Minnesota Contractors Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the required bearing length for a lintel over a masonry fireplace, supporting a masonry finish?
• How many days after a change must written notice be given to the Commissioner regarding business location, personal name, or address?
• What is the required minimum vertical headroom clearance for stairways in new construction?
• If you have a finished floor to ceiling height of 8 feet and a double plate at the top and single plate at the bottom, how long do you cut the studs?
• Which document outlines the boundaries and key features of the construction site?
• What is the minimum percentage requirement for continuous ventilation?
• What is the minimum specification for weather-resistant sheathing paper used as a wall covering?
• What is the minimum size of a footing required under a load-bearing wall in new construction?
• What is required for a handrail on stairs according to safety standards?
• What is the primary purpose of a vapor retarder?
• When laying out exterior siding, the vertical distance to be covered is determined by measuring from the underside of the soffit to a minimum of how far below the bottom sill plate?
• By how much may the greatest riser height exceed the minimum?
• What is the purpose of a site plan?
• What is a key requirement for contractor licenses in Minnesota regarding renewals?
• What is the minimum end bearing of a joist on wood or metal?
• Which one of the following types of roofing can be used to make closed valleys?
• Which of the following is NOT typically a part of project planning and scheduling?
• To collect on a mechanic's lien, action must be commenced within how long after the date of the last item recorded in the lien statement?
• What table would you use to calculate the span for a joist that also spans cantilevers?
• What is the minimum size for access to an attic space?
• By what date must contractors complete their continuing education credits for timely license renewal?
• When applying wood shingles at less than a 12/12 slope, how far should the roof valley flashing extend from the center line?
• If the first row of roof sheathing is started with a full sheet of plywood, how should the second row start?
• What is the minimum bearing for a wood beam resting in a poured concrete wall notch?
• Fresh air leaks into a house through cracks around windows, doors, and framing. The process is called:
• Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Commissioner regarding contractors?
• When using multiple interconnected smoke alarms, how do they respond to smoke?
• What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete for footings?
• A contractor is building a two-story house with a gable roof. How many squares of shingles are required for this roof?
• When nailing asphalt hip and ridge shingles, what are the required nailing positions using the standard 5-inch exposure?
• A contractor or any person performing contracting work in Minnesota must be licensed prior to obtaining a permit for the work. Which of the following agencies issues the license?
• Chimney requirements state that the chimney must extend at least 2 feet above any portion of the building within how many feet of the chimney?
• If you have a fireplace opening that is 2 1/2 feet high and 3 1/2 feet wide, how far out in front of the fireplace shall the hearth extend?
• What is the MOST important element of a construction contract?
• When finishing concrete, the movement of water to the top surface is known as what?
• When attaching a wood ledger board to a structure, the IRC provides fastener information for which type of fastener?
• Who decides which inspections are required when a permit is issued?
• Where do you apply for a building permit?
• When installing the sill plate to the foundation, what is the maximum distance between 1/2 inch bolts?
• If a contractor begins work on a building before a permit is issued, what action may be taken?
• When can a bedroom be accessed directly from the garage?
• How many days is a contractor's temporary license valid after the contractor's qualifier leaves?
• Where must subcontractors file a claim against a property owner?
• According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, how is a workweek defined?
• Where should nails be placed in exterior bevel siding?
• If no action is taken, how long does a permit last?
• The contractor's offer to the owner should include which of the following?
• What is the maximum amount typically covered under contractor insurance policies for general liability?
• Who is responsible for inspecting your drywall?
• An owner decides to change the location of several interior walls in a building now under construction. What part of the existing contract addresses this issue?
• Who is responsible for establishing standards and procedures to regulate erosion control?
• What roof truss design is MOST likely specified for a new home with a cathedral ceiling?
• In which type of framing construction do the studs extend from the foundation to the roof?
• Which of the following is NOT required as part of an application for a Minnesota contractor license?
• Which statement is TRUE regarding the warranty on a new home for the second homeowner?
• What must parties to a written contract do before they sign the contract?
• What is the minimum number and size face nail required to attach a 1 inch by 4 inch let in bracing to each stud and plate?
• What is the required sprinkler water supply capacity for a one-story structure with less than 2,000 square feet?
• A stairway with 16 risers has a total of 9 feet 2 inches between finished floors. What is the rise per unit?
• What is the minimum insulation required in ceilings with no attic when this area is less than 20% of the insulated ceiling?
• Which of the following documents does the contractor use to determine the quantities of materials needed for the contract?
• Who has final interpretive authority for all codes adopted, except for plumbing and electrical?
• If a qualifying person leaves a company, how long can the temporary license remain valid?
• What are the minimum, net clear dimensions of a window well used for an emergency escape?
• Who is required to comply with applicable codes during construction work?
• When must a skylight be mounted on a curb extending 4 inches above the plane of the roof?
