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100+ Free Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination Exam

AZ ROC CR-48

Exam Code

PSI Candidate Information Bulletin

60 Qs / 150 Mins

Questions / Time

PSI Services LLC

70%

Passing Threshold

Arizona Registrar of Contractors

2 Years

Workmanship Warranty

ARS § 32-1155 / ROC Rule R4-9-108

Pass the AZ ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic, and Metal Tile License Exam with 100 practice questions covering TCNA methods, ANSI A108/A118 specifications, waterproofing, mortar coverage, EJ171 movement joints, estimating math, and OSHA silica rules. Test contains 60 official questions with a 150-minute time limit and 70% passing threshold.

Sample Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to TCNA and ANSI A108.01 standards, what is the maximum allowable floor framing deflection under total design loads for an installation receiving ceramic or porcelain tile?
A.L/360 of the span
B.L/240 of the span
C.L/480 of the span
D.L/720 of the span
Explanation: ANSI A108.01 section 2.3 and TCNA Handbook guidelines specify that floor framing supporting ceramic or porcelain tile must not exceed a maximum deflection of L/360 under total design load (where L is the clear span length in inches). Deflection greater than L/360 causes floor flexing that leads to grout cracking and tile debonding.
2Per ANSI A108.01, what is the maximum allowable deflection for floor framing supporting natural stone tile installations such as marble, granite, or slate?
A.L/720 of the span
B.L/360 of the span
C.L/540 of the span
D.L/180 of the span
Explanation: Natural stone tiles possess lower flexural strength and higher brittleness than ceramic tiles. ANSI A108.01 and MIA/MMSA standards mandate a strict maximum deflection limit of L/720 of the span under live and dead loads to prevent cracking along natural veins or stone cleavage planes.
3What is the maximum allowable substrate surface variation for standard thin-set ceramic tile installations per ANSI A108.02?
A.1/8 inch in 10 feet from the required plane
B.1/4 inch in 10 feet from the required plane
C.3/8 inch in 10 feet from the required plane
D.1/16 inch in 10 feet from the required plane
Explanation: ANSI A108.02 specifies that substrates receiving standard thin-set ceramic tile (tiles with all edge dimensions under 15 inches) must not vary more than 1/8 inch in 10 feet from the required plane, with no high spot or low dip exceeding 1/16 inch in 24 inches. Excessive substrate variation prevents uniform thin-set contact.
4For Large and Heavy Tile (LHT) installations with at least one edge dimension of 15 inches or greater, what substrate surface flatness tolerance is mandated by ANSI A108.02?
A.1/8 inch in 10 feet, and no more than 1/16 inch variation in 2 feet
B.1/4 inch in 10 feet, and no more than 1/8 inch variation in 2 feet
C.3/16 inch in 10 feet, and no more than 1/32 inch variation in 2 feet
D.1/2 inch in 10 feet, and no more than 1/4 inch variation in 2 feet
Explanation: ANSI A108.02 and TCNA standards mandate tighter flatness tolerances for Large and Heavy Tile (LHT): max 1/8 inch in 10 feet from the required plane and max 1/16 inch variation in 2 feet from high spots. LHT tiles cannot flex to conform to substrate dips, causing severe lippage if installed over uneven floors.
5Under ASTM F1869 (Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Test), what is the maximum acceptable Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) for direct thin-set mortar tile bonding over a concrete slab without a specialized moisture mitigation membrane?
A.3.0 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours
B.5.0 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours
C.7.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours
D.10.0 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per 24 hours
Explanation: Per TCNA guidelines and standard mortar manufacturers, an MVER exceeding 3.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft / 24 hours under ASTM F1869 requires a moisture reduction membrane or epoxy moisture barrier. High moisture emission forces water vapor through the thin-set, causing latex re-emulsification, efflorescence, and bond failure.
6What maximum Relative Humidity (RH) threshold under ASTM F2170 in-situ probe testing is typically allowable for standard polymer-modified thin-set tile bonding over concrete?
A.75% Relative Humidity
B.85% Relative Humidity
C.95% Relative Humidity
D.60% Relative Humidity
Explanation: ASTM F2170 measures relative humidity within the core of a concrete slab. Standard polymer-modified mortars require an RH of 75% or lower. Internal RH above 75% indicates significant free moisture that impairs thin-set hydration and curing unless a moisture barrier membrane is applied.
7Per ANSI A108.01, what is the minimum subfloor plywood thickness required for a single-layer wood subfloor system supporting an unbonded mortar bed tile installation over floor joists spaced 16 inches on center?
A.19/32 inch (5/8 nominal) tongue-and-groove exterior grade plywood
B.15/32 inch (1/2 nominal) interior plywood
C.23/32 inch double layer plywood only
D.3/8 inch CDX sheathing
Explanation: ANSI A108.01 section 3.2 specifies that for joists 16 inches on center receiving a thick unbonded mortar bed (TCNA F111), the single wood subfloor must be at least 19/32-inch (5/8 nominal) tongue-and-groove Exterior or Exposure 1 plywood. The mortar bed provides structural strength, allowing 19/32-inch subfloor.
8Under ANSI A108.11, what is the maximum fastener spacing along edges and intermediate stud framing when securing Cementitious Backer Units (CBU) on wall assemblies?
A.8 inches on center
B.12 inches on center
C.16 inches on center
D.6 inches on edges and 18 inches in field
Explanation: ANSI A108.11 section 4.1 mandates that cementitious backer units (CBU) attached to wood or steel framing studs must be fastened with approved alkali-resistant, ribbon-head CBU screws spaced a maximum of 8 inches on center along board perimeter edges and intermediate wall studs.
9What tape and mortar combination must be used to treat joints between adjacent cement backer board sheets per ANSI A108.11?
A.2-inch wide alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh tape embedded in polymer-modified thin-set mortar
B.Standard paper drywall tape embedded in joint compound
C.Self-adhesive paper drywall tape embedded in non-modified thin-set mortar
D.Aluminum foil tape covered with liquid waterproofing
Explanation: ANSI A108.11 requires all CBU joints to be filled and taped using 2-inch wide alkali-resistant glass fiber mesh tape embedded in polymer-modified dry-set mortar (ANSI A118.4 or A118.15). Standard drywall paper tape or joint compound will disintegrate under wet tile conditions.
10What is the essential functional purpose of pre-sloping a mortar bed beneath a shower pan waterproofing membrane to 1/4 inch per foot?
A.Directs sub-surface water migrating through grout and tile toward the subdrain weep holes
B.Prevents the finish tile floor from shifting during foot traffic
C.Eliminates the requirement for a secondary waterproof pan liner
D.Increases the curing rate of the thin-set mortar setting bed
Explanation: Water penetrates tile grout joints into the setting bed. Pre-sloping the sub-mortar bed 1/4 inch per foot toward the weep holes of the clamping ring drain ensures that sub-surface water flows directly to the drain rather than stagnating on a flat subfloor, which causes foul odors, mold, and liner deterioration.

