100+ Free CSLB C-49 Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CSLB C-49 Exam

30%

Safety Questions

CSLB Study Guide

4 Years

Experience Required

CSLB

3.5 Hours

Time Limit

PSI

$450

Application Fee

CSLB

The CSLB C-49 exam is a 3.5-hour, computer-delivered multiple-choice test administered by PSI. It requires 4 years of experience and a $450 application fee. Key topics include Safety (30%), Pruning (25%), and Planning (22%).

Sample CSLB C-49 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSLB C-49 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A C-49 contractor measures a tree trunk circumference of 62.8 inches at 4.5 feet above grade. What is the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)?

A.15.7 inches DBH.

B.18.5 inches DBH.

C.22.0 inches DBH.

D.20.0 inches DBH.

Explanation: Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) is calculated by dividing the measured trunk circumference at 4.5 feet above ground by pi (3.1416). Dividing 62.8 inches by 3.1416 yields exactly 20.0 inches. DBH is the standard measurement used in arboriculture estimates, site surveys, and municipal tree removal permit applications.

2An estimator plans to apply 2.0 lbs of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft over a 5,000 sq ft root zone using a 20-5-10 fertilizer. How much fertilizer product is required?

A.25 lbs of fertilizer.

B.10 lbs of fertilizer.

C.100 lbs of fertilizer.

D.50 lbs of fertilizer.

Explanation: To calculate required fertilizer product, first determine total nitrogen needed: 2.0 lbs N/1,000 sq ft x 5 (thousand sq ft) = 10 lbs actual nitrogen. Divide total nitrogen needed by the decimal percentage of N in the fertilizer (20% or 0.20): 10 lbs / 0.20 = 50 lbs of total fertilizer product. Accurate fertility calculations prevent over-fertilization and runoff in accordance with ANSI A300 Part 2 standards.

3What is the estimated green weight of a cylindrical Coast Live Oak log section with a radius of 1.0 ft and length of 10.0 ft, assuming green oak weighs 50 lbs/cu ft?

A.1,250 lbs green weight.

B.3,140 lbs green weight.

C.2,000 lbs green weight.

D.1,570 lbs green weight.

Explanation: Volume of a cylinder is calculated as Volume = pi x radius^2 x height. Here, Volume = 3.1416 x (1.0)^2 x 10.0 = 31.416 cu ft. Multiplying 31.416 cu ft by the green wood density of 50 lbs/cu ft yields 1,570.8 lbs (rounded to 1,570 lbs). Wood weight estimation is critical for crane sizing, rigging line selection, and haul vehicle payload compliance.

4Under California Government Code §4216, what is the mandatory minimum advance notice required when contacting Regional Notification Centers (USA North 811)?

A.24 hours prior.

B.48 hours prior.

C.5 business days.

D.2 working days.

Explanation: California Government Code §4216 mandates that contractors notify the regional Underground Service Alert (USA North 811 or DigAlert) at least 2 working days (48 hours excluding weekends and holidays) but not more than 14 calendar days before initiating any excavation, stump grinding, or deep root planting. Subsurface utility lines must be delineated prior to ground disturbance to prevent utility strikes and severe safety hazards.

5Which document is required by CSLB under Business and Professions Code §7159 for residential tree work exceeding in total cost?

A.Standard Commercial Invoice.

B.Verbal Work Authorization.

C.Preliminary Notice of Lien.

D.Home Improvement Contract.

Explanation: California Business and Professions Code §7159 requires a detailed written Home Improvement Contract (HIC) for home improvement projects exceeding , including residential tree pruning, planting, and removal. The HIC must contain specific statutory notices, including the right to cancel, payment schedules, contractor license information, and liability disclosures.

6How many cubic yards of organic wood mulch are needed to cover a 3,000 sq ft tree root zone to a uniform depth of 3 inches?

A.14.2 cubic yards.

B.36.0 cubic yards.

C.8.5 cubic yards.

D.27.8 cubic yards.

