Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Tennessee BC-C Industrial 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
72
Passing score
73%
Exam time
210 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Tennessee State Portion 72 questions
Sitework, Footings, and Foundation
5 Q · 7%
SiteworkFootingsFoundationSoil classification and geotechnical investigationsExcavation safety and protective systems (sloping, benching, shoring, trench boxes)Soil compaction methods and density testing (Proctor tests, nuclear density gauge)Dampproofing and waterproofing of below-grade walls and floorsFoundation wall types and formwork (concrete, masonry, ICF)Footing design, reinforcement, and form constructionSite grading, drainage, and backfill requirementsTrench excavation quantities and equipment productivity
Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement
18 Q · 25%
ConcreteConcrete ReinforcementConcrete mix design and proportioningConcrete admixturesSupplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, slag cement, silica fume)Concrete durability and exposure categoriesCuring methods and requirementsConcrete placement, finishing, and consolidationFormwork design and removalPrestressed and post-tensioned concretePrecast concrete erection: planning, transport, rigging, bracing, connections, and tolerances (PCI Erectors' Manual)
Masonry
6 Q · 8%
Masonry materials: brick, concrete masonry units, stone, mortar, and grout properties and classificationsMortar types, proportions, and mixing procedures (ASTM C270 Types M, S, N, O, K)Masonry wall systems: solid, hollow, cavity, composite, veneer, and reinforced wallsStructural design of masonry: allowable stress design and strength design methods (TMS 402/ACI 530)Reinforcement, anchors, ties, and joint reinforcement in masonry constructionMasonry construction execution: laying brick and block, mortar joint placement, grout placement, and tolerances (TMS 602/ACI 530.1)Footings and foundation systems for masonry structuresOSHA 1926 Subpart Q safety requirements for concrete and masonry construction
Carpentry
4 Q · 6%
Wood framing systems and structural design (platform, balloon, post-and-beam, in-line framing)Floor framing components (girders, posts, joists, sill plates, subfloor installation)Wall framing materials, layout, and sheathingBasic and complex roof framing (common, hip, valley, and jack rafters; ridge layout; trusses)Roof assembly, sheathing, and cornice/rake detailsEngineered wood products (plywood grading, LVL, OSB, I-joists, glulam)Finish carpentry (doors, windows, stairways, molding and trim, cabinets and countertops, finish flooring)Power and pneumatic tools, hand tools, and work support equipment (ladders and scaffolds)
Metals
13 Q · 18%
Open web steel joist types and designations (K-, LH-, DLH-, CJ-Series, joist girders)Steel deck types and profiles (composite floor, roof, form, cellular, acoustic)OSHA Subpart R steel erection safety requirementsErection bridging requirements and installation proceduresReceiving, unloading, and jobsite storage of steel joist productsSteel deck fastening and installation methods (welding, mechanical fasteners, shear studs)Column anchorage and structural steel assembly requirementsCold-formed steel framing types, tools, and construction methods
Roofing
4 Q · 6%
Basic roof framing terminology (span, run, rise, slope, pitch, unit run, unit rise)Roof styles and framing plans (gable, hip, shed, gambrel, mansard, Dutch hip)Common rafter layout and cutting methods (Pythagorean theorem, unit-length, step-off, calculator)Hip, valley, and jack rafter layout and shortening allowancesRoof sheathing types, installation, and fastening requirements (panel, open, plank)Roof coverings and underlayment installation (asphalt shingles, wood shingles/shakes, tile, metal, roll roofing)Flashing types and placement (drip edge, step flashing, valley flashing, ice barrier, chimney saddle/cricket)IBC fire classification and wind resistance requirements for roof assemblies
Associated Trades
4 Q · 6%
Plumbing systems: supply, waste, and DWV piping materials and installationElectrical systems: circuits, wiring types, service panels, and outlet boxesHVAC systems: forced hot-air, radiant heating, and split-system air conditioningThermal and acoustical insulation: types, R-values, vapor retarders, and installationDrywall and gypsum board: types, fastening, finishing, and IBC requirementsInterior finishes: flame spread classifications and occupancy-based requirementsFinish flooring: hardwood, engineered wood, vinyl, tile, and carpet installationElevators and conveying systems: hoistways, emergency operations, and code requirements
OSHA Safety
5 Q · 7%
Fall protection systems and requirements (guardrail, safety net, personal fall arrest)Scaffolding types, capacity, and safety requirementsExcavation and trenching hazards, protective systems, and accessPersonal protective equipment (PPE) selection, use, and employer obligationsElectrical safety and hazard control on construction sitesConfined space entry procedures and permit requirementsHazardous substances, toxic materials, and permissible exposure limitsFire protection, prevention, and flammable/combustible liquid storage
General Code, Plan Reading, and Estimating
13 Q · 18%
General CodePlan ReadingEstimatingIBC occupancy classification and building height/area limitationsIBC fire-resistance ratings and types of constructionIBC means of egress requirements and occupant load calculationsIBC fire protection and automatic sprinkler system requirementsIBC accessibility requirements and accessible routesQuantity takeoff calculations for excavation and earthworkReading and interpreting construction plan symbols and scalesBid preparation, bonding, and construction project cost analysis
Key Distinctions
Direct construction costvsDirect (job) overhead cost
Direct construction costs are the labor, material and equipment tied to a specific trade or phase (pipe materials, backhoe rental, pipe bedding aggregate), while direct (job) overhead costs result from taking that particular job but are not tied to a trade or phase (traffic control barricades/flaggers/lane delineators, pipe and soil density testing).