About the Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination Exam

The Arizona ROC CR-48 Commercial and Residential Tile examination tests candidates on professional tile installation principles, standards, trade math, safety, and statutes. Topics cover substrate preparation, mortar bed floating, TCNA Handbook method selection, ANSI mortar and grout classifications, ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membranes, shower pan construction, TCNA EJ171 movement joints, glass/metal/plastic tile techniques, jobsite estimation, OSHA 1926.1153 silica control, and AZ ROC license standards.

Assessment

80 multiple-choice questions administered via computer or at PSI testing centers covering substrate preparation, TCNA Handbook methods, ANSI A108/A118/A137 specifications, waterproofing, movement joints, trade math, and OSHA safety regulations.

Time Limit

180 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$66 (Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) / PSI Services LLC)

Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination Exam Content Outline

41%

Tile Installation

33 of 80 items on the official PSI content outline. Layout, setting methods, coverage, lippage, wet-area assemblies, movement joints and large-format tile.

25%

General Tile Knowledge

20 of 80 items on the official PSI content outline. Tile and stone types, ratings, substrates, backer board, membranes and industry standards.

12%

Grout and Finishing

10 of 80 items on the official PSI content outline. Cementitious and epoxy grouts, joint width, curing, sealing and cleaning.

9%

Adhesives

7 of 80 items on the official PSI content outline. Thin-set and medium-bed mortars, organic adhesives, open time and mixing.

6%

Plan Reading and Estimating

5 of 80 items on the official PSI content outline. Reading tile layouts and takeoffs for tile, mortar, grout and trim.

6%

Safety and Employee Protection

5 of 80 items on the official PSI content outline. OSHA 29 CFR 1926 silica controls for tile cutting, PPE, ladders and material handling.

How to Pass the Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 80 multiple-choice questions administered via computer or at PSI testing centers covering substrate preparation, TCNA Handbook methods, ANSI A108/A118/A137 specifications, waterproofing, movement joints, trade math, and OSHA safety regulations.
  • Time limit: 180 minutes
  • Exam fee: $66

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

Arizona ROC CR-48 Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Examination Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize ANSI mortar standards: A118.1 (dry-set mortar), A118.4 (latex-modified mortar), A118.15 (improved modified thin-set for submerged/heavy performance), A118.3 (epoxy mortar), A118.10 (waterproofing membrane), and A118.12 (crack isolation).
2Remember mortar coverage rules: TCNA requires minimum 80% coverage in interior dry areas, but minimum 95% coverage for wet areas (showers), exterior installations, and natural stone.
3Understand shower pan slope: sloped mortar beds beneath waterproof membranes must slope at least 1/4 inch per foot toward the weep holes of the subdrain.
4Always directionally comb thin-set mortar ridges perpendicular to the long edge of rectangular tiles to allow air release when collapsing ridges.
5Know substrate flatness requirements: maximum variation must not exceed 1/8 inch in 10 feet for standard thin-set tile, and 1/16 inch in 2 feet from the required plane for Large and Heavy Tile (LHT) installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of the Arizona ROC CR-48 license?

The CR-48 license authorizes contractors to install ceramic, glass, plastic, and metal tile, mosaic tile, marble, slate, quarry tile, terrazzo, and structural substrate preparation including cementitious backer units, waterproof membranes, mortar beds, and movement joint systems on both commercial and residential projects.

What is the minimum deflection requirement for ceramic tile versus natural stone?

According to TCNA and ANSI A108 standards, floor framing supporting ceramic and porcelain tile must not exceed a maximum deflection of L/360 under total design load. For natural stone tile installations (such as marble, granite, or slate), maximum allowable floor deflection is L/720 due to stone's lower flexural strength and higher brittleness.

What are the TCNA EJ171 movement joint spacing rules?

Under TCNA Method EJ171, interior tile installations exposed to normal conditions require movement joints every 20 to 25 feet in each direction. For exterior installations or interior tile exposed to direct sunlight or moisture (such as glass enclosed atriums), movement joints must be spaced every 8 to 12 feet in each direction, with a minimum 1/4-inch joint width.

How must respirable crystalline silica be controlled when cutting tile on jobsites?

Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1, tile setters operating stationary or handheld masonry saws must use a continuous water delivery system that feeds water to the blade during cutting, or employ an integrated shroud and dust collection system with a HEPA vacuum efficiency of 99.97%. Continuous wet cutting eliminates the need for respirators under Table 1 for shifts up to 4 hours.