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100+ Free NV C-4 Painting and Decorating Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NV C-4 Painting and Decorating Exam

55 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI Nevada Contractor CIB updated 3/25/2026

39 of 55 points

Passing Score

PSI Nevada Contractor CIB updated 3/25/2026

2 hours

Time Allowed

PSI Nevada Contractor CIB updated 3/25/2026

USD 95

PSI Exam Fee (one portion)

PSI Nevada Contractor CIB updated 3/25/2026

Closed Book

Book Policy

PSI Nevada Contractor CIB updated 3/25/2026

Nevada C-4 Painting and Decorating Contractor Examination is the official NSCB/PSI closed book exam: 55 questions, 39 of 55 points, 2 hours, USD 95 (bulletin 270, updated 3/25/2026). Official delivery: English.

Sample NV C-4 Painting and Decorating Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NV C-4 Painting and Decorating exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under NAC 624.220, which work may a Nevada classification C-4 painting and decorating licensee perform?
A.Apply paint, varnish, shellac, stain, protective coatings and wax; attach papers, fabrics and plastics; examine and prepare surfaces; and install drywall, metal studs and acoustical tile
B.Install structural steel framing and load-bearing wood studs
C.Install potable-water piping and plumbing fixtures
D.Place and finish structural concrete slabs
Explanation: NAC 624.220(1) authorizes a C-4 licensee to apply any type of paint, varnish, shellac, stain, protective coatings and wax; attach papers, fabrics and plastics; examine and prepare surfaces; and install drywall, metal studs and acoustical tile. Structural steel, wood load-bearing framing, plumbing, and concrete are other classifications.
2What is the vehicle (thinner/carrier) in conventional interior latex architectural paint?
A.Mineral spirits
B.Water
C.Denatured alcohol
D.Acetone
Explanation: Latex architectural paints are waterborne. Water carries the acrylic or vinyl-acrylic binder and evaporates as the film coalesces. Mineral spirits are the usual alkyd thinner; denatured alcohol thins shellac; acetone is a strong solvent, not the latex vehicle.
3Which solvent is used to thin and clean up conventional alkyd (oil-based) enamel?
A.Mineral spirits (paint thinner)
B.Water
C.Denatured alcohol
D.White vinegar
Explanation: Alkyd enamels are oil-modified resins thinned and cleaned with mineral spirits (paint thinner) or similar petroleum solvents. Water will not dissolve an alkyd film. Alcohol is for shellac. Always follow the product data sheet if a different reducer is specified.
4Which solvent dissolves and thins traditional shellac primer or varnish?
A.Mineral spirits
B.Water
C.Denatured alcohol
D.Xylene only
Explanation: Shellac is a spirit varnish: the resin is dissolved in denatured alcohol. That is why pigmented shellac primers dry fast and why alcohol, not water or mineral spirits, is used to thin them and clean tools. The PDCA Craftsman's Manual treats shellac as an alcohol-soluble sealer and stain blocker.
5What is the primary purpose of a penetrating wood stain compared with an opaque paint?
A.To color the wood while leaving the grain visible
B.To build a thick, hiding film that conceals all grain
C.To fireproof the lumber to Type X performance
D.To replace the need for a clear topcoat on floors
Explanation: A penetrating stain dyes or colors the wood fibers and leaves the grain showing. Paint is an opaque film that hides the substrate. Stain is not a fire-rating product, and most stained floors still need a clear varnish or polyurethane wear coat.
6Which primer is the usual first coat on new, unpainted gypsum wallboard before a latex finish?
A.Zinc-rich epoxy primer
B.Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) drywall primer-sealer
C.Hot-applied coal-tar enamel
D.Clear penetrating deck oil
Explanation: New drywall paper and joint compound absorb paint at different rates. A PVA drywall primer-sealer equalizes porosity so the finish coat does not flash or photograph the joints. Zinc-rich primers are for steel. Coal-tar and deck oils are not interior drywall primers.
7Why should conventional alkyd enamel not be applied directly to new galvanized steel?
A.Alkyd dries too fast on zinc and will always chalk in one week
B.Galvanized steel cannot accept any organic coating
C.The alkaline zinc surface saponifies the oil/alkyd binder and the film can peel
D.Alkyd is required by code on all galvanized ductwork
Explanation: Fresh zinc is alkaline. Oil and alkyd binders react with that alkali (saponification) and form a soft, soapy film that loses adhesion. Clean per SSPC-SP 1, then use a galvanized-metal primer or a latex/acrylic DTM made for zinc. Do not put house-paint alkyd straight on new galvanizing.
8What happens if a two-component epoxy is applied after its pot life has expired?
A.The mixed coating begins to gel and will not flow, wet, or cure as specified
B.The epoxy becomes water-thin and covers twice the labeled area
C.The hardener evaporates and the film remains permanently thermoplastic
D.Pot life only affects color; film performance is unchanged
Explanation: Pot life is the working time after resin and hardener are mixed. Past that window the batch thickens or gels, atomization and flow fail, and the cured film will not meet the data-sheet properties. Mix only what can be applied in the pot-life window at the stated temperature.
9What do percent solids by volume tell the painter about a coating?
A.The weight of pigment packed in a gallon can
B.The fraction of the wet film that remains as dry film after solvents evaporate
C.The flash point of the reducer in degrees Fahrenheit
D.The number of coats required by the Nevada energy code
Explanation: Volume solids are the nonvolatile portion of the wet film. Dry-film thickness equals wet-film thickness times volume solids (DFT = WFT × VS). Weight solids are not the same number and must not be used in that film-build equation.
10One gallon of a 100 percent solids coating applied at 1 mil dry-film thickness theoretically covers about how many square feet?
A.350 square feet
B.400 square feet
C.1,604 square feet
D.2,000 square feet
Explanation: One U.S. gallon is 231 cubic inches. Spread 0.001 inch (1 mil) thick, that volume covers about 1,604 square feet. Coating estimators use Coverage = 1,604 × volume solids ÷ DFT (mils). Architectural 350–400 sq ft/gal figures are practical hide rates, not this theoretical 1-mil constant.

