Georgia Residential Contractor Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Georgia Residential Contractor licensing primarily regulates which of
the following?
A. Commercial structures only
B. Industrial buildings
C. One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses
D. Agricultural buildings
Rationale: Georgia’s Residential Contractor license covers residential
buildings up to three stories including townhouses.
2. Which building code is adopted statewide for residential construction
in Georgia?
A. 2012 IRC
B. 2018 IRC with Georgia amendments
C. 2021 IRC
D. 2009 IRC
Rationale: Georgia uses the 2018 International Residential Code with state-
specific amendments.
3. The minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms per IRC is:
,A. 6 ft 10 in
B. 7 ft
C. 7 ft 4 in
D. 8 ft
Rationale: IRC minimum habitable ceiling height is 7 feet.
4. Soil bearing capacity must be verified by:
A. Roofer
B. Plumber
C. Building official or engineer
D. HVAC technician
Rationale: Only the building official or engineer can confirm allowable
soil-bearing capacity for footings.
5. The minimum compressive strength of concrete for footings in
residential construction is:
A. 1500 psi
B. 2000 psi
C. 2500 psi
D. 3500 psi
Rationale: IRC requires 2500-psi concrete minimum unless local
amendment differs.
6. A sill plate anchored to concrete must use anchor bolts spaced at a
max of:
A. 8 ft
B. 10 ft
C. 6 ft
D. 4 ft
Rationale: IRC requires anchor bolts ≤ 6 ft apart and within 12 in of ends.
, 7. The minimum footing depth below undisturbed ground is:
A. 8 in
B. 10 in
C. 12 in
D. Below frost line
Rationale: Footings must extend below frost depth required by local code.
8. The purpose of a vapor retarder under slabs is to prevent:
A. Air infiltration
B. Moisture migration from soil
C. Heat loss
D. Radon entry
Rationale: Vapor barriers prevent moisture in the soil from wicking
upward into the slab.
9. Rafters must be tied at the bottom by ceiling joists or rafter ties to
resist:
A. Snow load
B. Outward thrust
C. Dead load
D. Wind uplift
Rationale: Rafter ties prevent lateral spreading of exterior walls by
resisting outward thrust.
10. Stair risers in a residence must not exceed:
A. 8.25 in
B. 8 in
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Georgia Residential Contractor licensing primarily regulates which of
the following?
A. Commercial structures only
B. Industrial buildings
C. One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses
D. Agricultural buildings
Rationale: Georgia’s Residential Contractor license covers residential
buildings up to three stories including townhouses.
2. Which building code is adopted statewide for residential construction
in Georgia?
A. 2012 IRC
B. 2018 IRC with Georgia amendments
C. 2021 IRC
D. 2009 IRC
Rationale: Georgia uses the 2018 International Residential Code with state-
specific amendments.
3. The minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms per IRC is:
,A. 6 ft 10 in
B. 7 ft
C. 7 ft 4 in
D. 8 ft
Rationale: IRC minimum habitable ceiling height is 7 feet.
4. Soil bearing capacity must be verified by:
A. Roofer
B. Plumber
C. Building official or engineer
D. HVAC technician
Rationale: Only the building official or engineer can confirm allowable
soil-bearing capacity for footings.
5. The minimum compressive strength of concrete for footings in
residential construction is:
A. 1500 psi
B. 2000 psi
C. 2500 psi
D. 3500 psi
Rationale: IRC requires 2500-psi concrete minimum unless local
amendment differs.
6. A sill plate anchored to concrete must use anchor bolts spaced at a
max of:
A. 8 ft
B. 10 ft
C. 6 ft
D. 4 ft
Rationale: IRC requires anchor bolts ≤ 6 ft apart and within 12 in of ends.
, 7. The minimum footing depth below undisturbed ground is:
A. 8 in
B. 10 in
C. 12 in
D. Below frost line
Rationale: Footings must extend below frost depth required by local code.
8. The purpose of a vapor retarder under slabs is to prevent:
A. Air infiltration
B. Moisture migration from soil
C. Heat loss
D. Radon entry
Rationale: Vapor barriers prevent moisture in the soil from wicking
upward into the slab.
9. Rafters must be tied at the bottom by ceiling joists or rafter ties to
resist:
A. Snow load
B. Outward thrust
C. Dead load
D. Wind uplift
Rationale: Rafter ties prevent lateral spreading of exterior walls by
resisting outward thrust.
10. Stair risers in a residence must not exceed:
A. 8.25 in
B. 8 in
