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100+ Free CSLB C-28 Practice Questions

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Key Facts: CSLB C-28 Exam

3.5

Hours Time Limit

CSLB

$450

Application Fee

CSLB

4

Years Experience Req.

CSLB

6

Major Topic Areas

CSLB Study Guide

24%

Planning & Estimating Weight

CSLB Study Guide

The CSLB C-28 Lock and Security Equipment Examination is a 3.5-hour computer-delivered test administered by PSI. It requires 4 years of qualifying journey-level experience and a $450 application fee. The exam covers planning, doors and hardware, electronic/mechanical locks, safes/CCTV, and safety.

Sample CSLB C-28 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSLB C-28 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 maximum down payment a C-28 contractor may lawfully receive before beginning work on a home security lock installation?
A.$2,000 or 15% of the total contract price, whichever amount is less
B.$2,500 or 20% of the total contract price, whichever amount is less
C.$5,000 or 25% of the total contract price, whichever amount is less
D.$1,000 or 10% of the total contract price, whichever is less
Explanation: California's Home Improvement Contract law strictly caps down payments for home improvement jobs at $1,000 or 10% of the total contract price, whichever is less. Accepting a down payment above this cap is a misdemeanor and exposes the contractor to CSLB disciplinary action. Contractors must instead tie any further payments to a written progress schedule based on actual work completed or materials delivered.
2Under California Civil Code, within how many days after starting work must a locksmith contractor serve a Preliminary 20-Day Notice to preserve mechanic's lien rights on a commercial property?
A.Within 10 days of starting work or delivering materials to the jobsite
B.Within 20 days of starting work or delivering materials to the jobsite
C.Within 30 days of starting work or delivering materials to the jobsite
D.Within 45 days of starting work or delivering materials to the jobsite
Explanation: California Civil Code Section 8200 requires a prime contractor or subcontractor without a direct contractual relationship with the owner to serve a Preliminary 20-Day Notice within 20 days of first furnishing labor, services, equipment, or materials to the jobsite. Serving the notice preserves mechanic's lien, stop payment notice, and payment bond rights. Notice served later than 20 days only protects lien rights for work performed in the 20 days prior to service.
3When reviewing an architectural hardware schedule, a technician notes a door marked 'RHR'. How is this door hand determined according to standard hardware industry rules?
A.Standing inside the room, the door swings inward toward the technician with hinges on the left side of the frame.
B.Standing inside the room, the door swings inward toward the technician with hinges on the right side.
C.Standing outside the room, the door opens outward toward the technician with hinges on the left side.
D.Standing outside the room, the door opens outward toward the technician with hinges on the right side.
Explanation: Door handing is determined from the outside (secure side) of the door. If standing on the outside facing the door, the door swings outward toward the technician, and the hinges are on the right side, it is designated Right Hand Reverse (RHR). Conversely, if it swings inward with hinges on the right, it is Right Hand (RH).
4An estimator is calculating labor for modifying 15 hollow metal doors to accept heavy-duty Grade 1 mortise locksets. If prep and installation average 1.5 labor-hours per door at $95/hour, what is the total estimated labor cost?
A.$1,425.00 for labor cost
B.$1,710.00 for labor cost
C.$1,995.00 for labor cost
D.$2,137.50 for labor cost
Explanation: Total labor hours equal 15 doors multiplied by 1.5 hours per door, resulting in 22.5 labor-hours. Multiplying 22.5 hours by the labor rate of $95.00 per hour equals $2,137.50 total labor cost (15 * 1.5 * 95 = 2,137.50). Accurately multiplying labor-hours by hourly billing rates ensures realistic job cost estimates and profitable margins.
5A C-28 contractor performs a material takeoff for a 12-door access control installation requiring plenum-rated cable. The measured wire run total is 1,800 feet. Adding a standard 15% allowance for vertical drops, service loops, and waste, how many 1,000-foot cable boxes must be ordered?
A.3 boxes (2,070 ft required)
B.2 boxes (2,070 feet required)
C.4 boxes (2,070 feet required)
D.5 boxes (2,070 feet required)
Explanation: To calculate total required cabling, multiply the measured distance by 1.15 to account for the 15% waste allowance: 1,800 * 1.15 = 2,070 feet. Since plenum wire is sold in 1,000-foot spools or boxes, purchasing 2 boxes (2,000 ft) would leave the installer short by 70 feet. Therefore, 3 full 1,000-foot boxes must be ordered to complete the job without wire splices.
6Under California contract law, what is the mandatory procedure when a customer requests changes to lock hardware that alter the total contract price by more than $500?
A.The contractor must obtain verbal authorization from the owner before performing the extra work.
B.The contractor may invoice the extra charges upon project completion without prior documentation.
C.The contractor must submit a new Preliminary 20-Day Notice to the city building department.
D.The contractor must prepare a signed written change order before starting the added work.
Explanation: California home improvement contract law requires that any change or extra work altering the contract price or scope be documented in a written change order signed by both the contractor and the owner before the work begins. Verbal agreements for contract modifications are not enforceable and expose the contractor to CSLB citations. The signed change order protects both parties by recording the agreed scope, price, and schedule.
7When specifying lock hardware for a 3-hour fire-rated hollow metal door assembly, which standard dictates hardware listing and testing requirements?
A.ANSI/BHMA A156.10 Standard for Power Operated Pedestrian Doors
B.NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
C.NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
D.UL 1034 Standard for Burglary-Resistant Electric Locking Mechanisms
Explanation: NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) governs the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire door assemblies. Locks, latches, hinges, and exit devices installed on fire-rated door assemblies must be labeled and listed under positive pressure testing standards (UL 10C / NFPA 252) in full compliance with NFPA 80.
8An access control bid includes installing surface magnetic locks and secondary pneumatic push buttons on 8 commercial doors. If labor per door averages 3.5 hours at $110/hr and materials cost $450 per door, what is the total job estimate before tax?
A.$5,240.00 total job cost
B.$6,120.00 total job cost
C.$6,380.00 total job cost
D.$6,680.00 total job cost
Explanation: Labor cost per door = 3.5 hours * $110 = $385. Total cost per door = $385 labor + $450 material = $835. Total job estimate for 8 doors = 8 * $835 = $6,680.00. Estimators must combine labor and material unit costs accurately across all openings when calculating total project proposals.
9If a commercial property owner files a valid Notice of Completion with the county recorder, within how many days must a prime C-28 contractor record a mechanic's lien against the property?
A.Within 60 days after the filing of the Notice of Completion
B.Within 30 days after the filing of the Notice of Completion
C.Within 90 days after the filing of the Notice of Completion
D.Within 120 days after the filing of the Notice of Completion
Explanation: Under California Civil Code Section 8412, a direct (prime) contractor must record a mechanic's lien within 60 days after a valid Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation is recorded. If no Notice of Completion is recorded, the timeframe defaults to 90 days after actual completion of the work of improvement.
10A technician is estimating retrofitting 6 sagging store entrance doors with continuous geared aluminum hinges. If removing existing hinges, shimming, and mounting each continuous hinge takes 2 hours, what is the labor hour requirement for the project?
A.8.0 labor hours total
B.16.0 labor hours total
C.24.0 labor hours total required
D.12.0 labor hours total
Explanation: Total labor hours equal 6 doors multiplied by 2 hours per door, resulting in 12.0 labor hours (6 * 2 = 12). Continuous geared hinges require complete removal of butt hinges and precise frame alignment, making 2 hours per opening a standard productivity rate in commercial hardware estimating. Accurately applying per-opening productivity rates to the door count keeps labor estimates realistic and profitable.