About the NV C-4 Painting and Decorating Exam

The Nevada C-4 Painting and Decorating Contractor Examination is the official Nevada State Contractors Board trade examination administered by PSI Services LLC. The official exam has 55 scored questions. Passing is 39 of 55 points in 2 hours. The examination is closed book. Closed book. PSI lists Painting & Decorating Craftsman's Manual and Gypsum Construction Handbook as study-only references.. PSI lists USD 95 for one examination portion and USD 140 if taken with CMS; otherwise USD 95 per trade exam (Candidate Information Bulletin 270, updated 3/25/2026). NSCB requires a separate CMS examination for most new applicants, plus a USD 300 application fee and a USD 600 biennial license fee. This English-language MCQ bank is a study aid, not an official PSI form. It does not replace required trade experience, board approval, fingerprints, bonding, or the official examination.

Assessment

Closed Book computer-based multiple-choice. Closed book. PSI lists Painting & Decorating Craftsman's Manual and Gypsum Construction Handbook as study-only references.

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

39 of 55 points

Exam Fee

USD 95 (PSI Services LLC (for the Nevada State Contractors Board))

NV C-4 Painting and Decorating Exam Content Outline

15%

Materials

Materials (8 items)

22%

Surface Preparation

Surface Preparation (12 items)

13%

Application

Application (7 items)

11%

Tools

Tools (6 items)

7%

Problems and Prevention

Problems and Prevention (4 items)

9%

Safety

Safety (5 items)

9%

Drywall

Drywall (5 items)

5%

Color

Color (3 items)

9%

Sheet Metal

Sheet Metal (5 items)

How to Pass the NV C-4 Painting and Decorating Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 39 of 55 points
  • Assessment: Closed Book computer-based multiple-choice. Closed book. PSI lists Painting & Decorating Craftsman's Manual and Gypsum Construction Handbook as study-only references.
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam fee: USD 95

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

NV C-4 Painting and Decorating Study Tips from Top Performers

1Distribute study time to the official bulletin 270 content outline (updated 3/25/2026)
2Use only the PSI-listed references; temporary tabs such as Post-it notes are prohibited
3Confirm NSCB experience documentation before scheduling with PSI
4This bank is an English-language MCQ study aid, not an official PSI form

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Nevada C-4 Painting and Decorating Contractor Examination?

The official PSI examination has 55 scored questions. Passing is 39 of 55 points within 2 hours (Candidate Information Bulletin 270, updated 3/25/2026).

How much does the NV C-4 exam cost?

PSI lists USD 95 for one examination portion. Two portions cost USD 140 only if the second portion is CMS. NSCB charges a separate USD 300 application fee and USD 600 biennial license fee.

Is the NV C-4 exam open book?

No. PSI lists this examination as closed book. Closed book. PSI lists Painting & Decorating Craftsman's Manual and Gypsum Construction Handbook as study-only references.

Do I still need the CMS examination?

CMS is the required Nevada business-and-law examination. Most new applicants must pass CMS and a trade examination for the requested classification. In most cases you will not retake an exam if you have actively served as a qualified employee in the same classification within the last four years.