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
Sound Transmission Class (STC)vsImpact Insulation Class (IIC)
STC rates a partition's ability to attenuate airborne sound passing through it, while IIC rates a floor-ceiling assembly's effectiveness in retarding impact sound (per ASTM E492, rated per ASTM E989).
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound TestsASTM E119vsASTM E90 / E413 / E492
ASTM E119 (also ANSI/UL 263, NFPA 251) governs all fire-resistance testing of building construction and materials, whereas E90 is sound transmission testing, E413 is STC rating, and E492 is impact sound testing.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound TestsSetting-type joint compoundvsDrying-type / ready-mixed compound
Setting-type compounds harden chemically (a 1-1/2 to 2 hour set is recommended for one-day embedding, fill and finish coats), while drying-type ready-mixed compounds require extended drying time before recoating.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 5 — Finishing Drywall Systems, — Setting-Type Joint Compounds System Applications, One-Day Finishing sectionSetting-type (Durabond)vsLightweight setting-type (Easy Sand)
Durabond provides the strongest joint bond of all setting-type compounds; Easy Sand is the lightweight alternative offering easier sanding but not the strongest bond.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Drywall and Veneer Plaster Products, USG Sheetrock Brand Powder Setting-Type Joint Compounds sectionVeneer plaster joint treatment on wood framing at 16" o.c. (normal conditions)vsVeneer plaster joint treatment on steel framing or wood at 24" o.c.
Normal drying conditions with wood framing at 16" o.c. permit Imperial Type P or Type S tape alone, but metal framing — or wood framing at 24" o.c. with a single-layer gypsum base veneer system — requires joint tape embedded in setting-type compound (Durabond or Easy Sand).
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Finishing Veneer Plaster Systems, Selection of Joint Treatment SystemNo. 800 corner beadvsNo. 900 corner bead
No. 800 gives the 1/16-inch ground height for one-coat veneer plaster; No. 900 gives the 3/32-inch ground height needed for two-coat veneer plaster.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Finishing Veneer Plaster Systems, Corner Bead ApplicationPaper-faced metal beads and trimsvsConventional metal or vinyl beads
Paper-faced metal beads/trims are adhered with joint compound (setting-type or ready-mixed taping/all-purpose, never topping compound), unlike conventional metal or vinyl beads which are mechanically fastened.
Paper-Faced Metal Beads and Trims — Finishing Drywall Systems, p. 176UL Design U305 (one-hour, wood studs)vsUL Design U301 (two-hour, wood studs)
U305 achieves one hour with a single layer of 5/8" Firecode core panels each side of 2×4 studs at 16" o.c. (insulation optional), while U301 requires two layers of 5/8" Firecode core panel each side with face-layer joints staggered over base-layer joints.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — One-Hour Rating, UL Design U305Regular-core 5/8" gypsum panelvsType X and Type C (Firecode C) panels
At 1,850°F, 5/8" regular core failed in 10-15 minutes, Type X lasted 45-60 minutes, and Type C lasted over 2 hours because Type C contains a vermiculite additive that expands with heat to compensate for core shrinkage.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 15 — Fire Resistance and Gypsum Panels sectionBase layer screws (double-layer application)vsFace layer screws (double-layer application)
1-inch Type S screws are used for the base layer and 1-5/8-inch Type S screws for the face layer.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Backerboard Installation, Board application sectionCeiling control joints with perimeter reliefvsCeiling control joints without perimeter relief
With perimeter relief, control joints are required when ceiling dimensions exceed 50 feet in either direction; without perimeter relief they are required at a maximum of 30-foot intervals.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 15 — Building Sciences, Control Joints section5/8" gypsum panelvs3/8" gypsum panel
5/8" is recommended for the finest single-layer construction with increased fire and sound transmission resistance, while 3/8" is recommended for repair and remodeling over existing surfaces.
Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 2 Framing, Maximum Frame Spacing—Drywall Construction table, footnote (1)Key Terms
Life-cycle cost analysis Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Selection of Materials
A material evaluation approach (alternative to benefit-cost analysis) that considers the total cost of an assembly throughout its useful life, including maintenance, rather than initial or budgeted construction cost alone.
Impact Insulation Class (IIC) Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests
A numerical evaluation of a floor-ceiling assembly's effectiveness in retarding transmission of impact sound, tested per ASTM E492 and rated per ASTM E989.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests
A widely used rating of a partition's ability to attenuate sound passing through it.
ASTM E119 Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests
'Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials,' also known as ANSI/UL 263 and NFPA 251, under which all fire resistance tests are conducted.
GA 216 and ASTM C840 IBC 2021 Section 2508.1 and Table 2508.1
The standards to which installation of gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall conform per 2021 IBC Table 2508.1.
Level 0 finish Finishing-Level Definitions, Level 0 — Finishing Drywall Systems, p. 161
An unfinished gypsum board level requiring no taping, finishing, or corner beads, used for temporary construction or where final decoration has not been determined.
