Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference

Louisiana Residential Construction

Louisiana  ·  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
80
Passing score
70%
Exam time
180 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed

Louisiana State Portion 80 questions

Site work, Footings and Foundations 13 Q · 16%
Soil classification and bearing capacitySite layout and building location (batter boards, reference lines, benchmarks)Excavation methods, depth calculation, and volume estimationFooting types, dimensions, and minimum size requirements (IRC tables)Footing reinforcement and frost protection/depth requirementsFoundation wall types: poured concrete, concrete masonry unit (CMU), and woodFoundation drainage, dampproofing, and waterproofingSoil compaction methods, testing, and backfilling requirements
Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement 9 Q · 11%
Concrete mixture components and proportioning (cement types, aggregates, water-cement ratio, supplementary cementitious materials)Admixtures (air-entraining, accelerating, retarding, water-reducing, and their effects on concrete properties)Field testing of fresh concrete (slump, air content, compressive strength cylinders, unit weight/yield per ASTM standards)Steel reinforcement types, grades, sizes, and identification markings (rebar, welded wire reinforcement, fiber reinforcement)Reinforcement placement, cover requirements, and structural function (tension, compression, shear/stirrups)Formwork design, materials, components, and safety requirements (shoring, reshoring, form ties, stripping)Concrete placement methods, consolidation, and finishing of flatwork and slabs-on-groundJoints in concrete construction (contraction/control joints, isolation joints, construction joints) and joint spacing requirements
Masonry 5 Q · 6%
Masonry tools and equipment identification and useClay brick types, classifications, and grades (ASTM standards)Concrete masonry units (CMU) types, grades, and propertiesMortar types, materials, mixing, and properties (Types M, S, N, O, K)Stone types, classification, and stonemasonry techniquesMasonry wall systems (solid, cavity, composite, veneer, reinforced)Anchors, ties, and joint reinforcement in masonry constructionFoundation systems, footings, and foundation wall construction
Carpentry 15 Q · 19%
Wood properties, lumber grading, and moisture contentEngineered wood products: plywood, OSB, LVL, glulam, and I-joistsStructural framing systems: platform, balloon, post-and-beam, and in-line framingFloor framing: joists, girders, sill plates, bridging, and subfloor constructionWall framing and sheathing: studs, plates, headers, rough openings, and wall bracing (IRC requirements)Roof framing: rafter types, ridge boards, roof styles, ceiling joists, and rafter span tablesRoof truss handling, installation, temporary and permanent restraint/bracing (BCSI guidelines)Finish carpentry: stairways, molding and trim, doors, windows, and cabinet installation
Associated Trades and Drywall 6 Q · 8%
Drywall types, sizes, and applications (standard, fire-code Type X and Type C, moisture-resistant, specialty)Drywall fasteners, spacing, and framing requirements (nails, screws, adhesive, framing member spacing per IRC Table R702.3.5)Cutting, installing, and fastening drywall panels (vertical and horizontal application, ceiling-first sequence, steel framing)Joint compound types, taping, and finishing techniques (setting vs. drying compounds, feathering, corner bead, trim accessories)Drywall repair and common defects (nail pops, blistered tape, cracked joints, bulge around fasteners)Interior plaster systems and veneer plaster (gypsum and cement plaster, lath types, coat requirements per IRC R702.2)Vapor retarders in wall assemblies (classes, perm values, climate zone requirements per IRC R702.7)Exterior and interior wall paneling (sheet paneling, board paneling, installation methods, estimating materials)
Roofing 7 Q · 9%
Roof slope measurement and area calculation methodsRoof sheathing and decking requirements by material typeUnderlayment types, application methods, and minimum slope requirementsAsphalt shingle types, installation patterns, and fastening requirementsFlashing installation at valleys, chimneys, eaves, and roof penetrationsWood shingles and shakes installation, exposure, and nailing requirementsTile roofing installation, fastening, and underlayment systemsRoofing repair, leak detection, and re-roofing procedures
Estimating, Plan Reading and General Code Requirements 18 Q · 22%
Building permits and inspections processIRC scope, intent, and applicability for one- and two-family dwellingsReading and interpreting architectural plan types (site, foundation, floor, framing, elevation)Architectural drawing elements: lines, symbols, dimensions, and abbreviationsScale and measurement in construction drawingsCost estimating methods: quantity takeoff, cost per square foot, direct and indirect costsBidding process: overhead, markup, contingency, and profit calculationZoning, deed restrictions, setbacks, and building code compliance
OSHA Safety 7 Q · 9%
Fall protection requirements for residential construction (6-foot rule, guardrail/safety net/PFAS systems)Scaffold safety requirements, capacity, and platform construction standardsLadder safety, types, duty ratings, and proper usePersonal protective equipment (PPE) selection, provision, and employer responsibilitiesFire protection and prevention on construction sitesExcavation and trenching safety, cave-in protection, and soil classificationElectrical safety, GFCI requirements, and assured equipment grounding programsHazardous substances, toxic materials, and permissible exposure limits (asbestos, silica, airborne contaminants)

