Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
South Carolina - Wood Frame Structures
South Carolina · 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
180 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
South Carolina State Portion 50 questions
Safety
5 Q · 10%
OSHA employer and employee safety responsibilities on construction sitesFall protection systems and requirements (guardrail, personal fall arrest, safety nets)Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, use, and employer obligationsFire protection and prevention on construction sitesLadder and scaffold safety requirementsExcavation safety and underground utility location (SC 811 call-before-you-dig procedures)Hazardous and toxic substance exposure controls (asbestos, silica, noise, airborne contaminants)Confined space entry requirements in constructionSubpart D-Occupational Health and Environmental Controls
Concrete - Earthwork
7 Q · 14%
SC 811 locate request requirements and notification proceduresExcavation protective systems: sloping, benching, shoring, and shieldingOSHA soil classification (Type A, B, C) for excavation safetySite grading, backfill placement, and compaction requirementsGeotechnical investigations and soil bearing capacityFooting design, dimensions, and depth requirementsDampproofing, waterproofing, and foundation drainage systemsEmergency excavation procedures and damage reporting under SC 811Chapter 18 Soils and FoundationsFoundation Walls
Concrete
9 Q · 18%
Concrete ingredients and hydration processPortland cement types and admixturesConcrete mixing methods and slump testingSteel reinforcement (rebar and welded-wire fabric) placement and sizingFormwork design, shoring, and removal requirementsFoundation slab types (monolithic vs. independent) and subgrade preparationConcrete flatwork finishing steps (screeding, bullfloating, edging, jointing, troweling)OSHA safety requirements for concrete and masonry constructionFoundation WallsConcrete FlatworkConcrete as a Building MaterialSubpart Q—Concrete and Masonry Construction
Carpentry - Rough
16 Q · 32%
Platform framing vs. balloon framing systemsFloor framing components: sill plates, joists, girders, and postsWall framing members: studs, plates, headers, trimmer studs, cripple studs, and rough sillsWall sheathing materials, installation, and shear wall requirementsRoof styles and basic roof framing terminology: span, run, rise, slope, and pitchCommon rafter layout and cutting methods: Pythagorean theorem, unit-length, step-off, and calculatorHip, valley, and jack rafter layout and installationRoof truss handling, installation, and temporary restraint and diagonal bracingChapter 23 WoodRoof Assembly & SheathingWall Framing & SheathingFoundation Walls
+2 more
Carpentry - Manufactured Trusses
6 Q · 12%
Temporary installation restraint and diagonal bracing procedures (eight-step process)Ground bracing methods for the first truss (exterior and interior)Top chord temporary lateral restraint (TCTLR) spacing requirements by truss spanPermanent restraint and bracing of top chord, bottom chord, and web member planesTruss handling, hoisting, and storage (crane use, spreader bars, bundle lifting)Truss damage, jobsite modifications, and prohibited alterationsMulti-ply girder truss assembly and ply-to-ply fastening requirementsFall protection requirements during truss installationChapter 23 Wood
Roofing
7 Q · 14%
Roof framing terminology and basic concepts (span, run, rise, slope, pitch, ridge board vs. ridge beam)Common rafter layout and cutting methods (Pythagorean theorem, unit-length, step-off, calculator)Hip, valley, and jack rafter layout and shortening allowancesRoof sheathing installation requirements and panel nailingRoofing materials and their minimum slope requirements (asphalt shingles, wood shingles/shakes, tile, metal, roll roofing)Underlayment types, application methods, and ice barrier requirements (SC Building Code Chapter 15)Flashing installation (drip edge, step flashing, valley flashing, stack flashing, crickets/saddles)Fall protection requirements for roofing work (OSHA Subpart M — low-slope vs. steep roof, guardrail, personal fall arrest, warning line, safety monitoring systems)Subpart M—Fall ProtectionRoof Assembly & SheathingChapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
Key Distinctions
Thickened slab under 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 295Control line for leading edge workvsControl line for precast concrete erection vs. overhand bricklaying
Leading edge control lines go not less than 6 ft nor more than 25 ft from the edge, while precast erection uses 6-to-60 ft (or half the member length) and overhand bricklaying uses 10-to-15 ft.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926, §1926.502(g)(1)(i)Impulsive/impact noise limit (140 dB peak)vsContinuous noise table 115 dBA entry
140 dB peak sound pressure is the impulse/impact noise ceiling, while 115 dB is the lowest-duration (1/4 hour or less) entry of the continuous-noise table.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926, §1926.52(e)Plain concrete footing 8-inch edge thicknessvsGroup R-3 6-inch edge thickness exception
8 inches is the minimum edge thickness for plain concrete footings supporting walls of other than light-frame construction; 6 inches is permitted for Group R-3 only if the footing does not project beyond the supported wall more than the footing thickness.
