Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Alabama Insulation Contractor
Alabama · PSI Services Contractor
Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
50
Passing score
70%
Exam time
120 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Alabama State Portion 50 questions
General Knowledge and Theory
8 Q · 16%
R-value and U-value concepts and their relationshipHeat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiationTypes of insulation materials and their applicationsBuilding thermal envelope definition and componentsClimate zones and minimum insulation requirements by zoneVapor retarders and moisture controlBuilding codes and standards governing insulation (IRC, IECC, ASHRAE)Thermal comfort principles and factors affecting occupant comfort
Plan Reading, Materials, Estimating, and Take-Offs
5 Q · 10%
Reading and interpreting architectural plan views, elevations, and section drawingsIdentifying symbols, lines, dimensions, and notes on construction drawingsScales and scale drawings using architect's scaleQuantity takeoff and material estimating methodsPre-design, unit-cost, and complete cost estimate typesBuilding permits, inspections, and certificate of occupancy requirementsIRC building codes and climatic/geographic design criteria applicable to insulationInsulation R-value requirements by location (walls, ceilings, attics, floors, foundations) per energy codes
Spray-On Application
4 Q · 8%
Materials used in spray-on application (cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool, slag wool)Open-cell vs. closed-cell foam insulation types and propertiesR-values and thermal performance of spray-applied insulation materialsEquipment and application techniques for wet-spray insulationDrying time, moisture content requirements, and vapor retarder usePre-installation inspection, job site preparation, and application precautionsFire resistance ratings and thermal barrier requirements for spray-applied foamsHealth and safety precautions during spray-on insulation installation
Batt/Roll Insulation
4 Q · 8%
R-value ratings and thickness relationships for batt and roll productsFacing types and vapor retarder function (kraft paper, foil, unfaced)Stapling methods for faced insulation (inset, face stapling, pressure fit)Installation by location (sidewalls, attics, floors, crawl spaces, basements)Handling obstructions within cavities (wiring, plumbing, junction boxes)High-density and cathedral ceiling batt applicationsHealth and safety precautions when handling fiberglass and mineral woolMaterial types for batt and roll insulation (fiberglass, rock wool, slag wool, cotton)
Blown or Loose-Fill Insulation (Includes Dense-Packing)
4 Q · 8%
Types of loose-fill insulation materials (cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool, perlite, vermiculite)Dense-pack installation density requirements and settling preventionR-value characteristics and coverage chart requirements by material typeAttic and sidewall application procedures and equipment operationPre-installation inspection and preparation requirementsClearance requirements around heat-producing devices, chimneys, and recessed lightsMoisture resistance, fluffing, voids, and convective heat loss concernsHealth and safety requirements for installer protection (PPE, respiratory protection)
Rigid-Board and Reflective Insulation
2 Q · 4%
Types of rigid board insulation materials (EPS, XPS, polyisocyanurate, perlite, mineral fiber, cellular glass, wood fiberboard)R-values and thermal drift of rigid board insulation productsFire safety requirements and thermal barrier coverings for foam insulationMoisture resistance, vapor permeance, and below-grade applications of rigid board insulationExterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) components, barrier-type vs. drainable-type systemsRadiant heat transfer principles: emittance, reflectance, and emissivityRadiant barrier installation locations, airspace requirements, and safety considerationsReflective insulation products, R-value directionality, and applicable ASTM standards
Ventilation
5 Q · 10%
Attic and rafter space ventilation requirements (IRC Section R806)Minimum net free ventilating area ratios (1/150 and 1/300 rules)Unvented attic and enclosed rafter assembly conditionsEave, soffit, and ridge vent placement and airflow clearanceWhole-house mechanical ventilation system design and airflow ratesLocal exhaust rates for kitchens and bathroomsVapor retarder interaction with attic ventilation requirementsExhaust duct termination and outdoor discharge requirements
Vapor Barrier and Retarders