Pipe and Excavation Contracting, Pages 20-21Thickened slab under an interior bearing wallvsStandard footing
The thickened slab acts like a footing but is formed by a trench dug into the subgrade (and strengthened with rebar) rather than by formwork.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 11.1, Page 295MuntinvsMullion strip
A muntin is the vertical or horizontal piece within a sash that holds an individual pane of glass, whereas a mullion strip is the vertical piece separating combined window units.
Windows & Skylights chapter, Double-Hung Windows sectionCasement windowvsDouble-hung window
A casement has a side-hinged sash swinging 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 sectionSolid-core doorvsHollow-core door
Solid-core construction (wood strips, particleboard, rigid foam or other core with thin veneer) reduces warping and is more fire-resistant, so it is generally preferred for exterior doors.
Residential Doors chapter, Flat-Panel Doors sectionHollow masonry unitvsSolid masonry unit
Per TMS 402/ACI 530 Section 1.6, a hollow unit has net cross-sectional area less than 75 percent of gross area measured in any plane parallel to the surface containing voids; a solid unit has 75 percent or more.
ACI 530/530.1-11, TMS 402 Code Chapter 1, Section 1.6 Definitions, Page C-16Type M mortarvsType N, S, and O mortars
Type M has high compressive strength and durability for heavily loaded or below-grade foundation walls, while Type N is for general masonry above grade, Type S for earthquake/high-wind zones, and Type O is low-strength mortar for interior walls.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.3, Page 279U-valuevsR-value
U-values work in reverse of insulation R-values: a lower U-value means less heat loss or gain and greater insulating performance (NFRC uses U-values among its window ratings).
Windows & Skylights chapter, Energy Efficiency - Ratings sectionStandard SJI joist productsvsNon-standard SJI products
Barrel, bowstring, gable, scissor joists and other special truss configurations are non-standard and must be erected per the AISC Code of Standard Practice Section 7 and OSHA 1926.756 instead of typical SJI erection procedures.
SJI Technical Digest, Chapter 1 - ProductsPunchouts/holes in the web of cold-formed steel membersvsHoles in the flange
Web holes are permitted for utility routing, but a hole must never be punched in the flange of a stud, joist, or track because it reduces structural strength (holes and punchouts in general reduce stud strength).
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 29.3, Builder's Tip - PunchoutsFive-bag concrete mixvsSix-bag concrete mix
Five bags of cement per cubic yard is the minimum generally acceptable for most work; six-bag mix is commonly specified where high strength is needed or where steel reinforcement is used.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 8.2, Page 226Cold jointvsContinuous pour
A cold joint forms where fresh concrete is placed on or next to concrete that has already begun to cure and is weaker and more likely to leak, so concrete should be poured continuously without interruption.
Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.2, Page 266Key Terms
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).
Theodolite Carpentry and Building Construction, Chapter 9 — Types of Instruments
A transit that reads horizontal and vertical angles electronically and displays measurements on an LCD screen without a vernier scale, used where extremely accurate measurements are required.
Keyway Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.1, Page 258
A groove formed in the top of the footing (usually 3½" wide and 1½" deep because a 2×4 forms it) that locks the foundation wall to the footing and prevents moisture seepage between them.
Cold joint Carpentry and Building Construction, Section 10.2, Page 266
The joint occurring where fresh concrete is poured on top of or next to concrete that has already begun to cure; it is weaker than the surrounding wall and more likely to leak.
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 concrete vibrator, tamping, spearing with a spade, or tapping the forms with a hammer.
Shear wall Carpentry and Building Construction, Page 378
A wall designed to resist lateral (sideways) forces, created in part by specified sheathing nail spacing and properly fastened to the framing above and to the sill plate and foundation below; shear strength at house corners is crucial.
Fire wall (IBC 202) IBC 2021 Section 202 (Definitions - Fire Wall)
A fire-resistance-rated wall with protected openings that restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with enough structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse on either side without collapse of the wall.
