Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Alabama Metal Stud and Drywall 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
40
Passing score
70%
Exam time
120 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Alabama State Portion 40 questions
Estimating and Plan Reading
6 Q · 15%
Quantity takeoff and material estimation for gypsum board and metal framingReading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications for drywall systemsScrew and fastener usage calculations based on framing spacing and panel orientationSelection of materials based on performance requirements and system specificationsFire-resistance ratings and UL assembly designations from plan documentsSound control ratings (STC, IIC, NRC, CAC) as specified in construction documentsIdentifying structural criteria and limiting heights from framing tables on plansMaterial handling, storage, and delivery quantities from project schedules
Materials and Installation
19 Q · 48%
Gypsum panel types, thicknesses, and product specificationsSteel stud and runner types, gauges, and framing component selectionFastener types, sizes, and selector guide for screws and nailsGypsum board installation methods including single-layer, double-layer, and adhesive attachmentJoint compound types and selection including setting-type versus drying-type productsMaximum fastener spacing and frame spacing requirements for walls and ceilingsBead, trim, and corner reinforcement products and installationLevels of gypsum board finish and joint treatment application procedures
Taping
4 Q · 10%
Levels of gypsum board finish (Level 0 through Level 5) and their specificationsEmbedding joint tape over flat joints and interior anglesApplying fill coat and finish coat of joint compoundSpotting and covering fastener heads with joint compoundCorner bead and trim accessory application methodsMixing and proper use of setting-type vs. ready-mixed joint compoundsDry sanding and wet sanding techniques for finished jointsEnvironmental conditions and application requirements for joint treatment
Special Applications
6 Q · 15%
One-piece metal door frame installation requirements and anchorageCurved surface and arch gypsum board application techniquesExterior ceiling board application and weather protection requirementsGypsum board suspended ceiling systems and lay-in tile installationShaft wall and area separation fire/party wall system installationSoffit construction using steel stud and gypsum board framingMetal window framing moisture isolation and condensation preventionFixture attachment methods and load capacities for gypsum partitions
Safety
5 Q · 12%
Personal protective equipment requirements (hard hats, eye protection, respiratory protection)Forklift safety and material handling procedures for gypsum panelsScaffolding safety requirements and fall protectionLadder safety rules and proper useOSHA fall protection systems (guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems)Hazardous material exposure (silica dust, mold/mildew, plaster burn hazards)Safe storage and stacking of gypsum board productsPower tool and powder-actuated tool safety
Key Distinctions
STC (Sound Transmission Class)vsIIC (Impact Insulation Class)
STC measures a partition's ability to attenuate airborne sound passing through it, while IIC measures a floor-ceiling assembly's effectiveness in retarding impact sound transmission.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound TestsSTC (Sound Transmission Class)vsCAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class)
STC rates sound attenuation through partitions, while CAC applies to ceilings between adjacent spaces.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound TestsSetting-Type Joint CompoundvsReady-Mixed (Topping) Compound
Setting-type compound hardens chemically and is required for embedding paper-faced metal beads, lamination, veneer plaster over steel framing, and one-day finishing; topping compound is specifically NOT recommended for embedding bead.
Finishing Drywall Systems, Chapter 5 — Setting-Type Joint Compounds System Applications, One-Day Finishing sectionType X (Firecode) Gypsum PanelvsType C (Firecode C) Gypsum Panel
Type X lasted 45–60 minutes in a fire test at 1,850°F, while Type C contains a vermiculite shrinkage-compensating additive that expands with heat and lasted over 2 hours.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 15 — Fire Resistance and Gypsum Panels sectionRegular-Core Gypsum PanelvsType X (Firecode) Gypsum Panel
A 5/8″ regular-core panel failed in only 10–15 minutes at 1,850°F, whereas Type X lasted 45–60 minutes under the same conditions.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 15 — Fire Resistance and Gypsum Panels sectionOne-Hour Fire-Rated Steel Stud Partition (UL U419)vsTwo-Hour Fire-Rated Steel Stud Partition (UL U411/U412/U419)
The one-hour rating uses a single layer of 5/8″ Firecode panel on each side at 24″ o.c., while the two-hour rating requires two layers on each side with face-layer joints staggered over base-layer joints.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — One-Hour Rating, UL Design U419One-Hour Fire-Rated Wood Stud Partition (UL U305)vsTwo-Hour Fire-Rated Wood Stud Partition (UL U301)
The one-hour assembly uses a single layer of 5/8″ Firecode panel on each side with optional insulation, while the two-hour assembly requires two layers of 5/8″ Firecode panel on each side with face-layer joints staggered.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — One-Hour Rating, UL Design U305Horizontal Board Attachment (4′×8′ at 16″ o.c., 12″ screw spacing)vsVertical Board Attachment (4′×8′ at 16″ o.c., 12″ screw spacing)
Horizontal attachment requires approximately 1,094 screws per 1,000 sq ft, while vertical attachment requires approximately 1,125 screws per 1,000 sq ft.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Appendix — Gypsum Board Screw Usage, Horizontal Board AttachmentNo. 800 Corner BeadvsNo. 900 Corner Bead
No. 800 corner bead provides a 1/16-inch ground height for one-coat veneer plaster applications, while No. 900 corner bead provides a 3/32-inch ground height for two-coat applications.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Finishing Veneer Plaster Systems, Corner Bead Application3/8″ Gypsum Panelvs5/8″ Gypsum Panel
The 3/8″ panel is recommended for repair and remodeling over existing surfaces, while the 5/8″ panel is recommended for the finest single-layer new construction with increased fire and sound resistance.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 2 Framing, Maximum Frame Spacing—Drywall Construction table, footnote (1)Type S ScrewsvsType W Screws
Type S screws are used for attaching gypsum board or runners to steel framing, while Type W screws are used for attaching gypsum board or resilient channels to wood framing.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 2 Framing, Resilient Channel Partitions sectionLife-Cycle Cost AnalysisvsInitial Construction Cost Evaluation
Life-cycle cost analysis considers the total cost of an assembly throughout its useful life including maintenance, while initial construction cost evaluation only considers upfront costs.
Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Selection of MaterialsKey Terms
GA 216 / ASTM C840 2021 IBC Section 2508.1 and Table 2508.1
Per 2021 IBC Section 2508.1 and Table 2508.1, these are the governing standards for installation of gypsum board and gypsum panel products.
Gypsum Wallboard Prohibited Locations 2021 International Building Code, Section 2508.2
Per 2021 IBC Section 2508.2, gypsum wallboard shall not be used where there will be direct exposure to water, continuous high humidity, or any exterior surface exposed directly to weather.
Fastener Application — Face Paper Rule 2021 International Building Code, Section 2508.3.1
Per 2021 IBC Section 2508.3.1, fasteners shall be applied so as not to fracture the face paper with the fastener head in single-ply gypsum board application.
Joint and Fastener Treatment Exemption 2021 International Building Code, Section 2508.5
Per 2021 IBC Section 2508.5, joint and fastener treatment is not required where gypsum board will receive a decorative finish such as wood paneling, battens, acoustical finishes, or similar equivalent application.
ASTM E119 Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests
The standard governing all fire resistance testing for building construction and materials, also known as ANSI/UL 263 and NFPA 251.
Steel Stud Non-Attachment Rule (Fire-Rated Partitions) Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests, Notes
Per Gypsum Construction Handbook fire test notes, in fire-rated non-load-bearing partitions, steel studs should NOT be attached to floor and ceiling runners.
Material Substitution in Fire-Rated Assemblies Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests / Chapter 11 — Planning, Execution and Inspection
Per the Gypsum Construction Handbook, substitution of materials other than those tested may adversely affect performance and will usually nullify the acceptability of applicable fire tests.
Impact Insulation Class (IIC) Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests
A numerical rating of a floor-ceiling assembly's effectiveness in retarding impact sound transmission, determined per ASTM E492 and rated per ASTM E989.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests
A widely used numerical rating measuring the ability of a partition to attenuate airborne sound passing through it.
Life-Cycle Cost Analysis Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Selection of Materials
A method of material evaluation that considers the total cost of an assembly throughout its useful life, including maintenance, rather than just initial construction cost.
Outdoor Storage Limit for Gypsum Board Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 11 — Handling and Storage
Outdoor storage is permissible for a maximum of one month if products are stored above ground and completely covered; enclosed storage is required beyond one month.
Riser Spacing for Gypsum Board Storage Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 11 — Handling and Storage
When gypsum boards are stored on risers, risers must be evenly spaced no more than 28 inches apart and within 2 inches of the board ends.
Lateral Load Design Value (Interior Non-Load-Bearing Partitions) Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 10 — Structural Criteria
Interior non-load-bearing partitions are typically designed for 5 psf lateral loads, with manufacturer load tables starting at 5 psf and increasing in 5- or 10-psf increments up to about 40 psf.
Type C (Firecode C) Gypsum Panel Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 15 — Fire Resistance and Gypsum Panels section
A gypsum panel containing a vermiculite shrinkage-compensating additive that expands in heat at about the same rate as the gypsum core shrinks, providing over 2 hours of fire resistance at 1,850°F.
Control Joint Spacing — Ceilings Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 15 — Building Sciences, Control Joints section
For gypsum drywall ceiling membranes without perimeter relief joints, control joints must be placed at a maximum interval of 30 feet; perimeter relief is required when ceiling dimensions exceed 50 feet.
Ready-Mixed Joint Compound — Freeze-Thaw Damage Gypsum Construction Handbook, Chapter 11 — Handling and Storage
Ready-mixed joint compounds that have been repeatedly frozen and thawed lose strength, which may weaken the bond, and should be rejected upon delivery inspection.
Formulas to Know
Total Gypsum Board (Both Sides of Partition)
Total Board SF = Partition Wall Area SF × 2 (one layer each side)Total Screws for a Project
Total Screws = (Screws per 1,000 SF from chart) × (Total SF ÷ 1,000) + Waste AllowanceScrew Quantity Check — Horizontal 4×8 at 16″ o.c., 12″ spacing
≈ 1,094 screws per 1,000 SFScrew Quantity Check — Horizontal 4×12 at 16″ o.c., 12″ spacing
≈ 1,050 screws per 1,000 SFScrew Quantity Check — Vertical 4×8 at 16″ o.c., 12″ spacing
≈ 1,125 screws per 1,000 SFScrew Quantity Check — Horizontal 4×10 at 24″ o.c., 16″ spacing
≈ 600 screws per 1,000 SFMaximum Allowable Steel Stud Partition Performance
Max Fire Resistance = 4 hours; Max STC = 62 (with gypsum board facings on steel studs)Durabond 90 / Easy Sand 90 Working Time
Maximum working time = 1 hour; temporary fasteners must remain ≥ 3 hours until hardened