Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Mississippi Residential Remodeler
Mississippi · 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
150 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Mississippi State Portion 50 questions
Safety
5 Q · 10%
Fall protection systems (guardrail, safety net, personal fall arrest)Ladder safety requirements and classificationsScaffold types, capacity, and safe useFire protection, prevention, and extinguisher selectionPersonal protective equipment (PPE) selection and requirementsHazardous and toxic substances exposure limits (asbestos, silica, lead)Confined space entry procedures and permit requirementsHand and power tool safety and guarding requirements
Windows and Doors
4 Q · 8%
Door types and construction (solid-core, hollow-core, raised-panel, flat-panel)Rough opening sizing and framing requirements for doors and windowsDoor hardware selection and installation (hinges, locksets, strikes)Window types and operational styles (double-hung, casement, awning, hopper, sliding, stationary)Exterior door installation (plumbing, shimming, clearances, weatherstripping, thresholds)Window and door trim installation (casing styles, stool and apron, extension jambs, reveals)Door hand determination and swing directionWindow energy efficiency (glazing types, low-e coatings, U-values, weatherstripping, frame materials)
Rough Carpentry
11 Q · 22%
Wall framing components and assembly (plates, studs, headers, cripple studs, trimmer studs)Floor framing systems (sill plates, girders, joists, bridging, subfloor)Roof framing types and rafter layout (common, hip, valley, jack rafters, ridge board)Wall and roof sheathing installation and fastening requirementsStair framing and construction (stringers, treads, risers, stairwell framing)Lumber grades, species, and engineered wood products (LVL, I-joists, glulam, OSB, plywood)Wall bracing methods and braced wall panel requirements (IRC prescriptive methods)Deck and porch structural framing (posts, beams, ledger attachment, preservative-treated wood)
Finish Carpentry
6 Q · 12%
Molding and trim installation (base, crown, cornice, chair rail, picture rail)Interior door and window casing and trim detailsHardwood and engineered-wood finish flooring installationCabinet and countertop installation (base units, wall units, layout, leveling)Wall treatments (tongue-and-groove wainscot, frame-and-panel wainscot, sheet paneling)Stair trim-out (treads, risers, skirt boards, balustrade components)Ceiling treatments (strip ceilings, panel ceilings, applied beams)Fireplace surrounds and mantel installation
Associated Trades
6 Q · 12%
Plumbing supply and DWV system materials and installation (copper, plastic, cast iron)Fuel gas piping systems: sizing, materials, and pressure testingHVAC equipment installation: clearances, access, and appliance location requirementsDuct system construction, sealing, and insulation requirementsExhaust systems: clothes dryer, cooking equipment, and whole-house ventilationElectrical system basics: circuits, service panels, and wiring requirements for dwellingsThermal insulation types, R-values, vapor retarders, and climate zone requirementsSteel framing: materials, fastening methods, and structural considerations
Concrete
5 Q · 10%
Concrete mixture components and proportioning (cement types, aggregates, water-cement ratio, admixtures)Formwork design, materials, and types (job-built, prefabricated, gang, ICF, slipforms)Foundation and footing design requirements (size, depth, frost protection, soil bearing capacity)Steel reinforcement types, placement, and cover requirementsConcrete placement methods and consolidation techniques (pumping, vibration, lift sequence)Concrete finishing operations for flatwork (screeding, floating, troweling, curing)Joints in concrete construction (contraction, isolation, construction joints — slabs and walls)Common concrete field problems, causes, and prevention (cracking, bleeding, scaling, honeycombing)
Masonry
5 Q · 10%
Mortar types, proportions, and mixing proceduresBrick and concrete masonry unit types, sizes, and classificationsMasonry wall systems (solid, cavity, composite, veneer, and reinforced walls)Brick and block laying techniques, leads, and coursingFlashing, weep holes, and moisture control in masonry wallsWall ties, anchors, and joint reinforcementMasonry fireplaces and chimney construction requirementsBrick and masonry paving, steps, and exterior applications
Residential Roofing
8 Q · 16%
Roof sheathing types, span ratings, and installation requirementsRafter sizing and span tables for wood roof framingRoof covering materials and minimum slope requirements by product typeUnderlayment types, application methods, and ice barrier requirementsFlashing installation at valleys, chimneys, sidewalls, and roof penetrationsAttic and rafter space ventilation requirementsWood roof trusses: design, bracing, and alteration restrictionsGutter systems: components, slope requirements, and installation
Key Distinctions
Quantity Takeoff EstimatevsParametric Estimate
A quantity takeoff estimate counts and measures actual materials from completed construction documents, while a parametric estimate uses historical cost-per-unit data before full drawings are available.
