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Question 1. Which mechanism of heat transfer is most directly impeded by a continuous layer of rigid foam board installed on the exterior of a wall? A) Conduction B) Convection C) Radiation D) All of the above Answer: A Explanation: Rigid foam board adds thermal resistance primarily by reducing heat flow through conduction across the wall assembly. Question 2. In Oklahoma’s climate zone, which class of vapor retarder is typically required on the warm‑in‑winter side of a wall assembly? A) Class I (≤ 0.1 perm) B) Class II (0.1‑1.0 perm) C) Class III (1.0‑10.0 perm) D) No vapor retarder is required Answer: B Explanation: Oklahoma’s mixed‑humid climate usually calls for a Class II vapor retarder to control moisture without trapping it. Question 3. The R‑value of fiberglass batts is approximately 3.2 per inch. How many inches of batts are needed to achieve an R‑value of 13? A) 3 inches
B) 4 inches C) 5 inches D) 6 inches Answer: B Explanation: 13 ÷ 3.2 ≈ 4.06, so four inches will meet or slightly exceed R‑13. Question 4. Which of the following is a primary advantage of using open‑cell spray foam in an attic? A) Highest R‑value per inch B) Acts as an air barrier C) Provides a vapor barrier D) No off‑gassing concerns Answer: B Explanation: Open‑cell foam expands to fill gaps, creating an effective air barrier while allowing vapor diffusion. Question 5. Which ASTM standard measures surface burning characteristics of insulation materials? A) ASTM E B) ASTM C C) ASTM D D) ASTM F
Question 8. The primary purpose of a baffle in an attic assembly is to: A) Increase R‑value of insulation B) Provide a fire barrier C) Maintain an air space for ventilation D) Reduce thermal bridging Answer: C Explanation: Baffles keep insulation away from soffit vents, preserving the required airflow path. Question 9. Which of the following is considered a thermal bridge in a typical wood‑frame wall? A) Continuous exterior rigid foam B) 2 × 4 studs at 16 in. oc C) Mineral wool cavity fill D) Interior gypsum board Answer: B Explanation: Wood studs conduct heat more readily than the insulated cavity, creating a thermal bridge. Question 10. Under OSHA regulations, which respiratory protection is required when applying closed‑cell spray foam?
A) N95 mask B) Half‑face air‑purifying respirator C) Supplied‑air respirator (SAR) D) No protection needed if ventilation is adequate Answer: C Explanation: Closed‑cell foam contains isocyanates; a SAR provides the necessary protection against inhalation hazards. Question 11. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requires a minimum R‑value for walls in Oklahoma Climate Zone 3 of: A) R‑ 13 B) R‑ 15 C) R‑ 20 D) R‑ 25 Answer: B Explanation: IECC Zone 3 (most of Oklahoma) mandates at least R‑15 for exterior walls. Question 12. Which insulation material has the highest typical compressive strength, making it suitable for below‑grade applications? A) Fiberglass batts B) Extruded polystyrene (XPS) board
Answer: C Explanation: Air barriers stop uncontrolled air leakage, which can carry heat and moisture, but they are not necessarily vapor‑impermeable. Question 15. Which of the following is NOT a permitted location for a thermal barrier over exposed foam plastic according to the IRC? A) ½‑in. gypsum board B) ¼‑in. cement board C) 1‑mm metal sheeting D) 1‑in. mineral wool board Answer: C Explanation: Metal sheeting does not meet the fire‑resistance rating required for a thermal barrier over foam. Question 16. The emissivity of a reflective foil insulation is typically: A) 0.02‑0. B) 0.10‑0. C) 0.30‑0. D) 0.70‑0. Answer: A Explanation: Low emissivity (≈0.02‑0.05) allows the foil to reflect radiant heat effectively.
Question 17. In an unvented crawl space, the recommended R‑value for insulation on the rim joist is: A) R‑ 5 B) R‑ 10 C) R‑ 15 D) R‑ 20 Answer: C Explanation: R‑15 on rim joists helps control heat loss and condensation in sealed crawl spaces. Question 18. Which of the following best describes a Class III vapor retarder? A) Completely vapor‑impermeable B) Moderately permeable, allowing some drying C) Highly permeable, essentially no barrier D) Only used in exterior sheathing Answer: B Explanation: Class III retarders (1‑10 perms) permit limited vapor diffusion, useful where drying potential is needed. Question 19. When performing a blower‑door test, a common target for the whole‑house air‑change rate at 50 Pa in new Oklahoma homes is:
C) It can be mitigated by adding continuous exterior insulation. D) It is eliminated by installing vapor barriers. Answer: C Explanation: Continuous exterior insulation breaks the thermal path through studs, reducing bridging. Question 22. According to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, an insulation contractor must hold which license type to perform residential work? A) General Contractor License B) Specialty Contractor – Insulation License C) Electrical Contractor License D) No license is required Answer: B Explanation: Oklahoma requires a specialty contractor license specific to insulation for residential projects. Question 23. The fire‑spread index (FSI) for a material to be classified as “low‑rise” under ASTM E84 must be: A) ≤ 25 B) ≤ 50 C) ≤ 75 D) ≤ 100
Answer: B Explanation: An FSI of 50 or less qualifies a material as low‑rise, meaning it contributes minimally to fire growth. Question 24. Which of the following is the most appropriate method for sealing gaps around recessed lighting fixtures in an insulated ceiling? A) Fill with loose‑fill cellulose B) Apply spray foam around the fixture housing C) Use fire‑rated caulk or gaskets approved for the fixture D) Leave the gap open for ventilation Answer: C Explanation: Fire‑rated caulk maintains fire safety while sealing air leaks around fixtures. Question 25. For a concrete slab on grade, the recommended minimum R‑value of insulation beneath the slab in Oklahoma is: A) R‑ 2 B) R‑ 5 C) R‑ 10 D) R‑ 15 Answer: B Explanation: R‑5 under‑slab insulation helps reduce heat loss through the slab and control moisture migration.
