North Carolina Building Contractor Exam

North Carolina Building Contractor Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Covers all major subject areas: Licensing, Estimating, Plan Reading, Building

Code (NC), OSHA, Safety, Project Management, Contracts, Lien Law, Concrete, Masonry, Roofing, HVAC, Electrical/Plumbing basics, and Business & Finance topics.

1.What is the minimum ceiling height in habitable rooms according to NC Residential Code?

• 6 ft 6 in
• 7 ft
• 7 ft 6 in
• 8 ft 1 / 4

Rationale: NC Residential Code requires 7 ft minimum ceiling height in

habitable rooms.

2.Who issues contractor licenses in North Carolina?

• Secretary of State
• Local County Building Office
• NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
• NC Department of Labor

Rationale: The NCLBGC regulates and administers contractor licensing

statewide.

3.

A general contractor’s license is required in NC for projects costing:

• Over $10,000
• Over $20,000
• $40,000 or more
• $50,000 or more

Rationale: NC law mandates licensing when project value meets or exceeds

$40,000.

4.What is the allowable slope for a ramp used as a building entrance?

A. 1:6

B. 1:8 2 / 4

C. 1:12

D. 1:20

Rationale: ADA and building codes require max 1:12 slope for accessibility.

5.Which document legally binds the owner and contractor?

• Specifications
• Plans
• Contract
• Schedule

Rationale: The signed contract forms the legal agreement of

responsibilities and payment.

6.The minimum compressive strength of concrete for footings in most NC

residential construction:

• 2000 psi
• 2500 psi
• 3000 psi
• 3500 psi

Rationale: Standard footing concrete is 2500 psi minimum unless specified

higher.

7. 3 / 4

What type of bond guarantees the project is completed per contract?

• Bid bond
• Performance bond
• Payment bond
• Fidelity bond

Rationale: Performance bond ensures contractor fulfills contract

obligations.

8.When must OSHA training be provided?

• Only after an accident occurs
• Once a year
• Before employees face hazards
• After 90 days of employment

Rationale: OSHA mandates hazard training before exposure to jobsite

risks.

9.Which schedule method shows task sequencing best?

• Cost report
• Daily log
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Bar graph only

Rationale: CPM identifies task dependencies and longest path controlling

completion.

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