About the CSLB C-28 Exam

The C-28 exam tests the knowledge and skills necessary to install, repair, and maintain mechanical and electronic locking systems, doors and hardware, safes and vaults, and security video systems according to California codes.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

Disclosed at test site

Exam Fee

$450 application fee (California Contractors State License Board (CSLB))

CSLB C-28 Exam Content Outline

24%

Planning and Estimating

Includes reading plans and specifications, estimating costs and materials, determining system compatibility, and understanding compliance and permitting.

18%

Doors and Hardware

Focuses on inspecting and installing door closers, hinges, exit devices, ADA compliance, and fire-rated assemblies.

20%

Electronic Locking Systems

Covers access control systems, magnetic locks, electric strikes, low-voltage wiring, and system integration.

20%

Mechanical Locking Systems

Focuses on rekeying, master key systems, installing deadbolts and mortise locks, and mechanical keyway identification.

7%

Safes, Vaults, Security Containers, and Video Systems

Includes installing and repairing safes, changing combinations, and installing video surveillance (CCTV) components.

11%

Safety

Covers personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, ladder safety, and Cal/OSHA workplace safety regulations.

How to Pass the CSLB C-28 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Disclosed at test site
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: 3.5 hours
  • Exam fee: $450 application fee

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

CSLB C-28 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review the California Building Code (CBC) specifically relating to egress, ADA compliance, and fire-rated door assemblies.
2Understand the fundamentals of low-voltage electronics, including Ohm's law, relay logic, and power supply calculations for access control.
3Master the mechanics of keying systems, including master key charts, pin lengths, and interchangeable cores.
4Familiarize yourself with Cal/OSHA safety standards, particularly concerning ladder use, power tools, and asbestos awareness.
5Practice reading complex blueprints and hardware schedules to ensure accurate material estimating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the CSLB C-28 examination?

The exam is 3.5 hours (210 minutes) long and is taken on a computer at a PSI testing center.

What is the passing score for the C-28 exam?

The exact passing score is not published online by the CSLB but is disclosed at the test site upon completion.

Are calculators provided during the CSLB exam?

Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided during the computer-based exam.

What are the experience requirements for the C-28 license?

Applicants must prove at least 4 years of journey-level experience in the lock and security equipment trade within the last 10 years.

Does the C-28 exam cover electronic access control?

Yes, Electronic Locking Systems account for roughly 20% of the exam, including low-voltage wiring, electric strikes, and maglocks.