Only 2 attempts allowed within 30 days of paying your NHBRC registration fee — don't waste one.

NHBRC Test Preparation 2026

Pass Your NHBRC Test
in 7 Days

Free NHBRC test questions and a complete 170-question practice pack — all with answers and full explanations. A structured daily plan built specifically for busy South African builders who don't have time to waste.

170Practice Questions
7Structured Days
30Minutes Per Day
R600One-Time Payment
Why Choose This Pack

Built Different. Built for Builders.

Every other prep pack dumps NHBRC test questions and answers on you and leaves you to figure it out. This pack gives you a system.

7-Day Structured Plan

No other prep pack in South Africa gives you a day-by-day study schedule. Know exactly what to study and when — no guessing.

30 Minutes Per Day

Built for working builders. You don't need to quit your job to prepare. 30 focused minutes daily is all it takes.

Answers + Explanations

Every single question has the correct answer highlighted AND a brief explanation. You understand why — not just what.

Full Mock Test

Day 7 is a complete 30-question timed mock test. Walk into the real assessment knowing exactly what to expect.

SANS 10400 Aligned

All questions are based on the SANS 10400 and NHBRC Home Builders Manual — the exact standards tested in the assessment.

Instant PDF Delivery

Pay once, receive your PDF immediately to your email. Study on your phone, tablet or laptop. No login needed.

The Plan

Your 7-Day Study Schedule

Each day covers a focused topic area. 20 questions per day — except Day 7 which is your full mock test.

Day1

Foundations & Soil Classification

Site investigation, soil types, founding depths, strip foundations, dolomite areas

20 Questions
Day2

Fill, Compaction & Masonry Basics

Fill layers, compaction methods, engineering fill, hollow bricks, mortar grading

20 Questions
Day3

Masonry — Strength & Cavity Walls

Compressive strengths, cavity wall construction, concrete grades, infill concrete

20 Questions
Day4

Masonry — Joints, DPC & Details

Mortar joints, damp proof course, wall ties, chases, door and window frames

20 Questions
Day5

Concrete, Drainage & Services

Concrete strengths, mix ratios, slump test, drain pipe clearances, service trenches

20 Questions
Day6

Roofing, Timber & Habitable Spaces

Roof pitch, waterproofing, wall plates, trusses, habitable room requirements

20 Questions
Day7

Full Mock Test — Timed

All topics combined. 45-minute timer. Score yourself against the pass guide. You are ready.

30 Questions
What's Inside

Everything You Need to Pass

One PDF of NHBRC questions and answers. Everything included. No upsells.

170Total Practice Questions
7Focused Daily Sessions
30Mock Test Questions
100%Answers With Explanations
Free NHBRC Mock Test Questions

Free NHBRC Test Questions & Answers — See Day 1

Six real mock test questions and answers from Day 1 — Foundations & Soil Classification. Tap any question to check your answer.

Question 1

The Geo-technical solution shall be designed by a ……… Engineer?

  • a) Structural Engineer
  • b) Civil Engineer
  • c) Geo-Technical Engineer ✓
  • d) NHBRC Competent Person
Correct Answer: Geo-Technical Engineer

Geotechnical solutions address the interaction between a structure and the soil or rock supporting it — bearing capacity, settlement, expansive or collapsible soils, groundwater and dolomitic risk. A Geotechnical Engineer is trained and registered to design foundation solutions around these ground conditions.

Question 3

A dolomite feature that manifests as a hole in the ground is referred to as?

  • a) A sinkhole ✓
  • b) A mine
  • c) A shaft
  • d) All of the above
Correct Answer: A sinkhole

In dolomitic areas, groundwater dissolves dolomite rock over time, forming underground voids. When the soil above collapses into these voids, a sinkhole forms at the surface — a serious risk to buildings that must be identified during site investigation.

Question 8

What is the minimum founding depth for slab-on-the-ground foundation type?

  • a) 500mm
  • b) 1500mm
  • c) 300mm ✓
  • d) 400mm
Correct Answer: 300mm

A minimum founding depth ensures the slab is placed below organic topsoil and within stable material, reducing the influence of surface moisture changes and providing consistent support for the slab.

