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Key Facts: SC Asphalt Paving Exam

50 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

70%

Passing Score (35 of 50)

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

3 hours

Time Allowed

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

USD 60

PSI Exam Fee

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

Open Book

Book Policy

PSI SC Commercial Contractor CIB updated 5/15/2025

South Carolina Asphalt Paving Contractor Examination is the official CLB/PSI open-book exam: 50 questions, 70% (35 of 50), 3 hours, USD 60 (bulletin updated 5/15/2025). Official delivery is English.

Sample SC Asphalt Paving Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SC Asphalt Paving exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to SCDOT 2007 Standard Specifications Section 205, what is the maximum loose thickness of each successive horizontal layer when constructing an earth embankment (except where rock-fill rules apply)?
A.8 inches
B.12 inches
C.18 inches
D.4 inches
Explanation: SCDOT 205.4.1 requires embankment to be placed, spread, and compacted in successive uniform horizontal layers of not more than 8 inches loose measurement for the full width of the cross-section. Each layer must be compacted to the specified density before the next layer is placed. Rock embankment is the exception and may use thicker lifts based on rock size.
2SCDOT 2007 Subsection 205.4.6 requires each earth-embankment layer to be compacted to not less than what percentage of maximum density, using SC-T-29, unless otherwise provided?
A.90.0%
B.92.0%
C.95.0%
D.100.0%
Explanation: SCDOT 205.4.6 states compact each embankment layer to not less than 95.0% of maximum density before successive layers are applied. Compaction must be done while the material is at a suitable moisture content. Maximum density is determined by SC-T-29.
3Under SCDOT 2007 Section 208, the subgrade must be compacted to not less than 95.0% of maximum density between lines how far outside the pavement structure (including curb, gutter, and sidewalk as applicable)?
A.6 inches
B.12 inches
C.18 inches
D.24 inches
Explanation: SCDOT 208.4.1 requires compaction to not less than 95.0% of maximum density between lines 18 inches outside the area occupied by the pavement structure, including curb and gutter and sidewalk as applicable. Maximum density is determined by SC-T-25 (Method A or C) or SC-T-29.
4According to SCDOT 2007 Subsection 208.4.2, when may base, surface course, or pavement be placed on the subgrade?
A.Only after the subgrade is checked and approved by the RCE, and never on frozen, muddy, or unstable subgrade
B.Whenever the nuclear gauge reads at least 90% density
C.Immediately after a rain if the surface is bladed smooth
D.As soon as fine grading is finished, even if the RCE has not checked the subgrade
Explanation: SCDOT 208.4.2 states that, under any circumstances, no base, surface course, or pavement may be placed before the subgrade is checked and approved by the RCE, and none may be placed on frozen, muddy, or unstable subgrade. The subgrade must also be kept smooth, fully compacted, free of ruts, and adequately drained.
5Which roller type is generally the most effective for compacting cohesive clay soils in embankments?
A.Sheepsfoot or padfoot roller
B.Static pneumatic-tire roller only
C.Light landscape plate compactor
D.Smooth steel-wheel roller
Explanation: Sheepsfoot and padfoot rollers concentrate high contact pressure through protruding feet that knead and remold cohesive soils, working from the bottom of the lift upward. Smooth steel-wheel rollers are finishing tools and are better on granular or asphalt surfaces. Matching roller type to soil type is a core Peurifoy and excavation-handbook compaction principle.
6SCDOT 2007 Subsection 305.4.3 requires each layer of graded aggregate (macadam) base to be compacted to not less than what density?
A.95.0% of maximum density by SC-T-29
B.98.0% of theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm)
C.100.0% of maximum laboratory density as determined by SC-T-140
D.90.0% of modified Proctor (AASHTO T 180)
Explanation: SCDOT 305.4.3 requires compacting each macadam/graded-aggregate-base layer, near optimum moisture, until the entire base is not less than 100.0% of maximum laboratory density determined by SC-T-140. In-place density and moisture may be checked with a nuclear moisture-density gauge. This is a higher bar than the 95.0% used for earth embankment and subgrade.
7A SCDOT graded aggregate base is specified 12 inches compacted. How must it be constructed under Section 305?
A.In two or more layers of approximately equal thickness, with no layer thicker than 10 inches compacted
B.In 8-inch loose earth-fill lifts
C.In 3-inch lifts like HMA surface course
D.In one 12-inch compacted layer
Explanation: SCDOT 305.4.2 allows a single layer when required compacted thickness is 10 inches or less. When required thickness exceeds 10 inches, construct the base in two or more layers of approximately equal thickness, and do not exceed 10 inches compacted in any one layer. Each layer must be constructed and compacted before the next is placed.
8SCDOT 2007 Section 211 proof-rolling equipment must be a fully loaded tandem-axle dump truck (or RCE-approved equivalent) with air-filled pneumatic tires at what pressure, and how many passes are required as a minimum?
A.70 to 90 psi and a minimum of 5 passes
B.100 to 120 psi and 1 pass
C.25 to 35 psi and 10 passes
D.40 to 50 psi and 2 passes
Explanation: SCDOT 211.3–211.4 requires air-filled (not liquid-filled) pneumatic tires at 70 to 90 psi, operated at 200 to 300 feet per minute, with a minimum of five passes over each area. Proof rolling is done in the presence of the RCE or the certified earthwork inspector. Unstable or non-uniform areas must be corrected and then proof-rolled again.
9Under SCDOT 2007 Section 211, which embankment and subgrade lifts must be proof-rolled before the next lift is placed?
A.Only the finished subgrade surface
B.Every lift from original ground to finished grade
C.Each lift that has an elevation of 5 feet or less below finished subgrade elevation
D.Only rock fills deeper than 5 feet
Explanation: SCDOT 211.4 requires proof rolling each lift of embankment and subgrade that is 5 feet or less below finished subgrade elevation before placing subsequent lifts. Deep lower lifts are not automatically exempt from compaction, but the specified proof-roll trigger is this 5-foot window. Deficient areas found by proof rolling must be corrected and re-rolled.
10When rolling a SCDOT graded aggregate base on a tangent (not a superelevated curve), where should rolling start?
A.At the edge and proceed toward the center
B.Only on the high side of the crown
C.Randomly so the nuclear gauge can follow the roller
D.At the centerline and work toward both edges
Explanation: SCDOT 305.4.3 requires starting rolling at the edge and proceeding toward the center, except on superelevated curves, where rolling proceeds from the lower side to the upper side. Rolling must also extend 2 feet onto the shoulders. The sequence keeps the material confined and avoids shoving unbound aggregate off the edges.

