Alabama Remodeling, Alteration and Maintenance Contractor Examination

Under OSHA construction standards, fall protection is generally required when workers are exposed to falls of how many feet or more to a lower level?

• A4 feet
• B6 feet
• C8 feet
• D10 feet

What is the recommended base-to-height ratio for setting a non-self-supporting extension ladder against a wall?

• A1:1 (base out equal to height)
• B2:1
• C4:1
• D6:1

When working from a supported scaffold platform more than 10 feet above a lower level, what is the primary fall-protection requirement?

• AHard hats only
• BGuardrail systems, personal fall arrest, or equivalent protection
• CA tag line held by a coworker
• DNo fall protection is required on scaffolds

GFCI protection is required for temporary power tools on a construction/remodel site primarily to protect workers from which hazard?

• AOverheating motors only
• BGround-fault shock from damaged cords or wet conditions
• CCircuit breaker nuisance trips only
• DStatic discharge to electronics

Before disturbing painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home during remodeling, which federal lead rule most directly governs renovation, repair, and painting work?

• AOSHA silica standard only
• BEPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule
• CNFPA 70 National Electrical Code
• DClean Water Act stormwater permit

When cutting concrete, brick, or stone dry without controls, which airborne hazard is of primary OSHA concern?

• ACarbon monoxide only
• BRespirable crystalline silica dust
• COzone from UV curing
• DRadon gas from outdoor air

A trench is 6 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the minimum action required regarding cave-in protection under OSHA excavation rules?

• ANo protection is needed under 8 feet
• BA protective system (sloping, shoring, shielding, or equivalent) is required for excavati…
• COnly a warning sign is required
• DWorkers may enter if hard hats are worn

Which practice best reduces struck-by hazards when using powder-actuated tools during remodeling?

• AFire into soft concrete without checking the opposite face
• BUse the correct charge and fastener, ensure the substrate is suitable, and keep the area…
• CRemove eye protection for better aim
• DHold the tool at an angle to reduce recoil

When is a hard hat generally required on a remodeling site?

• AOnly when the owner is present
• BWhenever there is a danger of impact from falling or flying objects, or electrical contac…
• COnly outdoors
• DOnly for workers under age 21

A worker must cut a 2x10 joist while standing on a temporary platform 12 feet above the floor. In addition to controlling the cut, what fall protection approach is most appropriate?

• ARely on the 2x10 as a handhold only
• BUse guardrails, a personal fall arrest system, or another compliant system because exposu…
• CNo fall protection is needed if the worker is experienced
• DStand on a stepladder leaned against the joist without securing it

When framing a rough opening for a prehung exterior door, the rough opening width is typically sized how relative to the door unit?

• AExactly the same as the slab width only
• BAbout 1/2 inch to 1 inch wider than the unit width to allow shimming and plumb adjustment
• C2 inches narrower than the unit to force a tight fit
• DEqual to the finished casing outside dimension

What is the correct general sequence for weather-resistive flashing at a window head, jambs, and sill?

• ATop first, then sides, then sill last so water drains behind the WRB
• BSill first, then jambs, then head, shingle-fashion so each upper layer overlaps the lower
• CHead only; jambs and sill need no flashing
• DJambs first with no sill pan, relying on caulk alone

When installing a prehung door, shims should primarily be placed where?

• AOnly at the center of the head jamb
• BBehind the hinge locations and latch side strike area, plus as needed to keep jambs strai…
• CRandomly every few inches without regard to hardware
• DOnly under the threshold, never at the hinges

An exterior window is being replaced in a wood-frame wall. What is the main purpose of a sill pan or equivalent sill flashing detail?

• ATo increase R-value of the glass
• BTo catch and direct incidental water that enters the opening back to the exterior
• CTo support the drywall edge only
• DTo eliminate the need for a weather-resistive barrier

Which condition most clearly indicates that an exterior door unit is out of square after installation?

• AEqual reveal (gap) along the latch side and consistent latch engagement
• BUneven margin between door and jamb, binding at one corner, and a latch that does not ali…
• CSlight paint scuffs on the slab
• DThreshold height within manufacturer tolerance

What is the most common on-center spacing for wall studs in residential wood-frame construction?

• A12 inches
• B16 inches
• C24 inches only in all walls
• D30 inches

In a conventional framed door or window opening, which members support the ends of the header?

• ACripple studs only above the header
• BJack (trimmer) studs under each end of the header
• CSill plates alone
• DSolely the king studs without trimmers

Why is pressure-treated lumber typically required for sill plates resting on a concrete foundation?

• ATo increase the R-value of the wall
• BTo resist decay and insect damage from moisture contact with concrete/masonry
• CTo eliminate the need for anchor bolts
• DTo make the plate fireproof

What is the primary structural purpose of floor joist bridging or blocking?

• ATo finish the ceiling appearance
• BTo distribute loads, reduce joist twisting/rotation, and stiffen the floor system
• CTo replace the need for a subfloor
• DTo serve as the sole firestop at exterior walls

When installing plywood or OSB wall sheathing, why must panel edges land on framing or approved blocking?

• AOnly for paint adhesion
• BTo provide edge support for shear transfer, nailing, and panel performance
• CTo reduce the need for housewrap
• DTo eliminate stud spacing requirements

A double top plate in wall framing primarily provides which benefits?

• ADecorative finish only
• BLap/offset joints for continuity and a nailing surface that ties intersecting walls and d…
• CElimination of bottom plates
• DReplacement for headers at all openings

Crown in dimensional lumber used as floor joists should generally be oriented which way?

• ACrown down so the joist sags into place
• BCrown up so live load tends to straighten the member
• CCrown toward the exterior wall only
• DCrown orientation does not matter

What is fireblocking in wood-frame construction intended to do?

