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100+ Free TN BC-B Commercial Practice Questions

Prepare for the Tennessee Commercial (BC-B) Contractor Examination exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TN BC-B Commercial Exam

100 Q

Official Exam Questions

Prov TN Contractor CIB 2026.07.13

73%

Passing Score

Prov TN Contractor CIB 2026.07.13

5 hr

Time Allowed

Prov TN Contractor CIB 2026.07.13

USD 53

Prov Exam Fee

Prov TN Contractor CIB 2026.07.13

Open Book

Book Policy

Prov TN Contractor CIB 2026.07.13

Tennessee Commercial (BC-B) Contractor Examination is the official Board/Prov open-book exam: 100 questions, 73%, 5 hours, USD 53 (bulletin dated 2026.07.13). Official delivery is English.

Sample TN BC-B Commercial Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your TN BC-B Commercial exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A commercial floor plan is drawn at a scale of 1/8 inch = 1 foot 0 inches. A corridor measures 4-1/2 inches long on the drawing. What is the actual corridor length?
A.18 feet 0 inches
B.27 feet 0 inches
C.36 feet 0 inches
D.54 feet 0 inches
Explanation: At 1/8 inch = 1 foot, each plotted inch equals 8 feet. 4-1/2 inches × 8 feet per inch = 36 feet. Convert the plotted length with the stated architectural scale before any takeoff.
2On a commercial project specified with CSI MasterFormat, which division covers cast-in-place concrete, reinforcement, and formwork?
A.Division 02 Existing Conditions
B.Division 03 Concrete
C.Division 04 Masonry
D.Division 05 Metals
Explanation: CSI MasterFormat Division 03 is Concrete, including cast-in-place concrete, reinforcing steel, and formwork. Divisions 04 and 05 cover masonry and metals. Using the correct division keeps takeoffs and bid packages aligned with the specifications.
3A steel takeoff lists 18 W21x44 beams at 32 feet each and 12 W12x58 columns at 16 feet each. Ignoring connections, base plates, and waste, the structural steel tonnage is closest to which value?
A.12.7 tons
B.18.2 tons
C.22.6 tons
D.36.5 tons
Explanation: A W21x44 weighs 44 pounds per foot and a W12x58 weighs 58 pounds per foot. Beams are 18 × 32 × 44 = 25,344 pounds and columns are 12 × 16 × 58 = 11,136 pounds, for 36,480 pounds ÷ 2,000 = 18.24 tons. The W-shape second number is already pounds per linear foot.
4A 100-foot by 80-foot commercial floor slab is 5 inches thick. Allow 7 percent waste. How many cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete should be ordered?
A.99 cubic yards
B.123 cubic yards
C.132 cubic yards
D.148 cubic yards
Explanation: Volume = 100 × 80 × (5/12) = 3,333 cubic feet. 3,333 ÷ 27 = 123.5 cubic yards net. With 7 percent waste: 123.5 × 1.07 = 132 cubic yards. Always convert thickness to feet and divide cubic feet by 27.
5Why do commercial estimators add a waste factor to a neat quantity takeoff?
A.To cover cutting loss, over-excavation, spillage, and placement waste that the neat geometry does not include
B.To convert cubic feet directly into cubic yards
C.To replace the need to read addenda and alternates
D.To increase the bid so the contractor can omit a site visit
Explanation: A neat takeoff is the theoretical quantity from the drawings. Waste covers real jobsite loss such as cutting, over-pour, spillage, and uneven subgrade. The waste percentage is added after the neat quantity is calculated, not instead of reading the documents.
6An 8-inch CMU wall is 8 feet high and 40 feet long with no openings. Using 8-inch by 16-inch face units (1.125 units per square foot) and no waste, how many block are required?
A.320 units
B.360 units
C.400 units
D.480 units
Explanation: Wall area is 8 × 40 = 320 square feet. An 8-by-16-inch face covers 128 square inches, so there are 144/128 = 1.125 units per square foot. 320 × 1.125 = 360 units. Confirm with courses: 8 feet is 12 courses and 40 feet is 30 units per course, which is also 360.
7A restaurant dining room has 2,700 square feet of net area used with tables and chairs. The commercial kitchen is 600 square feet gross. Using 2021 IBC Table 1004.5 (unconcentrated assembly 15 net; commercial kitchens 200 gross), what is the design occupant load?
A.135 occupants
B.154 occupants
C.180 occupants
D.183 occupants
Explanation: Dining: 2,700 ÷ 15 = 180 occupants. Kitchen: 600 ÷ 200 = 3 occupants. Combined design occupant load is 183. Table 1004.5 assigns factors by function of space; dining and kitchen are calculated separately and added.
8A continuous footing is 2 feet wide, 12 inches thick, and 120 feet long. How many square feet of vertical side formwork are required if the footing is formed on both sides and the top is left open?
A.240 square feet
B.360 square feet
C.480 square feet
D.120 square feet
Explanation: Side formwork is the contact area of the two vertical faces: 2 sides × 1.0 foot height × 120 feet = 240 square feet. The top is not formed. Width does not add form area when the footing is cast against the earth or a screeded top.
9A utility trench is 3 feet wide, 4 feet deep, and 90 feet long. Ignoring slope, spoil swell, and bedding, the neat excavation volume is closest to which value?
A.27 cubic yards
B.33 cubic yards
C.40 cubic yards
D.48 cubic yards
Explanation: Volume = 3 × 4 × 90 = 1,080 cubic feet. 1,080 ÷ 27 = 40 cubic yards. This is the neat bank volume before swell, shrinkage, or sloped side cuts.
10Which drawing view is the most reliable source for taking off foundation wall height, footing thickness, and slab elevation together?
A.The reflected ceiling plan
B.A building or wall section
C.The door schedule
D.The electrical one-line diagram
Explanation: Building and wall sections cut vertically through the structure and show footing depth, wall height, slab elevation, and related vertical dimensions. Plans show horizontal layout. Using only a floor plan will miss thickness and height.

