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Key Facts: CSLB C-29 Exam

4 Years

Journey-Level Experience

CSLB Guidelines

3.5 Hours

Exam Time Limit

CSLB C-29 Study Guide

$450

Application Fee

CSLB Fee Schedule

7 Topics

Outline Domains

CSLB C-29 Study Guide

20%

Safety Focus

CSLB Outline Weight

The C-29 Masonry exam is a 3.5-hour, computer-delivered test administered by PSI for the California Contractors State License Board. It requires 4 years of relevant experience, a $450 application fee, and covers planning, wall installation, decorative masonry, fireplaces, and critical job site safety.

Sample CSLB C-29 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CSLB C-29 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to ASTM C90 standards for load-bearing concrete masonry units, what is the minimum required average net area compressive strength for individual units?
A.2000 psi average net area compressive strength
B.1500 psi average net area compressive strength
C.2500 psi average net area compressive strength
D.3000 psi average net area compressive strength
Explanation: ASTM C90 requires a minimum average net area compressive strength of 2000 psi for load-bearing concrete masonry units (CMUs), tested in accordance with ASTM C140. Individual units must achieve at least 1800 psi net area strength while maintaining the specified 2000 psi average across a three-unit sample lot. This structural baseline ensures proper load distribution and compliance with California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 21 design assumptions.
2A contractor is estimating 8-inch concrete masonry units for a straight wall measuring 60 feet long by 10 feet high. Factoring in a 5% waste allowance, how many standard 8x8x16 nominal CMUs are needed?
A.675 units required for project completion
B.709 units required for project completion
C.743 units required for project completion
D.780 units required for project completion
Explanation: Standard 8x8x16 nominal CMU blocks cover 8 inches by 16 inches including a 3/8-inch mortar joint, yielding 1.125 units per square foot of wall area. For a wall measuring 60 ft x 10 ft (600 sq ft), the base block count is 600 x 1.125 = 675 units. Adding a 5% waste factor (675 x 1.05) equals 708.75, which rounds up to 709 units required for ordering.
3Which ASTM C270 mortar type provides high lateral strength and is specifically recommended for reinforced masonry structures below grade subject to high earth pressures?
A.Type O high-durability proportioned mortar
B.Type N general-purpose exterior mortar
C.Type S structural high-lateral mortar
D.Type M maximum-compressive mortar mix
Explanation: ASTM C270 specifies Type S mortar as a high-strength structural mortar offering high lateral flexural bond strength, ideal for reinforced masonry structures at or below grade such as retaining walls and foundation basements. Type S provides a minimum compressive strength of 1800 psi and superior bonding capabilities under lateral earth pressures. Type M is higher in compressive strength (2500 psi) but less flexible, Type N is general purpose (750 psi), and Type O is low-strength (350 psi).
4On an architectural site drawing drawn to a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot 0 inches, what actual wall length is represented by a dimension line measuring 8.5 inches?
A.21.25 feet total actual wall length
B.25.50 feet total actual wall length
C.29.75 feet total actual wall length
D.34.00 feet total actual wall length
Explanation: At a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot, every inch on the drawing represents 4 feet of actual field measurement (1 / 0.25 = 4). Multiplying the measured drawing dimension of 8.5 inches by 4 feet per inch yields an actual wall length of 34.00 feet. Accurate scale conversions during material takeoffs prevent underestimating block, rebar, and mortar quantities.
5A masonry takeoff estimates that laying 1,000 standard CMU blocks requires approximately 35 cubic feet of mortar. If one pre-blended bag yields 0.75 cubic feet of mixed mortar, how many bags are required?
A.47 bags of pre-blended masonry mix
B.52 bags of pre-blended masonry mix
C.58 bags of pre-blended masonry mix
D.64 bags of pre-blended masonry mix
Explanation: Dividing the total required mortar volume (35 cubic feet) by the yield per bag (0.75 cubic feet per bag) results in 46.67 bags. Because partial bags cannot be purchased, the contractor must round up to 47 bags of pre-blended masonry mix. Proper material yield estimations ensure job sites maintain continuous masonry operations without material shortages.
6According to TMS 602 standards, what is the maximum allowable variation from true vertical (plumb) for a load-bearing masonry wall up to 20 feet high?
A.1/4 inch maximum allowable deviation
B.1/2 inch maximum allowable deviation
C.3/4 inch maximum allowable deviation
D.1.0 inch maximum allowable deviation
Explanation: TMS 602 Specification for Masonry Structures establishes tolerances for masonry construction, setting a maximum allowable variation from plumb of 1/2 inch for load-bearing walls up to 20 feet in height. For walls higher than 20 feet, the tolerance increases slightly but is capped at 1/2 inch for story heights up to 20 feet. Enforcing plumb tolerances prevents eccentric loading on wall footings and maintains structural integrity under seismic forces.
7Which ASTM standard specification governs hydrated lime used for masonry mortar purposes to ensure proper plasticity and water retention in mortar batches?
A.ASTM C144 aggregate specifications
B.ASTM C150 portland cement standard
C.ASTM C207 hydrated lime standard
D.ASTM C476 masonry grout standard
Explanation: ASTM C207 (Standard Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes) governs Type S and Type SA hydrated lime used in mortar mixing. Hydrated lime provides essential board life, water retention, and workability to sand-cement mortar mixes. ASTM C144 covers aggregate sand, ASTM C150 governs portland cement, and ASTM C476 covers masonry grout.
8A reinforced 8-inch CMU retaining wall measures 40 feet long and 8 feet high. If the wall is fully grouted and requires 0.36 cubic feet of grout per block, what volume of grout is needed (without waste)?
A.3.60 cubic yards total grout volume
B.4.00 cubic yards total grout volume
C.4.40 cubic yards total grout volume
D.4.80 cubic yards total grout volume
Explanation: The wall area is 40 ft x 8 ft = 320 sq ft. At 1.125 blocks per sq ft, the total block count is 320 x 1.125 = 360 blocks. Grout volume required is 360 blocks x 0.36 cu ft/block = 129.6 cubic feet. Converting cubic feet to cubic yards (129.6 / 27) yields exactly 4.80 cubic yards of grout. Accurate volumetric calculations prevent short-orders during ready-mix grout pours.
9Under ASTM C270 proportion specifications, what is the required volume ratio of damp loose sand to cementitious materials (portland cement + lime) for field-mixed mortar?
A.2.25 to 3.00 times the cementitious volume
B.3.25 to 4.00 times the cementitious volume
C.4.25 to 5.00 times the cementitious volume
D.5.25 to 6.00 times the cementitious volume
Explanation: ASTM C270 proportion specifications dictate that aggregate sand measured in a damp, loose condition must equal between 2-1/4 (2.25) and 3 times the sum of the volumes of the cementitious materials (portland cement and lime). Maintaining this exact sand ratio ensures optimum tensile bond strength, workability, and resistance to water penetration without causing excessive drying shrinkage.
10A contractor estimates a 2-man masonry crew (1 mason and 1 tender) can lay 240 CMUs per 8-hour day. If the mason costs $65/hr and the tender costs $40/hr, what is the labor cost per CMU?
A.$2.75 per CMU unit placed
B.$3.50 per CMU unit placed
C.$4.25 per CMU unit placed
D.$5.00 per CMU unit placed
Explanation: The combined hourly labor rate for the crew is $65/hr + $40/hr = $105/hr. Over an 8-hour shift, total crew labor cost equals 8 hours x $105/hr = $840. Dividing total daily labor cost ($840) by daily output (240 units) yields $3.50 per CMU. Precise unit cost analysis allows masonry contractors to produce accurate competitive bids.