SC Building Code 2021, Section 1809.8Hip rafter framed against ridge board (single side cut)vsHip rafter framed against common rafters (double side cut)
The single-side-cut shortening allowance is one-half the 45° thickness of the ridge board; the double-side-cut allowance is one-half the 45° thickness of a common rafter.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 18, Page 509Type M mortarvsType N, S and O mortar
Type M has high compressive strength and durability for heavily loaded or below-grade foundation walls, Type N is for general above-grade work, Type S is used where high tensile strength is needed (earthquake or high-wind regions), and Type O is a low-strength interior mortar.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Pages 278 to 279Mansard roofvsGambrel / Dutch hip / low-slope roof
A mansard has steep slopes on all four sides with a shallower second slope to the top, while a gambrel has its two slopes on only two sides, a Dutch hip is a hip roof with a small gable at each end near the top, and a low-slope (flat) roof has rafters at only a slight angle for drainage.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Pages 467 to 468Nominal lumber dimensionvsActual lumber dimension
After surfacing and seasoning the actual size is less than nominal (a 2×4 measures about 1½ × 3½ inches), and codes use actual dimensions for maximum allowable drilling and notching.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 12.1, Page 325Holes in the web of cold-formed steel membersvsHoles in the flange
Web holes/punchouts are permitted for utility routing, but holes must never be punched in the flange of a stud, joist, or track because it reduces structural strength.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 29.3, Builder's Tip - PunchoutsCovers over holes (general)vsCovers in roadways and vehicular aisles
General covers must support at least twice the weight of employees, equipment and materials imposed at any one time, while the axle-load criterion applies only to covers in roadways and vehicular aisles.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926, §1926.502(i)(2)Warning line stanchion force (16 lb at 30 in.)vsToeboard 50-lb and guardrail 200-lb loads
A warning line stanchion must resist 16 pounds applied horizontally 30 inches above the surface toward the roof edge, whereas 50 pounds belongs to toeboards and 200 pounds is the guardrail top-rail load (5,000 pounds is an anchorage requirement).
OSHA 29 CFR 1926, §1926.502(f)(2)(iii)Open cornice with rafter overhangvsClosed cornice
A closed cornice has no rafter overhang and is seldom used on newer houses because attic ventilation (soffit venting) is difficult to provide.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 19.4, Page 552Toe-nail limit for 2×4 truss chordsvsToe-nail limit for 2×6 truss chords
Attaching a chord to the side of a girder truss or wood beam is generally limited to a maximum of three toe-nails for 2×4 chords and four toe-nails for 2×6 chords to reduce splitting.
BCSI Guide, Page 63 (B8 section)Glue-nailed subfloor edge nailingvsIntermediate support nailing
Nails at supported panel edges are spaced 6 inches on center while intermediate supports require 12-inch spacing.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 15, Table 15-5Key Terms
Competent person (29 CFR 1926.32(f)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31
One capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Fire extinguisher 2A requirement (1926.150(c)(1)(i)) OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i)
An extinguisher rated not less than 2A shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area, or major fraction thereof.
Fire alarm system (1926.150(e)) OSHA 1926.150(e)(1) and (e)(2)
An alarm system such as a telephone system or siren established by the employer so employees on site and the local fire department can be alerted for an emergency, with the alarm code and reporting instructions conspicuously posted at phones and employee entrances.
