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100+ Free Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician Practice Questions

Pass your IICRC Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician (RRT) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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What transition profile is appropriate between a stretched carpet (~3/4 inch finished height with pad) and a lower hard surface like vinyl tile at ~1/8 inch?

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Key Facts: Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician Exam

$80

RRT Exam Fee

IICRC

75%

Passing Score

IICRC

~80 MC

Exam Questions

IICRC

45 days

Online Exam Window

IICRC

8 lb / 7/16"

FHA Residential Pad Min.

HUD/FHA

100 Qs

Free Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

The IICRC Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician (RRT) certification validates competency in stretching, seaming, patching, and reinstalling tufted and woven carpet. The online proctored exam contains approximately 80 multiple-choice questions, requires 75% to pass, costs $80, and must be taken within a 45-day window after the IICRC-approved RRT course. Tested topics include power stretching technique (6 inch head clearance, 6-8 percent stretch, primary then perpendicular secondary stretch), knee kicker as a finishing tool only, hot melt seaming (iron temperature, 18-24 inch slide, seam weights, seam sealer on both cut edges, seams perpendicular to traffic), plug and full patching with pile-direction matching, tack strip installation (1/4 to 3/8 inch gully gap, gripper points toward the wall, masonry nails on concrete and ring-shank on wood), pad selection (rebond, prime urethane, fiber, rubber; FHA 8 lb per cubic foot density and 7/16 inch maximum thickness residential), transitions (Z-bar, T-mold, reducer, marble threshold, Schluter), subfloor preparation including concrete moisture testing and particleboard restrictions, and glue-down vs stretch-in installation including multipurpose, releasable, and pressure-sensitive adhesives plus double-stick commercial method. Administered by the IICRC (iicrc.org).

Sample Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When using a hot melt seam iron, what is the typical temperature range that bonds standard residential seam tape adhesive properly?
A.100-150 degrees F
B.175-225 degrees F
C.250-300 degrees F
D.400-450 degrees F
Explanation: Most hot melt seam tapes used for residential cut-pile and loop carpet bond properly when the iron is set to approximately 250-300 degrees F. Always confirm the specific temperature on the seam tape manufacturer's label.
2Why should seam sealer be applied to both cut edges of carpet before joining them with seam tape?
A.It cools the seam iron so the adhesive does not burn
B.It prevents the cut edges from raveling and locks the primary backing to the face yarn
C.It replaces the need for seam tape on lightweight carpet
D.It is only used on woven Wilton and Axminster carpet
Explanation: Seam sealer applied to both freshly cut edges prevents the primary backing from raveling and locks the face yarn to the backing along the seam. CRI 105 and IICRC RRT both require sealer on both edges — not just one — to produce a durable seam.
3What is the recommended slide rate for a hot melt seam iron during seaming?
A.1-2 inches per minute
B.6-10 inches every 30 seconds
C.18-24 inches at a time, weighting the seam immediately behind the iron
D.The full length of the seam in a single continuous pass
Explanation: The standard technique is to move the iron 18-24 inches forward, then immediately place a seam weight on the seam behind the iron so the adhesive cools and bonds under pressure. Moving too slowly scorches the tape; moving too fast or too far at once breaks the bond.
4When planning seam layout in a rectangular living room with a primary window on one wall, where should seams ideally be placed?
A.Parallel to and directly under the primary light source
B.Perpendicular to main traffic flow and away from primary light sources
C.Diagonally across the room to break up the visual line
D.In the highest-traffic walkway so wear pattern is uniform
Explanation: Per CRI 105 and IICRC RRT teaching, seams should run perpendicular to main traffic flow (perpendicular seams wear better than parallel seams) and away from primary light sources (raking light makes even a perfect seam visible).
5What is the primary purpose of placing seam weights immediately behind the seam iron as it moves forward?
A.To cool the adhesive while pressing the carpet firmly into the tape for a strong bond
B.To prevent the carpet from shifting on the tack strip
C.To increase the temperature of the seam tape adhesive
D.To compress the secondary backing so it is thinner at the seam
Explanation: Seam weights press the carpet firmly down onto the molten seam tape adhesive so it bonds securely as it cools. Without weight, the carpet can lift off the tape before the adhesive sets, producing a weak seam.
6What does it mean to seam carpet so that the 'pile direction matches' on both sides of the seam?
A.The latex secondary backing is from the same dye lot
B.The face yarn on both pieces leans (lays) in the same direction along the seam
C.Both pieces are cut from the same width of the carpet roll
D.The primary backing weave runs perpendicular to the seam
Explanation: Pile direction (sometimes called nap) refers to the way the face yarn leans. Matching pile direction means both pieces lay the same way across the seam. If pile direction is reversed at the seam, the two sides reflect light differently and the seam appears as a sharp light/dark line.
7A technician is seaming two pieces of cut-pile carpet and notices the trimmed edges are slightly ragged. What is the proper next step before applying seam tape?
A.Apply more seam tape adhesive to compensate for the ragged edges
B.Re-trim both edges with a row cutter or straight edge for clean, straight edges, then apply seam sealer
C.Trim only the worse of the two edges, since the seam will close any gap
D.Use a wider seam iron to bridge across the ragged area
Explanation: Ragged or uneven edges produce a visible seam line that no amount of sealer or wider tape can hide. The correct fix is to re-trim both edges cleanly with a row cutter (cut-pile) or straight edge, then seam-seal both edges before joining. A clean trim is foundational to a hidden seam.
8On a loop-pile berber carpet, which trimming method preserves the loops along the seam edge?
A.Top cutting with a utility knife from the face side
B.Row cutting between rows of loops from the back side using a row cutter
C.Heat cutting with the seam iron itself
D.Straight-edge cutting along the secondary backing only
Explanation: For loop pile, the proper technique is row cutting from the back along a clean row line, which preserves intact loops on the seam edge. Top cutting cut-pile is acceptable, but on loop pile, cutting from the face severs the loops and produces a visible damaged edge.
9What is the most common cause of a seam 'peaking' or 'tenting' upward after installation?
A.Seam sealer was applied to both edges instead of one
B.Excess seam tape adhesive squeezed up between the edges as they were pressed together too hard
C.The carpet pad was 8 lb density instead of 6 lb
D.The carpet was acclimated to room temperature before installation
Explanation: Seam peaking is most commonly caused by edges being pressed too forcefully into one another after the seam tape was activated, forcing excess adhesive up between the edges and lifting the seam upward. The fix is gentler edge approach and proper weight placement, not crushing the edges together.
10Which type of seam tape is generally specified for high-traffic commercial glue-down installations rather than standard residential stretch-in?
A.Standard residential hot melt tape
B.Heat-activated heavy-duty (commercial grade) seam tape with higher adhesive temperature rating
C.Pressure-sensitive carpet tile tape
D.Double-sided floor tape from a hardware store
Explanation: Commercial installations use heavy-duty heat-activated seam tape rated for higher adhesive temperatures and higher bond strength. Standard residential hot melt tape is not designed for the traffic loads, rolling-chair forces, and adhesive shear stress of commercial environments.