4 Q · 8%
Vapor retarder classification by perm rating (Class I, II, and III materials)Proper placement of vapor retarders by climate zone (warm-side vs. cold-side installation)Condensation and dew point principles affecting moisture control in wall assembliesMoisture migration mechanisms in building envelopes (bulk moisture, capillary action, air leakage, vapor diffusion)Crawl space vapor retarder requirements and installation (soil cover, lap and seal requirements)Air retarders and housewraps (distinction from vapor retarders, installation requirements)Vapor retarder installation methods (polyethylene sheeting, kraft-faced batts, vapor barrier paints)Attic ventilation requirements in relation to vapor retarder use
Safety and Employee Protection
8 Q · 16%
Fall protection systems: guardrail, safety net, and personal fall arrest requirementsScaffold safety: erection, capacity, access, and fall protectionLadder safety: types, load ratings, and safe use requirementsPersonal protective equipment selection, provision, and maintenanceFire protection and prevention: extinguishers, flammable liquid storage, and fire prevention plansHazardous and toxic substance exposure limits and controls (asbestos, air contaminants)Confined space entry procedures and permit requirementsTool safety: hand tools, power tools, and machine guarding
Other Insulation Applications
6 Q · 12%
Structural insulated panels (SIPs): composition, R-values, and installationInsulating concrete formwork (ICF): EPS forms, concrete placement, and thermal performanceStraw bale construction: types, R-values, moisture concerns, and fire resistanceEarth-based insulation systems: thermal mass, earth sheltering, and rammed earthHistorical insulation products: asbestos identification, health hazards, and removal proceduresUrea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI): history, health concerns, and identificationCeramic and reflective insulating coatings: product description, application, and limitationsEmerging insulation technologies: aerogels, vacuum insulation panels, gas-filled panels, and phase-change materials
Key Distinctions
Carbon Monoxide AlarmvsCarbon Monoxide Detector
A CO alarm integrates sensor, control components, and notification appliance in one unit, while a CO detector only senses and transmits a signal to a separate alarm control unit.
International Residential Code, Section R202 Definitions (Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector), PDF Pages 30-31Open-Cell SPFvsClosed-Cell SPF
Open-cell SPF provides ~3.81 R-value per inch (cells filled with air), while closed-cell SPF provides 6–7 R-value per inch (cells filled with blowing agent).
Chapter 10 - Foamed-in-Place Insulation, Open-cell SPF sectionR-30C High-Density BattvsStandard R-30 Fiberglass Batt
The R-30C (cathedral ceiling) batt is 8¼–8½ inches thick to fit 2×10 framing with a 1-inch airspace, while standard R-30 batts are 9½–10 inches thick.
Chapter 8 - Blanket Insulation: Batts and RollsCellulose Loose-FillvsFiberglass / Rock Wool Loose-Fill
Cellulose absorbs 5–20% of its weight in moisture, while fiberglass and rock wool absorb less than 1%, making cellulose more moisture-susceptible.
Chapter 7 - Loose-Fill Insulation, Cellulose sectionExtruded Polystyrene (XPS)vsExpanded Polystyrene (EPS)
XPS has a consistent R-value of 5.0 per inch regardless of density, while EPS R-value varies with density.
Chapter 11 - Rigid Board InsulationAir Leakage (moisture entry)vsVapor Diffusion (moisture entry)
Air leakage accounts for more than 90% of moisture entering a perimeter structural cavity, while vapor diffusion accounts for 10% or less.
Chapter 4 - Vapor and Air RetardersPerlite Loose-FillvsOther Blown Loose-Fill Insulations
Perlite must be poured (not blown) into masonry block cavities and is unsuitable for blow-in installation methods, unlike cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool.
Chapter 7 - Loose-Fill InsulationSlag WoolvsRock Wool
Slag wool accounts for roughly 80% of the U.S. mineral wool industry, while rock wool accounts for only about 20%.
Chapter 7 - Loose-Fill Insulation, Mineral Wool sectionType MV-90 CablevsType MV-105 Cable
MV-90 medium voltage cable has a maximum operating temperature of 90°C, while MV-105 is rated to 105°C; both are suitable for wet or dry locations.
NEC Table 315.10(A)Shielded / Lead-Covered Conductors (>1000V)vsNonshielded Conductors (>1000V)
Shielded or lead-covered conductors over 1000V require a minimum bending radius of 12× the overall diameter, while nonshielded conductors require only 8× the overall diameter.
