CSLB Class A — General Engineering (Trade Exam) — All Questions

Water supply lines on a bridge are tested as one unit. How far beyond the casing at each end do the unit's limits run?

• a.0 feet, ending at the casing
• b.50 feet
• c.5 feet✓
• d.1 inch

The unit limits are 5 feet beyond the casing at each end of the bridge, with each end capped using caps rated for the test pressure. Not "50 feet": far beyond the stated limit. Not "0 feet, ending at the casing": the unit extends past the casing. Not "1 inch": a trivial distance, not the stated limit.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.13A(1)(d)

What is the purpose of removing the pressure source during a Method A test?

• a.So the test shows what the pipe holds on its own✓
• b.So the pump can cool down between the test periods
• c.So the line can be flushed out before the next test
• d.So air can be added to the line before the next test

The source of pressure is removed and the line left under the required pressure, so any leak shows as a drop on the gauge. Not "So the pump can cool down between the test periods": pump temperature is not the reason. Not "So air can be added to the line before the next test": air is not added. Not "So the line can be flushed out before the next test": flushing is a separate step.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.01A(4)(b)(ii)

Who must certify each backflow preventer assembly on Caltrans work?

• a.The pipe supplier's sales representative, if the brand is listed in the submittal
• b.The soils engineer, who also certifies the pipe bedding and compaction
• c.A licensed electrician who is working on the irrigation controller
• d.A tester whose credential is current with the water purveyor✓

Each assembly must be certified by a tester with active and valid certification from the water purveyor having jurisdiction. Not "A licensed electrician who is working on the irrigation controller": electrical licenses are not the qualification. Not "The pipe supplier's sales representative, if the brand is listed in the submittal": certification comes from the purveyor or AWWA. Not "The soils engineer, who also certifies the pipe bedding and compaction": soils engineers do not certify backflow assemblies.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.02A(4)

What is a backflow preventer assembly installed to prevent?

• a.System water flowing back into the public supply✓
• b.Loss of pressure at the end of the line during peak use
• c.Water hammer in the main
• d.Frost damage to the pipe during a winter shutdown of the system

A backflow preventer keeps water in a connected system from flowing back into the potable supply. Not "Water hammer in the main": surge protection is a different device. Not "Frost damage to the pipe during a winter shutdown of the system": insulation or depth handles frost. Not "Loss of pressure at the end of the line during peak use": pressure loss is not what the assembly stops.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.02

Which Method B test condition applies to the upstream portion of a supply line before backfilling?

• a.Pressure held for 5 minutes with the valves closed and the gauge on the line
• b.Full water pressure held for not less than 8 consecutive hours after air is expelled✓
• c.A visual check, made after the trench is opened up
• d.Pressure of 125 psi held for 1 hour, then released at once

Method B maintains full pressure from the source for not less than 8 consecutive hours after air is expelled. Not "Pressure held for 5 minutes with the valves closed and the gauge on the line": far shorter than the stated period. Not "A visual check, made after the trench is opened up": Method B requires a timed full-pressure test. Not "Pressure of 125 psi held for 1 hour, then released at once": that describes Method A.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.01A(4)(b)(iii)

Where does Caltrans require a thrust block on an irrigation main supply line?

• a.At each change in direction, at the terminus run and at other locations shown✓
• b.Nowhere on plastic pipe, which flexes and holds itself in place
• c.After the pressure test is finished and the line is backfilled
• d.On straight runs under 100 feet that have no fittings at all

A thrust block is installed at each change in direction on the main supply line, terminus run and other locations shown. Not "On straight runs under 100 feet that have no fittings at all": straight runs do not push outward on a fitting. Not "Nowhere on plastic pipe, which flexes and holds itself in place": pressure pushes outward at bends whatever the pipe material. Not "After the pressure test is finished and the line is backfilled": anchorage must resist thrust during testing.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.08C(1)

A conduit trench is backfilled under Caltrans section 87-1.03. What goes directly under the conduit?