A) 2 %
B) 5 %
C) 10 %
D) 15 %
Answer: C Explanation: A 10 % waste factor accounts for cutting, fitting, and handling losses. Question 29. In Oklahoma, the sales tax on insulation materials is generally: A) Exempt for all construction materials B) 4 % statewide, plus any local rates C) 8 % flat rate on all goods D) Only applied to labor, not materials Answer: B Explanation: Oklahoma imposes a 4 % state sales tax, with additional local taxes that may apply to materials. Question 30. Which of the following is a primary reason to install a vapor barrier on the interior side of a wall in a cold‑climate zone? A) To prevent interior moisture from reaching the exterior sheathing B) To increase the wall’s R‑value C) To eliminate the need for exterior insulation D) To reduce fire spread
Answer: A Explanation: In cold climates, interior moisture can condense on cold exterior sheathing; an interior vapor barrier helps control this. Question 31. A contractor must file a mechanics’ lien in Oklahoma within how many days after the last furnishing of labor or materials? A) 15 days B) 30 days C) 45 days D) 60 days Answer: B Explanation: Oklahoma law requires a lien claim within 30 days of the last work or material delivery. Question 32. Which of the following insulation products requires a fire‑retardant coating to be code‑compliant when installed in a residential attic? A) Fiberglass batts B) Polyisocyanurate boards C) Expanded polystyrene (EPS) boards D) Mineral wool board Answer: C Explanation: EPS is not self‑extinguishing and must be covered with a fire‑retardant coating or thermal barrier.
A) Rigid XPS board with a vapor barrier B) Loose‑fill cellulose without a vapor barrier C) Closed‑cell spray foam directly applied D) Fiberglass batts with a separate vapor retarder Answer: C Explanation: Closed‑cell spray foam provides both insulation and an air‑tight, vapor‑impermeable seal, reducing moisture risks. Question 36. OSHA requires fall protection for work on ladders higher than: A) 4 ft B) 6 ft C) 8 ft D) 10 ft Answer: B Explanation: OSHA standards mandate fall protection for ladders exceeding 6 ft in height. Question 37. The “R‑value” of an insulation material is a measure of its: A) Fire resistance B) Acoustic performance C) Thermal resistance per unit thickness D) Moisture absorption capacity
Answer: C Explanation: R‑value quantifies the material’s ability to resist heat flow per inch of thickness. Question 38. When installing insulation around a window, the most effective method to prevent thermal bridging is to: A) Fill the cavity with loose‑fill cellulose only B) Use continuous exterior insulation that extends over the window flange C) Install batt insulation directly against the window glass D) Apply a vapor barrier over the window frame Answer: B Explanation: Continuous exterior insulation reduces bridging by covering the window perimeter and providing a thermal break. Question 39. Which of the following is a required component of a written contract for insulation work in Oklahoma? A) Contractor’s personal phone number B) Detailed line‑item pricing for labor and materials C) A clause stating “no warranties” D) A list of all subcontractors used Answer: B Explanation: Oklahoma contract law requires clear, detailed pricing for labor and materials to constitute a valid agreement.
A) No coverage required B) $100,000 per employee C) $500,000 per incident D) As mandated by the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission based on payroll Answer: D Explanation: Coverage limits are set by the state commission and depend on the contractor’s payroll and risk classification. Question 43. A “thermal bridge” can be eliminated by: A) Adding more batt insulation inside the cavity B) Installing a vapor barrier on the interior side C) Using staggered stud framing D) Applying a thicker paint coat on the interior walls Answer: C Explanation: Staggered or advanced framing reduces continuous paths of conductive material, mitigating thermal bridging. Question 44. Which of the following is the most accurate description of “dense‑pack” cellulose installation? A) Loose‑fill blown at a low pressure B) High‑pressure installation that fills cavities to near‑theoretical density
C) Sprayed in a thin layer on exterior walls D) Installed in pre‑cut batts Answer: B Explanation: Dense‑pack uses high pressure to achieve a tightly packed, low‑settlement cellulose fill. Question 45. The fire‑resistance rating required for a gypsum board covering over spray foam in a residential attic is: A) 30 minutes B) 45 minutes C) 60 minutes D) 90 minutes Answer: C Explanation: The IRC specifies a minimum 60‑minute fire‑rated barrier over foam in attics. Question 46. Which of the following HVAC components is most directly affected by the overall insulation level of a home? A) Thermostat accuracy B) Duct sizing C) Refrigerant type D) Compressor brand