IRC, Section R602.3, Table R602.3(1)Nominal Lumber DimensionsvsActual (Dressed) Lumber Dimensions
Nominal dimensions (e.g., 2×6) are the larger, named size used in board-foot calculations, while actual dimensions (e.g., 1½×5½) are the true dressed size of the lumber.
IRC, Section R602.1, R602.3Framing Anchors (joist to girder)vsLedger Strips (joist to girder)
When floor joists frame into the side of a wood girder, they may be supported by either approved framing anchors or ledger strips of at least nominal 2×2; both are code-compliant alternatives.
Section R502.6.2Collar Ties Supporting a CeilingvsCollar Ties for Structural Purpose Only
Collar ties that support a ceiling must be installed at every rafter pair, while structural-only collar ties need only be installed at every fourth rafter pair (16" OC) or every third rafter pair (24" OC).
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 19.3, Page 542Shielded/Lead-Covered Conductors (>1000V) Bend RadiusvsNonshielded Conductors Bend Radius
Shielded or lead-covered conductors rated over 1000 volts require a minimum bending radius of 12 times the overall diameter, while nonshielded conductors require only 8 times the overall diameter.
NEC 305.5Danger SignsvsOther Warning Signs
OSHA requires danger signs to have red as the predominating color for the upper panel, a black outline on borders, and a white lower panel for additional wording.
OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 201Competent Person (OSHA)vsQualified Operator (OSHA)
A 'competent person' must be able to identify existing and predictable hazards and have authorization to take prompt corrective measures, while only employees qualified by training or experience may operate equipment and machinery.
OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31Shear Wall Nailing (seismic/high-wind)vsStandard Wall Sheathing Nailing
Creating a shear wall requires nailing sheathing to all studs, blocking, and sills at 3 inches on center, which is a tighter spacing than standard sheathing installation.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 16.1 (Book Page 437)Load-Bearing Wall Rough Opening (steel framing)vsNon-Load-Bearing Wall Rough Opening (steel framing)
In panelized (load-bearing) steel walls, 12 inches of extra width is added to accommodate two trimmer studs and a wood stud on each side, while in non-load-bearing partitions only 1½ inches per side is added for wood studs.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 29.3, Rough Openings (Nonload-Bearing Walls)Rafter Span (measured horizontally)vsActual Rafter Length (along slope)
Per the IRC, rafter spans for span table purposes are measured along the horizontal projection of the rafter, not along the actual sloped rafter length.
IRC, Section R802.4.1Cripple Studs Above a HeadervsCripple Studs Below a Rough Sill
Both types of cripple studs provide nailing surfaces for sheathing and interior wall covering and must maintain the same 16" or 24" OC spacing as full-length studs, but those above a header fill the space between the header and the top plate while those below a sill fill the space between the sill and the bottom plate.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 16.1 (Book Page 434)Hold-Down AnchorsvsAnchor Bolts (sill plate)
Hold-down anchors connect wall corners to the foundation to resist tipping/overturning during seismic events, while anchor bolts secure the sill plate flat to the foundation and must be spaced no more than 6 feet on center with one within 12 inches of each plate end.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 14.1, Page 14-12 (Book Page 379)Key Terms
Fire Extinguisher Minimum Rating (OSHA 1926.150) 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.