• a.Nothing, since conduit sits on native soil
• b.12 inches of rock under the conduit
• c.A layer of bare clay
• d.A minimum of 2 inches of sand bedding✓

Trench backfill begins with a minimum of 2 inches of sand bedding before installing the conduit. Not "A layer of bare clay": clay does not give uniform bedding. Not "12 inches of rock under the conduit": the specification calls for sand bedding. Not "Nothing, since conduit sits on native soil": the specification requires bedding.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(3)(b)(i)

How much slurry concrete goes over a conduit in that trench detail?

• a.6 inches
• b.5 feet
• c.18 inches✓
• d.2 inches

The detail is 18 inches of slurry concrete over the conduit, then native material. Not "2 inches": that is the sand bedding. Not "6 inches": that is the depth of the warning tape below grade. Not "5 feet": far more than the detail calls for.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(3)(b)(i)

What minimum bend radius applies to HDPE conduit sweeps on Caltrans electrical work?

• a.100 times the inside diameter of the conduit
• b.1 times the outside diameter of the conduit
• c.10 times the outside diameter of the conduit✓
• d.A fixed 2 inches for the conduit

Sweeps maintain a bend radius of a minimum of 10 times the outside diameter. Not "1 times the outside diameter of the conduit": a tight bend damages cable on pulling. Not "A fixed 2 inches for the conduit": radius depends on the conduit size. Not "100 times the inside diameter of the conduit": a far larger radius than the specification asks.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(3)(b)(ii)

How many degrees of bends may a conduit run have between pull points under the Caltrans electrical specification?

• a.As many as needed
• b.No more than 360 degrees✓
• c.No more than 720 degrees
• d.No more than 90 degrees

The number of bends in a conduit run is limited to no more than 360 degrees between pull points. Not "No more than 90 degrees": the limit is larger than a single bend. Not "As many as needed": the number of bends is limited. Not "No more than 720 degrees": this exceeds the stated total.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(1)

An existing Caltrans underground facility lies within 2 feet of a planned excavation. What must be done before power equipment is used?

• a.Use a backhoe carefully with a spotter watching
• b.Assume it lies 5 feet deeper than the plan shows
• c.Determine its exact location by hand excavation✓
• d.Skip locating it if it is not marked on the site plans

If an existing facility is within 2 feet of an excavation, the exact location is determined by hand tools before power-operated equipment is used. Not "Use a backhoe carefully with a spotter watching": power equipment is not allowed first inside the zone. Not "Assume it lies 5 feet deeper than the plan shows": assumptions are not a substitute for locating it. Not "Skip locating it if it is not marked on the site plans": the facility shown must be located.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03A

Where must an existing Caltrans underground facility shown within 10 feet of an excavation be dealt with first?

• a.Located and field marked before work that could damage it✓
• b.Removed before the excavation starts by the crew
• c.Ignored if the plans lack its depth, since it cannot be located
• d.Painted pink by the crew, to show that it was found and logged

The contractor locates and field marks such a facility before performing work that could damage or interfere with it. Not "Removed before the excavation starts by the crew": removal is not required. Not "Ignored if the plans lack its depth, since it cannot be located": the plan's omission does not waive locating it. Not "Painted pink by the crew, to show that it was found and logged": locating is done before work, not by arbitrary marking.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03A

Irrigation conduit is run under a new pavement on Caltrans work. How far must it extend past the paving?

• a.2 feet beyond all paving, with unused ends capped✓
• b.It must stop 2 feet short of the paving
• c.Flush with the paving edge, with the ends left open
• d.20 feet beyond the paving, on both sides

The specification says to extend conduit 2 feet beyond all paving and cap the ends of unused conduit. Not "Flush with the paving edge, with the ends left open": future connections would require cutting new pavement. Not "20 feet beyond the paving, on both sides": more than the specification asks. Not "It must stop 2 feet short of the paving": this is backward.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.07C(1)

For Caltrans electrical conduits, how far may conduit protrude inside a pull box or vault?

