Licensing Exam Practice Questions And

District of Columbia General Contractor Licensing Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Q1: Which type of insurance is legally required for contractors in the District

of Columbia to protect workers from job-related injuries?

• Property Insurance
• General Liability Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance

Rationale: Workers’ Compensation Insurance is mandatory to cover

medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

• / 4

Q2: What is the primary purpose of a building permit in the District of

Columbia?

• To increase property taxes
• To ensure construction complies with local codes
• To guarantee construction quality
• To provide insurance coverage

Rationale: A building permit ensures that all construction work meets DC’s

building codes and safety standards.

Q3: Which of the following is a valid reason for the Department of

Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to revoke a contractor license?

• Late payment of workers
• Fraud or misrepresentation in license application
• Choosing a subcontractor
• Filing taxes late

Rationale: Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation during the licensing

process is grounds for revocation.

Q4: What is the maximum period a general contractor in DC can hold a

permit without starting work before expiration?

• 3 months
• 6 months 2 / 4

• 12 months
• 24 months

Rationale: Permits typically expire after 12 months if work has not

commenced, unless an extension is granted.

Q5: In DC, which document governs contractor obligations related to

occupational safety?

• DC Real Estate Code
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
• DC Tax Code
• National Fire Code

Rationale: OSHA regulations define workplace safety requirements for

contractors and employees.

Q6: When is a contractor required to provide a written contract for

construction work in DC?

• Only for projects over $10,000
• For any project over $500
• Only for residential projects
• Only for commercial projects

Rationale: DC law mandates written contracts for construction projects

exceeding $500 to protect both parties. 3 / 4

Q7: What type of bond is often required for public construction projects in

DC?

• Performance bond
• Payment bond
• Both performance and payment bonds
• Bid bond only

Rationale: Public projects generally require both performance bonds (to

guarantee completion) and payment bonds (to ensure subcontractors and suppliers are paid).

Q8: Which of the following best describes a “change order”?

• A new construction permit
• A written modification to the original contract
• A contractor’s license application
• A payroll record

Rationale: A change order documents any modifications to scope, cost, or

schedule of an existing contract.

Q9: What is the primary purpose of a lien waiver in construction?

• To increase profit margins
• To extend project deadlines
• / 4