Free Qualifying Builder (QB) Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Qualifying Builder (QB) Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1When plans are required with a Minnesota residential permit application, how must the construction documents present the proposed work?

   1. A. Clearly and with enough detail to show code compliance
   2. B. As a preliminary narrative without dimensions
   3. C. Only as a contractor's material takeoff
   4. D. Only as an owner's room list

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Minnesota Rule 1300.0130 requires construction documents to be "of sufficient clarity" to show the proposed work and its code compliance.

   Reference: 1300 - MN Rules Chapter — Minn. R. 1300.0130, subp. 1

2. 2A new dwelling is being framed. From which places must a continuous and unobstructed egress path be provided?

   1. A. Only sleeping rooms
   2. B. Only the first story
   3. C. Only finished rooms
   4. D. All portions of the dwelling

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Section R311.1 requires a continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from all portions of the dwelling. The governing code "is incorporated by reference and made part of the Minnesota State Building Code".

   Reference: 1309 - MN Rules Chapter — Section R311.1, Means of egress

3. 3Which referenced standard controls the maximum cementitious-material percentages in concrete exposed to deicing chemicals?

   1. A. ASTM D3679
   2. B. ACI 318 Section 19.3.3.4
   3. C. ASTM D226 Type I
   4. D. CPA/ANSI A135.6

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section R402.2 requires those percentages to not exceed the percentages of the total weight of cementitious materials specified in Section 19.3.3.4 of ACI 318. The governing code "is incorporated by reference and made part of the Minnesota State Building Code".

   Reference: 1309 - MN Rules Chapter — Section R402.2, Concrete

4. 4When No. 15 asphalt felt is used as the exterior wall water-resistive barrier, what minimum horizontal lap is required?

   1. A. 2 inches
   2. B. 1 inch
   3. C. 4 inches
   4. D. 6 inches

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section R703.2 requires the upper layer to lap the lower layer not less than 2 inches. The governing code "is incorporated by reference and made part of the Minnesota State Building Code".

   Reference: 1309 - MN Rules Chapter — Section R703.2, Water-resistive barrier

5. 5Which orientations may be used when applying gypsum board to framing members?

   1. A. Only at 30 degrees
   2. B. Only at 45 degrees
   3. C. Only at 60 degrees
   4. D. At right angles or parallel

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Section R702.3.5 states: Gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall be applied at right angles or parallel to framing members. The governing code "is incorporated by reference and made part of the Minnesota State Building Code".

   Reference: 1309 - MN Rules Chapter — Section R702.3.5, Application

6. 6A licensed residential contractor renovates a pre-1978 dwelling in a way that disturbs regulated painted surfaces. What additional compliance is required?

   1. A. Compliance with Minnesota's lead certification requirements
   2. B. Only a municipal electrical permit
   3. C. Only a new-home warranty filing
   4. D. An assumed-name publication

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Under the statutory heading "Pre-1978 structures," Minn. Stat. § 326B.805 requires qualifying renovation work to comply with the lead-certification provision in § 326B.106, subd. 14.

   Reference: Minnesota Statutes 2025, Chapter 326B — Minn. Stat. § 326B.805, subd. 1a

7. 7To win an insured residential roofing job, may a contractor promise to pay the homeowner's insurance deductible?

   1. A. Yes, if disclosed after completion
   2. B. Yes, if called an advertising allowance
   3. C. No, the contractor may not pay or promise to pay the deductible
   4. D. Yes, if the insurer is not told

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Minn. Stat. § 325E.66 prohibits promising to pay an "applicable insurance deductible" as an inducement to the insured.

   Reference: Minnesota Statutes 2025, Chapter 325E — Minn. Stat. § 325E.66, subd. 1

8. 8When the DLI commissioner believes a construction-code licensing violation has occurred, which enforcement instrument may direct the violation to stop or be corrected?

   1. A. A warranty waiver
   2. B. An administrative order
   3. C. A post-loss assignment
   4. D. A lien statement

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Minn. Stat. § 326B.082 authorizes the commissioner to issue an administrative order requiring the violation to be corrected; the commissioner "may issue an administrative order" for a violation.

   Reference: Minnesota Statutes 2025, Chapter 326B — Minn. Stat. § 326B.082, subd. 7

9. 9How long is the statutory warranty period against major construction defects in a new dwelling?

   1. A. 10 years
   2. B. 1 year
   3. C. 2 years
   4. D. 5 years

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Minn. Stat. § 327A.02 provides a warranty "during the ten-year period from and after the warranty date" against major construction defects.

   Reference: Minnesota Statutes 2025, Chapter 327A — Minn. Stat. § 327A.02, subd. 1(c)

10. 10A prime contractor has no written contract with the owner but will use subcontractors. By when must the contractor deliver the statutory pre-lien notice?

    1. A. Within 10 days after agreeing on the work
    2. B. Within 45 days after first furnishing
    3. C. Within 120 days after last furnishing
    4. D. Within one year after last furnishing

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Minn. Stat. § 514.011 requires delivery "within ten days" when there is no written contract.

    Reference: Minnesota Statutes 2025, Chapter 514 — Minn. Stat. § 514.011, subd. 1