About the Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician Exam

The IICRC RRT (Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician) is a professional credential covering carpet installation and repair. Tested topics include power stretching, seaming with hot melt iron and seam tape, plug and full patching, tack strip installation on wood and masonry, cushion/pad selection (rebond, urethane, fiber, rubber; FHA 8 lb density / 7/16 inch), transitions to hard surfaces (Z-bar, T-mold, reducer, marble threshold), subfloor preparation, and glue-down vs stretch-in installation. The exam contains approximately 80 multiple-choice questions, requires 75% to pass, and is taken online within a 45-day window after the IICRC-approved RRT course for an $80 exam fee.

Assessment

Approximately 80 multiple-choice questions, online proctored, within a 45-day window after course completion

Time Limit

45-day online window

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

$80 exam fee (IICRC — Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)

Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician Exam Content Outline

18%

Power Stretching & Layout

Power stretcher technique, knee kicker as a finishing tool only, head positioning 6 inches from wall, primary and secondary stretch direction, seam layout

16%

Seaming

Hot melt seam iron temperature and slide rate, seam tape selection, seam sealer on both cut edges, seam direction perpendicular to traffic, seam weights

14%

Patching

Donor source selection (closet, under-furniture), plug vs full patch, pile direction matching, edge sealing with seam sealer, hidden vs visible repairs

14%

Tack Strip Installation

Gully gap (1/4 to 3/8 inch), gripper points toward wall, ring-shank nails on wood, masonry nails on concrete, perimeter strategy, ramp/transition strips

14%

Pad / Cushion Selection

Rebond, prime urethane, fiber, rubber cushion types; FHA 8 lb per cubic foot density, 7/16 inch maximum thickness residential standard; glue-down cushion

12%

Transitions

Z-bar to vinyl, T-mold for same-height hard surfaces, reducer for height changes, marble threshold to tile, Schluter metal profile, carpet-to-tile interfaces

8%

Subfloor Preparation

Concrete moisture testing (calcium chloride, RH probe), particleboard limitations, plywood requirements, leveling compounds, surface cleaning