Key Distinctions

SlopevsPitch

Slope is the ratio of rise to run (and is the term best suited to roof framing), while pitch is the ratio of rise to span, even though carpenters often use the terms interchangeably.

Carpentry and Building Construction, Page 470
Shed (single-slope) roof common rafter total runvsGable roof common rafter total run

A shed roof's total run equals the building span minus the width of the top plate on the higher wall (and the rafter has two bird's mouths), while a gable roof's total run is one-half the span (one bird's mouth).

Carpentry and Building Construction, Page 483
Quality controlvsQuality assurance

Quality control is control and documentation of the product so standards and contract documents are followed, while quality assurance is documenting/verifying that those controls are in place and working.

Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction (4th ed.), Page 132
Direct construction costvsDirect (job) overhead cost

Direct construction costs are the labor, material, and equipment tied to a specific trade or phase (pipe material, backhoe rental, bedding aggregate), while direct job overhead covers costs caused by the job but not tied to a trade or phase, such as traffic control and pipe/soil density testing.

Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Pages 20-21
Type-S drywall screwsvsType-W drywall screws

Type-S screws have narrow threads for steel framing; Type-W screws have wide threads that grip wood aggressively for wood framing, and neither requires a pilot hole.

Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 32, Drywall Fasteners section
Type-X fire-code drywallvsType-C fire-code drywall

Type-X is 5/8" thick and contains glass fibers to prevent crumbling in extreme heat; Type-C is even more fire resistant and contains vermiculite.

Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 32, Fire-Code Drywall section
Setting-type joint compoundvsTopping (drying-type) compound

Setting-type compound comes only as a powder, cures by chemical process, and is stronger — preferred for embedding tape; topping compound shrinks very little and finishes smoothly, making it ideal for final coats over embedded tape.

Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 32, Setting-Type Compounds section
Fiberglass asphalt shinglesvsOrganic asphalt shingles

Fiberglass shingles use a fiberglass base mat saturated and coated with flexible asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules, while organic shingles use a cellulose-fiber base mat.

Roofing Construction and Estimating, Chapter 4—Asphalt Shingles
Type III portland cementvsType I (general-purpose) portland cement

Type III is high-early-strength, reaching in 7 days about the strength Type I reaches in 28 days, with little difference in long-term strength beyond 2 or 3 months.

Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction (4th ed.), Pages 14-15
Type M mortarvsType N / S / O mortar

Type M has high compressive strength and durability for heavily loaded or below-grade foundation walls; Type N is general masonry above grade, Type S is for earthquake/high-wind zones, and Type O is low-strength for interior walls.

Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.3, Page 279
Directional drillingvsDirectional boring with a pneumatic mole

Directional drilling tunnels up to 2,200 feet for pipe 16 to 36 inches in diameter (practical for waterway crossings), while a pneumatic mole handles pipe only up to 6 inches in diameter for 50 to 150 feet.

Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Pages 176-177
Thickened slab under an interior bearing wallvsStandard footing

The thickened slab area acts like a footing but is formed by a trench dug into the subgrade (strengthened with rebar) rather than by formwork.

Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 11.1, Page 295
Casement windowvsDouble-hung window

A casement window's side-hinged sash swings in or out so the entire window area can be opened for ventilation, an advantage over the double-hung type.

Windows & Skylights chapter, Types of Windows section
General IRC requirementvsSpecific IRC requirement

Per IRC R102.1, where a general requirement conflicts with a specific requirement, the specific requirement governs.

IRC 2018 Section R102.1

Key Terms

Keyway Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.1, Page 258
A groove formed in the top of a footing (usually 3½" wide and 1½" deep because a 2×4 forms it) that locks the foundation wall to the footing and prevents moisture from seeping between them.
Cold joint Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.2, Page 266
The joint that occurs where fresh concrete is poured on top of or next to concrete that has already begun to cure; it is weaker and more likely to leak, so concrete should be placed continuously.
Consolidation Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 8.2, Page 227
The process that removes air pockets and forces concrete into all parts of the forms, done with a vibrator, tamping, spearing with a spade, or tapping forms with a hammer.
Efflorescence Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 8 — Troubleshooting Concrete section
A whitish crystalline deposit on concrete or mortar caused by salts mixing with water or moisture vapor and rising to the surface; it is cosmetic and generally does not affect strength or durability.
Shear wall Carpentry and Building Construction, Page 378
A wall designed to resist lateral (sideways) forces, often created by a specified sheathing nail spacing and fastened to the framing above and to the sill plate and foundation below; shear strength at house corners is crucial.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Carpentry and Building Construction, Construction Safety & Health, Book Page 92
A manufacturer-supplied document, required with product shipments and accessible to every worker on site, listing physical data, toxicity levels, first-aid, storage/disposal, protective equipment, and spill or leak response.
Escalation allowance Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Page 27
A bid allowance for the increase in labor, material, and equipment costs between bid submission and the time work is done and paid for — especially important during high inflation.
Reference line Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 9 — Basic Techniques / Measuring From a Reference Line
An existing line such as a street or marked property line that a builder measures from to stake out a building parallel to it, without needing a surveying instrument.
Theodolite Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 9 — Types of Instruments
A transit that reads horizontal and vertical angles electronically and shows them on an LCD screen (no vernier scale), used when extremely accurate measurements are required.
Room-finish schedule Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 2.3, Page 57
A plan schedule identifying the materials and finishes for floors, walls, and ceilings in each room and hallway (e.g., strip-oak flooring, pine trim, painted drywall, wood paneling).
HDR Carpentry and Building Construction, Ready Reference Appendix, Page 1024
Standard architectural abbreviation for Header (HDW is the separate abbreviation for Hardware).
Corner bead / segmented bead Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 32, Trim Accessories section
A shaped vinyl or metal length that protects an outside drywall corner and gives a smooth, even finishing edge; the segmented version flexes to finish arches and curved surfaces.
Glass-mat gypsum board Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 32, Moisture-Resistant Drywall section
Paperless drywall whose front and back are covered with thin fiberglass instead of paper; an approved backing in shower stalls and tub/shower surrounds, where green board is no longer permitted except on ceilings.
Beam pocket Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.2, Page 271
A notch in a concrete foundation wall for a beam, sized to leave at least ½ inch clearance at the sides and ends for ventilation so moisture can escape and the wood does not decay.
Extruded Expanded Polystyrene (XPS/XEPS) Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 31.1 — Rigid Insulation Materials and R-Value
Rigid insulation similar to EPS but with greater compressive strength, suitable for foundation insulation below grade, rated R-5 per inch.
Plyform Modern Masonry (9th ed.), Chapter 19, Page 402
An exterior-type plywood made from special wood species and veneer grades specifically for concrete forming, available in Class I and Class II grades.
Jointer (jointing tool) Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 24, Page 688
A metal bar with a shaped end run over masonry joints to pack mortar into them and give the joints a particular shape.
Unit weight (density) test Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction (4th ed.), Page 149
A convenient field test on fresh concrete that, combined with batch weights and measured air content, gives a good indication of water content, since water is the lightest component and quickly affects unit weight.
Retarding admixture Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction (4th ed.), Pages 72 and 82
An admixture that delays concrete setting, increasing lateral pressure on vertical forms (chemistry coefficient CC of 1.2 vs 1.0) and requiring longer form-stripping times because strength gain is slower.