NEC 305.5Collar Ties (structural only, 16" OC rafters)vsCollar Ties (supporting a ceiling)
When used for structural purposes only with 16" OC rafters, collar ties are required at every fourth rafter pair; when supporting a ceiling, they are required at every rafter pair.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 19.3, Page 542Riser Height TolerancevsTread Depth Tolerance
Both have the same tolerance within a single flight: the greatest riser height and the greatest tread depth shall each not exceed the smallest by more than ⅜ inch.
Sections R311.7.5.1 and R311.7.5.2Key Terms
Stairway Minimum Clear Width Section R311.7.1
Per Section R311.7.1, stairways must be not less than 36 inches in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height.
Stairway Minimum Headroom Section R311.7.2
Per Section R311.7.2, a minimum vertical headroom of 6 feet 8 inches is required, measured from the sloped line adjoining the tread nosings.
Guard Rail Requirement Height Sections R312.1.1 and R312.1.3
Per Sections R312.1.1 and R312.1.3, guards are required where open-sided walking surfaces exceed 30 inches above grade, and openings must not permit passage of a 4-inch sphere.
Handrail Requirement (flights) Section R311.7.8
Per Section R311.7.8, handrails shall be provided on at least one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers.
Stair Nosing Projection Section R311.7.5.3
Per Section R311.7.5.3, nosing projection must be ¾ inch to 1¼ inches; no nosing is required when tread depth is at least 11 inches.
Maximum Stair Flight Rise Section R311.7.3
Per Section R311.7.3, a single flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise greater than 12 feet 7 inches between floor levels or landings.
Handrail Wall Clearance Section R311.7.8.3
Per Section R311.7.8.3, handrails installed adjacent to a wall must have at least 1½ inches of clear space between the wall and the handrail.
Attic Minimum Ventilation Area International Residential Code, Section R806.2
Per IRC Section R806.2, the minimum net free ventilating area for enclosed attics shall be 1/150 of the area of the vented space (or 1/300 when specific conditions are met).
Attic Access Opening Minimum Size International Residential Code, Section R807.1
Per IRC Section R807.1, the rough-framed attic access opening must be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches and be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location.
Roof Sheathing Gable Cantilever Limit International Residential Code, Section R803.2.3
Per IRC Section R803.2.3, wood structural panel roof sheathing shall not cantilever more than 9 inches beyond the gable endwall unless supported by gable overhang framing.
Competent Person (OSHA) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31
Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32(f), a competent person is one capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Fire Extinguisher Rating (OSHA construction) OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i)
Per OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i), a fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A must be provided for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area.
NEC Free Conductor Length at Outlets NEC 300.14
Per NEC 300.14, at least 150 mm (6 in.) of free conductor must be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point for splices or connection of luminaires or devices.
Type MV Cable Minimum Conductor Size (8001–15,000 V) NEC Table 315.12(A)
Per NEC Table 315.12(A), the minimum conductor size for MV cable rated 8001–15,000 volts is 2 AWG for copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum.
Floor Live-Load Deflection Limit Table R301.7
Per Table R301.7, the maximum allowable live-load deflection for a floor structural member is L/360, where L is the span length.
Type I Circular Handrail Diameter Section R311.7.8.5
Per Section R311.7.8.5, a Type I circular stair handrail must have an outside diameter of not less than 1¼ inches and not more than 2 inches.
Formulas to Know
Roof Area (sloped)
Plan Area × Slope FactorBoard Feet of Lumber Needed
(Roof or Floor Surface Area ÷ 100) × Board Feet per 100 SF (from table)Number of Roof Sheathing Panels (before waste)
Total Roof Area ÷ 32 SF per panelRoof Sheathing Panels (with waste)
Panels Needed × 1.05 (add 5% for trim and waste)Maximum Elevation Difference on Site
Highest Corner Elevation − Lowest Corner ElevationRafter Span Adjustment
Tabulated Rafter Span × Adjustment Factor (e.g., 0.67 when Hc/Hr = 1/3)Attic Minimum Vent Area (standard)
Vented Space Area ÷ 150Attic Minimum Vent Area (exception)
Vented Space Area ÷ 300