CBP Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is a mechanic's lien in the context of construction? → A legal claim against a property by unpaid contractors or suppliers
2. What inspection procedure is essential for quality inspection? → Systematic inspection following established checklists and standards
3. How should a builder read HERS Index scores? → Lower scores mean better efficiency, and 100 is the reference home
4. In a unit price contract, how is the total contract price determined? → By multiplying the agreed unit price for each item by the actual quantities installed
5. When a subcontractor identifies a conflict between the project drawings and specifications, the appropriate action for the GC is to: → Submit a request for information (RFI) to the design team for an official clarification
6. How should hazardous conditions be handled during material selection work? → Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols
7. What does an indemnification clause in a construction contract typically require? → One party to protect and hold harmless another party from specified liabilities or claims
8. A 'scope gap' in subcontracting refers to a situation where: → Work required by the contract is excluded from all subcontractor bids
9. What is a change order in a construction contract? → A written amendment modifying the original contract scope, price, or schedule
10. How often must a competent person inspect a scaffold for visible defects? → Before each work shift and after any event that could affect its integrity
11. How should equipment be maintained for safety procedures operations? → Follow manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules
12. A homeowner asks the superintendent in the field to move a wall. What should happen before the work is done? → A written change order with cost and schedule impact is signed
13. What environmental protection measure applies to equipment operation? → Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations
14. Federally listed endangered species found on a building site fall mainly under which agency? → U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
15. Which factor is critical in maintaining cost control throughout a project? → Ongoing cost tracking and budget review
16. In standard US window and door schedules, a rough opening listed as 36 x 48 means: → 36 inches wide by 48 inches high
17. How should equipment be maintained for environmental standards operations? → Follow manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules
18. Why do builders include a contingency line in a construction budget? → To cover unforeseen costs and estimating uncertainties
19. Under the federal SPCC rule, a site needs an oil spill prevention plan when its aboveground oil storage capacity exceeds: → 1,320 gallons
20. Which of the following amounts is typically withheld from each subcontractor progress payment as financial security to ensure project completion? → Retainage
21. Who typically issues the certificate of occupancy for a new home? → The local building department or code official
22. In a Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule, what is total float? → The time an activity can be delayed without delaying project completion
23. A homeowner wants to know when to check the condensate drain line on a high-efficiency furnace or AC system. What is the best guidance? → Check it periodically and keep it clear of algae and debris so water does not back up
24. Which is an EROSION control rather than a SEDIMENT control? → Hydroseeding and erosion control blankets
25. Which document outlines the step-by-step process for executing a construction project? → Execution plan
26. A gable roof has two planes, each 40 ft long with a 20-ft rafter length. How many roofing squares is that, with no waste? → 16 squares
27. What is the primary purpose of a site-specific safety plan? → Ensure site hazards are addressed properly
28. What environmental protection measure applies to quality inspection? → Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations
29. A unit-price estimate is calculated primarily by: → Multiplying measured quantities of each work item by a cost per unit
30. What is the rafter length (to the nearest hundredth, no overhang) for a 12-ft run at a 6/12 pitch? → 13.42 ft