General Contractor License Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield General Contractor License facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under OSHA standards, which of the following is a 'competent person' best defined as? → A person capable of identifying hazards and with authority to take corrective action
2. In project scheduling, which of the following best describes the 'Critical Path'? → The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum project duration.
3. Which IRS form is a general contractor required to issue to an unincorporated subcontractor who was paid $600 or more in a tax year? → 1099-NEC
4. How often must fire extinguishers be inspected on a construction site according to OSHA? → Monthly
5. What is meant by 'phased construction' in project planning? → Breaking the project into sequential stages to allow early occupancy or faster completion
6. What is the minimum required distance from the edge of an excavation that spoil piles must be placed to prevent cave-ins? → 2 feet
7. A contractor discovers hidden conditions on a job site that significantly increase costs. Which contract clause typically addresses this situation? → Differing site conditions clause
8. What is the purpose of a 'scope of work' provision in a subcontract agreement? → To precisely define the work the subcontractor is and is not responsible for performing
9. Which planning tool visually shows project tasks over a timeline using horizontal bars? → Gantt chart
10. __________ is the amount of unused latex paint in solidified form. → A non-hazardous waste
11. A general contractor is creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for a custom home build. Which of the following is the primary purpose of developing a WBS? → To break down the total project scope into smaller, more manageable work packages.
12. A laboratory soil analysis, known as a Proctor test (ASTM D698), is performed on a soil sample from a job site. What is the primary purpose of this test? → To establish the optimal moisture content for maximum compaction.
13. What is the legal significance of the 'substantial completion' date in a construction contract? → It starts the statute of limitations period and shifts insurance risk to the owner
14. Soil classified as Type C under OSHA excavation standards is: → Granular or fissured soil with the highest risk of collapse
15. Which fire-resistance rating is typically required for a floor-ceiling assembly separating dwelling units in a two-family residential building? → 1 hour
16. What is the primary purpose of a surety bond in the construction industry? → To guarantee the contractor will fulfill contractual obligations
17. Which mortar type is recommended for load-bearing exterior masonry walls in moderate climates? → Type N
18. If you see that a fireproof door is needed but it is not included in the drawings, you should: → Report it to the architect immediately
19. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a construction daily report? → To provide a legal, historical record of job site activities, progress, and conditions.
20. A competent person inspects an excavation and finds standing water at the bottom. What is the correct action? → Remove workers until water is controlled
21. When a project experiences a differing site condition, the contractor is MOST likely entitled to: → An equitable adjustment in contract price and/or schedule
22. What is the maximum noise exposure level allowed by OSHA for an 8-hour workday without hearing protection? → 90 dBA
23. When must a competent person inspect an excavation? → Before each shift and after any hazard-increasing event
24. What frequency of inspection is required for excavations by a competent person? → Daily and after any hazardous condition (rain, freeze-thaw, adjacent loads)
25. How much cash can be given as a deposit on a home renovation project to a contractor? → 10 % or $1000.00 whichever is less.
26. A contractor discovers the water supply pressure at a residential project measures 95 psi. What corrective action is required by code? → Install a pressure reducing valve (PRV) to bring pressure below 80 psi
27. Under OSHA's heat illness prevention guidance, what is the recommended action when the heat index reaches 103°F–115°F (high risk)? → Reduce physical demands, use engineering controls, and have a buddy system in place
28. A subcontractor falls behind schedule on a critical-path activity. What is the MOST appropriate first step for the general contractor? → Issue a formal cure notice and schedule a recovery meeting
29. What is 'blowout' in the context of concrete formwork? → Sudden failure of formwork under hydrostatic concrete pressure
30. Under OSHA's crane safety standard, what is required before a crane operator lifts a load near its rated capacity? → Confirmation that outriggers are fully extended and set