Explanation: Mulch volume is calculated by multiplying area by depth in feet, then converting cubic feet to cubic yards (divide by 27). Depth of 3 inches = 3/12 = 0.25 ft. Volume = 3,000 sq ft x 0.25 ft = 750 cu ft. Dividing 750 by 27 yields 27.77 (rounded to 27.8 cubic yards). ANSI A300 Part 2 recommends 2-4 inches of mulch over root zones while keeping mulch away from trunk flares.

7When conducting a pre-bid site assessment for mature palm tree removals, what factor most impacts heavy equipment selection?

A.Turf color and species.

B.Overhead utility lines.

C.Foliage nitrogen level.

D.Site slope and access.

Explanation: Site slope, gate widths, soil stability, and overhead/underground access restrictions dictate whether cranes, bucket trucks, or specialized spider lifts can reach the site or if manual climbing operations are required. Evaluating structural access during site assessment prevents equipment downtime, lawn damage, and unexpected rigging hazards.

8Which classification under CSLB regulations allows a contractor to perform specialized commercial tree trimming and palm maintenance?

A.Class C-27 Landscape.

B.Class C-10 Electrical.

C.Class A Engineering.

D.Class C-49 Tree/Palm.

Explanation: The C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor classification is issued specifically by CSLB to contractors specialized in pruning, removing, cabling, or planting trees and palms. While C-27 contractors may prune trees as part of general landscaping, C-49 contractors hold dedicated trade specialization for major tree operations and palm arboriculture.

9What is the primary purpose of conducting a pre-operational hazard evaluation before estimating a high-risk hazard tree removal?

A.Determine wood sales price.

B.Select landscape fertilizer.

C.Choose ground cover turf.

D.Identify structural risks.

Explanation: Identifying structural defects, decay fungi, lean, structural imbalance, co-dominant stems, and proximity to targets is essential for establishing safe removal procedures and accurate labor cost estimates. A thorough risk assessment per ANSI A300 Part 9 protects workers, property, and contractor liability.

10When estimating labor costs, what does the term 'labor burden' encompass for a tree service contracting business?

A.Direct hourly wages.

B.Chainsaw fuel expenses.

C.Dump truck purchase price.

D.Mandatory payroll taxes.

Explanation: Labor burden includes all employer costs associated with payroll beyond base hourly wages, such as Workers' Compensation insurance, Social Security (FICA), Medicare, state unemployment tax (SUTA), and employee benefits. In high-risk tree care operations, Workers' Comp rates significantly elevate the total labor burden multiplier.

About the CSLB C-49 Exam

The C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor examination evaluates knowledge in planning, installation, pruning, removal, and safety of trees and palms in California.

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-49 Exam Content Outline

22%

Planning and Estimating

Evaluating sites, identifying tree species, estimating costs, and obtaining permits.

10%

Tree and Palm Installation

Selecting quality stock, site preparation, planting, and post-installation care.

25%

Pruning and Maintenance

ANSI A300 standards, tree biology, cabling, bracing, and integrated pest management.

13%

Tree and Palm Removal

Felling, rigging, dismantling, and stump removal techniques.

30%

Safety

ANSI Z133, Cal/OSHA Title 8, traffic control, electrical hazards, and PPE.

How to Pass the CSLB C-49 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-49 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review ANSI Z133 safety standards for arboricultural operations, as safety makes up 30% of the exam.

2Understand the ANSI A300 pruning standards, particularly terms like reduction, thinning, and raising.

3Familiarize yourself with Cal/OSHA Title 8 regulations regarding tree work.

4Practice estimating job costs, including equipment, labor, and dump fees.

5Learn to identify common California tree species and their specific planting and maintenance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSLB C-49 license?

The C-49 license is for contractors who plant, maintain, and remove trees and palms in California.

How much does the C-49 exam cost?

The initial application fee is $450, payable to the CSLB.

What are the experience requirements?

Applicants must prove 4 years of journey-level experience in tree and palm contracting within the last 10 years.

Where is the test administered?

The test is administered at PSI testing centers across California via computer delivery.

100+ Free CSLB C-49 Practice Questions

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