West Virginia Building Contractor Exam

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

• What is the primary purpose of a building code?
• To increase construction costs
• To ensure safety, health, and welfare of the public
• To limit architectural creativity
• To regulate zoning laws
• To ensure safety, health, and welfare of the public

Rationale: Building codes set minimum standards to protect the

safety, health, and welfare of occupants and the public.

• Which type of insurance is typically required for a licensed building

contractor?

• Health insurance
• Workers’ compensation and general liability insurance 1 / 4

• Life insurance
• Auto insurance
• Workers’ compensation and general liability insurance

Rationale: Contractors must carry insurance to protect employees

and third parties from accidents and damages during construction.

• When preparing a bid for a construction project, the contractor should

include:

• Only labor costs
• Material costs, labor, overhead, and profit
• Only material costs
• Only profit margin
• Material costs, labor, overhead, and profit

Rationale: Accurate bids require accounting for all direct and indirect

costs to ensure profitability.

• Which of the following is considered a load-bearing element?
• Drywall partition
• Column or beam
• Window frame
• Cabinet
• Column or beam

Rationale: Load-bearing elements carry structural loads and transfer

them safely to the foundation. 2 / 4

• What is the minimum slope for a roof to ensure proper drainage for

asphalt shingles?

A. 1/4:12

B. 2:12

C. 4:12

D. 6:12

B. 2:12

Rationale: Asphalt shingles require at least a 2:12 slope for effective water drainage and to prevent leaks.

• Which type of foundation is most suitable for areas with expansive

clay soil?

• Shallow slab-on-grade
• Deep pier or pier-and-beam
• Floating slab
• Cinder block wall
• Deep pier or pier-and-beam

Rationale: Deep foundations minimize movement caused by soil

expansion and contraction.

7. The primary purpose of a vapor barrier in a wall assembly is to:

• Provide insulation
• Prevent air infiltration
• Stop moisture from entering wall cavities
• Add structural strength 3 / 4

• Stop moisture from entering wall cavities

Rationale: Vapor barriers reduce condensation inside walls,

preventing mold and structural damage.

• Which type of wood is most resistant to decay for outdoor use?
• Pine
• Cedar
• Oak
• Poplar
• Cedar

Rationale: Cedar contains natural oils that resist decay and insect

damage, making it suitable for outdoor construction.

• How often should scaffolding be inspected on a construction site?
• Daily before use
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Only at initial setup
• Daily before use

Rationale: OSHA requires scaffolding inspections daily to ensure

safety for workers.

• When installing electrical wiring, the NEC (National Electrical

Code) requires that:

• All circuits must be 15 amps
• Wiring must be properly grounded and secured
• / 4