• a.No more than 2 inches✓
• b.No limit on how far it may protrude
• c.Exactly 12 inches past the wall
• d.At least 2 feet past the wall

Conduits must not protrude more than 2 inches inside the pull boxes and vaults. Not "At least 2 feet past the wall": conduit would block the box. Not "No limit on how far it may protrude": a limit is stated. Not "Exactly 12 inches past the wall": a larger figure than allowed.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(3)(b)(ii)

Falsework stands 15 feet from sill top to soffit, with 12-foot spans and no traffic through it. Who must approve and sign its design calculations and drawings?

• a.A foreman on the crew with field experience
• b.The concrete supplier's driver on the day of the pour
• c.A civil engineer registered in California✓
• d.No signature, since the spans are under 16 feet

Falsework taller than 14 feet, with spans over 16 feet, or with traffic through it needs engineer-signed calculations; height over 14 feet is enough. Not "The concrete supplier's driver on the day of the pour": a driver has no design authority. Not "A foreman on the crew with field experience": foreman experience does not meet the registration requirement. Not "No signature, since the spans are under 16 feet": height over 14 feet alone triggers engineered design.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1717(b)(1)

A 9-inch slab is placed with worker-propelled carts. Shores are on a 4-foot by 4-foot grid. Using section 1717 allowances and 150 pcf concrete, what load should each shore be designed for?

• a.2,120 pounds
• b.2,520 pounds
• c.2,280 pounds✓
• d.1,800 pounds

Dead load 112.5 + 20 live + 10 for worker-propelled carts = 142.5 psf; times 16 square feet is 2,280 pounds. Not "1,800 pounds": uses the concrete weight alone. Not "2,120 pounds": adds the live load but omits the cart allowance. Not "2,520 pounds": uses the 25 psf motorized cart figure instead of 10 psf.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1717(a)(2)

Which three qualities must forms have under the Caltrans concrete structures specification?

• a.Waterproof, painted and reusable for further pours
• b.Smooth, oiled and left in place to protect the concrete
• c.Light, cheap and removable by hand for early stripping
• d.Mortar tight, true to dimensions, and strong enough to prevent deflection✓

Forms must be mortar tight, true to the dimensions, lines and grades, and strong enough to prevent deflection during placement. Not "Waterproof, painted and reusable for further pours": paint and reuse are not the stated requirements. Not "Light, cheap and removable by hand for early stripping": those traits do not ensure a correct finished shape. Not "Smooth, oiled and left in place to protect the concrete": leaving forms in place is not a form requirement.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 51-1.03C(2)(a)

A crew wants to strip the shores under a suspended slab on day 3 because the schedule calls for it. What does Cal/OSHA require?

• a.Approval from the concrete supplier, given by phone on the day
• b.The employer must find the concrete strong enough to carry its weight and loads✓
• c.Nothing, since removal is the contractor's choice on the day it picks
• d.A fixed 7 days for each slab, with no strength test needed

Forms and shores may not be removed until the employer determines the concrete can support its weight and superimposed loads. Not "Nothing, since removal is the contractor's choice on the day it picks": removal is conditioned on measured strength. Not "A fixed 7 days for each slab, with no strength test needed": the rule is based on strength, not a fixed calendar number. Not "Approval from the concrete supplier, given by phone on the day": the employer makes the strength determination.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1717(e)(1)

What must be done with stripped forms and shoring in areas where people work or pass?

• a.They are left in place until the job ends, then removed in one pass
• b.They are thrown onto the next floor, where they stay until the cleanup crew comes
• c.They are removed and stockpiled promptly, with protruding nails and wire ties pulled or cut✓
• d.They are buried in the backfill once the floor above has been placed

Stripped forms and shoring are removed and stockpiled promptly, and protruding nails, wire ties and other accessories are pulled, cut or otherwise made safe. Not "They are left in place until the job ends, then removed in one pass": stripped material is cleared promptly. Not "They are thrown onto the next floor, where they stay until the cleanup crew comes": random placement creates hazards. Not "They are buried in the backfill once the floor above has been placed": burying is not an acceptable disposal step.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1717(d)(7)

Concrete is arriving but the crew cannot finish the whole integral part of a structure today. What does the Caltrans specification say?