Joint and fastener treatment exception (IBC 2508.5) IBC 2021 Section 2508.5
Treatment of joints and fasteners need not be provided where the gypsum board is to receive a decorative finish such as wood paneling, battens, acoustical finishes, or similar application equivalent to joint treatment.
Fastener application, single-ply (IBC 2508.3.1) IBC 2021 Section 2508.3.1
Fasteners shall be applied so as not to fracture the face paper with the fastener head, preserving holding strength and a surface suitable for joint finishing.
Wood framing supporting gypsum board (IRC R702.3.2) IBC 2021 Section 2504.1.1
Framing members must be not less than 2 inches nominal in the least dimension, except wood furring strips not less than 1×2 nominal are permitted over solid backing or framing spaced not more than 24 inches on center.
Horizontal gypsum board diaphragm ceiling fastener (IBC Table 2508.6) IBC 2021 Table 2508.6
The minimum fastener is a 5d cooler or wallboard nail, 1-5/8 inches long, with a 0.086-inch shank and 15/64-inch head.
Fire test note — steel studs in non-load-bearing fire-rated partitions Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Fire and Sound Tests, Notes
Steel studs should not be attached to the floor and ceiling runners in fire-rated non-load-bearing partitions, in order to maintain the assembly's fire rating.
Minimum tested framing rule (structural criteria) Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Structural Criteria
Fire-resistant systems are designed, tested, and classified using the lightest gauge, shallowest stud depth, and maximum stud spacing shown in the assembly description, so stud gauge and depth may be increased without affecting the fire resistance rating.
Interior non-load-bearing partition lateral design load Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 10 — Structural Criteria
Interior partitions are typically designed for 5 psf lateral load; manufacturers publish maximum allowable loads starting at 5 psf and increasing in 5- or 10-psf increments up to about 40 psf.
Dur-A-Bead corner bead No. 103 Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Drywall and Veneer Plaster Products, Metal Beads section
Specially galvanized steel external-corner reinforcement for drywall construction with a 1-1/4" × 1-1/4" flange width.
No. 401 and No. 402 metal trim (J-stop) Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Finishing Veneer Plaster Systems, Applying Metal Trim
Trim applied to the wall before the gypsum base is installed, fastened 9 inches on center through the trim flange into framing, and requiring no finishing compound.
Drywall suspension system panel attachment Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 2 Framing, Gypsum Panel Installation section (Drywall Suspension System)
Gypsum panels are attached with No. 6 Type S bugle head screws spaced 8" o.c. at the panel periphery and 12" o.c. in the field.
Resilient channel attachment to wood studs Gypsum Construction Handbook (7th ed.), Chapter 2 Framing, Resilient Channel Partitions section
Resilient channels are fastened to wood studs with 1-1/4" Type W screws through the flanges; nails are not recommended.
Scaffold crossbraces (29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(iv)) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.451(e)(9)(iv)
Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or egress — an absolute prohibition with no exceptions.
Formulas to Know
Net gypsum board area for a room (walls + ceiling, openings deducted)
Net area = (wall perimeter × wall height) + (ceiling length × ceiling width) − sum of opening areas; e.g., 50 × 8 = 400 + 14 × 11 = 154 − (3 × 6.67 = 20) − (4 × 4 = 16) = 518.0 sq ftNumber of sheets with printed waste allowance
Sheets = net area × 1.10 ÷ sheet area (32 sq ft for 4×8, 48 sq ft for 4×12), always rounded UP to the next whole sheetCeiling-only sheet count
Sheets = (ceiling length × width) × 1.10 ÷ sheet area, rounded up; e.g., 16 × 16 = 256 × 1.10 = 281.6 ÷ 48 = 5.87 → 6 sheetsReady-mixed joint compound weight and pails
Pounds = (net area ÷ 1,000) × 138 lb; Pails = pounds ÷ 61.7 lb per pail, rounded upJoint tape quantity and rolls
Lineal feet = (net area ÷ 1,000) × 370 lin ft; Rolls = lin ft ÷ 250 ft per roll, rounded upScrew quantity from the usage table
Screws = (net area ÷ 1,000) × table rate (screws per 1,000 sq ft), rounded up; e.g., 0.518 × 875 = 453 → 454 screwsHorizontal board attachment screw rates (per 1,000 sq ft)
4′×8′ at 16″ framing / 12″ screws = 1,094; 4′×12′ at 16″ framing / 12″ screws = 1,050; 4′×10′ at 24″ framing / 16″ screws = 600 — add an allowance for lossVertical board attachment screw rates (per 1,000 sq ft)
4′×8′ at 16″ framing / 12″ screws = 1,125 (e.g., 5,000 sq ft → 1,125 × 5 = 5,625); 4′×12′ at 24″ framing / 16″ screws = 625 — add loss allowance afterSingle-layer wall screw estimate (Estimating Materials section)
Approximately 1,000 screws per 1,000 SF of gypsum board for single-layer wall application to framing at 16″ o.c. (Type W for wood; Type S or S-12 for steel)Two-sided partition quantity takeoff
Total board = partition wall area × 2 sides (single layer each side); e.g., 12,000 sq ft of partition = 24,000 sq ft of gypsum board