Formulas to Know

Total board feet for a lumber orderBoard feet = (board feet per piece from Board-Foot Measures table) × number of pieces; e.g., 2×6 × 12 ft = 12 bf, so 50 × 12 = 600 bf. For ceiling plank estimating tables: 2×6 at 16" OC = 88 bf per 100 sq ft (2×6 at 24" OC = 63; 2×4 at 16" OC = 42; 2×8 at 16" OC = 117).
Minimum net crawl-space ventilation areaNet vent area = crawl-space area ÷ 150 (1 sq ft of venting per 150 sq ft of crawl space); e.g., 1,200 ÷ 150 = 8 sq ft.
Volume of excavation, footing concrete, or fill in cubic yardsCubic yards = (length × width × depth in feet) ÷ 27, adding required side clearance to plan dimensions and rounding up when ordering; e.g., excavation (40+2+2) × (26+2+2) × 7 = 9,240 cf ÷ 27 ≈ 342 cy; footing 200 × 2 × 1 = 400 cf ÷ 27 = 14.8 → order 15 cy; fill 6,000 sf × 1.00 ft = 6,000 cf ÷ 27 = 222.2 cy (average fill depth = target elevation − average existing elevation, where average existing = sum of the 4 corner elevations ÷ 4).
Drywall sheet count, figured solid (no deductions for openings)Wall area = perimeter × ceiling height; add ceiling area (L × W); sheets = total sq ft ÷ 32 sq ft per 4'×8' sheet; e.g., (60 × 8 = 480) + (14 × 16 = 224) = 704 ÷ 32 = 22 sheets.
Joint tape quantityJoint tape = 370 lineal feet per 1,000 sq ft of drywall; e.g., 2,000 ÷ 1,000 = 2.0, then 370 × 2.0 = 740 lin ft.
Total gutter drop at minimum slopeDrop = run (ft) × 1/16 in per ft (minimum 1 inch per 16 feet toward the downspout); e.g., 32 × 1/16 = 2 inches.
Roof rise and ridge elevation from slopeRun = span ÷ 2 (symmetric gable); Rise = run × (slope rise ÷ 12); Ridge elevation = top-of-wall elevation + rise. e.g., 56/2 = 28 × (6/12) = 14.00' rise, ridge = 9.00 + 14.00 = 23.00'; 63/2 = 31.5 × (8/12) = 21.00' rise, ridge = 12.00 + 21.00 = 33.00'.
Sloped rafter/top-chord length and slope angleRafter length = √(run² + rise²) (no overhang); slope in x-in-12 = (rise ÷ run) × 12; angle from horizontal = arctan(rise ÷ run). e.g., √(28² + 14²) = 31.30'; √(24² + 12²) = 26.8 ft with 12/24 = 6 in 12 and arctan 0.5 = 26.6°; √(31.5² + 21²) = 37.86'.
Net sloped roof area, squares, and rafter length using slope factorsSlope factor = √(12² + rise²) ÷ 12 (6:12 = 1.118; 4:12 = 1.054; 3:12 = 1.031). Roof area = plan footprint × slope factor; squares = sq ft ÷ 100; rafter length = run × slope factor. Take off differing-slope areas (e.g., a porch) separately: 20 × 10 = 200 × 1.031 = 206 sq ft; 24 × 12 = 288 × 1.054 = 304 sq ft; 24 × 12 = 288 × 1.031 = 297 sf; 60 × 36 = 2,160 × 1.118 = 2,415 sf = 24.2 squares; porch rafter 10 × 1.031 = 10.3 lin ft, 10 × 1.054 = 10.5 lin ft.
Formwork contact area and marked-up labor priceContact area = length × form height × number of faces (e.g., 200 × 1.0 × 2 = 400 sf). Labor price = area × unit rate, × 1.25 for 25% burden, × 1.15 for 15% O&P: 400 × $1.25 = $500 → $625 → $718.75.
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