• a.Place half of it today and finish the rest the next week
• b.Add water to extend the workable time of the concrete
• c.Start anyway and stop at whatever point is convenient
• d.Do not start unless placement can be completed uninterrupted✓

Concrete is placed continuously in each integral part, and work does not start unless placement can be completed uninterrupted. Not "Start anyway and stop at whatever point is convenient": construction joints go only where shown or authorized. Not "Place half of it today and finish the rest the next week": uninterrupted placement is required for each integral part. Not "Add water to extend the workable time of the concrete": retempering is prohibited.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 51-1.03D(1)

A load of concrete is stiffening before it can be placed. A worker proposes adding water to loosen it. What does the specification say?

• a.Add water if the inspector is away from the site that day
• b.Do not retemper partially hardened concrete with additional water✓
• c.Add water up to the maximum slump shown in the mix design
• d.Add water on hot days, when the concrete stiffens fastest

Concrete is placed while fresh and before initial set, and partially hardened concrete is not retempered with water. Not "Add water up to the maximum slump shown in the mix design": retempering is not allowed once it has stiffened. Not "Add water on hot days, when the concrete stiffens fastest": the prohibition does not depend on temperature. Not "Add water if the inspector is away from the site that day": the rule applies whether or not anyone is watching.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 51-1.03D(1)

A structure footing is 3 feet deep with a top layer of reinforcement. What additional step does Caltrans require after initial screeding?

• a.Reconsolidating the top 1 foot of concrete as late as it will respond to vibration✓
• b.Adding 1 inch of water to the surface, to keep it workable until the finish
• c.Waiting 28 days before curing begins, to let the concrete gain its strength
• d.Removing the top mat of steel to let the vibrator reach the concrete

For footings over 2.5 feet deep with top reinforcement, the concrete is reconsolidated to a depth of 1 foot, not sooner than 15 minutes after initial screeding. Not "Adding 1 inch of water to the surface, to keep it workable until the finish": adding water weakens the surface. Not "Removing the top mat of steel to let the vibrator reach the concrete": the reinforcement stays in place. Not "Waiting 28 days before curing begins, to let the concrete gain its strength": curing starts promptly, not after 28 days.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 51-1.03D(1)

How are concrete girder spans placed under the Caltrans specification?

• a.In one continuous pour of girders and deck together
• b.Deck slab first, then the girders placed on top of the finished slab
• c.In at least 2 operations, deck slab last, with at least 5 days between✓
• d.In 2 operations on consecutive days, with the deck slab last

Girder spans are placed in at least two operations, the last being the deck slab, with at least 5 days between operations. Not "In one continuous pour of girders and deck together": girder spans are placed in at least two operations. Not "Deck slab first, then the girders placed on top of the finished slab": the last operation must be the deck slab. Not "In 2 operations on consecutive days, with the deck slab last": at least 5 days are allowed between operations.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 51-1.03D(1)

Within what time after depositing must high-frequency internal vibrators be used on concrete pavement placed on the subgrade?

• a.15 minutes✓
• b.2 hours
• c.Next morning
• d.The vibrators are not required

High-frequency internal vibrators must be used within 15 minutes of depositing the concrete on the subgrade. Not "2 hours": by then the concrete is beginning to set. Not "Next morning": consolidation must be done fresh. Not "The vibrators are not required": consolidation is required without segregation.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 40-1.03F(4)

A crew is tempted to use a vibrator to push a pile of fresh concrete sideways to its final location. What does Caltrans say?

• a.Do not use vibrators for extensive shifting of concrete✓
• b.It is allowed if the vibrator is high frequency
• c.It is the preferred way to spread concrete
• d.It is allowed on bridge decks

Concrete is placed as close to final position as possible and vibrators are not used for extensive shifting. Not "It is the preferred way to spread concrete": vibrators consolidate; shifting segregates paste from rock. Not "It is allowed if the vibrator is high frequency": frequency does not change the rule. Not "It is allowed on bridge decks": the rule is not limited to decks.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 51-1.03D(1)

For concrete pavement placed with a paving machine, where must vibrators not rest?

