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100+ Free AL Masonry Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AL Masonry Exam

70%

Passing Score

PSI AL GC Bulletin

60 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI AL GC Bulletin

3 hours

Time Allowed

PSI AL GC Bulletin

$96

PSI Exam Fee

PSI AL GC Bulletin

Open book

Exam Format

PSI AL GC Bulletin

Alabama AL Masonry trade exam via PSI: 60 questions, 70% pass, 3 hours, fee $96. Open-book specialty classification under the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (bulletin 1/23/26).

Sample AL Masonry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AL Masonry exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What are the nominal dimensions of a standard 8-inch loadbearing concrete masonry unit (CMU)?
A.6 in × 6 in × 12 in
B.8 in × 8 in × 16 in
C.10 in × 8 in × 20 in
D.12 in × 12 in × 24 in
Explanation: A standard modular 8-inch CMU is nominally 8 in thick × 8 in high × 16 in long. Specified (actual) dimensions are typically 3/8 in less in each direction (about 7-5/8 in × 7-5/8 in × 15-5/8 in) so a 3/8-in mortar joint produces the modular grid used in layout and estimating.
2Which ASTM standard governs hollow loadbearing concrete masonry units used in structural walls?
A.ASTM C55
B.ASTM C90
C.ASTM C216
D.ASTM C270
Explanation: ASTM C90 covers loadbearing concrete masonry units and sets minimum net-area compressive strength (commonly 2,000 psi for ordinary units), dimensional tolerances, and absorption limits. Specifying C90 units is baseline for structural CMU walls on the Alabama masonry trade exam references.
3What are the nominal face dimensions of a standard modular clay brick?
A.7-5/8 in long × 2-1/4 in high
B.8 in long × 2-2/3 in high
C.12 in long × 4 in high
D.16 in long × 8 in high
Explanation: A modular brick has a nominal face of 8 in long by 2-2/3 in high so that three courses plus three bed joints equal 8 in of wall height. Specified (actual) size is about 7-5/8 in × 2-1/4 in, with the 3/8-in joint making up the modular difference.
4Per ASTM weathering grades for facing brick, which grade is required where brick will be in contact with the ground or subject to freeze-thaw while saturated?
A.Grade NW (negligible weathering)
B.Grade MW (moderate weathering)
C.Grade SW (severe weathering)
D.Grade FBX only
Explanation: Grade SW (severe weathering) brick is required for contact with earth and for severe freeze-thaw exposure while wet. Grades are independent of appearance types (FBS, FBX, FBA); SW addresses durability under harsh moisture and temperature cycling.
5What is the standard thickness of a mortar bed joint in modular brick and CMU construction?
A.1/8 inch
B.3/8 inch
C.3/4 inch
D.1 inch
Explanation: The industry standard bed and head joint thickness is 3/8 inch. Modular unit sizes are manufactured 3/8 in undersize so that units plus joints land on the 4-inch and 8-inch building modules used for openings, story heights, and quantity takeoffs.
6In masonry terminology, what is a wythe?
A.A horizontal row of units in a wall
B.A continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness
C.A cut brick used at a corner
D.The cavity space behind veneer
Explanation: A wythe is a continuous vertical thickness of masonry wall one unit thick. Single-wythe walls are one unit thick; multi-wythe walls have two or more parallel thicknesses, sometimes with a cavity or collar joint between them.
7How many standard 8×8×16 CMU are required for 100 square feet of single-wythe wall face (no openings, modular layout)?
A.100 blocks
B.112.5 blocks
C.125 blocks
D.150 blocks
Explanation: Each modular 8×16 face covers (8/12)×(16/12) = 8/9 ≈ 0.889 sq ft. For 100 sq ft: 100 ÷ (8/9) = 112.5 units. Estimators commonly use 112.5 blocks per 100 sq ft before adding waste (often 5%).
8Approximately how many modular clay bricks are needed per square foot of single-wythe wall face (including mortar joints)?
A.About 4.5 bricks
B.About 6.75 to 7 bricks
C.About 10 bricks
D.About 12.5 bricks
Explanation: A modular brick face is 8 in × 2-2/3 in = 21.33 sq in ≈ 0.148 sq ft, so 1 ÷ 0.148 ≈ 6.75 bricks per square foot. Many estimators round to 7 modular bricks per square foot before waste.
9What is the primary difference between solid and hollow masonry units for structural purposes?
A.Solid units are always stronger than hollow units of the same material grade
B.Solid units have net cross-sectional area in every plane at least 75% of gross area; hollow units have less
C.Hollow units cannot be used in loadbearing walls
D.Solid units never require mortar
Explanation: By definition, solid masonry units have a net cross-sectional area in every plane parallel to the bearing surface equal to at least 75% of the gross area. Hollow units fall below that threshold (cores/cells). Load capacity depends on material strength, net area, and reinforcement—not the solid label alone.
10What white crystalline deposit commonly appears on masonry surfaces when soluble salts migrate with moisture and crystallize as water evaporates?
A.Spalling
B.Efflorescence
C.Crazing
D.Saponification
Explanation: Efflorescence is the white salt deposit left when water dissolves soluble salts in units, mortar, or backup materials and carries them to the surface, where evaporation leaves the salts behind. Control moisture entry with flashing, weeps, caps, and sound joints.

About the AL Masonry Exam

The Alabama Masonry Contractor Examination is a classification trade examination administered by PSI for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The official open-book exam has 60 questions, a 70% (42 of 60 correct) passing standard, and 180 minutes allowed. PSI examination fee is $96 per attempt (bulletin updated 1/23/26). This English-language MCQ bank is a study aid for the trade knowledge on the official content outline; it is not an official PSI form, does not replace the required Business & Law exam for primes, and is not a substitute for board-approved experience or the official open-book examination.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

180 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$96 (PSI Services LLC (for Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors))

AL Masonry Exam Content Outline

25%

Masonry Materials and Units

Brick, block, stone materials

25%

Installation Methods

Wall construction methods

15%

Reinforcement and Anchorage

Reinforced masonry and anchors

15%

Codes and Plan Reading

Code requirements and plans

10%

Mortar Grout and Accessories

Mortar, grout, flashing, ties

10%

Safety

OSHA masonry safety

How to Pass the AL Masonry Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 60 questions
  • Time limit: 180 minutes
  • Exam fee: $96

Keys to Passing

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

AL Masonry Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study only the approved references listed for your classification in the current PSI Alabama General Contractors bulletin
2Practice open-book navigation with permanent tabs and indexes before test day
3Drill OSHA 29 CFR 1926 topics that appear across nearly every trade outline
4Work quantity takeoff and plan-reading problems under timed conditions
5Confirm Board eligibility and classification scope on genconbd.alabama.gov before scheduling with PSI

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AL Masonry exam?

The official PSI trade examination has 60 scored questions (plus possible experimental items). Passing is 70% (42 of 60 correct) within 180 minutes.

How much does the AL Masonry exam cost?

PSI lists $96 per examination registration for this Alabama general contractor classification exam (Candidate Information Bulletin updated 1/23/26). License application fees to the Board are separate.

Is the Alabama specialty contractor exam open book?

Yes. PSI administers these classification exams as open book. Only the bulletin-listed approved references are allowed; temporary tabs like Post-it notes are prohibited.

Do I still need the Business and Law exam?

Prime contractor applicants must also pass the Alabama Business & Law examination (50 questions, 70%, 120 minutes). Reciprocity may waive a trade exam in some cases but does not waive Business & Law.