Building Components and Materials:
NCIDQ IDPX & PRAC Study Guide
Exam Questions and Answers Graded A+
Wood and metal studs - Correct answer-Typical stud materials used in
construction; wood studs (2x4 or 2x6) are common in residential construction,
while metal studs are standard in commercial projects.
Common metal stud sizes - Correct answer-1-5/8", 2-1/2", 3-5/8", 4", and 6" —
selected based on wall type, span, and performance requirements.
Gypsum wallboard - Correct answer-Also known as drywall, plasterboard, or
Sheetrock. It consists of gypsum sandwiched between paper sheets.
Standard gypsum board sizes - Correct answer-4'×8', 4'×10', 4'×12', and 4'6"×9'.
Chosen based on ceiling height and panel handling.
Standard gypsum thickness for residential and commercial walls - Correct answer-
Residential: 1/2". Commercial: 5/8" for added fire resistance and durability.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Type X gypsum board - Correct answer-A fire-rated gypsum board reinforced with
fiberglass that maintains integrity longer during fire exposure.
MMR gypsum board - Correct answer-Mold- and moisture-resistant board used in
humid areas (not for direct water contact).
Portland cement board - Correct answer-A strong, water-resistant substrate used
behind tile or as an underlayment in wet areas (e.g., showers).
Purpose of fire-rated gypsum walls - Correct answer-To prevent fire spread and
maintain compartmentation between spaces.
Key requirements for fire-rated partitions - Correct answer-They must extend slab-
to-slab and all connections/openings must be sealed with fire-rated caulking
material.
Studs - Correct answer-Vertical framing members in wall construction; wood for
residential, metal for commercial.
Gypsum Wallboard (GWB) - Correct answer-A panel made of a gypsum core
between paper facings; common for interior walls.
MMR Board - Correct answer-Mold- and moisture-resistant gypsum board used in
humid spaces.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
NCIDQ IDPX & PRAC Study Guide
Exam Questions and Answers Graded A+
Wood and metal studs - Correct answer-Typical stud materials used in
construction; wood studs (2x4 or 2x6) are common in residential construction,
while metal studs are standard in commercial projects.
Common metal stud sizes - Correct answer-1-5/8", 2-1/2", 3-5/8", 4", and 6" —
selected based on wall type, span, and performance requirements.
Gypsum wallboard - Correct answer-Also known as drywall, plasterboard, or
Sheetrock. It consists of gypsum sandwiched between paper sheets.
Standard gypsum board sizes - Correct answer-4'×8', 4'×10', 4'×12', and 4'6"×9'.
Chosen based on ceiling height and panel handling.
Standard gypsum thickness for residential and commercial walls - Correct answer-
Residential: 1/2". Commercial: 5/8" for added fire resistance and durability.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Type X gypsum board - Correct answer-A fire-rated gypsum board reinforced with
fiberglass that maintains integrity longer during fire exposure.
MMR gypsum board - Correct answer-Mold- and moisture-resistant board used in
humid areas (not for direct water contact).
Portland cement board - Correct answer-A strong, water-resistant substrate used
behind tile or as an underlayment in wet areas (e.g., showers).
Purpose of fire-rated gypsum walls - Correct answer-To prevent fire spread and
maintain compartmentation between spaces.
Key requirements for fire-rated partitions - Correct answer-They must extend slab-
to-slab and all connections/openings must be sealed with fire-rated caulking
material.
Studs - Correct answer-Vertical framing members in wall construction; wood for
residential, metal for commercial.
Gypsum Wallboard (GWB) - Correct answer-A panel made of a gypsum core
between paper facings; common for interior walls.
MMR Board - Correct answer-Mold- and moisture-resistant gypsum board used in
humid spaces.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
