by John Traister and Keeler ChapmanNot long
ago, to become a contractor you just needed a thorough knowledge of the
trade and an entrepreneurial spirit. Today, most states, counties and
cities require applicants to pass a written exam on modern building
practice, and many also include questions on construction law and business
techniques. These tests can be so intimidating they may cause even the
most knowledgeable tradesmen to "freeze up" and score low.
The more ready you are for the exam, the easier it will be. And that's
what this book does. It shows you what to study, how questions may be
worded, and the kinds of choices given for the answers. There are sample
questions from actual state, county, and city examinations. The questions
cover building practices from the foundation to the roof, as well as:
- Building Construction Calculations
- Law and Business Management
- Print Reading
- Structural Loads
- Safety Codes
- Site Work
- Fire Protection Systems
- Special Equipment
And there's a practice exam you can use to test your readiness for the
real thing. When you sit down in the examination room, what you see on the
exam paper will look familiar. While others are sweating, you'll be
prepared, relaxed and confident.
Of course, this book isn't a substitute for the actual study material
that your testing board recommends. But it will prepare you for the types
of questions likely to appear on the actual exam - and that's likely to
increase your chances of passing the first time.
John Traister has been involved in the construction industry for
nearly 40 years. Starting as an apprentice during college vacations, he
eventually became a master electrician, then a principal in Engineering
Associates, Ltd. where he supervised the designers and kept them abreast
of the latest changes in the Code. Now a writer, he has shared his
construction knowledge in over a hundred technical books and hundreds of
articles in trade journals and national publications.
Keeler Chapman, a registered architect, has been designing
buildings of all types for the past 25 years. For this project he has
called on his knowledge of proper building practice, his awareness of code
requirements, and his drafting and artistic skills to provide this manual
with clear, informative illustrations.