Question 10 · Locked

The minimum width of a strip foundation for a single storey building with a tiled or sheeted roof in stable soil conditions, for an external & internal wall, shall be …. respectively?

  • a) 200mm external & 400mm internal
  • b) 400mm external & 200mm internal
  • c) 500mm external & 400mm internal
  • d) 400mm external & 500mm internal
Answer & explanation in the full pack. Unlock all 170 questions →
Question 13 · Locked

What is the minimum internal & external width of a strip foundation on C, H, R and S soil classification sites, on reinforced concrete roofs?

  • a) 400mm & 500mm
  • b) 750mm internal & 600mm external
  • c) 800mm & 1000mm
  • d) 1000mm & 1200mm
Answer & explanation in the full pack. Unlock all 170 questions →
Question 14 · Locked

Strip foundations on C, H, R and S sites — what is the width of the strip foundation for a single storey building on these site classes, external walls?

  • a) 600mm
  • b) 450mm
  • c) 550mm
  • d) 400mm
Answer & explanation in the full pack. Unlock all 170 questions →

These 6 questions are from Day 1 of 7. The full pack covers foundations, masonry, concrete, roofing, drainage and NHBRC compliance.

Comparison

How We Compare

See why builders choose Scotch Score Holdings over other prep packs.

Feature Scotch Score Holdings Other Prep Packs
7-Day Structured Plan Yes No
30 Min/Day Format Yes No
Answers + Explanations Every QuestionAnswers only
Full Mock Test 30 QuestionsRarely included
SANS 10400 Aligned Yes Yes
Instant PDF Delivery Yes Yes
PriceR600R499 – R600

Get Your Study Pack Now

Instant PDF delivery to your email address after payment

R600
One-time payment — yours to keep forever
  • 170 practice questions with answers & explanations
  • 7-day structured daily study plan
  • Full 30-question mock test included
  • Instant PDF delivery to your email
  • Study on any device — phone, tablet, laptop
Secured by PayFast  |  Card, EFT & SnapScan accepted
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NHBRC?

NHBRC stands for the National Home Builders Registration Council — the statutory body that regulates home builders in South Africa. Anyone building homes for sale or reward must register with the NHBRC, which requires passing a technical assessment based on the SANS 10400 building standards.

Is there a PDF version of the NHBRC exam questions and answers?

Yes. The full 170-question pack is delivered as a PDF straight to your email after payment — no login, no app, no waiting. The free sample questions and answers on this page are also part of that same PDF.

How will I receive the PDF after paying?

After successful payment through PayFast, the PDF will be sent directly to the email address you entered before paying. Check your inbox — and your spam folder just in case. It arrives within minutes.

What topics does the NHBRC technical assessment cover?

The assessment covers foundations and soil classification, concrete mixing and strength, masonry and walling, roofing and timber structures, drainage and services, and general NHBRC compliance requirements under SANS 10400.

Is the NHBRC test open book?

Yes — the NHBRC technical assessment is open book. However, you still need to know where to find answers quickly. Studying with practice questions beforehand gives you the speed and confidence to pass comfortably.

How difficult is the NHBRC test?

The pass mark is low — you only need 13 out of 25 correct — but the test is open book from a 499-page manual, which makes it harder to navigate under time pressure than the pass mark suggests. Most candidates who fail do so because they can't find the right section in time, not because they don't understand construction. Practicing with mock questions beforehand is what actually makes the difference.

How many attempts do I get for the NHBRC test?

Builders are allowed only two attempts within 30 days of paying the NHBRC application fee. Proper preparation is essential — this is exactly why a structured study pack matters.

Can I study on my phone?

Yes. The PDF is designed to be clear and readable on any device — phone, tablet or laptop. No app download needed. Study on site, in your car, anywhere you have 30 minutes.

What payment methods are accepted?

Payment is processed securely through PayFast. You can pay by credit card, debit card, EFT (instant EFT), SnapScan, or Ozow. All major South African banks are supported.

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