About the CSLB C-29 Exam

The C-29 examination evaluates the knowledge and skills necessary to install, repair, and maintain masonry structures in California, including adherence to structural codes and safety standards.

Exam sponsor: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

Disclosed at test site

Exam / Certification Fees

$450 application fee

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

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.

15%

Planning and Estimating

Evaluating plans, selecting materials, and estimating costs and quantities for masonry projects.

20%

Job Site Preparation

Pre-construction activities, water management, reinforcement and bracing, and job site preparation.

16%

Masonry Wall and Building Installation and Repair

Building and repairing CMU walls and buildings, retaining walls, and cleaning masonry structures.

9%

Decorative Masonry

Installing flatwork and staircases, precast masonry, and glass block, plus repair and cleaning.

11%

Masonry Veneer and Stone

Installing adhered, anchored, and dimensional stone veneers, and repairing veneer installations.

9%

Fireplace, Chimney, and Outdoor Cooking Area

Constructing safe fireboxes, chimneys, and outdoor built-in masonry structures according to code.

20%

Personnel and Job Site Safety

Applying Cal/OSHA regulations, maintaining scaffolding safety, handling hazardous materials (silica), and using PPE.

Preparing for the CSLB C-29 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 / certification fees: $450 application fee 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

CSLB C-29: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the different ASTM C270 mortar types (M, S, N, O) and their appropriate structural applications.
2Thoroughly review Cal/OSHA safety standards regarding scaffolding, silica exposure, and fall protection.
3Understand the code requirements for fireplace construction, including firebox dimensions, throat clearances, and flue sizing.
4Practice calculating material quantities such as block counts, mortar volume, and grout yields based on square footage.
5Review weather protection standards for both cold and hot weather masonry construction according to TMS 602.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the experience requirement for the C-29 license?

You must have at least 4 years of qualifying journey-level experience in masonry within the last 10 years, verified by a qualified person.

Where do I take the C-29 examination?

The exam is computer-delivered and taken at authorized PSI testing centers located throughout California.

What codes should I study for the C-29 exam?

Key codes include the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 21, the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC / TMS 402/602), and Title 8 Cal/OSHA regulations.

Is the number of questions on the exam known?

The exact number of questions is not published by the CSLB. You will have 3.5 hours to complete the multiple-choice exam.

Can I bring my own calculator to the exam?

No, personal calculators are not allowed. A basic on-screen calculator is provided during the computer-based exam.