Control line (1926.502(g)(1)(i)) OSHA 29 CFR 1926, §1926.502(g)(1)(i)
A line restricting access where leading edge and other operations occur, erected not less than 6 feet nor more than 25 feet from the unprotected or leading edge.
Hole cover (1926.502(i)(2)) OSHA 29 CFR 1926, §1926.502(i)(2)
A cover, other than one in a roadway or vehicular aisle, that must be secured against displacement and capable of supporting without failure at least twice the weight of employees, equipment and materials imposed at any one time.
Tolerance zone (SC Code 58-36-20(21)(a)) SC 811 Excavator Manual (2024), Pages 28 and 46
When the facility diameter is known, the area one-half the known diameter plus 24 inches on either side of the designated center line of the underground facility.
Metal roof panel deck requirement (IBC 1507.4.1) SC Building Code 2021, Section 1507.4.1
Metal roof panel roof coverings shall be applied to a solid or closely fitted deck, except where the covering is specifically designed to be applied to spaced supports.
Mass timber connection fire analysis (Sec. 2304.10.1) SC Building Code 2021, Section 2304.10.1
An engineering analysis may justify connections by showing an average temperature rise limited to 250°F and a maximum temperature rise of 325°F at any portion of the connection for the required fire-resistance rating time.
Individual truss member reinforcement (Sec. 2303.4.1.2, Item 2) SC Building Code 2021, Section 2303.4.1.2
Reinforcement used in place of specified lateral restraints shall be installed as shown on the truss design drawing, on supplemental buckling reinforcement details provided by the truss designer, or per Figures 2303.4.1.2(2) and (4).
Rafter span measurement (IRC R802.4.1) IRC Section R802.4.1
Rafter spans shall be measured along the horizontal projection of the rafter, not the actual rafter length.
Span table Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 13.2, Page 355
A list of distances that a particular structural product can span between structural supports such as walls or columns.
Shear wall Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 14.1, Page 14-11 (Book Page 378)
A wall designed to resist lateral (sideways) forces, often created by a specific sheathing nail spacing and commonly used in seismic zones.
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 the framing with lag screws or machine bolts that prevents walls from tipping over during seismic events, installed at each corner of the house or as required by local codes.
Collar tie Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 17.1, Page 468
A horizontal tie that connects opposite pairs of rafters to help stiffen the roof.
Cripple stud Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 16.1 (Book Page 434)
A stud installed above headers and below rough sills where a full-length precut stud would fall, providing a nailing surface for sheathing outside and wall covering inside.
Keyway Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.1, Page 258
A groove formed in the top of the footing that locks the foundation wall to the footing and prevents moisture from seeping between them, usually 3½" wide and 1½" deep because a 2×4 forms it.
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, by tamping, spearing with a spade, or tapping forms with a hammer.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Carpentry and Building Construction, Construction Safety & Health, Book Page 92
A manufacturer-supplied document listing physical data, toxicity levels, first-aid recommendations, storage and disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak response, which every worker must be able to access on the job site.
Schedules (window and door) Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 16.2, Page 440
Charts included in building plans that provide rough-opening sizes for windows and doors.
Theodolite Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 9 — Types of Instruments
A transit that reads horizontal and vertical angles electronically, needs no vernier scale, displays measurements on an LCD screen, and is used where extremely accurate measurements are required.
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 used to stake out a site by measuring from it, without a surveying instrument.
Fire classes A, B, C, D Carpentry and Building Construction, Construction Safety & Health, Page 81
Class A fires involve wood, paper, cloth and plastic; Class B involve grease, oil and chemicals; Class C involve electrical equipment; Class D involve combustible metals.
