Carpentry Contractor Exam Questions

CA C5 Framing And Rough Carpentry Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a sill plate in wood framing?
• Support the roof
• Anchor the structure to the foundation
• Hold insulation
• Act as a vapor barrier

Rationale: The sill plate is the bottom horizontal member of a wall

that anchors the frame to the foundation.

• Which type of lumber is most commonly used for framing walls?
• Redwood
• Douglas Fir or Southern Pine
• Cedar
• Oak

Rationale: Douglas Fir and Southern Pine are strong, readily

available, and suitable for structural framing.

• What is the standard spacing for wall studs in residential construction?
• 12 inches
• 16 inches
• 16 or 24 inches on center
• 32 inches

Rationale: Wall studs are typically spaced at 16" or 24" on center to

support structural loads efficiently. 1 / 3

• When constructing a roof, what is the purpose of a ridge board?
• Support ceiling joists
• Provide a nailing surface for rafters at the peak
• Act as insulation
• Support the attic floor

Rationale: The ridge board runs along the roof peak and serves as a

central nailing point for rafters.

• What is the minimum thickness of plywood used for subflooring in

residential construction?

• 1/4 inch
• 3/8 inch
• 3/4 inch
• 1 inch

Rationale: 3/4 inch plywood provides sufficient strength and stiffness

for residential floors.

• What type of joint is most commonly used to connect floor joists to a

beam?

• Butt joint
• Lap or joist hanger connection
• Dovetail joint
• Miter joint

Rationale: Joist hangers or lap joints transfer load from joists to

supporting beams safely.

• Which of the following is the primary tool for checking the level of a

surface?

• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Square

Rationale: A spirit level ensures that surfaces are horizontal or

vertical as required.

8. In platform framing, the first step is to:

• Raise the walls
• Install the roof
• Construct the floor platform
• Install windows 2 / 3

Rationale: Platform framing begins with building the floor platform

to support the walls above.

• What is the purpose of a cripple stud?
• Support the roof ridge
• Fill space between a header and the top plate or between the sill

and the floor

• Anchor foundation to walls
• Form corner joints

Rationale: Cripple studs are short studs that provide support in wall

openings or below windows.

• Which type of nail is preferred for framing exterior walls?
• Finishing nail
• Common nail
• Brad nail
• Roofing nail

Rationale: Common nails are strong enough to secure framing

lumber and resist structural loads.

• How are joists typically supported at their ends?
• Toe-nailing
• Bearing on a beam or ledger
• Hanging freely
• Screwed directly to siding

Rationale: Joists must rest on a structural support to carry floor loads

safely.

• What is the primary difference between a balloon frame and a

platform frame?

• Wall thickness
• Balloon frames use continuous studs from foundation to roof;

platform frames build one story at a time

• Roof type
• Floor spacing

Rationale: Balloon framing spans multiple stories with continuous

studs, while platform framing builds floor-by-floor.

• Which framing member runs horizontally at the top of a wall?
• Stud
• Sill plate
• Top plate
• / 3