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Key Facts: C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Exam

3.5

Hours Time Limit

CSLB

$450

Application Fee

CSLB

4

Years Experience Required

CSLB

This exam is a 3.5 hour computer-delivered format administered by PSI. It requires 4 years of qualifying experience and a $450 application fee. Topics cover Planning and Estimating (17%), Structural Framing (38%), General Framing (21%), and Safety (24%).

Sample C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1On a set of residential floor plans drawn at 1/4 inch = 1 foot, what does a measured wall length of 5-1/2 inches represent in the field?
A.22 feet
B.11 feet
C.16 feet 6 inches
D.44 feet
Explanation: At 1/4 inch = 1 foot, each 1/4 inch on the plan equals one foot of actual length. A 5-1/2 inch measurement contains 22 quarter-inches, so the wall is 22 feet long. Reading the architect's scale correctly is a basic planning skill for ordering plates and studs.
2How many board feet of 2x10 lumber are in 18 pieces each 16 feet long?
A.240 board feet
B.192 board feet
C.288 board feet
D.320 board feet
Explanation: Board feet = (thickness in inches x width in inches x length in feet) / 12. A 2x10 is nominally 2 x 10, so one 16-foot piece = (2 x 10 x 16) / 12 = 26.67 board feet. For 18 pieces: 26.67 x 18 = 240 board feet. Board-foot calculations drive lumber orders and bid accuracy.
3A 28-foot exterior wall is framed with 2x6 studs at 16 inches on center. How many studs are required for the wall itself, excluding corners and intersections?
A.22 studs
B.21 studs
C.24 studs
D.20 studs
Explanation: For a wall of length L at spacing S, stud count = (L / S) + 1. Convert 28 feet to inches: 28 x 12 = 336 inches. At 16 inches on center: 336 / 16 = 21 spaces, plus the starting stud = 22 studs. This is the wall-line count only; corners, partition posts, and openings are added separately.
4When taking off materials from a plan set, which item is typically ordered by the square (100 square feet)?
A.Roofing shingles
B.Concrete ready-mix
C.Drywall screws
D.Framing nails
Explanation: Roofing shingles and some sheathing are ordered by the square, where one square covers 100 square feet of roof area. Estimating roof area in squares is a standard planning step. Concrete is ordered in cubic yards, fasteners by the pound or box.
5A framer estimates 1,200 board feet of 2x6 needed for a wall job. The lumber supplier quotes $640 per thousand board feet. Adding a 15% waste factor, what is the total lumber cost?
A.$883.20
B.$768.00
C.$1,020.00
D.$736.00
Explanation: Apply the waste factor first: 1,200 x 1.15 = 1,380 board feet to order. At $640 per thousand board feet, cost = 1.380 thousand x $640 = $883.20. Bids must include waste allowance or the framer absorbs the shortfall.
6Which stud runs full height from the bottom plate to the top plate alongside a door opening, while a trimmer (jack stud) supports the header?
A.King stud
B.Cripple stud
C.Sole plate
D.Partition post
Explanation: The king stud runs the full wall height from bottom plate to top plate and is nailed to the trimmer (jack stud), which is cut to support the header. The king stud provides continuous vertical support and wall-line continuity at the opening.
7For a 6-foot-wide exterior door opening in a 2x6 bearing wall, what is the minimum trimmer (jack) stud count typically required at each end of the header per common framing practice?
A.Two trimmer studs per end
B.One trimmer stud per end
C.Three trimmer studs per end
D.One trimmer stud total
Explanation: For a 6-foot opening in a bearing wall, common practice and typical code tables call for two trimmer (jack) studs at each end to support the header, because the opening is wide enough that a single jack stud on each side is insufficient. Smaller openings often allow a single jack stud per end.
8What is the primary reason floor joists are installed at standardized spacings such as 16 or 24 inches on center?
A.To match the spanning capability of the joist size and grade
B.To reduce the number of fasteners required, per the building code
C.To allow longer joist lengths
D.To eliminate the need for rim joists
Explanation: Joist spacing is selected so that the joist size, species, and grade can span the required distance within deflection limits. Closer spacing increases load capacity and allowable span. Standard spacing also lets subfloor panels break on joists with edges supported.
9A common rafter has a total run of 14 feet and a total rise of 9 feet 6 inches. Using the Pythagorean theorem, what is the theoretical rafter length (excluding overhang)?
A.16 feet 10 inches
B.14 feet 0 inches, per typical framing practice
C.23 feet 6 inches
D.12 feet 4 inches
Explanation: Rafter length = square root of (run squared + rise squared). Run = 14 ft, rise = 9.5 ft. 14 squared = 196; 9.5 squared = 90.25; sum = 286.25; square root = 16.92 ft, or about 16 feet 10 inches. This is the theoretical length from outside wall to ridge; tails and cuts are added separately.
10What is the functional difference between a ridge board and a ridge beam in a stick-framed roof?
A.A ridge beam carries the roof load and requires support posts; a ridge board mainly keeps rafters aligned
B.A ridge board carries load; a ridge beam only aligns rafters and needs no vertical support posts down to the foundation
C.Both are structural and require posts to foundation
D.Neither carries any load and both are optional
Explanation: A ridge beam is a structural member that supports the upper ends of the rafters and must be carried down to the foundation by posts or studs. A ridge board is a non-structural member that primarily keeps rafters spaced and aligned; the roof load is carried by the rafters pushing against the ceiling joists or collar ties.

About the C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Exam

The C-5 examination evaluates candidates on planning and estimating, structural and general framing, and safety requirements according to California codes.

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.

17%

Planning and Estimating

Reading plans, calculating materials, and preparing bids.

38%

Structural Framing

Floor, wall, and roof framing components, shear walls, and holdowns.

21%

General Framing

Decks, stairs, doors, and hardware installation.

24%

Safety

Cal/OSHA regulations, fall protection, and PPE.

Preparing for the C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry 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

C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry: Suggested Study Strategy

1Review the California Building Code (CBC) chapter 23 on wood framing.
2Understand proper installation of Simpson Strong-Tie hardware, especially holdowns and shear walls.
3Familiarize yourself with Cal/OSHA Title 8 fall protection requirements.
4Practice calculating material takeoff from blueprints.
5Know the standard spacings and spans for joists, rafters, and studs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the C-5 exam?

The exam allows 3.5 hours for completion.

What is the passing score?

The passing score is determined by the CSLB and will be disclosed at the test site.