CONTRACTORS LICENSE EXAM SIMULATOR Leave a comment Welcome to your CONTRACTORS LICENSE EXAM SIMULATOR Name Email 1. HVAC return air grilles are sized based on: A. Appearance B. Cost C. Random selection D. Not applicable None 2. A homeowner requests additional work not in the original contract. The contractor should: A. Complete work and bill later B. Proceed with verbal agreement C. Refuse additional work D. Prepare written change order before proceeding None 3. According to California Residential Code, what is the MINIMUM width required for emergency escape windows in bedrooms? A. 20 inches clear width B. 24 inches C. 18 inches D. 30 inches None 4. A contractor discovers that a subcontractor's preliminary notice was not served within the required timeframe. This means: A. No lien rights affected B. Full lien rights preserved C. Lien rights limited to work within 20 days before notice served D. Must re-serve immediately None 5. The proper sequence for finishing a concrete slab is: A. Trowel, screed, float, broom B. Float, trowel, screed, broom C. Broom, screed, float, trowel D. Screed, float, trowel, broom None 6. An employee works 50 hours in a California workweek at $20 per hour. The employee's gross pay for the week is: A. $1,000 B. $1,100 C. $1,050 D. $1,150 None 7. When installing electrical service, the grounding electrode conductor connects: A. Hot to neutral B. Neutral to hot C. Ground to grounding electrode system D. Hot to ground None 8. The water-cement ratio in concrete primarily affects: A. Strength and durability B. Color only C. Aggregate size D. Curing time only None 9. A contractor receives payment from an owner but fails to pay subcontractors and suppliers. This may constitute: A. Standard practice B. Business decision C. Contract negotiation D. Diversion of construction funds None 10. Floor joists are typically spaced at: A. 12 inches O.C. B. 24 inches O.C. C. 16 or 24 inches on center D. 18 inches O.C. None 11. California's "day of rest" law generally requires employers to provide: A. Two consecutive days off B. Sundays off C. Weekends off D. One day rest in seven (with exceptions) None 12. The MINIMUM burial depth for PEX water supply lines in non-freezing areas is typically: A. 12 inches B. 18 inches C. 24 inches D. 6 inches None 13. When an owner records a Notice of Completion, the deadline for a prime contractor to file a mechanics lien is: A. 30 days B. 90 days C. 60 days D. 120 days None 14. Roof sheathing should be fastened to rafters using: A. Staples only B. 8d nails per code specifications C. Screws only D. Adhesive only None 15. The BEST way to prevent discrimination claims is to: A. Avoid hiring B. Hire only referrals C. Screen carefully D. Apply consistent job-related criteria to all applicants None 16. A GFCI outlet is required in which location? A. Bathroom receptacles B. Living room C. Bedroom D. Hallway None 17. An estimator calculates that 850 square feet of drywall is needed. Adding 15% waste, how many 4×8 sheets should be ordered? A. 27 sheets B. 31 sheets C. 34 sheets D. 28 sheets None 18. Which statement about vacation pay in California is correct? A. Use-it-or-lose-it policies are allowed B. Earned vacation cannot be forfeited C. Employers can forfeit unused vacation D. Vacation is optional None 19. The purpose of weep holes in brick veneer walls is to: A. Allow drainage and air circulation B. Provide ventilation only C. Structural support D. Decorative feature None 20. An employee files a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner. The employer retaliates by reducing hours. This is: A. Legal business decision B. Performance-based action C. Allowed with documentation D. Illegal retaliation None 21. The MINIMUM concrete cover over rebar in slabs on grade is typically: A. 2 inches B. 3 inches C. 1 inch D. 4 inches None 22. Prevailing wage rates on public works projects are determined by: A. Contractors B. Owners C. Unions only D. DIR based on wage surveys None 23. When reading a blueprint with scale 1/4" = 1'-0", a measurement of 1-1/2 inches equals: A. 4 feet B. 6 feet C. 8 feet D. 12 feet None 24. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires: A. Hiring quotas B. Preferential treatment C. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities D. Automatic approval None 25. Pressure-treated lumber is required for: A. Sill plates on concrete foundations B. Interior walls C. Roof framing D. Ceiling joists None 26. A contractor operating without a required license may face: A. Warning only B. Small fine C. No consequences D. Criminal misdemeanor charges and civil penalties None 27. The maximum distance between studs in a load-bearing wall is typically: A. 12 inches B. 16 inches on center C. 20 inches D. 24 inches None 28. Form I-9 verifying employment eligibility must be completed within how many days of hire? A. Before hire B. 7 days C. 3 business days D. 30 days None 29. Expansion joints in concrete flatwork are used to: A. Increase strength B. Speed curing C. Prevent all cracks D. Accommodate thermal expansion and contraction None 30. The gross profit margin formula is: A. (Revenue - COGS) ÷ Revenue B. Net Income ÷ Revenue C. Revenue ÷ COGS D. COGS ÷ Revenue None 31. According to OSHA, fall protection in construction is required at: A. 4 feet B. 10 feet C. 6 feet or greater D. 8 feet None 32. Sexual harassment prevention training for supervisors in California must be provided: A. Never required B. Every 2 years C. Annually D. Every 5 years None 33. The bird's mouth cut on a rafter creates: A. Seat where rafter bears on wall plate B. Ridge connection C. Overhang D. Valley connection None 34. When can a contractor substitute a listed subcontractor on a public works project? A. Any time B. For cost savings C. For convenience D. Only with good cause (sub refuses, unavailable, unlicensed) None 35. Vapor barriers in walls should be installed on the: A. Cold side B. Warm side facing living space C. Outside only D. Both sides None 36. What is the maximum down payment allowed on a $12,000 home improvement contract in California? A. $1,200 B. $6,000 C. $1,000 (lesser of $1,000 or 10%) D. $2,400 None 37. A circuit breaker rated at 20 amps should use wire no smaller than: A. 12 AWG B. 14 AWG C. 10 AWG D. 16 AWG None 38. California State Disability Insurance (SDI) is funded by: A. Federal government B. Employers only C. State budget D. Employee payroll deductions None 39. The actual dimensions of a 2×6 stud are: A. 2" × 6" B. 1-1/2" × 5-1/2" C. 2" × 5-1/2" D. 1-3/4" × 5-3/4" None 40. Asphalt shingles can be installed on roofs with a minimum slope of: A. 4:12 B. 3:12 C. 2:12 D. 1:12 None 41. The purpose of a payment bond on public works is to: A. Guarantee project completion B. Protect subs and suppliers from non-payment C. Replace insurance D. Fund the project None 42. Ductwork in unconditioned spaces should be: A. Sealed and insulated B. Left unsealed C. Painted only D. Uninsulated None 43. Liquidated damages clauses are enforceable when they represent: A. Penalties for breach B. Maximum damages possible C. Punitive amounts D. Reasonable estimate of actual damages None 44. The R-value of insulation measures: A. Fire rating B. Sound absorption C. Thermal resistance D. Moisture resistance None 45. An employer must offer Hepatitis B vaccination to employees with occupational exposure: A. After one year B. Within 10 days of assignment at no cost C. At employee expense D. Not required None 46. When finishing drywall, fasteners should be: A. Flush with surface B. Protruding slightly C. At random depths D. Slightly below surface creating dimple None 47. The statute of limitations for filing a wage claim in California is typically: A. 3 years for most violations B. 1 year C. 6 months D. 5 years None 48. Control joints in concrete slabs: A. Increase strength B. Prevent all cracking C. Control crack location by creating weak planes D. Are decorative only None 49. Certified payroll records for public works must be maintained for: A. 1 year B. 3 years C. 5 years D. 10 years None 50. The minimum clearance between electrical outlets on residential walls is: A. 10 feet B. 15 feet C. 8 feet D. 12 feet None 51. A contractor's qualifying