 in on center
Page 1 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
, D. 60 in on center
Correct Answer: A. 16 in on center
Rationale: IRC R602.3.1 2x4 load-bearing supporting floor plus roof max 16 in o.c., 24 in o.c. if roof ceiling only one
story. Wider spacing inadequate.
Q6. How many jack studs are required to support a 6 ft wide opening in load-bearing wall?
A. One per side up to 6 ft, two per side over 6 ft typical per IRC
B. No jack studs required
C. One jack for entire house
D. Only cripple studs
Correct Answer: A. One per side up to 6 ft, two per side over 6 ft typical per IRC
Rationale: IRC R602.7 jack studs trimmers support header load to floor. Up to 6 ft typically 1 per side, over 6 ft 2 per
side, per header span table.
Q7. What is the minimum header size for 36 in window in non-load-bearing interior partition?
A. Single flat 2x4 or double flat 2x4 header per IRC
B. Double 2x12 required
C. Triple 2x12 required
D. Steel beam only
Correct Answer: A. Single flat 2x4 or double flat 2x4 header per IRC
Rationale: IRC R602.7.2 non-load-bearing partition header may be single flat 2x4 up to 8 ft opening, double flat 2x4, no
structural load.
Q8. Which fastener is required for attaching 1/2 in drywall to wood studs?
A. 1-1/4 in drywall screws Type W or 1-1/4 in annular ring nails
B. Roofing nails only
C. 6 in lag bolts
D. Adhesive only
Correct Answer: A. 1-1/4 in drywall screws Type W or 1-1/4 in annular ring nails
Rationale: IRC R702.3.5 drywall fasteners 1-1/4 in Type W screws or annular ring nails, spacing 8 in edges 16 in field
walls 12 in field ceilings. Roofing nails wrong, lag excessive, adhesive supplement not sole.
Q9. What is the maximum spacing for drywall screws on walls per IRC?
A. 8 in edges 16 in field walls, 12 in field ceilings with 1/2 in board on 16 in studs
B. 24 in everywhere
C. 48 in
D. 2 in
Correct Answer: A. 8 in edges 16 in field walls, 12 in field ceilings with 1/2 in board on 16 in studs
Rationale: Drywall screw spacing IRC walls 8 in edges 16 field ceilings 12 field if 16 o.c. 1/2 board perpendicular. Wider
causes sag.
Q10. How should a contractor determine correct length of common rafter?
A. Pythagorean theorem run squared plus rise squared sqrt plus overhang check span tables
B. Guess length
C. Use same as wall height
D. Use floor joist length
Page 2 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
,Correct Answer: A. Pythagorean theorem run squared plus rise squared sqrt plus overhang check span
tables
Rationale: Rafter length run half span minus ridge squared plus rise squared sqrt add overhang tail adjust ridge check
IRC R802.4 tables.
Q11. What pitch factor is used for 6/12 pitch roof?
A. 13.42 in per foot of run
B. 6
C. 24
D. No factor
Correct Answer: A. 13.42 in per foot of run
Rationale: Rafter factor sqrt(6 squared plus 12 squared)=13.416 per ft run. 4/12=12.65 8/12=14.42.
Q12. What is minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms per IRC R305.1?
A. 7 ft habitable, 6 ft 8 in bathrooms, beams may project to 6 ft 6 in
B. 5 ft
C. 4 ft
D. 10 ft minimum
Correct Answer: A. 7 ft habitable, 6 ft 8 in bathrooms, beams may project to 6 ft 6 in
Rationale: IRC R305.1 Indiana 7 ft habitable rooms 50 percent may be 7 ft sloped, bathrooms 6 ft 8 in hallways 7 ft
basement habitable 6 ft 8 in with exceptions.
Q13. Which joist hanger is required for flush beam supporting floor joists?