• a.On side forms or new concrete pavement✓
• b.In the concrete being consolidated by the vibrator
• c.On the paving machine's frame or its screed
• d.On the tire of a truck in the paving lane

The specification says vibrators must not rest on side forms or new concrete pavement. Not "On the paving machine's frame or its screed": the rule names forms and new pavement. Not "On the tire of a truck in the paving lane": truck tires are not part of the rule. Not "In the concrete being consolidated by the vibrator": vibrators operate in the concrete.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 40-1.03F(4)

Except for cast-in-place piles, how far may fresh concrete fall in a structure before pipes, tubes or double belting are needed to prevent segregation?

• a.More than 8 feet requires them✓
• b.They are not needed if the mix is wet
• c.More than 30 inches requires them
• d.More than 20 feet requires them

Fresh concrete may not fall more than 8 feet without pipes, tubes or double belting, except for CIP piles. Not "More than 20 feet requires them": concrete would already have segregated in a drop that long. Not "More than 30 inches requires them": this is lower than the stated limit. Not "They are not needed if the mix is wet": wetness does not remove the requirement.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 51-1.03D(1)

What must double-acting diesel hammers with internal combustion engines have under the Caltrans pile specification?

• a.A cushion of sand on the ram to soften the impact
• b.A transducer that records bounce chamber pressure✓
• c.A tripod for hand starting when the hammer stalls in the field
• d.A vibratory head fitted to the leads of the driving rig

Double acting diesel hammers with internal combustion engines must have a transducer that records bounce chamber pressure. Not "A vibratory head fitted to the leads of the driving rig": vibratory hammers are prohibited for driven piles. Not "A cushion of sand on the ram to soften the impact": sand on the ram is not specified. Not "A tripod for hand starting when the hammer stalls in the field": a tripod is not specified.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 49-2.01C

What penetration rate per blow must a pile hammer be able to produce at the nominal driving resistance?

• a.Not less than 1/8 inch per blow at that resistance✓
• b.Exactly 2 inches per blow at that resistance
• c.Not more than 1/8 inch per blow at that resistance
• d.Whatever rate gets the pile to tip elevation

The hammer must develop enough energy to drive at a rate of not less than 1/8 inch per blow at the nominal driving resistance. Not "Not more than 1/8 inch per blow at that resistance": the rule sets a minimum, so the blow count can mean something. Not "Exactly 2 inches per blow at that resistance": far more than the stated minimum. Not "Whatever rate gets the pile to tip elevation": the hammer capacity requirement is separate.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 49-2.01C

Piles to be load tested, and sheet piles, are driven to what under the Caltrans specification?

• a.At least the nominal resistance and the specified tip elevation
• b.The specified tip elevation shown✓
• c.The depth the foreman judges adequate
• d.Whatever depth the hammer can reach in one hour

Except for piles to be load tested and sheet piles, piles are driven to at least the nominal driving resistance and the specified tip elevation; the exceptions are driven to the specified tip elevation. Not "At least the nominal resistance and the specified tip elevation": that is the rule for other driven piles. Not "Whatever depth the hammer can reach in one hour": no time-based criterion is stated. Not "The depth the foreman judges adequate": the specification sets the criterion.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 49-2.01C

What is the smallest diameter allowed for each tremie tube used to place concrete under slurry in a CIDH pile?

• a.4 inches
• b.10 inches✓
• c.30 inches
• d.2 inches

Tremie tubes must each be at least 10 inches in diameter, fed by one or more concrete pumps. Not "2 inches": too small to carry the mix. Not "4 inches": still below the stated minimum. Not "30 inches": far larger than the stated minimum.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 49-3.02C(9)

During a CIDH pile pour under slurry, what must the crew not allow?

