Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Tennessee BC-A, B Combined Residential/Commercial Contractor
Tennessee · 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
100
Passing score
73%
Exam time
300 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Tennessee State Portion 100 questions
Sitework, Footings, and Foundation
10 Q · 10%
SiteworkFootingsFoundationSoil classification and presumptive load-bearing valuesFooting depth requirements and frost protectionFooting reinforcement and seismic design requirementsFoundation wall types and construction materialsDampproofing and waterproofing of foundation wallsExcavation safety and protective systems (OSHA Subpart P)Site grading and drainage requirementsSoil compaction testing and backfill requirements
Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement
15 Q · 15%
ConcreteConcrete ReinforcementConcrete mix design and proportioningWater-cement ratio and durability requirementsAdmixtures for concreteCuring methods and requirementsConcrete placement, consolidation, and finishingFormwork design and removalHot and cold weather concreting precautionsConcrete testing and quality controlPrecast concrete erection: planning, transport, rigging, bracing, connections, and tolerances (PCI Erectors' Manual)
Masonry
10 Q · 10%
Mortar types, proportions, and mixing (Types M, S, N, O, K)Masonry units: brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), stone, and AAC classification and propertiesWall systems: solid, cavity, composite, veneer, and reinforced masonry wallsFootings and foundation walls for masonry constructionReinforcement, anchors, ties, and grout installationMasonry structural design methods: allowable stress, strength design, and empirical design (ACI 530/TMS 402)Masonry fireplaces and chimneys: IRC and IBC code requirementsOSHA safety requirements for concrete and masonry construction (Subpart Q)
Carpentry
6 Q · 6%
Wood framing materials: lumber grades, species, and moisture contentWall framing components: studs, plates, headers, and rough openingsFloor framing: joists, girders, posts, subfloor construction, and span tablesRoof framing: common rafters, ridge boards, hip/valley/jack rafters, and roof stylesEngineered wood products: plywood, OSB, LVL, glulam, and I-joistsBuilding codes, permits, inspections, and construction planningFinish carpentry: stairways, molding and trim, doors, windows, cabinets, and finish flooringCarpentry tools: hand tools, power saws, drills, pneumatic nailers, and ladders/scaffolds
Metals
10 Q · 10%
Steel joist types and designations (K-Series, LH-Series, DLH-Series, joist girders, CJ-Series composite joists)Steel joist erection procedures and hoisting requirementsBridging requirements and erection bridging installation (diagonal and horizontal)Column anchorage and structural steel assembly requirements (OSHA Subpart R)Metal decking types, installation, and fastening methodsCold-formed steel framing members, tools, and construction methodsReceiving, unloading, storing, and handling of steel joist productsIBC Chapter 22 steel construction standards and applicable design specifications
Roofing
6 Q · 6%
Roof framing components and terminology (rafters, ridge board, collar ties, jack rafters, hip and valley rafters)Roof styles and framing plans (gable, hip, shed, gambrel, mansard, intersecting roofs)Roof slope, pitch, span, and run calculationsRoof sheathing and decking requirements (solid vs. spaced sheathing, plywood specifications, loading)Underlayment types, application methods, and ice barrier requirementsAsphalt shingle installation (starter course, exposure, shingling patterns, flashing, UL fire ratings)Alternative roofing materials installation (wood shingles/shakes, tile, slate, metal panels, roll roofing, built-up roofing, elastomeric systems)Flashing, drainage, and weather protection (valleys, chimneys, drip edge, crickets, scuppers, gutters)
Associated Trades
10 Q · 10%
Plumbing systems: water supply, distribution, and backflow preventionSanitary drainage, venting, and trap requirementsFuel gas piping, appliances, and venting systemsHVAC equipment installation, duct systems, and exhaust systemsElectrical wiring methods, branch circuits, receptacle placement, and GFCI/AFCI protectionGypsum board and plaster: types, installation, and finishing levelsFinish flooring materials and installation methodsThermal and acoustical insulation: R-values, vapor retarders, and sound control
General Code, Plan Reading, and Estimating
27 Q · 27%
General CodePlan ReadingEstimatingOccupancy classification and use groups (IBC Chapter 3)Building height, area, and type of construction limitationsMeans of egress requirements and occupant load calculationsFire and smoke protection features and fire-resistance ratingsFire protection and life safety systems (sprinklers, alarms)Accessibility requirements and accessible routesBidding, bonding, and contract procedures for contractorsTrench excavation volume calculations and soil state conversions
OSHA Safety
6 Q · 6%
Fall protection systems and requirements (guardrail, safety net, personal fall arrest)Scaffold types, capacity, and safety requirementsExcavation, trenching, and cave-in protectionPersonal protective equipment (PPE) selection and useHazard communication, toxic and hazardous substances (asbestos, silica, lead)Electrical safety and lockout/tagout proceduresFire protection, prevention, and flammable materials storageConfined space entry requirements and permit procedures