• AIncrease insulation R-value only
• BClose concealed vertical and horizontal draft openings to slow the spread of fire and hot…
• CReplace smoke detectors
• DWaterproof exterior sheathing

When notching a floor joist at the top or bottom edge, what general rule helps protect structural capacity?

• ANotches of any depth are allowed anywhere along the span
• BLimit notch depth and location per code (notches typically restricted near ends and limit…
• CAlways notch at midspan on the bottom edge for wiring
• DNotching increases joist strength

What is the primary function of a rim joist (band joist) in a floor system?

• ATo serve as finish baseboard
• BTo close the joist ends, transfer lateral and vertical loads, and provide nailing for ext…
• CTo replace interior girders
• DTo act solely as insulation

Tongue-and-groove subfloor panels are typically installed with the long dimension running which way relative to floor joists?

• AParallel to the joists with no edge support concern
• BPerpendicular to the joists so short edges land on framing or are properly supported
• CAt 45 degrees only
• DVertically up the wall

What is the main purpose of metal joist hangers?

• ATo decorate exposed beams
• BTo provide a tested connection transferring joist end reactions into a header or beam
• CTo replace the need for nails entirely on a job
• DTo increase lumber grade stamps

Collar ties in a rafter roof are primarily intended to resist which force?

• AUplift only at the ridge
• BRafter separation (outward thrust) by tying opposing rafters together in the upper third…
• CAll snow load without rafters
• DFoundation settlement

When laying out studs for a 16-inch on-center wall, the first stud layout mark from the corner is commonly placed at what dimension so that sheathing edges land on stud centers?

• A16 inches to the near face of the first stud
• B15-1/4 inches to the near edge (or 16 inches to the center of the first stud), accounting…
• C24 inches always
• D8 feet exactly with no intermediate studs

What is the purpose of a let-in brace or structural sheathing on a stud wall?

• ATo hang cabinets only
• BTo resist lateral racking forces (wind/seismic) in the wall plane
• CTo replace all hold-downs
• DTo waterproof the foundation

Sistering a damaged floor joist typically means which repair method?

• AReplacing only the subfloor above without touching the joist
• BFastening a new full-depth (or design-approved) joist alongside the existing member to re…
• CWrapping the joist in plastic
• DCutting the joist completely out with no replacement

In platform framing, walls are typically built and raised on top of which element?

• AThe finished roof only
• BThe subfloor/platform of that story
• CSuspended wire hangers only
• DUncompacted backfill

What is the primary purpose of temporary wall bracing during framing before sheathing is complete?

• ATo cure concrete faster
• BTo keep walls plumb and prevent collapse under wind or accidental loads until permanent s…
• CTo replace permanent hold-downs forever
• DTo store lumber

A load-bearing wall is being removed in a remodel. What must be done before removal?

• APaint the wall for documentation only
• BProvide a properly designed temporary support system and a permanent beam/header with ade…
• CRemove it quickly before finishes are disturbed
• DSupport it with drywall screws only

What does "on center" (O.C.) spacing mean when framing members are specified at 16 inches O.C.?

• AThe clear gap between members is 16 inches
• BThe distance from the center of one member to the center of the next is 16 inches
• CEach member is 16 inches thick
• DMembers are only 16 inches long

Roof trusses must generally be handled and braced according to which primary rule?

• AStand them unbraced for days until convenient
• BFollow the truss design/erection drawings for temporary and permanent bracing; do not cut…
• CCut webs freely for HVAC without concern
• DSupport trusses only at midspan during lift

What is the function of a ridge board in conventional rafter framing?

• AIt is a structural beam that always carries full rafter loads without ties
• BIt provides a nailing surface and alignment for the upper ends of opposing rafters; rafte…
• CIt replaces all collar ties and ceiling joists
• DIt is only decorative

Anchor bolts securing a sill plate to a foundation should be installed how?

• AOnly at corners with no intermediate bolts
• BEmbedded in the foundation at spacing and edge distances required by code/design, with pr…
• CShot into cured concrete with drywall nails
• DOmitted if construction adhesive is used

When framing a stair opening in a floor, the double trimmer joists and header joists are used primarily to:

• ASupport the cut joists and transfer loads around the opening
• BHide electrical wires only
• CReduce the need for subfloor
• DAct as finish treads

What is the main reason to stagger end joints in subfloor panels?

• ATo create a decorative pattern only
• BTo avoid a continuous weak line and improve diaphragm stiffness and floor performance
• CTo use fewer fasteners
• DTo eliminate the need for glue

Blocking between studs behind a future wall-mounted grab bar or cabinet is installed for what reason?

• ATo reduce stud height
• BTo provide solid backing for fasteners so attachments transfer load into framing
• CTo replace drywall
• DTo vent the wall cavity

A 2x4 stud marked "STUD" grade is generally intended for which use?

• ALong-span floor beams only
• BVertical wall framing within span/height limits, not as a high-grade joist substitute
• CExterior finish trim
• DConcrete form walers exclusively

When installing door casing, a consistent reveal of about 1/4 inch (or 3/16–1/4 inch) typically means which relationship?

• ACasing is flush with the inside of the jamb edge with zero setback
• BCasing is set back from the jamb edge by that amount so a uniform shadow line shows
• CCasing must cover half the wall thickness only
• DCasing is installed before the door unit

Why are inside corners of baseboard often coped rather than simply mitered in finish carpentry?

• ACoping is faster with no tools
• BA coped joint hides wall-corner irregularities better and stays tighter if corners are no…
• CMitered inside corners are code-prohibited
• DCoping eliminates the need for nails

Under the International Residential Code, the maximum riser height for standard residential stairs is commonly which value (check local adoption)?

• A6 inches
• B7-3/4 inches
• C9 inches
• D10-1/2 inches