• a.Cleaning the bottom after the cage is placed
• b.A standby concrete pump on site for the pour
• c.The tube end staying in the concrete
• d.Concrete falling into the slurry✓

The specification says not to allow concrete to fall into the slurry during placement. Not "The tube end staying in the concrete": that is the correct practice. Not "A standby concrete pump on site for the pour": a standby pump is required. Not "Cleaning the bottom after the cage is placed": cleaning is required before concrete.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 49-3.02C(9)

When must the bottom of a drilled CIDH pile hole be cleaned of settled drill cuttings?

• a.Before the cage is placed, and not again before the pour
• b.After placing the reinforcement and before placing concrete✓
• c.Not when slurry is used, as the slurry holds the cuttings
• d.After the concrete has set around the cage, by flushing the base

If drill cuttings settle out of the slurry, the bottom is cleaned after placing reinforcement and before placing concrete. Not "Before the cage is placed, and not again before the pour": cuttings can settle again after the cage goes in. Not "After the concrete has set around the cage, by flushing the base": too late to remove settled material. Not "Not when slurry is used, as the slurry holds the cuttings": slurry does not remove the need to clean.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 49-3.02C(9)(a)

A worker will enter a bell-bottom pier hole. What does Cal/OSHA require?

• a.A harness with a lifeline attached, individually attended✓
• b.A shared lifeline that is also used to lift material from the hole
• c.A radio with a signaler standing 100 feet away from the hole
• d.A hard hat and a flashlight, with no other equipment carried

Employees entering bell-bottom pier holes wear a harness with a securely attached lifeline, separate from material lines and individually attended. Not "A hard hat and a flashlight, with no other equipment carried": protection from the confined excavation hazard is required. Not "A shared lifeline that is also used to lift material from the hole": the lifeline must be separate from any material-handling line. Not "A radio with a signaler standing 100 feet away from the hole": an attended lifeline is the stated protection.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541(g)(2)(B)

What happens to driven piles at the cutoff elevation?

• a.They are left tall for the next contractor to cut off later on
• b.They are cut at the elevation shown without damaging the pile below✓
• c.They are bent over and buried in the footing concrete as it is poured
• d.They are cut 2 feet below the elevation shown

Driven piles are cut off at the elevations shown, anchored to the structure, and not damaged below cutoff. Not "They are left tall for the next contractor to cut off later on": cutoff is done at the elevations shown. Not "They are cut 2 feet below the elevation shown": the cutoff is at the elevation shown. Not "They are bent over and buried in the footing concrete as it is poured": bending would damage the pile.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 49-2.01C(6)

A pile driven into soft clay carries most of its load along its length through contact with the soil. FHWA uses what term for this?

• a.Skin friction✓
• b.End bearing
• c.Consolidation
• d.Lateral spreading

FHWA's pile discussion treats skin friction along the shaft and end bearing at the tip as the two ways a deep foundation carries load. Not "End bearing": that is load carried at the pile tip. Not "Lateral spreading": that is a ground movement during earthquakes. Not "Consolidation": that is settlement of soil under sustained load.FHWA NHI-06-088, deep foundations

A drainage pumping plant is ready for testing on Caltrans work. How far ahead must the engineer be notified, and when can testing occur?

• a.At least 10 days before, and only after the plant is complete✓
• b.At least 10 days after testing, so that the record is complete
• c.No notice if the pumps are new from the factory and tagged
• d.At least 1 day before, while the installation continues

The contractor notifies the engineer at least 10 days before testing, and the pump plant must be complete before testing is performed. Not "At least 1 day before, while the installation continues": testing waits until the plant is complete. Not "At least 10 days after testing, so that the record is complete": notice comes before testing. Not "No notice if the pumps are new from the factory and tagged": the engineer must be notified regardless.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 74-1.01D(1)

When is the maintenance and operations manual for drainage pumping equipment submitted on Caltrans work?

