CA D77 Soundproofing Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary purpose of soundproofing in a building?
- Increase air circulation
- Reduce structural load
- Minimize sound transmission
- Improve lighting
Rationale: The main goal of soundproofing is to reduce the
transmission of sound between spaces.
- Which material is commonly used as a sound absorber?
- Concrete
- Steel
- Mineral wool
- Glass
Rationale: Mineral wool is porous and effectively absorbs sound
waves, reducing echo and noise.
- Which type of sound is most effectively blocked by mass-loaded
- High-frequency sound
- Low-frequency sound
- Mid-frequency sound
- Ambient noise only
barriers?
Rationale: Mass-loaded barriers are heavy and dense, which makes
them effective at blocking low-frequency sound.
- What does STC stand for in soundproofing?
- Sound Transmission Control 1 / 3
- Sound Transmission Class
- Standard Transmission Coefficient
- Structural Thermal Coefficient
Rationale: STC measures how well a building partition attenuates
airborne sound.
- Which construction assembly provides the best airborne sound
- Hollow metal door
- Glass window
- Double-layer drywall with insulation
- Concrete floor without ceiling
isolation?
Rationale: Double drywall with insulation significantly reduces
airborne sound transmission.
- Which of the following is a common decoupling technique in walls?
- Adding mass
- Using a thicker concrete block
- Resilient channels
- Painting the wall
Rationale: Resilient channels create a gap between the drywall and
studs, decoupling vibrations.
- What is the main difference between sound absorption and
- Absorption increases sound volume
- Soundproofing is decorative
- Absorption reduces echo, soundproofing blocks transmission
- There is no difference
soundproofing?
Rationale: Absorption improves room acoustics by reducing echo,
while soundproofing prevents noise from passing through barriers.
- Which material is most effective for vibration isolation?
- Glass
- Concrete
- Rubber
- Aluminum
Rationale: Rubber and similar resilient materials absorb vibrations,
preventing transmission through structures.
- In acoustic design, what is “flanking”?
- Adding decorative panels 2 / 3
- Painting walls for sound absorption
- Sound traveling through paths other than the main partition
- Installing acoustic tiles
Rationale: Flanking refers to noise bypassing a soundproof barrier
via alternate paths like floors, ceilings, or ducts.
- What is the typical STC rating required for a bedroom wall in
residential construction?
A. 20–25
B. 25–30
C. 40–50
D. 60–70
Rationale: Residential building codes recommend STC 40–50 for
interior walls to ensure privacy and comfort.
- Which of the following reduces impact noise between floors?
- Drywall
- Carpet with padding
- Paint
- Glass
Rationale: Soft materials like carpet and padding absorb impact
noise, preventing sound from transmitting to lower floors.
- What does NRC stand for in acoustics?
- Noise Reduction Coefficient
- Noise Reduction Coefficient
- Neutral Resonance Capacity
- Natural Resonance Coefficient
Rationale: NRC measures a material’s ability to absorb sound across
frequencies.
- Which factor has the greatest effect on low-frequency sound
- Wall color
- Wall texture
- Mass of the wall
- Window placement
transmission through a wall?
Rationale: Heavier walls with more mass are better at blocking low-
frequency sounds.
- When installing soundproofing in a ceiling, what is the most
- / 3
effective technique?