individual (RMO) leaves the company. The license becomes inoperative if not replaced within: A. 90 days B. 30 days C. 60 days D. 120 days None 52. Roof ventilation requires both: A. Ridge vents only B. Gable vents only C. Intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge) vents D. No ventilation needed None 53. PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) allows employees to: A. File unlimited claims B. Sue for Labor Code violations on behalf of state C. Avoid arbitration D. Receive all penalties None 54. The proper slope for DWV (drain, waste, vent) pipes is minimum: A. Level B. 1/8 inch per foot C. 1/2 inch per foot D. 1/4 inch per foot None 55. A contractor license suspended for violations can be reinstated by: A. Paying fine only B. Waiting one year C. Meeting all requirements and waiting periods D. Automatic reinstatement None 56. Headers above openings in load-bearing walls are sized based on: A. Span, load, and lumber species B. Cost only C. Availability D. Appearance None 57. An employee works 12 hours in one day at $25/hour in California. The gross pay for that day is: A. $300 B. $350 C. $400 D. $425 None 58. Ice and water shield is typically required: A. On entire roof B. At eaves in cold climates and valleys C. Ridge only D. Never required None 59. The maximum retainage typically withheld on progress payments is: A. 2-5% B. 15-20% C. 5-10% D. 25% None 60. Junction boxes containing electrical splices must be: A. Accessible B. Concealed C. Sealed permanently D. Eliminated None 61. Step flashing is used at: A. Ridge B. Roof-to-wall intersections C. Valleys D. Hip ridges None 62. Specific performance is a contract remedy ordering: A. Money damages B. Termination C. Breaching party to perform contractual obligations D. Rescission None 63. A P-trap under a sink: A. Creates water seal preventing sewer gas entry B. Increases pressure C. Filters water D. Heats water None 64. Good faith in contract performance means: A. Getting best deal possible B. Maximizing profit C. Winning negotiations D. Honesty and fair dealing None 65. Concrete should not be placed when temperature is forecast to drop below: A. 50°F B. 40°F C. 60°F D. 32°F None 66. The purpose of a construction schedule's critical path is to identify: A. Longest sequence determining project duration B. Shortest activities C. Optional tasks D. Lowest priority items None 67. CFRA (California Family Rights Act) provides up to how many weeks of job-protected leave? A. 8 weeks B. 6 weeks C. 12 weeks D. 16 weeks None 68. The minimum bearing length for floor joists on wood sill plates is: A. 1 inch B. 2 inches C. 3 inches D. 1-1/2 inches None 69. Quantum meruit allows recovery of: A. Punitive damages B. Reasonable value of services where no price agreed C. Liquidated damages D. Full contract price None 70. Before excavating, contractors must: A. Call 811 to mark utilities B. Assume no utilities present C. Start digging carefully D. Excavate slowly None 71. A contractor receives a citation from CSLB with a $3,000 fine. To contest the citation, the contractor must: A. Pay fine first B. Ignore it C. File complaint with attorney general D. Request hearing within specified timeframe None 72. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals must be: A. Maintained and accessible to workers B. In office only C. For management only D. Optional None 73. Underlayment (felt) on roofs is installed: A. After shingles B. Over shingles C. Before roofing materials D. Not required None 74. The duty to mitigate damages requires: A. Maximizing losses B. Taking reasonable steps to minimize losses C. No action required D. Waiting for court None 75. Fire-rated Type X drywall contains: A. Water resistance B. Extra paper layers C. Plastic coating D. Glass fibers None 76. DIR registration for public works requires: A. License only B. Insurance and registration fee C. Contractor license, workers' comp, and registration fee D. Bonding only None 77. Scaffolds must be inspected: A. Weekly B. Daily C. Monthly D. Once per project None 78. Parol evidence rule prevents: A. Written modifications