Virginia NASCLA Practice Exam

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• A contractor should do all of the following when estimating a project EXCEPT?
• What is considered the best business practice for special-ordered materials?
• Who is required to follow the Fair Labor Standards Act?
• A firm desiring to be licensed as a Class B contractor must have a minimum net worth of what amount?
• Which of the following is considered a source document in an accounting system?
• The nailing holes in aluminum and vinyl siding are elongated to allow for what?
• What is J-trim used for in drywall applications?
• What is typically the main benefit of partnering in a construction project?
• A drainage slope of 5% equals what drop in 10 feet?
• If it costs $0.45 per cubic foot to finish floor slabs, how much will it cost to finish the floor of the garage?
• What is the primary purpose of nailing fasteners in roofing tiles?
• What is the role of the Contractors Recovery Trust Fund?
• What is the gross pay of a non-exempt employee who works 45 hours during a holiday week, receiving additional holiday pay, earning $12.50 per hour?
• What is a primary difference between a project manager and a project superintendent?
• A contract for which of the following types of structures may be subject to recovery from the Transaction Recovery Fund?
• What type of information can disqualify an applicant from receiving a contractor's license?
• Using which option would cause the greatest increase in the insulation value when re-siding with aluminum?
• What type of insulation is least likely to absorb moisture?
• What is the adjusted contract price for a change order that increases costs by $15,000 and $2,250 in overhead, while relieving $18,000 and $2,400 in costs, including a desired profit of 20%?
• What scale does a set of plans drawn in 1/4 inch = 1 foot represent in terms of actual size?
• What is the minimum square footage of net clear opening area for an egress window in a second-floor sleeping area?
• A lengthwise grain separation between or through the growth rings of lumber is called?
• What is the maximum slope for a ramp?
• When debris materials are dropped more than 20 feet to a container outside a structure, how should they be handled?
• In calculating average collection period, which factor primarily affects the results?
• What can be determined by summing the project activities into an overall schedule?
• What is the maximum flame spread index for insulation materials?
• What is the primary purpose of surveillance cameras on a job site?
• What is the total workers' compensation rate for a contractor who pays different rates based on payroll classifications?
• What is the minimum bearing required at both ends of a double 2 x 8 header at window openings over 5 feet wide?
• What is the minimum duration for which time card records must be kept?
• What type of wood framing method is being used when wall framing is constructed one floor at a time?
• What should a contractor ensure to maintain compliance with regarding their employees?
• What is the maximum recommended spacing for 5/8-inch drywall installed on a wall at right angles to framing members?
• What is the minimum grade fall away from foundation walls?
• For what reason is retainage often held back in construction contracts?
• What MUST be included in an estimate for a job?
• How many inches should there be between a handrail and an adjacent wall?
• What is the minimum required distance between suction outlets for a swimming pool?
• How much fill material will be needed for the column footing pads assuming a compaction loss of 15%?
• Why are escape devices necessary for deep trenches?
• Approximately how many materials are currently on the EPA hazardous materials list?
• How much must an employer send to the IRS if they withheld $765 for employee Medicare and Social Security taxes?
• When should a third stairway stringer be used?
• What must all Class A contractor licensure applications include?
• What is a necessary consideration for the design of deck stairs in addition to slope?
• When calculating the number of bricks required, what is the standard number of bricks per square foot?
• Which of the following is NOT typically covered under a standard liability insurance policy?
• Medical records of work-related injuries to long-term employees MUST be kept for a minimum duration of how long after employment ends?
• What is the primary purpose of establishing scaffolds away from power lines?
• In which scenario would a builder first check local utility companies?
• What is the maximum dimension of the ventilation coverings for under-floor space?
• What is the purpose of diagonal bracing in wall framing?
• What is the minimum roof slope required for modified bitumen roofing?
• What is a primary way to protect a contractor from risk?
• How much state income tax must a corporation with $30,000 of Federal taxable income pay in Virginia?
• According to covenants, what is the minimum distance a home can be placed to the front of the lot?
• Temporary erosion and sediment control measures must be removed within a maximum of how many days after final site stabilization?
• The main reason for spacing contraction joints in a concrete slab is to?
• What does the term "flame spread" refer to?