• What is the minimum insulation requirement for above grade mass wall in Duluth?
• What is the primary purpose of a sprinkler system in buildings?
• When a subcontractor requests an owner's name and address, by when must the contractor provide that information?
• What is the minimum height above roof for a single radon vent pipe?
• In new construction, when does the homeowner's warranty start?
• Fasteners shall be spaced NOT less than how far from edges and ends of gypsum wallboard?
• What is the BEST rule to follow when notching trusses?
• General liability insurance covers which of the following?
• What is the typical size of rebar used in residential construction?
• What is the minimum footing depth required in the Twin Cities?
• Modular (standard size) blocks are usually about 7 5/8 inches high by 15 5/8 long in order to allow for?
• Which is the correct way to install steel siding?
• How should you drive the nails that hold aluminum siding to the wall sheathing?
• In what instance is a contractor's emergency repair permissible without a permit?
• What is the penalty for failing to comply with the requirements of the Minnesota mechanic's lien law?
• When installing insulation between floor joists in a crawl space, the vapor retarder:
• What process would be used on concrete to produce a nonslip surface?
• Base material under a below grade concrete floor, if required, shall consist of?
• What is the minimum airspace separation of brick from sheathing in an exterior application?
• A permit may be issued for construction of part of a building before the construction documents for the whole building are submitted. What is this called?
• What is the required spacing when applying wood shingles?
• An owner has agreed to make periodic payments to the contractor during the construction period. These payments are known as what?
• The lowest edge of untreated siding shall be a minimum of how high above grade?
• What is the range of air entrainment required in concrete that is subject to thawing and freezing?
• What is the header size required over a 2 foot, 8 inch door?
• How do you increase the compressive strength of mortar containing lime and Portland cement?
• What is the required thickness of concrete for a residential driveway?
• What is the minimum number of nails recommended for a standard framing connection?
• Ventilators must be provided with corrosion resistant wire mesh; what is the maximum size opening?
• What action can the building official take if work is NOT proceeding to code?
• What type of liability is a general contractor responsible for?
• What is the ground snow load in the Twin Cities?
• What is the minimum clear opening height of an emergency escape window?
• What is the minimum number of inches wood siding must extend below the sill plate?
• A new two-story house has basement dimensions of 52 feet by 28 feet, with a 20 foot by 22 foot attached garage. How much concrete will be required to pour the basement walls?
• When is payment due to the homeowner who has won a Recovery Fund judgment against a contractor?
• When do lien rights attach?
• The recommended placement of reinforcement for footings is in the?
• What should be included in a building inspection checklist?
• What is the range of distance from a heat source for an intermediate temperature sprinkler near a kitchen range top?
• What is the maximum allowable height for a stair with a single flight?
• If poor flashing causes a roof leak six months after occupancy, who is liable for the repair?
• Who has the authority to issue contractor licenses in Minnesota?
• Which of the following options is NOT considered a code issue?
• Where should roof sheathing be stored on the roof prior to installation?
• What is the purpose of an integration clause in a contract?
• Which of the following materials is generally NOT recommended for insulation in high-moisture areas?
• Which of the following is allowed on rebar?
• Under what condition may a building official enter the premises?
• How many fasteners are required for installing 36-inch asphalt shingles?
• Which material is most commonly used for framing walls in residential construction?
• Which law outlines the conditions of employment for minors?
• When is it required to double a header joist and trimmer joist?
• Which of the following documents describes the types of materials needed for a contract?
• When installing aluminum siding, how should you space joints around windows and doors?
• When should a concrete slab be cured to achieve maximum strength?
• Which type of concrete finish is typically used to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a surface?
• What nail spacing is used for fasteners when hanging vinyl siding?
• What is the purpose of using air-entrained concrete?
• What is a primary component of a municipal plan?
• Which group is NOT required to be licensed as contractors?
• How does a building inspector assess attic insulation?
• According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, what is the maximum number of hours a 14-year-old can work in a school week?
• A lien waiver primarily protects the owner from which issue?
• What type of screw is used to fasten gypsum wallboard to a metal stud?
• Every other year, continuing education credits must include at least one hour of which type of training?
• Which factor does NOT influence the ground snow load in a given county?
• What is the minimum bearing allowance where a built-up wood girder is supported in the foundation walls?
• To apply for a permit, which department must provide the permit application?
• What can be a consequence if a homeowner does not follow the Notice and Opportunity to Repair Law?
• According to Minnesota minimum wage law, when is overtime payment required?
• What must a contractor and customer do before signing a construction contract?
• When is an artificial light source NOT required at the top or bottom stair landing?
• What is the minimum hearth extension depth required for a fireplace with an opening less than 6 square feet?
• How do we protect the underside of a stairway?
• Which installation aspect is crucial for maintaining ventilation in an attic?
