AIC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AIC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the MOST effective way to stay current with developments in building codes & standards for American Institute of Constructors? → Participating in professional development, industry events, and peer collaboration
2. According to the hierarchy of controls, which method is the MOST effective at reducing a hazard? → Elimination
3. Which party typically has the authority to issue a stop work order on a construction project? → Project owner or authorized agent
4. According to the AIC Code of Ethics, what is a constructor's primary professional obligation when a conflict arises between client interests and public safety? → Prioritize public safety above client interests
5. On a statistical process control chart, a data point outside the control limits most likely indicates what? → A special (assignable) cause of variation needs investigation
6. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, at what minimum excavation depth is a protective system required (unless the excavation is entirely in stable rock)? → 5 feet
7. A cost-plus contract has an allowance for owner-selected light fixtures, and the actual cost differs from the allowance. How is the contract sum adjusted? → By change order for the difference
8. A guardrail top rail must withstand a force of at least how much, applied in any outward or downward direction? → 200 pounds
9. In the context of AIC certification, 'workforce development' on a construction project most commonly refers to: → Training, mentoring, and upskilling workers to improve capability and retention
10. Resource leveling in project scheduling is used to: → Smooth resource demand by shifting non-critical activities within their float
11. In American Institute of Constructors, how should quality control & inspection initiatives be prioritized? → Based on impact on outcomes, feasibility, and alignment with strategic goals
12. How should unexpected results during tools & equipment operation be handled in American Institute of Constructors? → Document the findings, analyze potential causes, and consult protocols
13. What document should a general contractor require from each subcontractor before allowing their workers on site? → Certificates of insurance, safety programs, and worker credentials/certifications
14. Delays caused by the owner and by the contractor overlap on the critical path. What is the most common result? → The contractor gets a time extension but no delay damages
15. Which competency is MOST essential for professionals working in building codes & standards in American Institute of Constructors? → Critical thinking combined with practical application of knowledge
16. A construction contractor uses an 'open shop' labor arrangement, which means: → Workers are not required to be union members as a condition of employment
17. How should unexpected results during maintenance & repair procedures be handled in American Institute of Constructors? → Document the findings, analyze potential causes, and consult protocols
18. A crew of 4 installs 800 LF of pipe in 5 eight-hour days. What is the productivity rate in LF per labor-hour? → 5.0 LF/labor-hour
19. A contractor discovers concealed conditions materially different from the contract documents. What is the proper first communication step? → Promptly notify the owner and architect before the conditions are disturbed
20. Which of the following best describes a schedule 'milestone' activity? → A zero-duration event marking a significant point
21. Which clause passes the prime contract's obligations down to subcontractors? → Flow-down clause
22. Which item is typically identified early in planning as a long-lead procurement item? → Switchgear and custom electrical equipment
23. What is the purpose of a Time Impact Analysis (TIA) in construction scheduling? → To quantify how a change event affects the project completion date
24. Which ASTM test method is used to determine the maximum dry density of soil using the standard Proctor effort? → ASTM D698
25. An anchorage for a personal fall arrest system, when not designed by a qualified person, must support at least how much per employee attached? → 5,000 pounds
26. Which compactor is most effective on granular soils such as sand and gravel? → Vibratory smooth-drum roller
27. A project has a Planned Value (PV) of $500,000 and an Earned Value (EV) of $450,000. What does this indicate? → The project is behind schedule
28. Which AIA document does the contractor submit at final payment to certify that its debts and claims have been paid? → G706
29. In post-tensioned concrete, when are the tendons typically stressed? → After the concrete reaches a specified minimum strength
30. OSHA requires a safety device at the air source or branch line to reduce pressure if a hose fails. Above what hose inside diameter does this apply? → 1/2 inch