Business, Contracting, and Safety Practices
Contracting essentials
Candidates should understand contract basics: scope of work, change orders, scheduling, lien rights, and the importance of written agreements that define responsibility for design, permits, inspections, and testing. Know how insurance and bonding requirements protect the owner and how they relate to licensure. Understand the difference between a subcontract and a prime contract and who bears responsibility for code compliance on a project.
Safety and jobsite practice
Know the fundamentals of jobsite safety: hazard assessment, personal protective equipment, lockout/tagout when working on fire protection systems, fall protection, and confined space awareness. Understand the special risk of working on a live sprinkler system - the need to notify the owner and AHJ before impairment, and the requirement to restore protection promptly. Recognize that hot work near sprinkler systems requires permits and precautions.
Business ethics and records
Understand recordkeeping for inspections, tests, and material certifications, and the professional obligation to report deficiencies honestly rather than defer to the owner's preference. Know that falsifying an inspection report is a licensing matter, not just a contractual one.
Traps to expect
Questions often test whether the contractor or the owner must be notified before an impairment, and whether a verbal approval is sufficient. Written notice and documentation are the safe answers.