Building area (IBC 202) IBC 2021 Section 202 (Definitions - Area, Building)
The area within surrounding exterior walls, or exterior walls and fire walls, exclusive of vent shafts and courts; unwalled areas are included if within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.
Occupant load (IBC 202) IBC 2021 202
The number of persons for which the means of egress of a building or portion thereof is designed — a design value, not the actual number of people present.
Story above grade plane (IBC 202) IBC 2021 Section 202 (Definitions - Story Above Grade Plane)
Any story with its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane, or in which the finished surface of the floor next above is more than 6 feet above grade plane or more than 12 feet above finished ground level at any point.
Hollow masonry unit (TMS 402/ACI 530 §1.6) ACI 530/530.1-11, TMS 402 Code Chapter 1, Section 1.6 Definitions, Page C-16
A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area is less than 75 percent of its gross cross-sectional area measured in any plane parallel to the surface containing voids.
Cavity wall (TMS 402/ACI 530 §1.6) ACI 530/530.1-11, TMS 402 Code Chapter 1, Section 1.6 Definitions, Page C-14
A masonry wall of two or more wythes, at least two separated by a continuous air space, with the separated wythes connected by wall ties.
Seating-loss (PTI Field Procedures Manual, Ch. 1) PTI Field Procedures Manual, Chapter 1 Definitions - Seating-Loss
In post-tensioning, the relative movement of the wedges into the anchor cavity during transfer of the prestressing force to the anchorage, which causes some loss of prestressing force.
Gain (door hinges) Residential Doors chapter, Hinges section
A mortise or notch cut with a depth equal to the thickness of a single hinge leaf — one in the door edge and one in the jamb — so the closed door sits flush.
Plyform Modern Masonry (9th ed.), Chapter 19, Page 402
An exterior-type plywood specially designed for concrete forming, made from special wood species and veneer grades and available in Class I and Class II grades.
Lap splice, masonry allowable stress design (IBC 2107.2.1) IBC 2021 Section 2107.2.1
Minimum lap splice length for reinforcing bars in tension or compression, calculated as ld = 0.002db × fs but not less than 12 inches (305 mm) and not less than 40 bar diameters.
Formulas to Know
Sloped rafter/top-chord length from run and rise
Rafter length = √(run² + rise²); run = span ÷ 2, rise = upper elevation − bearing elevation (e.g., √(28² + 14²) = 31.30'; √(24² + 12²) = 26.8')Roof rise from pitch and run
Rise = run × (pitch rise ÷ 12), where run = span ÷ 2 (e.g., 63' span → run 31.50'; 8:12 → 31.50 × 0.6667 = 21.00')Top-chord slope angle from horizontal
Angle = arctan(rise ÷ run) (e.g., arctan(12 ÷ 24) = arctan 0.5 = 26.6°)Actual sloped roof area / rafter length from printed slope factors
Sloped area = plan-view footprint × slope factor (6:12 = 1.118; 50 × 40 = 2,000 sf × 1.118 = 2,236 sf); sloped length = run × slope factor (3:12 porch: 20 × 10 = 200 sf × 1.031 = 206 sf; 12' run × 1.054 = 12.6 lin ft). Take off each slope separately.Concrete volume in cubic yards for slabs/footings
Volume (cf) = area (sf) × thickness in feet (4" = 0.333', 5" = 0.4167'); cy = cf ÷ 27, rounded UP when ordering whole yards (e.g., 540 sf × 0.4167 = 225 cf ÷ 27 = 8.33 cy; 265 cf ÷ 27 = 9.81 → order 10 cy; footing 200 × 2 × 1 = 400 cf ÷ 27 = 14.8 → 15 cy)Excavation volume for a house foundation
(Length + clearance both sides) × (Width + clearance both sides) × depth ÷ 27 = cy (e.g., (40+2+2) × (26+2+2) × 7 = 9,240 cf ÷ 27 ≈ 342 cy)Formwork contact area
Contact area = length × form height × number of faces (e.g., 200' × 1.0' × 2 faces = 400 sf)Labor price with burden and overhead & profit
Base labor = contact area × unit rate; then × 1.25 (25% burden for taxes/insurance); then × 1.15 (15% O&P) (400 sf × $1.25 = $500 → $625 → $718.75)Minimum crawl-space net ventilation area
1 sq ft of net venting per 150 sq ft of crawl-space area = crawl area ÷ 150 (1,200 ÷ 150 = 8 sq ft)Maximum nominal aggregate size
Not more than 1/3 the slab depth and not more than 1/5 the narrowest dimension of a vertical member; the smaller governs (4" slab ÷ 3 ≈ 1-1/3" vs 12" ÷ 5 = 2.4" → 1-1/3")