• What is the remedy for a homeowner if the contractor does not correct a known defect?
• Where is metal reinforcement positioned in a concrete basement floor?
• What is the minimum air space permitted at the location of vent between the insulation and the roof sheathing?
• What is the minimum coverage limit required for general liability insurance?
• Residential building contractors must warrant that the dwelling will be free of defects from faulty installation of plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems for which period?
• A contractor is installing 6 inch wood siding to the exterior of a house. The siding must overlap a minimum of?
• What is an acceptable method for securing roof sheathing?
• What is the minimum nailing requirement for toenailing a stud to the sole plate?
• What is the maximum mortar thickness of the initial bed joint when installing brick on a concrete slab?
• If a contractor changes his name, the contractor must notify the Commissioner of the change no later than how many days after the change?
• Select four of the following items that are used to determine the flow rate for each sprinkler.
• What is the maximum diameter hole that may be drilled in a 2 inch by 12 inch joist?
• What does the Minnesota minimum wage law generally stipulate regarding workweeks?
• What is the minimum pipe size for any sprinkler?
• What document must a contractor submit when changing their business name?
• What must be issued by the building official before a building can be inhabited?
• What is the minimum R-value requirement for above-grade walls in an energy-efficient building?
• What is one sign of a failing roofing system?
• How far must a masonry chimney extend above a flat roof that is within 10 horizontal feet?
• Joist framing into a girder is acceptable if supported by?
• What is the lowest member of the frame structure that rests on the foundation?
• If a contractor is planning on doing business as a different name than the legal name, what must the contractor attach to the license application?
• Within the guidelines of the Contractor Recovery Fund, what is the maximum recovery per claimant?
• What type of warranty typically covers structural defects in a new home?
• What authority does the Commissioner hold regarding civil penalties?
• What is the minimum to maximum air gap when installing brick veneer?
• What type of joint is typically used to connect two framing members at a right angle?
• What should a contractor do if a building permit application is denied?
• What is the required spacing between panels when installing roof sheathing?
• What document must be filed to enforce a mechanic's lien?
• What is a potential consequence of inadequate ventilation in a roof system?
• What must every contractor do before initiating construction according to local statutes?
• What is the minimum gauge of galvanized valley flashing?
• Which of the following fenestration exemption statements is NOT true?
• How much do ceiling joists overlap when meeting over a girder or partition?
• How many coats are required when installing gypsum over metal lath or wire mesh?
• How thick should exterior wall insulation be for optimal energy efficiency?
• A contractor is installing wood board siding to the exterior of a house. The fasteners must penetrate the studs a minimum of?
• You have a total roof area on each side of a gable roof of 44 feet by 18 feet. The shingles chosen have three bundles per square. How many bundles of shingles are needed to cover this roof, NOT including waste?
• In structural framing, what does a stringer primarily support?
• How many cubic yards of concrete will be used in pouring a slab with dimensions: 72 feet 3 inches x 88 feet 6 inches x 6 inches deep?
• Where must you install the vapor retarder?
• What is the maximum time frame within which a contractor must respond to a homeowner's warranty claim?
• What is the minimum number of stud spaces that let in bracing must cross when wall construction uses studs 2 feet on center?
• What is the recommended spacing for under boards in board and batten siding?
• What is the maximum thickness for the joints in firebrick?
• When must contractors notify owners of their lien rights?
• What is the name of the rafter that provides support between other rafters?
• What is the minimum R-value requirement for ceilings in the northern Minnesota climate zone?
• The tool used to produce a rounded edge on a slab to prevent chipping is a?
• When using multiple interconnected smoke alarms, what response mechanism is activated?
• Which one of the following is NOT a component of an exterior wall?
• What is the default fenestration U-factor rating for metal frame, with thermal break, double-pane skylights?
• How far can the top of the exterior landing be below a threshold if the door swings away from the landing?
• What does the term "slump" refer to in concrete work?
• What is the typical installation requirement for roofing underlayment?
• What is the minimum thickness of a concrete floor?
• If there is no agreement between a homeowner and contractor regarding a warranty claim, which process must be followed prior to legal action?
• What is the maximum weather exposure for a 16 inch single course wood wall shingle?
• What is the ground snow load requirement in Washington County?
• Untreated siding shall be no closer than?
• The upright member found under the handrail and attached to the tread is called what?
• What legal requirement is associated with changes in construction related to general liability insurance?
• When did the current Minnesota statutory home warranty law come into effect?
• Contractors are required to pay what type of fee regarding the continuing education fund?
• Contractor license law does NOT require contractors to display their license numbers on which of the following?
• How many nails are used to attach diagonal, let in, wood bracing to a stud?
• What distinguishes an active radon system from a passive one?
• When installing tongue and groove plywood combination subfloor underlayment, how does the second row of panels differ from the first?
• What is a primary reason a contractor might face revocation of their license?
