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100+ Free AL Coatings Waterproofing Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AL Coatings Waterproofing Exam

70%

Passing Score

PSI AL GC Bulletin

50 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI AL GC Bulletin

2 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 Coatings Waterproofing trade exam via PSI: 50 questions, 70% pass, 2 hours, fee $96. Open-book specialty classification under the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (bulletin 1/23/26).

Sample AL Coatings Waterproofing Practice Questions

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

1What is the primary performance difference between waterproofing and dampproofing on a below-grade foundation wall?
A.Waterproofing resists water under hydrostatic pressure; dampproofing only retards moisture without hydrostatic pressure
B.Dampproofing is always thicker than waterproofing
C.Waterproofing is only applied on the interior face of a wall
D.Dampproofing bridges structural cracks under full water head
Explanation: Industry and ACI-aligned definitions treat waterproofing as protection against liquid water under hydrostatic pressure, while dampproofing only retards moisture in the absence of hydrostatic pressure. Dampproofing materials are generally thinner and less elastic and are not relied on to hold back a water head.
2Positive-side waterproofing is applied on which face of a foundation wall?
A.The dry interior face only
B.The face that is exposed to the source of water (typically the exterior soil side)
C.Only the top of the footing
D.Only at control joints
Explanation: Positive-side waterproofing is installed on the side of the structure that faces the water source, usually the exterior of a below-grade wall. External water pressure then presses the membrane against the substrate, which is generally the preferred configuration when access allows.
3Negative-side waterproofing is best described as:
A.A membrane applied on the dry (interior) side of a structure to resist water that has already entered the substrate
B.A drainage board placed against soil before backfill
C.A vapor retarder installed only in attic spaces
D.A zinc-rich primer applied to structural steel
Explanation: Negative-side waterproofing is applied on the dry side of the assembly, often the interior of a basement wall or the underside of a slab, when exterior access is limited. It must resist water that has already passed into or through the substrate and is generally less preferred than positive-side systems when both options exist.
4Blind-side waterproofing is typically used when:
A.The membrane is installed on lagging, sheeting, or soil retention before structural concrete is placed against it
B.The building is already occupied and only interior access exists
C.The roof membrane is being re-coated
D.Only above-grade masonry is being painted
Explanation: Blind-side (pre-applied) waterproofing is installed against temporary earth retention or permanent forms before structural concrete is cast. The concrete bonds to or is detailed against the membrane so the waterproofing ends up on the exterior face even though that face was never accessible after pour.
5Sodium bentonite waterproofing membranes primarily work by:
A.Expanding when hydrated to form a low-permeability clay seal
B.Curing into a rigid epoxy barrier
C.Providing cathodic protection to rebar
D.Reflecting solar radiation away from the wall
Explanation: Bentonite clay swells many times its dry volume when it contacts water, creating a dense, low-permeability gel that resists water passage. The membrane must be properly confined (by soil, concrete, or panels) so expansion develops sealing pressure rather than uncontrolled displacement.
6A fluid-applied waterproofing membrane on a horizontal plaza deck is most dependent on which installation quality for long-term performance?
A.Achieving the manufacturer-specified continuous dry film thickness and proper detailing at drains and terminations
B.Painting the membrane white for aesthetics only
C.Omitting reinforcement at all changes of plane
D.Applying only one coat regardless of specified thickness
Explanation: Fluid-applied systems perform only if continuous film thickness is achieved and transitions, drains, penetrations, and terminations are detailed per the manufacturer. Thin spots, pinholes, and poor detailing are common leak sources on plaza decks.
7Sheet waterproofing membrane side and end laps must generally be:
A.Left open to allow vapor escape
B.Sealed or welded per manufacturer instructions to maintain continuity of the waterproofing plane
C.Staggered randomly without overlap
D.Nailed only at mid-sheet and never at edges
Explanation: Sheet systems rely on continuous, sealed side and end laps. Manufacturers specify minimum lap widths and methods (adhesive, heat weld, tape, or torch) so the membrane plane remains uninterrupted. Unsealed laps are primary leak paths.
8Why is a drainage composite or protection course often installed over exterior below-grade waterproofing before backfill?
A.To protect the membrane from damage and relieve hydrostatic pressure by draining water to the footing drain
B.To replace the need for any waterproofing membrane
C.To act as the primary vapor barrier for the roof
D.To eliminate all need for compacted backfill
Explanation: Protection board or drainage composite shields the membrane from rocks and construction traffic and, when designed as a drain mat, channels water down to the foundation drain. Lowering water against the wall reduces demand on the membrane.
9A foundation drain (footing drain) system is intended to:
A.Collect and convey water away from the foundation so hydrostatic pressure against waterproofed walls is reduced
B.Pressurize the soil with water to test the membrane
C.Replace all waterproofing on high water-table sites
D.Serve only as an electrical grounding path
Explanation: Perimeter foundation drains intercept groundwater and surface water that reaches the footing level and convey it to a sump or daylight outlet. Working with proper backfill and drainage composite, they reduce hydrostatic load on the waterproofing.
10Hot-applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing systems typically require which substrate condition before installation?
A.Clean, dry, sound substrate prepared and primed per manufacturer requirements
B.Standing water to help the asphalt flow
C.Ice on the deck for rapid cooling
D.Loose laitance left in place for mechanical key
Explanation: Hot rubberized asphalt bonds only to properly prepared, clean, and dry concrete or approved substrates. Manufacturers require removal of contaminants, laitance, and curing compounds, plus primer when specified, so the molten membrane adheres continuously.

About the AL Coatings Waterproofing Exam

The Alabama Special Coatings and Waterproofing Contractor Examination is a classification trade examination administered by PSI for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The official open-book exam has 50 questions, a 70% (35 of 50 correct) passing standard, and 120 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

50 scored questions

Time Limit

120 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

AL Coatings Waterproofing Exam Content Outline

30%

Waterproofing Systems

Below- and above-grade waterproofing

30%

Special Coatings

Industrial and specialty coatings

20%

Surface Preparation

Surface prep standards

10%

Safety

Coating safety and PPE

10%

Plans and Estimating

Plans and estimating

How to Pass the AL Coatings Waterproofing Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 120 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 Coatings Waterproofing 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 Coatings Waterproofing exam?

The official PSI trade examination has 50 scored questions (plus possible experimental items). Passing is 70% (35 of 50 correct) within 120 minutes.

How much does the AL Coatings Waterproofing 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.