About the SC Asphalt Paving Exam

The South Carolina Asphalt Paving Contractor Examination is the official CLB classification examination administered by PSI. The official exam has 50 scored questions. Passing is 70% (35 of 50) in 3 hours. The examination is open book. PSI lists USD 60 (South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025). All commercial general and mechanical contractor candidates must pass the Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractor Examination in addition to this technical examination. LLR charges a separate USD 350 license application fee. This bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation. It does not replace required trade experience, board approval, financial statements or bonds, or the official examination.

Exam sponsor: PSI Services LLC (for the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Allowed references are listed in the South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025.

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70% (35 of 50)

Exam / Certification Fees

USD 60

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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Paving - Compaction and Stabilization

Paving - Compaction and Stabilization (9 items)

18%

Paving - Asphalt Paving Procedures

Paving - Asphalt Paving Procedures (9 items)

20%

Paving - Asphalt Properties and General Uses

Paving - Asphalt Properties and General Uses (10 items)

12%

Paving - Asphalt Emulsions - Uses and Application

Paving - Asphalt Emulsions - Uses and Application (6 items)

16%

Paving - Asphalt Maintenance Applications

Paving - Asphalt Maintenance Applications (8 items)

16%

Concrete

Concrete (8 items)

Preparing for the SC Asphalt Paving Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (35 of 50)
  • Assessment: Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Allowed references are listed in the South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025.
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: USD 60 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SC Asphalt Paving: Suggested Study Strategy

1Distribute study time to the official PSI content outline (bulletin updated 5/15/2025)
2Use only the PSI-listed references for this classification
3Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited in the PSI center
4This bank is an English-language MCQ study aid, not an official PSI form

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the South Carolina Asphalt Paving Contractor Examination?

The official PSI examination has 50 scored questions. Passing is 70% (35 of 50) within 3 hours (South Carolina Commercial Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin updated 5/15/2025).

How much does the SC Asphalt Paving exam cost?

PSI lists USD 60 for this examination. The South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board charges a separate USD 350 license application fee.

Is the SC Asphalt Paving exam open book?

Yes. PSI lists the commercial contractor examinations as open book. Candidates may bring the PSI-listed references for this classification. Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited.

Do I also need the Business Management and Law examination?

Yes. All commercial general and mechanical contractor candidates must pass the Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractor Examination in addition to this technical examination. Burglar and fire alarm candidates take the Alarm Code of Laws Examination instead.