A. Face mount or top mount rated e.g., Simpson LUS LUC with proper fasteners
B. No hanger toenail only
C. Drywall screws only
D. Tape only
Correct Answer: A. Face mount or top mount rated e.g., Simpson LUS LUC with proper fasteners
Rationale: Flush beam requires engineered hanger rated load Simpson LUS LUC with 10d common or SD screws.
Toenail alone insufficient, drywall screws prohibited.
Q14. What is maximum allowable notch in load-bearing 2x8 stud per IRC R602.6?
A. Max 25 percent depth if not middle third, 40 percent non-load-bearing, hole max 40 percent load-bearing 60
percent non
B. 90 percent may be notched
C. No limit
D. 75 percent allowed
Correct Answer: A. Max 25 percent depth if not middle third, 40 percent non-load-bearing, hole max 40
percent load-bearing 60 percent non
Rationale: IRC R602.6 stud notching 25 percent load-bearing 40 percent non-load-bearing not in middle third bored hole
40 percent load-bearing 60 non 5/8 in from edge double if over.
Q15. Which code requires fire blocking in stud walls at ceiling floor and 10 ft horizontal per IRC R602.8?
A. IRC R602.8 fire blocking to prevent vertical fire spread
B. No fire blocking required
C. Only commercial
D. Only roof
Page 3 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
, Correct Answer: A. IRC R602.8 fire blocking to prevent vertical fire spread
Rationale: IRC R602.8 fire blocking required ceiling floor levels 10 ft horizontal soffits stair stringers pipe openings
material 2x 3/4 plywood to prevent draft fire spread.
Q16. What is minimum thickness of subfloor for 16 in joist spacing per IRC R503.1?
A. 5/8 in T and G plywood or OSB or 3/4 in if 19.2 in spacing
B. 1/4 in plywood
C. 3/8 in plywood
D. No subfloor needed
Correct Answer: A. 5/8 in T and G plywood or OSB or 3/4 in if 19.2 in spacing
Rationale: IRC R503.1 subfloor min 5/8 T&G; for 16 in joists 3/4 for 19.2 and 24 may need 7/8 or 1-1/8 glue screw.
Q17. Which underlayment is required under asphalt shingles per Indiana IRC R905.2.8?
A. One layer No.15 asphalt felt or synthetic meeting ASTM D226 D4869
B. No underlayment
C. Plastic sheet only
D. Newspaper
Correct Answer: A. One layer No.15 asphalt felt or synthetic meeting ASTM D226 D4869
Rationale: IRC R905.2.8 shingle underlayment one layer No.15 felt ASTM D226 Type I or synthetic D4869 D6757 ice
barrier eaves 24 in inside exterior wall line Indiana.
Q18. What is proper nailing schedule for 3/4 in plywood roof sheathing to rafters per IRC Table
R602.3(1)?
A. 8d common 6 in o.c. edges 12 in field 4 in edges high-wind
B. One nail per sheet
C. Staples only
D. 16d nails only
Correct Answer: A. 8d common 6 in o.c. edges 12 in field 4 in edges high-wind
Rationale: Table R602.3(1) roof sheathing 3/4 plywood 8d common 2.5 in x 0.131 6 o.c. edges 12 field high-wind 4
edges.
Q19. How should a contractor flash a window opening to prevent water intrusion per IRC R703.4 ASTM
E2112?
A. Sill pan side overlapping sill head overlapping sides integrated with WRB shingle lap
B. No flashing needed
C. Only caulk
D. Tape inside only
Correct Answer: A. Sill pan side overlapping sill head overlapping sides integrated with WRB shingle lap
Rationale: Window flashing sill pan sloped exterior side flashing overlapping sill head overlapping sides integrated WRB
housewrap shingle fashion caulk not sole barrier.
Q20. What is minimum width of hallway per IRC R311.6?
A. 36 in minimum
B. 24 in
C. 18 in
D. 60 in
Correct Answer: A. 36 in minimum
Page 4 | Indiana Carpentry Contractor | Perfect 215Q