• What is the average collection period ratio for a firm with $365,000 in annual revenues and current receivables of $6,600?
• What is the cost per cubic foot to finish floor slabs?
• Which of the following estimating methods is typically used by the architect rather than the contractor?
• Payments from the Transaction Recovery Fund to claimants may include an amount for which additional cost?
• Which window type consists of an upper and a lower sash that slide vertically in the side jambs?
• An appeal of a final decision of a county on an erosion control plan must be filed within a maximum of how many days?
• What is the consequence of a contractor allowing their license to expire?
• What are the three primary elements of a contract?
• What is the elevation at the lowest point at the perimeter of a 140-foot wide paved area sloped at 1/8 inch per foot with the highest point at 87.2 feet?
• What are batter boards used for in construction?
• Which of the following is considered ethical behavior in a construction context?
• From where does the information for a company's financial statement originate?
• For how many days must an employer post a citation for a Virginia OSHA violation near the place of violation?
• For the purpose of withholding taxes, what kind of payment is treated separately according to Virginia regulations?
• Who is responsible for overseeing compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets?
• What does a contract imply regarding an insurance agreement that a contractor must have?
• What does a comprehensive general liability insurance policy typically protect a company against?
• What is the allowable MINIMUM specified compressive strength for concrete in foundations not exposed to weather?
• What structural element is typically used for support over wide window openings in framed walls?
• What is the first step to take before starting any excavation work?
• According to the Board Rules and Regulations, who can be considered a qualified individual?
• What is the primary purpose of contractor licensing?
• Which document details the work to be done and the cost of performing it?
• How many sheets of 4' x 8' x 1/2" drywall are required for a room sized 10' x 15' with an 8-foot ceiling?
• What additional proof is often required when applying for a contractor's license?
• How should flexible (batts) insulation placed in floor joists above an unheated crawl space be supported?
• How many bundles of shingles are required to cover a building with an area of 3,350 square feet and a 3 in 12 roof slope?
• How often should an employer review safety practices related to trench work?
• What is the maximum spacing for masonry veneer to supporting wall anchors in non-seismic locales?
• How many cubic yards of concrete should be used for structural purposes in typical residential construction?
• Deck stairs should be designed to achieve what purpose?
• What is a requirement for a joint venture in contracting?
• What is the purpose of posting an OSHA citation?
• What is the requirement for the thickness of masonry unit bed joints for the second course?
• What percent should an employer withhold for Virginia withholding on a separate supplemental payment for vacation?
• What is NOT required in exterior nonbearing walls?
• Compensation paid to independent contractors is reported on which form?
• Who is in charge of a local building department?
• What kind of payment structure does a cost-plus contract involve?
• What type of business organization allows people to share financial resources?
• Additions to buildings must comply with what standards?
• How many cubic yards of concrete will be needed to pour the slab of the garage?
• What is the minimum concrete covering for steel reinforcement in a footing?
• Given a roof slope of 3 in 12, what factor should be used to convert the plan area to actual roof area?
• When must work be stopped following the issuance of a stop work order?
• What is the cost difference when changing from carpet to ceramic tile in the second-floor office?
• In the context of hiring a construction manager, which statement about subcontractors is true?
• Which business structure provides limited liability protection to its owners?
• Which factor is NOT controlled by the amount of water per sack of cement?
• Records of an employee's exposure to hazardous materials MUST be kept for a minimum of how many years?
• What is the total amount of Medicare and Social Security taxes withheld by an employer from a weekly earning of $3,000?
• What system can be used to collect information on labor, materials, equipment, and overhead costs during a job?
• What is it considered when a contractor uses funds intended for one project to start a different project without paying laborers for the original project?
• How much would a contractor pay in premiums for $300,000 of coverage at a rate of $8 per $1,000 without any discounts?
• What is the total value of current assets for an accrual basis company with given financial specifics?
• Equipment needs for a project are best estimated by what method?
• Dampproofing on below-grade masonry foundation walls shall extend from the top of which structure to the finished grade?
• Which of the following is required in a licensure application?
• What is the length of line AC if it equals the length of line DB in a rectangular drawing?
• Which of the following is NOT a benefit of platform construction compared to balloon construction?
