Free Practice Questions for CA C-36 Plumbing
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Key Facts: CA C-36 Plumbing Exam
C-36
Contractor Classification
CSLB C-36 classification
3.5 hours
Time Allowance
CSLB examination FAQ
Closed-book
Test Format
CSLB C-36 study guide
$51.43
PSI Exam Registration
PSI C-36 candidate guide; application and license fees separate
At test site
Passing Percentage
CSLB studying for the examination
California C-36 is a plumbing contractor examination. It is closed-book, uses four-choice multiple-choice questions, and allows 3.5 hours. CSLB provides the required passing percentage at the test site; the cited candidate guides do not publish an exact question count.
Sample CA C-36 Plumbing Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CA C-36 Plumbing exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Under the CPC as adopted in California, what is the minimum size drain pipe required for a water closet?
2According to the CPC as enforced in California, what is the minimum slope for a 4-inch horizontal drainage pipe?
3Under California's plumbing code, what is the DFU value for a residential lavatory?
4Per the CPC as adopted in California, what is the minimum depth of a fixture trap seal?
5According to the CPC as enforced in California, at what intervals must cleanouts be installed on horizontal drainage piping 4 inches and smaller?
6Under the CPC as adopted in California, what is the maximum number of DFUs that can be connected to a 3-inch horizontal branch?
7Per the CPC as enforced in California, what is the required slope for a 2-inch horizontal drainage pipe?
8According to the CPC as adopted in California, what is the minimum size building sewer when serving more than one water closet?
9Under the CPC as enforced in California, what is the maximum tailpiece length from a fixture outlet to the trap weir?
10Per the CPC as adopted in California, what is the DFU value for a residential bathtub with shower?
About the CA C-36 Plumbing Exam
The C-36 Plumbing examination is the trade examination for California plumbing contractor applicants. CSLB develops the examination and PSI administers it in person. It assesses the planning, installation, repair, and safety knowledge needed by a plumbing contractor. Original applicants generally also take the separate Law and Business examination, subject to CSLB waiver rules.
Exam sponsor: Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Closed-book computer-based multiple choice; four answer choices per question; calculator provided
Time Limit
3.5 hours
Passing Score
Required correct-answer percentage disclosed at the test site
Exam / Certification Fees
$51.43 per C-36 exam registration (PSI); CSLB application and license fees are separate
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
- CSLB C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification · Source checked 2026-10-10
- CSLB C-36 examination study guide · Source checked 2026-10-10Effective for examinations scheduled on or after March 1, 2025; resource list revised March 2026 includes the 2025 California Plumbing Code
- PSI C-36 Licensing Examination Information Guide · Source checked 2026-10-10Current English fee table lists $51.43 per registration
- CSLB examination FAQ · Source checked 2026-10-10
- CSLB studying for the examination · Source checked 2026-10-10
- CSLB qualifying experience and education credit · Source checked 2026-10-10
- CSLB Certification of Work Experience · Source checked 2026-10-10
- CSLB application instructions · Source checked 2026-10-10
- CSLB fee schedule · Source checked 2026-10-10
- CSLB license issuance requirements · Source checked 2026-10-10
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.
Planning and Estimating
Project scope, compliance, pipe and vent sizing, plan interpretation, inspections, conservation, coordination, and job costing
Underground and Rough Systems
Excavation, underground work, piping installation and layout, fuel gas systems, insulation, and testing
Finish Plumbing Installations
Fixtures, appliances, water heaters, valves, specialty work, and commercial or industrial piping and sanitary systems
Service, Repair, and Remodel Plumbing Systems
Diagnosing faults, finding damage and leaks, repairs, retrofits, and disposal of removed materials
Safety
Protection of workers, safe job sites, and environmental precautions; CSLB describes blueprint weights as approximate
Preparing for the CA C-36 Plumbing Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Required correct-answer percentage disclosed at the test site
- Assessment: Closed-book computer-based multiple choice; four answer choices per question; calculator provided
- Time limit: 3.5 hours
- Exam / certification fees: $51.43 per C-36 exam registration (PSI); CSLB application and license fees are separate 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
CA C-36 Plumbing: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which California plumbing credential does this page cover?
It covers the CSLB C-36 Plumbing Contractor trade examination. Journey-level plumbing experience is part of qualifying for a contractor license; it is not the name of this examination.
How many questions are on the C-36 examination, and what score passes?
The cited CSLB and PSI candidate guides do not publish an exact question count. CSLB states that the required percentage of correct answers is provided at the test site. The time allowance is 3.5 hours.
Can I bring a code book or calculator?
The C-36 examination is closed-book and reference materials are prohibited. A calculator is provided for questions requiring calculations.
Which code edition is listed in the official study guide?
The CSLB C-36 guide revised in March 2026 lists the 2025 California Plumbing Code among its suggested references. It also lists other California construction codes and safety resources. Use the current official guide when selecting study materials.
What experience and education are required?
The qualifying individual must be at least 18 and document four years of qualifying experience in the classification within the last 10 years. No formal education is required. CSLB may credit up to three years of qualifying education or training, with at least one year of practical experience.
What fees are separate from the examination fee?
PSI lists $51.43 per examination registration. CSLB charges a separate $450 original application processing fee and an initial license fee of $200 for a sole owner or $350 for a non-sole owner. Fingerprinting, bond premiums, insurance, and study materials can add costs.
What happens if I fail the examination?
A retake requires a 21-calendar-day wait and a new PSI registration fee. The required examinations must be passed within the application's 18-month eligibility period. After the void date, submit a new application with new fees.