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Key Facts: CPC33020 Bricklaying Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

CPC33020

National Code

training.gov.au

28 units

20 core + 8 elective

training.gov.au

~1300 hrs

Volume of Learning

training.gov.au

M3 1:1:6

General Mortar (AS 3700)

AS 3700

Competency

Assessment Type

ASQA

The Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) is the nationally recognised Australian trade qualification for bricklayers and blocklayers, delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) under ASQA and usually completed via a 3-4 year apprenticeship. It is competency-based: there is no single national multiple-choice exam; instead, 28 units of competency (20 core + 8 elective, ~1300 hours of learning) are assessed through practical demonstration and knowledge evidence in real or simulated workplaces. Trade theory spans bricklaying and blocklaying methods, AS 3700 mortar classes and mixes, bonds and coursing, setting out, cavity and solid walls, paving, masonry materials, NCC masonry requirements, and scaffolding/WHS. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample CPC33020 Bricklaying Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CPC33020 Bricklaying exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the standard work (manufacturing) size of a common Australian clay brick?
A.240 x 120 x 86 mm
B.230 x 110 x 76 mm
C.215 x 102 x 65 mm
D.190 x 90 x 90 mm
Explanation: The standard Australian clay brick has a work size of 230 mm long x 110 mm wide x 76 mm high. Adding a 10 mm mortar joint gives the coordinating (format) size of 240 x 120 x 86 mm.
2Using a standard brick height of 76 mm and a 10 mm mortar joint, what is the vertical gauge (height) of one brick course?
A.76 mm
B.86 mm
C.90 mm
D.100 mm
Explanation: One course equals the brick height (76 mm) plus one bed joint (10 mm), giving an 86 mm vertical gauge. Seven courses therefore rise 600 mm, the common gauge bricklayers set on the gauge rod.
3What is the standard nominal thickness of a mortar bed joint in clay brickwork?
A.5 mm
B.10 mm
C.15 mm
D.20 mm
Explanation: AS 3700 and standard practice specify a nominal 10 mm mortar joint for both bed and perpend joints. This thickness keeps coursing on gauge and provides adequate bond and weather resistance.
4In bricklaying terminology, what is a 'perpend' joint?
A.The horizontal mortar joint between courses
B.The vertical mortar joint between bricks in the same course
C.The joint between a wall and the slab
D.The cavity between two leaves of brickwork
Explanation: A perpend (or 'perp') is the vertical mortar joint between the ends of bricks in the same course. Perpends should be kept plumb and in line vertically (every alternate course in stretcher bond) for appearance and bond strength.
5Which mortar mix proportions (cement:lime:sand by volume) correspond to an M3 general-purpose mortar under AS 3700?
A.1:0:3
B.1:1:6
C.1:2:9
D.1:0.25:3
Explanation: M3 mortar is a 1:1:6 mix of cement:lime:sand by volume and is the standard general-purpose mortar for most residential brickwork under AS 3700. The lime improves workability and bond while the mix gives adequate durability for general use.
6For masonry within 1 km of a non-marine coastline or in a severe marine environment, AS 3700 generally requires a minimum mortar durability class of:
A.M1
B.M2
C.M3
D.M4
Explanation: M4 is the highest-durability mortar class (1:0.25:3) and is required as a minimum for severe exposure such as marine/coastal environments and cyclonic regions. The richer cement content resists salt attack and weathering.
7What is the primary purpose of adding hydrated lime to a cement mortar mix?
A.To increase compressive strength only
B.To improve workability, water retention and bond
C.To make the mortar set faster
D.To colour the mortar
Explanation: Lime improves the workability ('fattiness') and water retention of mortar, helping it spread smoothly and bond well to the masonry units. It also allows minor autogenous healing of fine cracks. It does not primarily increase strength.
8In stretcher bond, how are the bricks arranged?
A.Every course shows only header faces
B.All bricks laid as stretchers with each course offset by half a brick
C.Alternating headers and stretchers in every course
D.Bricks laid diagonally at 45 degrees
Explanation: Stretcher bond (running bond) lays every brick as a stretcher (long face showing), with each course lapped half a brick over the one below. It is the most common bond for single-leaf and cavity walls because the wall is only half a brick thick.
9Which traditional bond consists of alternating courses of headers and stretchers?
A.Stretcher bond
B.English bond
C.Flemish bond
D.Stack bond
Explanation: English bond alternates a full course of headers with a full course of stretchers, producing a very strong solid wall. A queen closer is used next to the quoin to set the quarter-brick lap.
10In Flemish bond, the arrangement within each individual course is:
A.All stretchers
B.All headers
C.Alternating headers and stretchers in the same course
D.Two stretchers then one header
Explanation: Flemish bond places a header and a stretcher alternately along each course, with headers centred over the stretcher below. It is prized for its decorative appearance in solid one-brick walls.