• What does a provisional permit allow a contractor to do?
• Which of the following is true regarding payments from the contractor recovery fund?
• What is the maximum allowable U-factor for windows in Minnesota?
• What is the minimum requirement for drainage slopes that move water away from a foundation?
• What action might be taken for a serious violation of building codes?
• Which of the following materials is NOT recommended for drywall in garage applications?
• A homeowner files a claim for a severely cracked garage floor that one of your subcontractors installed six months ago. Who is liable for the claim?
• What thickness of type X gypsum is required on a garage ceiling below a living space?
• Which of the following types of material and thickness is required to retard the flow of soil gases - radon - into a building?
• What is the ground snow load in Duluth?
• What is the primary purpose of the critical path method in project analysis?
• To cover an area of 52 feet by 74 feet using 1/2 inch by 4 foot by 8 foot sheets of plywood, how many sheets will be needed?
• How do interconnected smoke alarms benefit safety in a residential setting?
• What is the maximum tolerance between the centerline of the horizontal framing member and the vertical framing member when using steel floor framing?
• Why is it necessary for contractors to maintain insurance documentation?
• What is the sequence of attaching gypsum wallboard at the ceiling intersection?
• What is the actual dressed size of a 2 by 8?
• At the juncture of the roof surface and a vertical surface (wall), the flashing shall NOT be less than?
• Which authority manages the issuance of building permits and inspections?
• Plumbing roof vents must extend a minimum of how far above the roof?
• What is the maximum floor area for tool sheds to be exempt from requiring a building permit?
• What is the roof snow load in the Twin Cities?
• Which type of roofing material usually requires fewer fasteners for installation?
• Which of the following must contractors provide when executing a contract with a property owner?
• What is the required distance of a sprinkler from a heat source in residential kitchen areas?
• Why is project planning and scheduling considered important?
• What is the minimum footing depth in St. Louis County, Minnesota?
• What should a contractor do immediately after making emergency repairs?
• What is the basic purpose of a written contract between the owner and the contractor?
• The purpose of a written change order is to:
• Who has the legal right to file a lien under the Minnesota mechanic's lien law?
• What is the minimum diameter anchor bolt that may be used without a noncorrosive coating?
• What is the minimum glazing area of a habitable room?
• What authority does the building official have in relation to building codes?
• What is the minimum gauge of galvanized valley flashing?
• Which type of insulation is most commonly used in exterior walls?
• If there is an emergency situation, what is required of the contractor regarding a permit?
• In a fire suppression system, what is the purpose of a flow rate test?
• According to the IRC, how far should a masonry chimney extend above any portion of the building that is within 10 horizontal feet of the chimney?
• During what period does the contractor remain liable for work done under warranty?
• What is the actual dressed size of a 2 inch by 4 inch stud?
• The Commissioner may impose civil penalties up to how much per violation?
• Why is it important to have the correct footing depth?
• When doubling top plates, what is the required distance for staggering joints?
• What role does the building official primarily serve in construction licensing?
• The contractor recovery fund is administered by which entity?
• Perpendicular application of sheetrock is preferred where fire code permits because it:
• Who is responsible for enforcing land use zone requirements?
• Before commencing construction, what must builders ensure they have obtained?
• What is the primary purpose of interconnected smoke alarms?
• Which document signifies that a building can be legally used for its intended purpose?
• Which of the following is TRUE of a contractor who operates without a valid license?
• Where does the birdsmouth cut on a rafter rest?
• What type of insulation is typically recommended for basement wall applications?
• What is the minimum distance between smoke alarms in a residential setting?
• Concrete is being placed in an area with recurrent freezing and thawing. Which admixture should be used?
• Which of the following insurance items are required by contractor license law? Choose all that apply.
• Unless a lien statement is properly filed and recorded, mechanic's liens cease how long after the last item is furnished?
• When applying for a permit, which entity must you pay a fee to?
• Concrete footings for a one floor house must be a minimum of how thick and wide?
• Which of the following is NOT included in a comprehensive municipal plan?
• Which of the following are essential elements of a contract?
• What action may the Commissioner take if someone is fraudulently using another builder's license number?
• A masonry fireplace with an opening of 6 square feet or more shall require minimum hearth extensions of _______________ inches to each side of the opening and a minimum of __________ inches to the front of the opening.
• The energy heel on a roof must be at least:
• What is the typical use for a double top plate in framing?
• What is the fenestration U-factor requirement for a skylight in the southern Minnesota climate zone?
• What is the minimum dimension you should extend siding below the sill plate?
• What is the liability of a general contractor concerning subcontractors?
• What is the recommended spacing at corner joints when installing steel siding?
• If a homeowner receives a payment out of the Recovery Fund, what is an automatic remedy against the licensee?
• What are the continuing education requirements for holders of a Minnesota contractor's license?