• a.It is not required for pumps under 10 horsepower
• b.Before the first shop drawing
• c.If the owner asks 2 years later
• d.Before completion of the work, by the final submittal✓

The specification says to submit a maintenance and operations manual before completion of the work. Not "If the owner asks 2 years later": the manual is a required submittal. Not "Before the first shop drawing": it is a completion-stage submittal. Not "It is not required for pumps under 10 horsepower": no size exception is stated.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 74-1.01C(6)

What does Cal/OSHA's hazardous energy rule require of the power source of equipment being serviced where unexpected start-up could cause injury?

• a.A verbal warning to the nearby crew members before the repair starts
• b.It is isolated if the repair will take more than 8 hours of work
• c.It is left running at low speed while the repair is made by the crew
• d.It is de-energized or disengaged, with moving parts blocked or locked out as needed✓

Equipment is stopped, its power source de-energized or disengaged, and moveable parts blocked or locked out where needed. Not "It is left running at low speed while the repair is made by the crew": unexpected start-up is the hazard. Not "It is isolated if the repair will take more than 8 hours of work": the rule is not limited by duration. Not "A verbal warning to the nearby crew members before the repair starts": tags or signs and isolation of energy are required.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 3314

Under section 3314, which kinds of energy does 'locked out' isolation cover?

• a.Electrical energy, which is the kind shown on the lock tag
• b.Stored water pressure is not covered by the rule, since it is not a hazard
• c.Mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, electrical, thermal or other hazardous sources✓
• d.Mechanical energy, such as the moving parts of the machine itself

Locked out means effective isolation of machinery from mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, electrical, thermal or other hazardous energy. Not "Electrical energy, which is the kind shown on the lock tag": the definition lists many energy types. Not "Mechanical energy, such as the moving parts of the machine itself": hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical energy count too. Not "Stored water pressure is not covered by the rule, since it is not a hazard": it is within hydraulic and other hazardous energy sources.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 3314

On a Caltrans irrigation job, how deep must supply pipe between the water meter and the backflow preventer be buried?

• a.At least 6 inches below grade, measured to the bottom of the pipe
• b.Laid on the surface and covered with mulch to keep it cool
• c.At least 5 feet, measured to the center of the pipe
• d.At least 18 inches below finished grade, measured to the top of the pipe✓

Supply lines between the meter and backflow assembly are installed at least 18 inches below finished grade, measured to the top of the pipe. Not "At least 6 inches below grade, measured to the bottom of the pipe": too shallow for this supply line. Not "At least 5 feet, measured to the center of the pipe": far deeper than the specification asks. Not "Laid on the surface and covered with mulch to keep it cool": the line is buried at a set depth.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.08C(1)

How often must each backflow preventer assembly be certified on Caltrans work?

• a.Every 10 years, when the water purveyor renews the water service
• b.Once, when it is installed, with no retest after the first test
• c.Annually, and within 10 days of contract acceptance✓
• d.When it fails or leaks during a routine inspection by the owner

Each assembly is certified annually and within 10 days of Contract acceptance. Not "Once, when it is installed, with no retest after the first test": certification is repeated annually. Not "Every 10 years, when the water purveyor renews the water service": this exceeds the stated interval. Not "When it fails or leaks during a routine inspection by the owner": routine certification is required.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.02A(4)

What pipe type does Caltrans use where supply lines cross a paved ditch more than 3 feet deep at its flow line?

• a.Galvanized steel pipe for the entire span of the ditch✓
• b.Corrugated metal pipe across the full width of the ditch
• c.No pipe, the supply line is left open across the ditch
• d.Thin plastic tubing laid loose in the bottom of the ditch

Where supply lines cross paved ditches more than 3 feet deep at their flow line, galvanized steel pipe is installed for the entire span. Not "Thin plastic tubing laid loose in the bottom of the ditch": unprotected tubing is not the specified span material. Not "No pipe, the supply line is left open across the ditch": supply lines are carried across in pipe. Not "Corrugated metal pipe across the full width of the ditch": not the specified material for the span.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.08C(1)

Concrete for irrigation supply line thrust blocks must contain at least how much cementitious material per cubic yard?