B. All changes C. Future amendments D. Contract alterations None 79. Window openings in fire-rated walls require: A. No special treatment B. Standard windows C. Fire-rated windows/assemblies D. Larger openings None 80. An accord and satisfaction occurs when: A. Original contract continues B. Parties negotiate C. Mediation begins D. Different performance is accepted in full satisfaction of duty None 81. Spray foam insulation provides: A. Excellent air sealing and high R-value per inch B. Lower R-value than batts C. No air sealing D. Minimal insulation None 82. Meal breaks in California for shifts over 5 hours must be provided: A. Any time during shift B. At end of shift C. Before end of 5th hour D. After 6 hours None 83. Anchor bolts in foundation must be embedded at least: A. 4 inches B. 7 inches C. 3 inches D. 10 inches None 84. Course of dealing refers to: A. Current transaction B. Future contracts C. Initial agreement D. Sequence of previous conduct between parties None 85. Hardwood flooring should acclimate before installation by: A. Storing in conditioned space to adjust moisture content B. Installing immediately C. Leaving outside D. Wetting thoroughly None 86. Workers' compensation experience modification rate (EMR) below 1.0 means: A. Higher premiums B. Average claims C. Better-than-average claims history; lower premiums D. Worse claims history None 87. Rebar chairs are used to: A. Worker seating B. Position reinforcement at proper height C. Form support D. Decoration None 88. Reasonable accommodations under ADA may include: A. Lowering job standards B. Hiring unqualified applicants C. Eliminating essential functions D. Modified schedules or equipment for qualified individuals None 89. The purpose of roof drip edge is to: A. Direct water into gutters and protect fascia B. Structural support C. Decoration D. Insulation None 90. Commercial impracticability may excuse contract performance when: A. Any difficulty arises B. Unforeseen extreme difficulty or expense beyond normal risks C. Costs increase slightly D. Party doesn't want to perform None 91. Crown molding installs at: A. Floor level B. Window trim C. Wall-ceiling junction D. Door frames None 92. Anti-assignment clauses in contracts: A. Are unenforceable B. Prohibit assignment without consent C. Are suggestions only D. Don't exist None 93. Guardrails must withstand what force? A. 100 pounds B. 150 pounds C. 300 pounds D. 200 pounds None 94. Constructive discharge occurs when: A. Proper termination B. Voluntary resignation C. Normal supervision D. Contract ends None 95. Laminate flooring requires what expansion gap at walls? A. No gap B. 1/8 inch C. 1/4 to 3/8 inch D. 1 inch None 96. Third-party beneficiaries can enforce contracts when: A. They incidentally benefit B. Parties specifically intended to benefit them C. They learn of contract D. They request copy None 97. Valley rafters run: A. Horizontally B. Vertically C. Perpendicular to ridge D. Diagonally from ridge to valley None 98. Rescission of a contract: A. Enforces terms B. Modifies agreement C. Continues obligations D. Adds parties None 99. Air-entrained concrete provides: A. Lower strength only B. Faster curing C. Freeze-thaw resistance D. Higher cost only None 100. The WARN Act requires how many days' notice for mass layoffs? A. 30 days B. 60 days C. 90 days D. 45 days None 101. Tile backer board is preferred over drywall in wet areas because it: A. Costs less B. Installs faster C. Looks better D. Resists moisture and provides stable substrate None 102. Novation in contracts means: A. Substituting new party and releasing original party Adding party Minor change Continuing as is None 103. Electrical panels require how much clear working space? A. 24 inches B. 30 inches C. 36 inches D. 48 inches None 104. Material breach: A. Is minor deviation B. Substantially deprives party of expected benefits C. Has no effect D. Is technical only None 105. Powder-actuated tools must be operated by: A. Anyone B. Helpers C. Unsupervised workers D. Trained and qualified operators only None 1 out of 105 Time's upTime is Up!Time is Up!