• Given a company's previous revenues of $500,000 and overhead of $115,000, what should be the bid price for a project with $80,000 in direct costs if aiming for a 10% profit?
• What type of joint is used to connect rafters at the ridge in roofing?
• An appeal of a local building official's decision regarding the USBC modification must be made within how many days?
• In the specifications, how many bricks are required for the west wall of the first story?
• When will contractors be assessed a fee for the Transaction Recovery Fund?
• If a contractor plans to use materials or methods that deviate from industry standards, what should they do?
• A bid that does NOT specify how long it remains open or in effect is considered to be open for?
• What is the name of the process where major project participants meet to identify shared goals before starting a project?
• What type of insurance is essential for a partnership to ensure the business continues if one partner dies?
• What is the minimum length of drywall screw for installing 1/2-inch gypsum board to wood studs?
• What is the initial license fee for a Class A contractor?
• A company's net worth is equal to what?
• What must be done with taxes withheld by an employer between the time they are withheld and sent to the IRS?
• How often must an employer who withholds more than $1,000 per month for state taxes pay those taxes?
• What is the minimum number of fasteners required for clay perimeter roof tiles?
• How often do exterior brick surfaces that are painted generally require repainting?
• What is the minimum lap of rabbeted horizontal lap siding?
• How often should employees watch for possible hazards at the jobsite?
• Where is temporary horizontal bracing attached when erecting trusses?
• In the correct sequence for installing a bifold door, which component comes first?
• What effect does increasing the slump of concrete have?
• What may be covered by an allowance in a contract?
• What is the minimum distance that scaffolds must remain from a 50-kV power line?
• In a lump sum contract of $160,000 with 10% retainage, what should the final payment request be after 75% progress payments?
• Which type of material at a construction site is typically considered hazardous waste?
• What is the primary purpose of a conceptual estimate in architecture?
• Contractors assessed a fee to support the Transaction Recovery Fund must pay this fee within how many days from the assessment notice?
• When calculating gross pay, what additional factor must be considered for non-exempt employees working more than 40 hours in a week?
• What is the minimum illumination required for general construction area lighting?
• What is the minimum breaking strength required for safety belt lanyards?
• Which type of tax does not typically include federal tax deductions for a corporation in Virginia?
• How long should a concrete block foundation wall be cured before backfilling?
• How often must an employer report information on the number of employees and new hires to comply with the Child Support Enforcement Act?
• A licensee's name change must be reported to the Board within how many days?
• Which of the following is a TRUE statement about estimating?
• Losses from the sale of a company asset are categorized as what type of expense?
• Which of the following is a significant hazard associated with flame spread?
• What is the maximum spacing for ties in a block wall used with wood framing?
• How many treads are required for a set of stairs with an 8-foot rise?
• What is the implication of a loss reported in the cash accounting method?
• A reason for using a lower than usual profit markup for a specific project could be to achieve what goal?
• A verified claim for payment from the Transaction Recovery Fund must occur within a maximum period from what date?
• What is the significance of having a minimum breaking strength for safety belt lanyards?
• Before excavating for a new building, what should be done to determine subsoil conditions?
• How far must material stored inside a building under construction be from an inside floor opening?
• When signing an agreement with a corporate representative, a contractor should?
• How much in premiums will a contractor save over a 3-year period if they have a defined safety program that yields a 20% reduction on an $8 per $1,000 coverage rate for $300,000?
• Unless otherwise specified, the standard guideline for spacing contraction joints is to space them in feet at what ratio to the slab depth in inches?
• What happens when a claimant is paid funds from the Contractors Recovery Trust Fund?
• Which practice is crucial for minimizing workplace injuries on a job site?
• What is the minimum wallboard thickness for the walls separating a house and garage?
• All of the following are advantages of good scheduling EXCEPT?
• For a building's drainage, what is considered a positive slope away from a foundation?
• Nails used to fasten concrete roofing tiles must penetrate the deck a minimum of how many inches?
• Why is it important to evaluate subcontractors before hiring?
• How must rafters be framed to each other?
• What action can be taken against a contractor found guilty of fraud?
• What is the minimum height for a stairway handrail?
