10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The TN-BC exam has 100 questions and runs 5 hours.
These 10 free TN-BC questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Tennessee Commercial (BC-B) Contractor Examination blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
An estimator is taking off a partition from a reduced-size print. The dimension string states 18 ft 0 in., but the line measures as 18 ft 6 in. when the printed 1/4 in. scale is used. No revision changes the written dimension. What length should be carried in the takeoff?
Correct answer: B - 18 ft 0 in., while flagging the discrepancy for clarification
A restaurant story contains a 2,700-ft² dining area with tables and chairs and a 600-ft² commercial kitchen. Use 15 net ft² per person for dining, 200 gross ft² per person for the kitchen, and the general exit table of 2 exits for 1-500 occupants, 3 for 501-1,000, and 4 for more than 1,000. What is the minimum number of exits based on these spaces?
Correct answer: A - 2 exits, based on an occupant load of 183
A lift of structural fill has a field dry density of 117.0 pcf. The laboratory Proctor maximum dry density is 120.0 pcf, and the specification requires at least 95% compaction. How should the test be interpreted?
Correct answer: B - Accept the lift; it achieved 97.5% compaction
Concrete is specified at f'c = 6,000 psi. Three consecutive strength tests are 5,450 psi, 6,300 psi, and 6,300 psi. Acceptance requires the three-test average to equal or exceed f'c and, because f'c exceeds 5,000 psi, no individual test may be more than 10% below f'c. Which conclusion is correct?
Correct answer: C - Accept; the average is 6,017 psi and the lowest test exceeds 5,400 psi
Cracking develops in brick veneer directly below a shelf angle. Inspection shows the joint beneath the angle was packed solid with mortar, preventing the veneer below from moving independently. Which repair detail addresses the underlying error?
Correct answer: D - Restore the specified compressible, sealed movement joint below the angle
A 3-in.-diameter hole is bored through the middle third of a nominal 2×12 solid-sawn floor joist. For this 11.25-in.-deep joist, the maximum permitted hole diameter is 3.75 in., the hole edges are more than 2 in. from both top and bottom, and no notch is present. Under common solid-sawn joist boring limits, what is the correct assessment?
Correct answer: C - Acceptable; the hole satisfies the diameter and edge-clearance limits
A steel connection at a crane runway is detailed so that service-load slip at the faying surfaces is not permitted. Which bolted-connection condition matches that design intent?
Correct answer: A - Pretensioned high-strength bolts with qualified faying surfaces
Water staining appears where a sloped roof terminates against a sidewall just above a gutter. The step flashing is present, but runoff follows the wall and enters behind the cladding at the roof edge. Which missing component most directly explains the failure?
Correct answer: C - Kickout flashing at the roof-to-wall termination
A potable-water connection supplies a chemical-mixing system. The connection presents a high health hazard and can be subjected to backpressure; an air gap is not practical. Which protection is appropriate?
Correct answer: D - A reduced-pressure principle assembly
After an overnight storm, a crew is scheduled to enter a 6-ft-deep trench in Type C soil. Water is seeping through one wall, the trench shield has not been installed, and the nearest ladder is 40 ft from the work area. What is required before entry?
Correct answer: D - Have a competent person reinspect; control water, protect against cave-in, and provide egress within 25 ft
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