4%

Glue-down vs Stretch-in

Multipurpose adhesive (permanent), releasable adhesive (modular tiles), pressure-sensitive adhesive, double-stick commercial installation, residential vs commercial

How to Pass the Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Assessment: Approximately 80 multiple-choice questions, online proctored, within a 45-day window after course completion
  • Time limit: 45-day online window
  • Exam fee: $80 exam fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician Study Tips from Top Performers

1Power stretcher first, knee kicker only for finishing — using a knee kicker as the primary installation tool causes buckling and voids warranties.
2Position the power stretcher head about 6 inches from the wall, hook the opposite wall, then run a perpendicular secondary stretch from a third wall.
3Stretch carpet 6-8 percent — too little = buckles later, too much = backing damage and seam separation.
4Always seal BOTH cut edges with seam sealer before joining — one-side application is wrong on every exam scenario.
5Place seams perpendicular to main traffic where possible, and away from primary light sources.
6FHA residential pad standard: 8 lb per cubic foot density, 7/16 inch maximum thickness — memorize both numbers.
7Tack strip gully gap = approximately the carpet thickness, typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch; gripper points always angle toward the wall.
8On concrete, use concrete-rated tack strip with masonry nails; on wood, use ring-shank nailed tack strip; on post-tension slabs, use adhesive or epoxy-set anchors.
9Match pile direction on patches — pile running opposite directions shows as a visible color/shade difference under light.
10Particleboard is unacceptable under stretched carpet — it does not hold tack strip nails. Replace with plywood for stretch-in installs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IICRC RRT certification?

The IICRC Carpet Repair and Reinstallation Technician (RRT) is a professional credential that validates competency in installing and repairing tufted and woven carpet. It covers power stretching, hot melt seaming, patching, tack strip installation, cushion selection, transitions to hard surfaces, subfloor preparation, and glue-down installation.

How much does the IICRC RRT exam cost?

The IICRC RRT exam fee is $80. The RRT course tuition is separate and varies by IICRC-approved school. Verify current pricing at iicrc.org/rrt/.

What is the passing score for the IICRC RRT exam?

The minimum passing score for the IICRC RRT exam is 75%. The exam contains approximately 80 multiple-choice questions taken online within a 45-day window after the IICRC-approved RRT course.

Why is a power stretcher required instead of just a knee kicker?

A power stretcher applies uniform stretch across a wide head using mechanical leverage and extension tubes — it can stretch the carpet 6 to 8 percent uniformly across a room. A knee kicker applies localized, inconsistent stretch that cannot match this uniformity. Using a knee kicker as the primary installation tool causes wrinkles, buckling, seam failure, and voided carpet warranties. The knee kicker is correctly used only for finishing corners, stair edges, and small spaces.

What density carpet pad is required for residential installations?

HUD/FHA specifies a minimum 8 lb per cubic foot density and a maximum thickness of 7/16 inch (about 11 mm) for residential carpet cushion. This standard is referenced widely as 'FHA 8 lb / 7/16'.' Lower density or thicker pad allows excessive carpet flex, leading to premature wear, seam failure, and backing damage. Most major carpet warranties require this minimum cushion.

How is a seam properly sealed?

Per CRI 105 and IICRC RRT: (1) trim both edges with a row cutter or straight edge for clean factory-like edges; (2) apply seam sealer to BOTH cut edges before joining — sealer on only one edge is insufficient; (3) position seam tape centered under the seam; (4) heat the seam iron to the tape manufacturer's specification (typically 250-300 F), slide it 18-24 inches at a time; (5) immediately weight the seam behind the iron until the adhesive cools; (6) inspect for full bond and no bridging. Seams should run perpendicular to main traffic where possible, with pile direction matched on both sides.

How do I install tack strip on concrete?

Use concrete-rated tack strip with pre-installed masonry nails. The gully gap between the wall and strip should be approximately the carpet thickness (1/4 to 3/8 inch). Drive the masonry nails into the slab — if the slab is too hard or is post-tensioned, switch to epoxy-set anchors or hot-melt adhesive tack strip rather than risk pre-tension cable damage. Gripper points must angle toward the wall so the carpet hooks securely when stretched.

Can I install carpet over particleboard?

Particleboard is not recommended as a tack-strip subfloor under stretched carpet. Particleboard does not hold tack strip nails reliably, can deteriorate when wet, and is not approved for nail-down installations under most major carpet warranties. Replace it with at least 5/8 inch plywood underlayment before installing tack strip. Particleboard is acceptable only under glue-down installations where the adhesive bonds carpet directly to the substrate.