Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference

Mississippi Structural Steel

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
60
Passing score
70%
Exam time
120 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed

Mississippi State Portion 60 questions

Post-tensioning 10 Q · 17%
Principles and advantages of post-tensioned prestressed concreteTendon components and fabrication (strand, sheathing, P/T coating, anchorages)Delivery, handling, and storage of post-tensioning materialsTendon installation procedures and placement tolerancesAnchorage systems (stressing-end, fixed-end, and anchorage zone reinforcement)Tendon stressing procedures and equipment operationElongation measurement, calculation, and acceptable tolerancesTendon finishing, pocket grouting, and encapsulated system requirements
Reinforcing Steel 10 Q · 17%
Bar sizes, grades, and identification markings for deformed reinforcing barsConcrete cover requirements and placement tolerancesBar supports: types, selection, and placementSplicing methods: lap, mechanical, and welded splicesPlacing reinforcing bars in footings, walls, and columnsPlacing reinforcing bars in floor and roof systems (slabs, beams, joists)Handling, storing, and hoisting reinforcing bars at the jobsiteCoated reinforcing steel: epoxy-coated and galvanized bar requirements
Safety - OSHA Subpart R 7 Q · 12%
Fall protection requirements for steel erection (15-foot trigger height, connectors, CDZ)Hoisting and rigging safety requirements (crane inspection, qualified rigger, suspended loads)Structural steel assembly requirements (multi-story floor installation, plumbing-up, decking)Column anchorage requirements (minimum anchor rods, guying/bracing evaluation)Open web steel joist erection safety (bridging, hoisting cable release, load limits)Site layout and pre-erection approval requirements (concrete strength notification, access roads)Falling object protection (securing items aloft, overhead protection for workers below)Training requirements for fall hazards, connectors, CDZ, and multiple lift rigging
Safety - General 6 Q · 10%
Fall protection systems and requirements (guardrail, safety net, personal fall arrest)Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, use, and employer payment obligationsFire protection and prevention on construction sitesHazard communication, signs, signals, and barricadesMedical services, first aid, and emergency action plansOccupational health controls (noise exposure, air contaminants, ventilation)Scaffold safety requirements and platform constructionConfined space entry procedures and permit requirements
Steel Decks 7 Q · 12%
Steel deck product types and profiles (composite floor, roof, form, cellular, acoustic)Deck fastening methods (arc spot welds, screws, powder-actuated and air-driven fasteners)Side lap connection methods (screws, button punching, clinching, welds)Erection safety requirements and OSHA Subpart R complianceDeck storage, handling, and bundle placement on structureConstruction load requirements and maximum construction span tablesDeck damage assessment and penetration reinforcement guidelinesQuality control and quality assurance inspection tasks for deck installation and welding
Steel Joists and Girders 20 Q · 33%
Steel joist product types and designation systems (K-, LH-, DLH-, CJ-Series, and Joist Girders)Erection bridging requirements by span length and load table shading (Red, Blue, Gray zones)Joist and joist girder end bearing and anchorage requirements (minimum bearing lengths, seat attachments, stabilizer plates)Bridging installation procedures, anchoring, and terminus requirementsConstruction load restrictions on unbridged joists and deck bundle placement rulesSafe handling, unloading, storing, and rigging of joist productsColumn joist and tie joist OSHA field-bolting and stabilization requirementsField inspection checklist items for bridging, bearing, alignment, and weld quality

Key Distinctions

Danger SignvsCaution Sign

Danger signs are used only where an immediate hazard exists, while caution signs warn against potential hazards or unsafe practices.

OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.200(b)(1)
QC 'Perform' Task (Post-Weld)vsQC 'Observe' Task (Pre/During Weld)

Post-weld tasks such as verifying weld size/location, repair activities, and acceptance documentation require 'Perform' by both QC and QA, while pre-weld and during-weld tasks such as checking equipment and confirming welder qualifications require only 'Observe'.

SDI Manual, Quality Control and Quality Assurance section, Tables 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5
QC/QA 'Perform' Task (Mechanical Fasteners)vsQC/QA 'Observe' Task (Mechanical Fasteners)

Checking spacing, type, and installation of support fasteners after installation requires 'Perform' by both QC and QA, while pre-installation tasks such as verifying instructions, tools, and storage require only 'Observe'.

SDI Manual, Quality Control and Quality Assurance section, Table 1.8
Standard SJI ProductvsNon-Standard SJI Product

Standard SJI products follow typical SJI erection procedures, while non-standard products (e.g., scissor joists, barrel joists, bowstring joists) must be erected per AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 7 and OSHA 1926.756.

SJI Technical Digest, Chapter 1 - Products
Shielded/Lead-Covered Conductor Bend Radius (>1000V)vsNonshielded Conductor Bend Radius (>1000V)

Shielded or lead-covered conductors must not be bent to a radius less than 12 times the overall diameter, while nonshielded conductors require a minimum of 8 times the overall diameter.