About the TN BC-B Commercial Exam

The Tennessee Commercial (BC-B) Contractor Examination is the official Board trade examination administered by Prov beginning July 1, 2026. The official exam has 100 questions. Passing is 73% in 5 hours. The examination is open book. Prov lists USD 53 per attempt (Tennessee Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin dated 2026.07.13). BC-B covers commercial buildings for public occupancy, including offices, retail, schools, churches, warehouses, multi-family buildings exceeding four units, and structures taller than three stories. Candidates must also pass Business and Law. The Board charges a separate USD 250 initial 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.

Assessment

Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Prov lists 2021 IBC, 2018 IRC, the Study Guide for Commercial Building Contractor (2024), and OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Remote Examroom testing is available.

Time Limit

5 hours

Passing Score

73% (73 of 100)

Exam Fee

USD 53 (Prov, Inc. (for the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors))

TN BC-B Commercial Exam Content Outline

15%

Estimating and Plan Reading

Estimating, Plan Reading (15 items)

12%

General Code

General Code (12 items)

5%

Sitework

Sitework (5 items)

6%

Footings and Foundations

Footings and Foundations (6 items)

15%

Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement

Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement (15 items)

10%

Masonry

Masonry (10 items)

4%

Carpentry

Carpentry (4 items)

1%

Doors, Windows, and Stairs

Doors, Windows, and Stairs (1 item)

1%

Interior Finish

Interior Finish (1 item)

10%

Structural Steel

Structural Steel (10 items)

6%

Roofing, Siding, and Insulation

Roofing, Siding, and Insulation (6 items)

3%

Plumbing Concepts

Plumbing Concepts (3 items)

3%

HVAC Concepts

HVAC Concepts (3 items)

3%

Electrical Concepts

Electrical Concepts (3 items)

6%

OSHA Safety

OSHA Safety (6 items)

How to Pass the TN BC-B Commercial Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 73% (73 of 100)
  • Assessment: Open-book computer-based multiple-choice. Prov lists 2021 IBC, 2018 IRC, the Study Guide for Commercial Building Contractor (2024), and OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Remote Examroom testing is available.
  • Time limit: 5 hours
  • Exam fee: USD 53

Keys to Passing

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

TN BC-B Commercial Study Tips from Top Performers

1Distribute study time to the official Prov BC-B content outline (bulletin dated 2026.07.13)
2Tab the 2021 IBC and commercial steel/concrete references listed in the bulletin
3Moveable tabs and Post-it notes are prohibited in the Prov center
4This bank is an English-language MCQ study aid, not an official Prov form

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee BC-B Commercial Contractor Examination?

The official Prov examination has 100 questions. Passing is 73% within 5 hours (Tennessee Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin dated 2026.07.13).

How much does the Tennessee BC-B exam cost?

Prov lists USD 53 per attempt, including retakes. The Board charges a separate USD 250 initial contractor application fee.

What does a Tennessee BC-B license cover?

Prov describes BC-B as commercial building construction intended for public occupancy, including offices, retail, schools, churches, warehouses, multi-family buildings exceeding four units, and structures taller than three stories.

Do I also need the Business and Law exam?

Yes. Every new contractor applicant must pass the Tennessee Contractor Business and Law Examination in addition to any required trade examination.