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Key Facts: CSLB C-50 Exam

29%

Planning & Estimating

CSLB Study Guide

24%

Safety Focus

Cal/OSHA Title 8

3.5

Hours allowed

PSI Exams

$450

Application Fee

CSLB

4 Years

Experience Req

CSLB

The CSLB C-50 Reinforcing Steel examination is a 3.5-hour computer-delivered test administered by PSI. It requires 4 years of journey-level experience and a $450 application fee. The exam covers planning and estimating, fabrication, layout and placement, post-tensioned cables, and safety.

Sample CSLB C-50 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CSLB C-50 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How many years of journey-level experience are required to qualify for a California C-50 Reinforcing Steel contractor license?
A.4 years of journey-level experience within the past 10 years
B.2 years of journey-level experience within the past 5 years
C.5 years of journey-level experience within the past 12 years
D.3 years of journey-level experience within the past 8 years
Explanation: The CSLB requires applicants to demonstrate 4 years of journey-level experience in the classification within the past 10 years. This experience must be verifiable and full-time, performed at a journey level rather than as a trainee or apprentice.
2What is the current CSLB application fee for a C-50 Reinforcing Steel contractor license?
A.$250 paid to CSLB with PSI billing separate
B.$650 paid directly to PSI for both the application fee and the trade examination scheduling
C.$450 paid to CSLB, with exam scheduling fees paid separately to PSI
D.$150 paid to CSLB with no separate exam fee
Explanation: The CSLB application fee for a contractor license is $450, paid to the CSLB when the application is submitted. Exam scheduling fees are paid separately to PSI, the testing vendor that administers the trade examination.
3A #5 reinforcing bar has a nominal diameter of 0.625 inches. Using steel weighing 0.2833 lb/in³, what is its approximate weight per linear foot?
A.0.67 lb/ft
B.2.67 lb/ft
C.1.50 lb/ft
D.1.04 lb/ft
Explanation: A #5 bar has a nominal area of about 0.31 in² (π × (0.625/2)² ≈ 0.3068). Weight per foot = area × 12 in/ft × 0.2833 lb/in³ ≈ 0.31 × 12 × 0.2833 ≈ 1.04 lb/ft. This matches the standard CRSI published weight of 1.043 lb/ft for a #5 bar.
4A bar list calls for 20 pieces of #8 bar, each 20 feet long. Using 2.674 lb/ft for a #8 bar, what is the total weight of steel to order?
A.535 lb
B.802 lb
C.1,070 lb
D.2,140 lb
Explanation: Total linear feet = 20 pieces × 20 ft = 400 lf. Total weight = 400 lf × 2.674 lb/ft = 1,069.6 lb, rounded to 1,070 lb. Estimators add lap and waste allowances on top of this base weight.
5A 40-foot-long concrete wall requires vertical rebars spaced at 12 inches on center, with one bar at each end. How many vertical bars are required?
A.40 bars
B.41 bars
C.39 bars
D.48 bars
Explanation: For members with bars at uniform spacing starting and ending at the boundaries, the bar count = (length / spacing) + 1. Here, 40 ft / 1 ft = 40 spaces, plus 1 for the starting bar = 41 bars. Forgetting the +1 is a common estimating error that under-orders material.
6Under ACI 318, a Class B lap splice is required when which condition exists at a splice location?
A.All bars in the splice region are spaced at least 12 inches apart on center throughout the member
B.The concrete compressive strength exceeds 4,000 psi
C.More than 50% of the reinforcement is spliced within the required lap length of a given section
D.The bars being spliced are #5 or smaller
Explanation: ACI 318 requires a Class B lap splice (1.3 × development length) where more than 50% of the reinforcement is spliced at any one section, or where the lap splices are staggered less than the required lap length. A Class A splice (1.0 × development length) is permitted when 50% or less of the reinforcement is spliced and other conditions are met.
7What is the primary purpose of a reinforcing steel shop drawing (placing drawing)?
A.To serve as the structural design calculation document
B.To show the architect's aesthetic layout of the structure, including finishes and appearance
C.To detail bar sizes, shapes, bends, and placement for fabrication and field installation
D.To document the contractor's payment schedule and change orders
Explanation: Shop drawings (also called placing drawings) interpret the engineer's structural drawings into detailed instructions for the fabricator and placer. They include bar marks, sizes, lengths, bend shapes, quantities, location plans, and supporting details so the steel can be fabricated and installed correctly.
8Which of the following information is typically found on a reinforcing bar bending schedule (bar list)?
A.Only the total weight of steel for the project
B.The concrete mix design and slump requirements
C.Bar mark, size, diameter, cutting length, bending dimensions, shape code, and quantity
D.The name of the concrete supplier, delivery schedule, and batch plant approval number, and the registered mix design submittal
Explanation: A bar bending schedule lists each unique bar mark with its size, cutting length, bend shape code, bending dimensions, and quantity. This document drives the fabrication shop's cutting and bending operations and is the basis for material ordering and weight takeoff.
9Which two standard hook types are most commonly specified in ACI 318 for reinforcing bars?
A.45-degree and 90-degree hooks
B.90-degree and 180-degree hooks
C.135-degree and 270-degree hooks
D.60-degree and 120-degree hooks
Explanation: ACI 318 defines standard hooks as either 90-degree or 180-degree bends with prescribed bend diameters and extensions. These geometries provide the mechanical anchorage needed when a straight development length cannot be achieved, such as at end terminations or in confined joints.
10Per ACI 318, a standard 90-degree hook on a #6 bar (db = 0.75 in) requires an extension of at least 12·db beyond the bend. What is the minimum extension length?
A.9 inches
B.6 inches
C.12 inches
D.4 inches
Explanation: The extension for a standard 90-degree hook is 12·db. For a #6 bar, db = 0.75 in, so 12 × 0.75 = 9 inches. This extension provides the straight tail length that, combined with the bend, develops the required anchorage.

About the CSLB C-50 Exam

The C-50 Reinforcing Steel exam assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for the fabrication, placement, and installation of reinforcing steel and post-tensioning systems.

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.

29%

Planning and Estimating

Evaluate plans and specifications, determine quantities of materials, and perform cost estimates.

10%

Fabrication

Calculate lengths, bend allowances, and fabricate reinforcing steel according to shop drawings.

18%

Layout and Placement of Reinforcing Steel

Layout patterns, handle, tie, and place reinforcing steel, ensuring proper clearances and splicing.

19%

Post-Tensioned Cables and Specialty Projects

Install, stress, and grout post-tensioning cables. Handle specialty applications like epoxy-coated rebar.

24%

Safety

Follow Cal/OSHA (Title 8) regulations, enforce fall protection, use proper lifting techniques, and ensure impalement protection.

Preparing for the CSLB C-50 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-50: Suggested Study Strategy

1Review the CRSI Manual of Standard Practice for placement tolerances and bar supports.
2Understand the Title 8 Cal/OSHA regulations regarding impalement protection.
3Practice estimating material quantities from reinforcing steel blueprints and shop drawings.
4Familiarize yourself with post-tensioning stressing procedures and elongation calculations.
5Know the proper clearances and lap splice requirements according to ACI 318.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the C-50 exam?

The exam is computer-delivered, multiple-choice format administered by PSI, taking up to 3.5 hours.

How much experience is required?

You need at least four years of journey-level experience within the last ten years.

Does the exam cover post-tensioning?

Yes, Post-Tensioned Cables and Specialty Projects make up about 19% of the test.

Are code books allowed in the exam?

No, it is a closed-book examination. No outside reference materials or code books are permitted.