Formulas to Know
Board feet in a lumber order
Board feet per piece = (nominal thickness × nominal width × length in feet) ÷ 12; multiply by number of pieces. Example: (2 × 10 × 22) ÷ 12 = 36.67 bf per piece × 24 pieces ≈ 880 bf.Excavation volume using depth factor
Excavation length and width = building dimension + clearance on each side; Area = L × W; Volume (cu yd) = area × factor for depth. Example: (40+2+2) × (26+2+2) = 1,320 sq ft × 0.259 (7-ft depth factor) = 341.88 ≈ 342 cu yd.Rough lumber material cost estimate (floor joists)
Step 1: Area of floor = length × width for each level (example 20' × 40' = 800 sq ft); then apply a board-feet-per-100-sq-ft factor from Table 15-4 and multiply by cost per board foot.Roof framing lumber from board-feet table
(Roof surface area ÷ 100) × board feet per 100 sq ft for the rafter size/spacing. Example: 2,100 ÷ 100 = 21; 21 × 102 (2×6 @ 16" OC) = 2,142 bf, including common rafters, hip and valley rafters, ridge boards and collar ties.Roof sheathing panels with waste allowance
Roof area ÷ 32 sq ft per panel, then add 5% trim and waste. Example: 72.19 × 0.05 = 3.6; 72.19 + 3.6 = 75.79, rounded up to 76 sheets.Concrete for a 4-inch slab (Table 11-1)
Slab area ÷ 81 sq ft per cu yd (coverage at 4 in.), rounded up to whole yards. Examples: 30 × 32 = 960 ÷ 81 = 11.85 → 12 cu yd; 44 × 32 = 1,408 ÷ 81 = 17.38 → 18 cu yd. (Check: area × 0.333 ft ÷ 27.)Continuous footing concrete volume
Length = outside perimeter = 2 × (L + W); Volume (cu ft) = length × width (ft) × depth (ft); ÷ 27 = cu yd. Examples: 124 ft × 1.333 × 0.833 = 137.78 ÷ 27 = 5.10 cu yd; 136 ft × 1.333 × 0.667 = 120.89 ÷ 27 = 4.48 cu yd.Pier footing concrete volume
Each pier = L × W × depth in feet; multiply by number of piers; ÷ 27 = cu yd. Examples: 2.5 × 2.5 × 1 = 6.25 cu ft × 3 = 18.75 ÷ 27 = 0.69 cu yd; 2 × 2 × 1 = 4.00 cu ft × 4 = 16.00 ÷ 27 = 0.59 cu yd.Ordering rule for footing concrete
Round the net footing volume UP to the next quarter yard. Examples: 5.10 → 5.25 cu yd; 4.48 → 4.5 cu yd.Total concrete order for footings, piers and slab
Sum the net volumes, then round up to the next whole yard. Examples: 5.10 + 0.69 + 11.85 = 17.65 → 18 cu yd; 9.38 + 0.59 + 17.38 = 27.36 → 28 cu yd.Wall form contact area
Contact area = both faces: 2 × perimeter × wall height. Examples: 2 × 136 ft × 8 ft = 2,176 sq ft; 2 × 152 ft × 8 ft = 2,432 sq ft.Concrete in 8-inch foundation walls (printed table)
Wall area = perimeter × height; (area ÷ 100) × 2.47 cu yd per 100 sq ft. Examples: 136 × 8 = 1,088 ÷ 100 = 10.88 × 2.47 = 26.87 cu yd; 152 × 8 = 1,216 ÷ 100 = 12.16 × 2.47 = 30.04 cu yd (check: area × 0.667 ft ÷ 27).Total concrete for walls plus footing
Walls + footing (net, two decimals). Examples: 26.87 + 4.48 = 31.35 cu yd; 29.24 + 7.31 = 36.55 cu yd.3-4-5 squaring rule for wall layout
Measure 3 ft along one layout line and 4 ft along the other; the diagonal must read exactly 5 ft for a 90° corner — if it reads 5'-1", adjust one layout line until the diagonal is exactly 5 ft before locating the remaining walls.Rafter span adjustment for raised ceiling ties
Apply the table factor for the ratio Hc/Hr (height of ceiling joists/rafter ties to height of ridge, both measured vertically above the top of the rafter support walls); at Hc/Hr = 1/3 the factor is 0.67 applied to the tabulated rafter span.Reading a floor joist span table
(1) Determine live load category (e.g., 40 psf), (2) locate species/group column, (3) find grade column, (4) follow the row right to the required span, (5) follow that column up to the on-center spacing, (6) read lumber dimensions in the row above.