• Costs that relate to construction activity but are NOT easily identifiable for a specific project are considered?
• How many linear feet of 2 x 8 will be required for the second floor window openings?
• Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of platform framing?
• Approximately how many 12-inch concrete block cells will require a #5 rebar?
• Where would the depreciation of equipment first be entered in accounting records?
• What should be considered when selecting a slope ratio for ramps?
• What is the maximum amount of a lien that can be claimed by a subcontractor for unreceived payments on a two-family residential property?
• A contractor puts in a claim under a comprehensive standard general liability policy. How much is the insurance company liable for if the total damages are $5,550 and there is a $500 deductible?
• How is the hand of a door determined?
• How many board feet of lumber are in 26 planks measuring 3" x 16" and 24 feet long?
• What is an important factor in ensuring that a construction schedule is followed?
• What is essential for ensuring the safety of employees when dealing with hazardous materials?
• If a permit is obtained on May 1 and labor begins on May 11 with an estimated 15 days of required labor, how many float days are available for labor?
• When a jack rafter is face nailed to a hip rafter, what is the minimum number of 16d common nails that should be used?
• A building official must issue a certificate of occupancy within how many working days of the request?
• What is the minimum overlap for joints in the polyethylene film moisture barrier applied over the exterior of a below-grade foundation wall?
• What is the total project overhead for a project that has specified costs such as labor and materials?
• Escape devices for a trench deeper than 4 feet must be located within a maximum of how many feet of the worker?
• The two basic laws of construction estimating are?
• Attic spaces should be vented primarily for which purpose?
• What should contractors aim for when providing a change order due to increased costs?
• For a non-exempt employee covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act working 60 hours a week for a flat rate of $400, what should their gross pay be for that workweek?
• What form can an employee use to request advance earned income credit?
• Which of the following must be licensed?
• What is the maximum spacing for double floor joists that are separated to allow installation of piping?
• In construction estimating, what is a common practice to account for construction delays?
• Which type of insurance would usually cover damage to property while a job site accident occurs?
• What is a potential disadvantage of a sole proprietorship?
• Plastic roof cement should never be applied to the bottom edge of a shingle to seal it because?
• If a company bills $38,000 in completed work and receives payments of $22,000 plus $8,000 from the previous month, what is the net income for the month when using cash accounting?
• Which of the following represents the dimension of a standard plank used in construction?
• Which of the following statements about a sole proprietorship is true?
• The extension of dampproofing is crucial for preventing what issue?
• What should be added to wage rates to ensure accuracy in estimating labor for a project?
• What is the primary advantage of using a partnership structure for a business?
• Which of the following would typically be covered by a contractor's comprehensive general liability insurance policy?
• What is the employment status of a carpenter being paid $16 per hour who completes a project while working under the contractor's defined schedule?
• An agreement that calls for a contractor to be paid actual costs for labor and materials plus a fixed fee for the contractor's overhead and profit is called a?
• What is the maximum width for a footing projection?
• According to the Board Rules and Regulations, what constitutes a full-time employee?
• If a roof has a 6 in 12 slope, what multiplier should be used for area conversion?
• Which type of lumber has the largest natural moisture content?
• What is the maximum distance between a ventilating opening in an under-floor space and each corner of the building?
• What is the minimum distance from the bottom of the ceiling framing to the top of the ceiling grid system in suspended ceilings?
• When using cash accounting, which accounting standard is applied to determine net income?
• In a cost-plus contract with direct costs of $60,000, what is the total amount due the contractor if the project is completed 3 days early?
• What is included in a company's balance sheet?
• Generally, who is responsible for ensuring that a project meets all zoning requirements?
• The prime contractor is primarily responsible for what aspect of a project?
• All of the following are considered general conditions that could affect costs directly associated with a specific project EXCEPT?
• What is the typical exposure of 3-tab asphalt shingles?
• What is the diameter of number 5 rebar?
• Approximately how many concrete block units are required for the stem wall between the two bay areas on the north side of the house?
• What is the maximum penalty for a contractor who undertakes work without the proper class of license?
• What is the volume of soil to be removed from a trench excavation measuring 2' x 300' x 4' in cubic yards?
• What happens if a contractor does not pay laborers for work done on a project?