Class A Practice Exam Questions And

Hawaii General Engineering Contractor (Class A) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a project schedule in construction

management?

• To provide a marketing tool
• To track project expenses
• To coordinate resources and timelines
• To train new employees

Rationale: A project schedule ensures that resources, tasks, and

timelines are properly coordinated to complete the project efficiently. 1 / 4

• According to OSHA, which of the following is required for trenching

deeper than 5 feet?

• Use of temporary ramps
• Protective systems such as sloping or shoring
• Use of ladders every 50 feet
• No additional protection is needed

Rationale: OSHA mandates protective systems for trenches over 5

feet to prevent cave-ins.

• Which soil type has the highest load-bearing capacity?
• Sandy soil
• Clay soil
• Rock
• Silt

Rationale: Rock provides the highest load-bearing capacity, followed

by dense sand and gravel.

• What is the primary role of a general engineering contractor?
• Designing buildings
• Performing heavy construction and civil engineering projects
• Selling construction materials
• Performing interior design

Rationale: Class A general engineering contractors focus on heavy

civil works, such as roads, bridges, and infrastructure. 2 / 4

5. In construction contracts, “liquidated damages” refer to:

• Penalties for late payments
• Pre-determined compensation for project delays
• Refunds for defective materials
• Insurance claims

Rationale: Liquidated damages are agreed-upon amounts paid if a

contractor fails to meet the project schedule.

• Which type of concrete is best for high-strength structural

applications?

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III
• High-performance concrete (HPC)

Rationale: HPC is engineered for high strength, durability, and

workability in structural applications.

• In Hawaii, which agency regulates stormwater discharges for

construction sites?

• EPA only
• DOT only
• Hawaii Department of Health (DOH)

D. OSHA

Rationale: The Hawaii DOH administers the NPDES stormwater

program for construction activities. 3 / 4

8. The critical path in a CPM schedule refers to:

• The shortest path to completion
• The sequence of activities that determines the project duration
• Optional project tasks
• Activities with the lowest cost

Rationale: The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent

activities that determines the shortest project duration.

• What is the primary purpose of a change order?
• To fire subcontractors
• To submit a new bid
• To modify the contract scope, cost, or schedule
• To approve invoices

Rationale: Change orders formally adjust contract terms when

project conditions or requirements change.

• What is the most common method for compacting granular

soils?

• Rolling
• Vibratory piling
• Mechanical vibration
• Water saturation

Rationale: Mechanical vibration is effective for densifying granular

soils like sand and gravel.

• / 4