Employer Fire Alarm System Requirement (OSHA 1926.150) OSHA 1926.150(e)(1) and (e)(2)
Per OSHA 1926.150(e)(1)-(e)(2), employers must establish an alarm system (telephone, siren, etc.) to alert employees and the local fire department, with alarm codes conspicuously posted at phones and employee entrances.
Competent Person (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31
Per 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.
First Aid Kit Inspection Frequency (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.50) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 33
Per OSHA 1926.50, the employer must check first aid kit contents before sending each kit to a job and at least weekly on each job to replace expended items.
Qualified Operator Rule (OSHA 1926.20) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 29
Per OSHA §1926.20(b)(4), only employees qualified by training or experience may operate equipment and machinery on a construction site.
Rafter Span Measurement (IRC R802.4.1) IRC, Section R802.4.1
Per IRC Section R802.4.1, rafter spans shall be measured along the horizontal projection of the rafter, not along the actual sloped length.
Rafter Span Adjustment Factor at Hc/Hr = 1/3 (IRC Table R802.4.1(9)) IRC, Table R802.4.1(9)
Per IRC Table R802.4.1(9), when ceiling joists or rafter ties are located at one-third the ridge height above the rafter support walls, a factor of 0.67 must be applied to tabulated rafter spans.
Footing Width/Depth Adjustment for Wide Buildings (IRC Table R403.1(1)) IRC, Table R403.1(1), footnote (c)
Per IRC Table R403.1(1) footnote (c), for every 4 feet of building width exceeding 32 feet, the footing width increases by 2 inches and the footing depth increases by 1 inch.
Presumptive Load-Bearing Value – Sandy Gravel/Gravel (IRC Table R401.4.1) IRC, Table R401.4.1
Per IRC Table R401.4.1, sandy gravel and/or gravel soils (GW and GP classifications) have a presumptive load-bearing pressure of 3,000 pounds per square foot.
Board Foot IRC, Section R602.1, R602.3
A board foot is a unit of lumber volume equal to a piece nominally 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long; calculated as (nominal thickness × nominal width × length in feet) ÷ 12.
Quantity Takeoff Estimate IRC, Section R602.3, Table R602.3(1)
An estimate prepared after design is complete by counting and measuring actual quantities of materials directly from finished construction documents.
Hold-Down Anchor Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 14.1, Page 14-12 (Book Page 379)
A steel bracket attached to the foundation with anchor bolts and to wall framing with lag screws or machine bolts, installed at building corners to prevent walls from tipping during seismic events.
3-4-5 Rule (Wall Squaring) Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 16.2, Pages 438-439
A layout method where measuring 3 feet along one wall line and 4 feet along the perpendicular line should yield exactly a 5-foot diagonal; any deviation means the corner is not square and must be adjusted.
Schedule (Door/Window) Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 16.2, Page 440
A chart included in building plans that lists rough-opening sizes, window types, door sizes, and related dimensions used during layout and estimating.
Formulas to Know
Board Feet of Lumber
Board Feet = (Nominal Thickness [in] × Nominal Width [in] × Length [ft]) ÷ 12Total Board Feet for Multiple Pieces
Total Board Feet = Board Feet per Piece × Number of PiecesFloor / Roof Area
Area = Length [ft] × Width [ft]Stud Count for Wall (16" OC)
Number of Studs = (Wall Length [ft] ÷ 1.333) + 1Drawing Scale Conversion (¼" = 1'-0")
Actual Length [ft] = Measured Drawing Length [in] ÷ 0.25Roof Sheathing Panels with Waste
Panels Needed = (Roof Area [sq ft] ÷ 32) × 1.05 [adds 5% trim/waste]Rafter Span Adjustment
Adjusted Allowable Span = Tabulated Span × Adjustment Factor (e.g., 0.67 when Hc/Hr = 1/3)3-4-5 Square Check
Corner is square when: √(3² + 4²) = 5 ft [measure 3 ft on one leg, 4 ft on other, diagonal must = 5 ft]