Contractor Exam Questions And

CA Class A General Engineering Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary responsibility of a Class A General Engineering

Contractor in California?

• Residential home construction
• Construction of public works and heavy engineering projects
• Interior design
• Landscaping

Rationale: Class A contractors are licensed to handle major

engineering projects such as highways, bridges, and public utilities.

• Before starting a project, what is required to legally perform

contracting work in California?

• Insurance only
• Bond only
• A valid contractor’s license
• A business permit

Rationale: Contractors must hold a valid California contractor

license appropriate to the work they perform.

• Which type of insurance is legally required for California contractors

with employees?

• Life insurance
• Vehicle insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Health insurance 1 / 3

Rationale: Workers’ compensation insurance protects employees

from job-related injuries.

• Which agency regulates contractor licensing in California?
• Department of Labor

B. OSHA

• California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
• Department of Transportation

Rationale: The CSLB issues licenses, enforces regulations, and

protects consumers.

• What is the maximum amount a contractor can collect in advance for

home improvement work?

• 25% of the contract price
• 50% of the contract price
• 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less
• Full contract price

Rationale: California law limits down payments to protect

homeowners.

• Which document defines the scope, cost, and timeline of a construction

project?

• Blueprint
• Change order
• Contract agreement
• Invoice

Rationale: The contract agreement legally binds the terms of the

project.

• What is a bid bond used for in public works projects?
• To pay workers
• To purchase materials
• To guarantee the bidder will enter into a contract if awarded
• To insure the project

Rationale: A bid bond assures the owner that the winning bidder will

honor the bid.

• Which type of bond protects project owners against contractor default?
• Performance bond
• Payment bond
• Both A and B
• License bond 2 / 3

Rationale: Performance bonds guarantee project completion;

payment bonds guarantee suppliers and subcontractors are paid.

• When must a contractor provide a written change order?
• Only at project start
• Only at project end
• Before work on the change begins
• After billing

Rationale: Written change orders formalize scope changes and

protect both parties legally.

• What is the primary purpose of OSHA regulations on

construction sites?

• Reduce costs
• Improve productivity
• Ensure worker safety
• Reduce material waste

Rationale: OSHA standards aim to prevent workplace injuries and

fatalities.

• A contractor discovers a subsurface condition not indicated in the

plans. What is the first step?

• Ignore it
• Continue work
• Notify the project owner or engineer immediately
• Fix it privately

Rationale: Unexpected conditions must be reported to prevent liability

and contract disputes.

• Which of the following is an example of heavy engineering

work?

• Building a house
• Landscaping
• Highway construction
• Installing cabinets

Rationale: Heavy engineering involves large-scale infrastructure

projects.

• What type of contract is most commonly used for public works

projects?

• Lump-sum contract
• Unit-price contract
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