GCC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which type of cost estimating uses a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to aggregate costs from the lowest level upward? → Bottom-up estimating
2. Which document must a general contractor submit to obtain a building permit for a new commercial structure? → Construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional
3. Under OSHA's silica standard for construction (29 CFR 1926.1153), what is the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica? → 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour TWA
4. Which ASTM standard classification level requires an estimate accuracy range of -15% to +20%? → Class 3
5. What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? → To document chemical safety information
6. Which OSHA standard requires written Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for construction equipment servicing? → 29 CFR 1910.147 (applied to construction through 1926.417)
7. What is the primary purpose of building codes? → To ensure minimum standards for safety, health, and structural integrity
8. Which fire-resistance rating is typically required for walls separating dwelling units in a Type V-B wood-frame apartment building under the IBC? → 1-hour
9. When a general contractor requires subcontractors to carry a minimum of $1 million per occurrence in general liability coverage, this is an example of: → Risk transfer through contractual insurance requirements
10. Which planning tool breaks project deliverables into progressively smaller components to define the total scope of work? → Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
11. An existing building undergoing renovation must meet current code for which elements, under most state amendments? → Accessibility (ADA), fire protection, and the specific elements being altered
12. Which estimating method uses historical cost data from similar completed projects to forecast costs for a new project? → Analogous estimating
13. Under OSHA's construction standards, which condition requires a crane operator to immediately cease operations? → Sustained wind speed exceeds 30 mph or manufacturer's limit
14. Which OSHA regulation outlines general safety and health provisions in construction? → OSHA 1926 Subpart C
15. When terminating a subcontractor for default, the general contractor must typically: → Provide written notice and a cure period as specified in the subcontract
16. Which OSHA standard governs personal protective equipment (PPE) selection on construction sites? → 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E
17. Why is a project scope statement important? → To define project goals and deliverables
18. A scaffold collapses injuring three workers. Under OSHA's severe injury reporting rule, the contractor must report the hospitalization within: → 24 hours of learning of the hospitalization
19. A bid bond guarantees that: → The contractor will enter into a contract if awarded the bid
20. What is retainage in construction contracts? → Withheld portion of payment until completion
21. A 'benchmark' shown on a site plan serves what purpose? → A reference point of known elevation used to establish all other elevations on site
22. Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC) that most US jurisdictions adopt? → NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
23. Which factor MOST affects the load-bearing capacity of a wood stud wall? → Stud spacing, species, grade, and presence of lateral bracing
24. What is the primary purpose of ASTM E119 in building construction? → Establishing standard fire-resistance test methods for building materials
25. What documentation should accompany quality control activities? → Test reports, inspection checklists, non-conformance reports, and corrective actions
26. Which legal concept requires a contractor to formally notify the owner of a claim within the contract-specified timeframe or risk losing the right to recover? → Notice requirement / contractual notice
27. What does a wire mesh or welded wire fabric (WWF) do when embedded in a concrete slab-on-grade? → Controls crack width and holds cracks together if they occur
28. Which ASHRAE standard sets minimum requirements for ventilation and indoor air quality in commercial buildings? → ASHRAE 62.1
29. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be prepared: → Before land disturbance begins
30. What does a 'nonconformance report' (NCR) formally document on a construction project? → Any work or material that deviates from contract requirements