• a.5 pounds
• b.2,950 pounds
• c.29.5 pounds
• d.295 pounds✓

Concrete for thrust blocks must contain at least 295 pounds of cementitious material per cubic yard. Not "5 pounds": a tiny fraction of the stated minimum. Not "29.5 pounds": one tenth of the stated figure. Not "2,950 pounds": ten times the stated figure.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.08B(1)

What grade of copper pipe does the Caltrans specification require for copper pipe supply lines?

• a.Copper pipe that is shiny and new from the supplier
• b.Type M flexible tubing, coiled and bent by hand
• c.Type K rigid pipe complying with ASTM B88✓
• d.Type DWV drain pipe left over from the plumbing work

Copper pipe must be Type K rigid pipe complying with ASTM B88. Not "Type M flexible tubing, coiled and bent by hand": the specified type is K rigid pipe. Not "Copper pipe that is shiny and new from the supplier": appearance is not the standard. Not "Type DWV drain pipe left over from the plumbing work": DWV is for drain-waste-vent, not pressure supply.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.08B(2)

A new water main parallel to a storm drain must be at what minimum horizontal distance, and where vertically?

• a.1 foot horizontally in the same trench
• b.4 feet horizontally and 1 foot below it
• c.4 feet horizontally and 1 foot above✓
• d.10 feet horizontally and 1 foot above

Mains are installed at least 4 feet horizontally from, and one foot above, parallel storm drainage lines. Not "10 feet horizontally and 1 foot above": that applies to untreated sewage lines. Not "4 feet horizontally and 1 foot below it": the main goes above. Not "1 foot horizontally in the same trench": the main may not share the trench.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22, 64572(b)

Which fitting is not allowed in Caltrans conduit runs under section 87-1.03B?

• a.A larger conduit than the size specified on the plans
• b.A reducing coupling joining two sizes✓
• c.A cap on an unused conduit end inside the pull box
• d.A pull tape left inside the conduit for later use

The specification says not to use a reducing coupling; a larger conduit may be used for the entire length between termination points. Not "A larger conduit than the size specified on the plans": a larger conduit may be used for the whole length between termination points. Not "A cap on an unused conduit end inside the pull box": caps are installed. Not "A pull tape left inside the conduit for later use": pull tape is installed with the conduit.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(1)

Two conduits of different materials meet in a run. Where are they terminated under the Caltrans electrical specification?

• a.In a pull box✓
• b.At the nearest curb
• c.At a reducing coupling
• d.Joined with duct tape underground

Conduits of different materials terminate in a pull box, and an existing conduit is extended using the same material. Not "Joined with duct tape underground": an unprotected joint is not allowed. Not "At a reducing coupling": reducing couplings are not used. Not "At the nearest curb": curb location is not the rule.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(1)

How are innerducts installed between vaults on Caltrans work?

• a.Without lubricating them during the pull between the vaults
• b.Unsupported in the open trench before the backfill is placed
• c.As one continuous unit, interrupted only inside pull boxes✓
• d.In cut lengths joined underground by couplings between the vaults

Innerducts are installed as one continuous unit between vaults, and may be interrupted inside pull boxes located between vaults and cabinets. Not "In cut lengths joined underground by couplings between the vaults": joints between vaults are not allowed. Not "Without lubricating them during the pull between the vaults": the specification calls for lubrication per the manufacturer. Not "Unsupported in the open trench before the backfill is placed": the specification requires installation in conduit systems.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(3)(b)(ii)

What must be demonstrated to the engineer before performing electrofusion on HDPE conduit?

• a.A minimum of 2 test fusions✓
• b.A pressure test at 125 psi
• c.A single spark test
• d.A fusion done at night

The contractor demonstrates a minimum of 2 test fusions before performing fusion operations on HDPE conduit. Not "A single spark test": the specification requires test fusions. Not "A fusion done at night": timing is not specified. Not "A pressure test at 125 psi": that is an irrigation line test.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(3)(b)(ii)