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Study Guide for the General Building (B) Examination

FOR EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED ON OR AFTER MARCH 30, 2005

Content of the Examination

The General Building (B) Examination is divided into five major sections. These sections are:

1. Estimation, Plans, and Specifications (23%)

  1. Scope of work and code compliance
  2. Cost estimation for materials and labor
  3. Design and construction error identification
  4. Shop drawing and plans and specifications preparation
  5. Field inspection performance

2. Framing and Structural Components (23%)

  1. General framing
  2. Roof framing
  3. Seismic requirements
  4. Siding and stucco

3. Safety (10%)

  1. Work site safety
  2. Personnel safety
  3. Public safety
  4. Environmental safety

4. Core Trades (28%)

  1. Plumbing
  2. Electrical
  3. HVAC
  4. Concrete
  5. Earthwork and surveying
  6. Insulation and acoustical
  7. Roofing

5. Finish Trades (16%)

  1. Painting
  2. Tiling
  3. Flooring
  4. Cabinetry and millwork
  5. Plaster, drywall and ceilings
  6. Windows and doors
  7. Fencing

*Percentages are approximate*


Test Site Policy
This is a closed-book examination. No reference materials may be used during the examination. All materials brought to the examination site must be left in an unmonitored area at your own risk.



Test Strategy

This is a multiple-choice examination with four choices per question. Some questions require mathematical computation. Examination questions are written to provide only one BEST answer and are NOT written as trick questions.


All correct answers have equal value. If you are unsure about a particular question, it is better to try to answer the question with the chance of possibly getting it correct (and earning one point) than it is to leave the question blank and definitely get it wrong (and lose one point).


Ample time is provided to answer all examination questions, so be sure to read each question and its four choices completely and carefully before selecting the BEST possible answer to the question.



Sample Questions

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. What is the MINIMUM width required for a residential shower door?

  1. 22 inches
  2. 24 inches
  3. 28 inches
  4. 30 inches

2. What is the volume of a cylinder if the diameter equals 2 feet and the length equals 4 feet?

  1. 8 cubic feet
  2. 12.56 cubic feet
  3. 25.12 cubic feet
  4. 50.24 cubic feet

3. High frequency vibration used to compact freshly poured concrete results in which of the following?

  1. Higher lateral pressures
  2. Faster curing time
  3. Lower lateral pressures
  4. Slower curing time

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*


Resources

Publisher information is provided. Additional sources for purchasing materials may be available online.


California Disabled Accessibility Guidebook.
International Code Council.
PHONE: (800) 786-4452.
FAX: (886) 891-1695.
INTERNET: www.iccsafe.org


California Building Code.
International Code Council.
PHONE: (800) 786-4452.
FAX: (886) 891-1695.
INTERNET: www.iccsafe.org


California Electrical Code.
California Building Standards Commission.
BNI Publications, Inc.
PHONE: (888) 264-2665.
INTERNET: www.bnibooks.com


California Energy Code.
International Code Council.
PHONE: (800) 786-4452.
FAX: (886) 891-1695.
INTERNET: www.iccsafe.org


California Plumbing Code.
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
PHONE: (800) 854-2766.
FAX: (909) 472-4150.
INTERNET: www.iapmo.org


California Mechanical Code.
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
PHONE: (800) 854-2766.
FAX: (909) 472-4150.
INTERNET: www.iapmo.org


Cal/OSHA State of California Construction Safety Orders.
California Code of Regulations, Title 8,
Industrial Relations, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 4.
BNI Publications, Inc.
PHONE: (888) 264-2665.
INTERNET: www.bnibooks.com
VIEW ONLINE: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/LawsAndRegulations.htm


Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials, and Methods.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
PHONE: (877) 762-2974.
FAX: (800) 597-3299.
INTERNET: www.wiley.com


Finish Carpenter's Manual.
Craftsman Book Company.
PHONE: (800) 829-8123.
FAX: (760) 438-0398.
INTERNET: www.craftsman-book.com


Reader's Digest Complete Do-it-Yourself Manual.
The Reader's Digest Association.
PHONE: (800) 310-6261.
FAX: (800) 227-9604.
INTERNET: www.rd.com/store


Residential and Light Commercial Construction Standards.
R.S. Means.
PHONE: (800) 334-3509.
FAX: (800) 632-6732.
INTERNET: www.rsmeans.com

*Publisher information is current as of 1/09*

13E-B


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