NEC 305.5
Conductors >1000V AC in EnclosuresvsConductors ≤1000V AC in Enclosures

Conductors rated over 1000V AC shall NOT occupy the same enclosure, cable, or raceway as conductors rated 1000V AC or less unless specific NEC exceptions apply.

NEC 305.4
Type MV-90 CablevsType MV-105 Cable

Type MV-90 has a maximum operating temperature of 90°C, while Type MV-105 has a maximum operating temperature of 105°C; both are suitable for dry or wet locations.

NEC Table 315.10(A)
Emergency Action Plan (≤10 Employees)vsEmergency Action Plan (>10 Employees)

Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally and are not required to maintain a written plan, while larger employers must maintain a written plan.

OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.35(e)(3)
Competent PersonvsQualified Person (Type MV Cable)

A 'competent person' per OSHA is one who can identify hazards and has authority to take corrective measures; a 'qualified person' for Type MV cable per NEC must have documented training and experience specifically in MV cable installation and testing.

OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31
Material Storage Near HoistwayvsMaterial Storage Near Exterior Wall

Materials inside buildings under construction must be stored at least 6 feet from any hoistway or inside floor opening, but at least 10 feet from an exterior wall that does not extend above the stored material.

OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.250(b)(1)
Direct-Buried Cable >1000V–22kV (General Conditions)vsDirect-Buried Cable >22kV–40kV in Rigid Metal Conduit

Cables rated over 1000V through 22kV buried under general conditions require a minimum cover of 750 mm (30 in.), while cables over 22kV through 40kV in rigid metal conduit require only 150 mm (6 in.).

NEC Table 305.15(A)
Deck Bundle Distribution (Single Large Stack)vsDeck Bundle Distribution (Multiple Small Stacks)

SDI guidelines recommend spreading deck bundles along column lines in several small stacks rather than concentrating them in one area, to distribute weight and improve access.

SDI Manual, Lifting section

Key Terms

Competent Person OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31
Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32(f), one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Danger Sign Usage OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.200(b)(1)
Per OSHA 1926.200(b)(1), danger signs shall be used only where an immediate hazard exists, with red as the predominating upper panel color, black borders, and a white lower panel.
Fire Extinguisher Rating Requirement OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i)
Per OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i), a fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area.
Emergency Action Plan (Small Employer) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.35(e)(3)
Per OSHA 1926.35(e)(3), employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the emergency action plan orally and are not required to maintain a written plan.
First Aid Kit Inspection Frequency OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 33
Per OSHA 1926.50(d)(2), first aid kit contents must be checked before each job and at least weekly on each job to ensure expended items are replaced.
Qualified Equipment Operator OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 29
Per OSHA 1926.20(b)(4), only employees qualified by training or experience shall be permitted to operate equipment and machinery.
Material Storage (Tiered) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.250(a)(1)
Per OSHA 1926.250(a)(1), all materials stored in tiers shall be stacked, racked, blocked, interlocked, or otherwise secured to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse.
Non-Standard SJI Product SJI Technical Digest, Chapter 1 - Products
Per SJI Technical Digest Chapter 1, non-standard products such as scissor joists, barrel joists, and bowstring joists must be erected per AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 7 and OSHA 1926.756 rather than typical SJI procedures.
Type MV Cable (Qualified Installer) NEC 315.30
Per NEC 315.30, installation and testing of Type MV cable must be performed by a qualified person with documented training and experience, and cable joints require documented training specific to MV joints.
Minimum Free Conductor Length NEC 300.14
Per NEC 300.14, at least 150 mm (6 in.) of free conductor measured from where it emerges from its raceway or cable sheath shall be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point.
Bored Hole Edge Distance (Wood Framing) NEC 300.4(A)(1)
Per NEC 300.4(A)(1), holes bored through wood joists or framing for cables or raceways must have their edge at least 32 mm (1¼ in.) from the nearest edge of the wood member, or a 1.6 mm steel plate is required.
Electrical Raceway Prohibition (Non-Electrical Pipe) NEC 300.8
Per NEC 300.8, raceways or cable trays containing electrical conductors shall not contain any pipe, tube, or conduit for steam, water, air, gas, drainage, or any service other than electrical.
High Voltage Danger Sign Wording NEC 305.12
Per NEC 305.12, danger signs at points of access to conductors in raceway and cable systems over 1000 volts must state: 'DANGER—HIGH VOLTAGE—KEEP OUT.'
Minimum Conductor Size (8001–15,000V MV Cable) NEC Table 315.12(A)
Per NEC Table 315.12(A), the minimum conductor size for Type MV cable rated 8001–15,000 volts is 2 AWG for copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum.
Overhead Conductor Clearance Over Roadways (≤22kV) NEC Table 235.360(A)
Per NEC Table 235.360(A), overhead conductors rated 22 kV or less to ground crossing over roadways, driveways, or parking lots require a minimum clearance of 5.6 m (18.5 ft).
High Voltage Entry into Buildings (>35,000V) NEC 235.412
Per NEC 235.412, conductors exceeding 35,000 volts between conductors that enter a building must terminate in a switchgear compartment or a vault conforming to NEC 450.41–450.48, not at any accessible location.
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