North Carolina Structural Plans Examiner
Licensing Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following codes is the primary reference for
structural building design in North Carolina?
A. International Residential Code (IRC)
B. International Building Code (IBC)
C. North Carolina State Building Code (NCSBC)
D. American Institute of Steel Construction Manual
C. North Carolina State Building Code (NCSBC)
The North Carolina State Building Code governs structural design
and safety requirements in the state, incorporating relevant
portions of IBC and IRC.
2. When reviewing a structural plan, the first step is:
A. Checking electrical layouts
B. Verifying structural calculations
C. Reviewing plumbing plans
D. Inspecting construction materials
B. Verifying structural calculations
Structural calculations ensure that the design meets safety and
load requirements before reviewing details.
3. In North Carolina, structural plans must show:
A. Only foundation details
B. Only roof framing
, C. All structural members and their specifications
D. Only floor layouts
C. All structural members and their specifications
Complete structural plans include foundations, walls, floors, roofs,
and connections.
4. The minimum live load for a residential floor according to North
Carolina code is:
A. 20 psf
B. 30 psf
C. 40 psf
D. 50 psf
B. 30 psf
Residential floors are typically designed for a live load of 30
pounds per square foot.
5. What is the primary purpose of seismic design provisions in
structural plans?
A. Reduce construction costs
B. Enhance aesthetic appeal
C. Minimize structural damage during earthquakes
D. Speed up construction
C. Minimize structural damage during earthquakes
Seismic design ensures the structure can withstand lateral forces
from earthquakes.
6. Which material requires fire-resistance ratings on plans in certain
occupancies?
A. Wood
B. Steel
, C. Concrete
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
The code specifies fire-resistance ratings for various materials
depending on occupancy and construction type.
7. When checking beam spans, which factor is most critical?
A. Color of the beam
B. Span length, load type, and support conditions
C. Manufacturer brand
D. Wall finishes
B. Span length, load type, and support conditions
Beam design depends on how far it spans, the load it carries, and
how it is supported.
8. The term "dead load" in structural design refers to:
A. Temporary loads from occupants
B. Self-weight of structural components
C. Wind and seismic forces
D. Snow and rain loads
B. Self-weight of structural components
Dead load includes all permanent elements such as beams,
columns, walls, and floors.
9. Which of the following is a lateral load?
A. Snow
B. Furniture
C. Wind
D. Concrete slab weight
, C. Wind
Lateral loads act horizontally, such as wind or earthquake forces.
10. The allowable stress design method is used to:
A. Predict exact failure points
B. Ensure stresses are below allowable limits
C. Determine aesthetics of structures
D. Specify construction schedules
B. Ensure stresses are below allowable limits
Allowable stress design ensures that members remain within safe
stress levels under applied loads.
11. A reinforced concrete beam is shown in the plans with #5
bars spaced 12 inches on center. What does #5 indicate?
A. Length of the bar
B. Diameter of the bar
C. Weight of the bar
D. Grade of steel
B. Diameter of the bar
#5 indicates the nominal diameter of a reinforcing bar is 5/8
inches.
12. Which factor is critical for foundation design?
A. Soil bearing capacity
B. Roof color
C. Window layout
D. HVAC system
A. Soil bearing capacity
Foundation design depends on the ability of soil to support the
structure without excessive settlement.
Licensing Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following codes is the primary reference for
structural building design in North Carolina?
A. International Residential Code (IRC)
B. International Building Code (IBC)
C. North Carolina State Building Code (NCSBC)
D. American Institute of Steel Construction Manual
C. North Carolina State Building Code (NCSBC)
The North Carolina State Building Code governs structural design
and safety requirements in the state, incorporating relevant
portions of IBC and IRC.
2. When reviewing a structural plan, the first step is:
A. Checking electrical layouts
B. Verifying structural calculations
C. Reviewing plumbing plans
D. Inspecting construction materials
B. Verifying structural calculations
Structural calculations ensure that the design meets safety and
load requirements before reviewing details.
3. In North Carolina, structural plans must show:
A. Only foundation details
B. Only roof framing
, C. All structural members and their specifications
D. Only floor layouts
C. All structural members and their specifications
Complete structural plans include foundations, walls, floors, roofs,
and connections.
4. The minimum live load for a residential floor according to North
Carolina code is:
A. 20 psf
B. 30 psf
C. 40 psf
D. 50 psf
B. 30 psf
Residential floors are typically designed for a live load of 30
pounds per square foot.
5. What is the primary purpose of seismic design provisions in
structural plans?
A. Reduce construction costs
B. Enhance aesthetic appeal
C. Minimize structural damage during earthquakes
D. Speed up construction
C. Minimize structural damage during earthquakes
Seismic design ensures the structure can withstand lateral forces
from earthquakes.
6. Which material requires fire-resistance ratings on plans in certain
occupancies?
A. Wood
B. Steel
, C. Concrete
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
The code specifies fire-resistance ratings for various materials
depending on occupancy and construction type.
7. When checking beam spans, which factor is most critical?
A. Color of the beam
B. Span length, load type, and support conditions
C. Manufacturer brand
D. Wall finishes
B. Span length, load type, and support conditions
Beam design depends on how far it spans, the load it carries, and
how it is supported.
8. The term "dead load" in structural design refers to:
A. Temporary loads from occupants
B. Self-weight of structural components
C. Wind and seismic forces
D. Snow and rain loads
B. Self-weight of structural components
Dead load includes all permanent elements such as beams,
columns, walls, and floors.
9. Which of the following is a lateral load?
A. Snow
B. Furniture
C. Wind
D. Concrete slab weight
, C. Wind
Lateral loads act horizontally, such as wind or earthquake forces.
10. The allowable stress design method is used to:
A. Predict exact failure points
B. Ensure stresses are below allowable limits
C. Determine aesthetics of structures
D. Specify construction schedules
B. Ensure stresses are below allowable limits
Allowable stress design ensures that members remain within safe
stress levels under applied loads.
11. A reinforced concrete beam is shown in the plans with #5
bars spaced 12 inches on center. What does #5 indicate?
A. Length of the bar
B. Diameter of the bar
C. Weight of the bar
D. Grade of steel
B. Diameter of the bar
#5 indicates the nominal diameter of a reinforcing bar is 5/8
inches.
12. Which factor is critical for foundation design?
A. Soil bearing capacity
B. Roof color
C. Window layout
D. HVAC system
A. Soil bearing capacity
Foundation design depends on the ability of soil to support the
structure without excessive settlement.