About the CPC33020 Bricklaying Exam

The Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020) is the nationally recognised trade qualification for bricklayers in Australia, delivered by RTOs and usually completed through an apprenticeship. It is competency-based, with 28 units (20 core and 8 elective) assessed by practical demonstration and knowledge evidence rather than a single multiple-choice exam.

Exam sponsor: Registered Training Organisations under the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Competency-based assessment across 28 units of competency (20 core + 8 elective), combining practical demonstration with knowledge (theory) evidence; no single national multiple-choice exam. This practice bank covers the trade theory.

Time Limit

Self-paced across the apprenticeship (volume of learning ~1300 hours)

Passing Score

Competency-based (deemed 'competent' per unit; no percentage mark)

Exam / Certification Fees

Varies by RTO and state; often subsidised for apprentices

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15%

Bricklaying & Blocklaying Methods

Laying to line, level and gauge; bedding and jointing; face-shell bedding; core filling, bond beams and clean-outs; cutting, cleaning and protecting work

14%

Mortar Mixes & Materials

AS 3700 mortar classes M1-M4 and proportions (1:1:6 M3, 1:0.25:3 M4, 1:2:9 M2); lime/cement/sand selection; joint profiles; re-tempering; mortar defects

13%

Cavity & Solid Walls

Cavity, veneer and solid walls; wall ties and spacing; cavity width; weep holes, flashings and DPC; lintels and bearing; keeping cavities clear

12%

Bonds & Coursing

Stretcher, English and Flemish bonds; stack and decorative bonds; queen closers; perpends and half-bond lap; coursing, gauging and brick positions

10%

NCC Masonry & AS 3700

NCC masonry provisions referencing AS 3700/AS 4773; durability and exposure; control/articulation and slip joints; reinforcement; wind/coastal requirements

9%

Masonry Materials

Standard brick (230x110x76) and block (390x190x190) sizes; frogs and brick types; salt-attack/durability grades; efflorescence and spalling; storage

8%

Setting Out

3-4-5 squaring; datum and reduced levels; gauge rods; profiles, corner leads and racking back; plumb, level and accurate base course

8%

Scaffolding & WHS

White Card; hierarchy of control; SWMS; high-risk scaffolding licences; AS/NZS 1576/4576 scaffold duties; manual handling and silica controls

7%

Paving

Flexible sand-set paving; compacted sub-base and bedding sand; herringbone interlock; edge restraint; falls to drainage; jointing sand and compaction

4%

Plans & Drawings

Reading plans, sections and details; scales (1:100); abbreviations (FFL, RL); line types; estimating brick and block quantities

Preparing for the CPC33020 Bricklaying Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Competency-based (deemed 'competent' per unit; no percentage mark)
  • Assessment: Competency-based assessment across 28 units of competency (20 core + 8 elective), combining practical demonstration with knowledge (theory) evidence; no single national multiple-choice exam. This practice bank covers the trade theory.
  • Time limit: Self-paced across the apprenticeship (volume of learning ~1300 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: Varies by RTO and state; often subsidised for apprentices Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CPC33020 Bricklaying: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorise the AS 3700 mortar classes and proportions: M2 = 1:2:9, M3 = 1:1:6, M4 = 1:0.25:3, and when each is used
2Know the standard dimensions cold: clay brick 230x110x76 mm, 86 mm course gauge (7 courses = 600 mm), and 390x190x190 mm blocks
3Understand the difference between cavity, veneer and solid walls, and how ties, DPC, flashings and weep holes keep them dry
4Be able to identify stretcher, English and Flemish bonds and the role of queen closers and perpends
5Review WHS essentials: White Card, hierarchy of control, SWMS, scaffolding licences and silica-dust controls
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before assessments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying a single exam I have to pass?

No. CPC33020 is a competency-based VET qualification, not a single exam. You are assessed across 28 units (20 core + 8 elective) through practical demonstration and knowledge evidence, usually during an apprenticeship. This free bank is trade-theory knowledge-prep for that content.

What is the correct national code for the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying?

The current national code is CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying, listed on training.gov.au. It requires 28 units of competency (20 core plus 8 elective) with a volume of learning of about 1300 hours.

What topics does the bricklaying trade theory cover?

It covers bricklaying and blocklaying methods, AS 3700 mortar classes and mixes, bonds and coursing, setting out, cavity and solid walls, paving, masonry materials, NCC masonry requirements, and scaffolding and WHS.

What mortar mix is used for general residential brickwork?

AS 3700 specifies M3 general-purpose mortar, a 1:1:6 mix of cement:lime:sand by volume, for most above-ground residential brickwork. More durable M4 (1:0.25:3) is required for severe or coastal exposure.

Do I need a White Card to work as a bricklayer in Australia?

Yes. Anyone carrying out construction work in Australia must hold a White Card, obtained by completing the general construction induction unit CPCCWHS1001. Scaffolding work where something could fall more than 4 m also needs a High Risk Work licence.

Is this free CPC33020 practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same trade-theory content as the qualification, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.