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

Which work is most clearly within the Class A definition?

• a.A single-family house framing job
• b.Interior office painting
• c.A sewage treatment plant pipeline✓
• d.Kitchen cabinet installation

General engineering covers fixed works such as sewers and sewage disposal plants and pipelines.B&P Code 7056

What must be submitted before pumping equipment is installed on Caltrans work?

• a.Nothing until testing
• b.Shop drawings with anchorage details✓
• c.A photograph of the pump
• d.Only the final invoice

Shop drawings cover system layout, piping connections, appurtenances and mounting and anchorage details.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 74-1

A conveyor at a treatment plant is being cleaned. Besides stopping it, what does the lockout rule require on its controls?

• a.Nothing more
• b.A second operator on the controls
• c.A written permit from Cal/OSHA
• d.Accident prevention signs or tags✓

Machinery is stopped and de-energized or blocked, and accident prevention signs or tags are placed on the controls.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 3314

In demolition, what is prohibited for workers moving around the structure?

• a.Using planked walkways
• b.Using ladders
• c.Walking on exposed joists✓
• d.Using designated stairways

Walking across exposed floor joists, steel beams or girders is prohibited.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1735

A wall of a building being demolished will be used to hold back piled debris. What is required first?

• a.Removing its windows
• b.Nothing, since it is a wall
• c.Confirming its capacity✓
• d.Painting it for visibility

Walls used as retaining walls for debris may be used only if determined capable of safely supporting the imposed load.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1735

What is done with material displaced during demolition that is not needed for reconstruction?

• a.Stacked against exterior walls
• b.Transported immediately to the ground✓
• c.Stored on upper floors
• d.Left in place until the end

Displaced material is transported immediately to the ground, and material stored on the structure may not exceed its safe capacity.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1735

What must the owner or operator do before a demolition begins, under the asbestos NESHAP?

• a.Nothing if the building is small
• b.Notify the local newspaper
• c.Remove all windows
• d.Thoroughly inspect for asbestos✓

Before demolition or renovation, the affected facility is thoroughly inspected for asbestos, including nonfriable material.40 CFR 61.145

A project generates 450 tons of nonhazardous C&D debris. What minimum tonnage must be recycled or salvaged?

• a.About 225 tons
• b.About 293 tons✓
• c.About 158 tons
• d.450 tons

CALGreen requires at least 65%: 450 × 0.65 = 292.5 tons.CalRecycle / CALGreen

Where is warning tape placed in a Caltrans electrical conduit trench?

• a.6 inches below grade✓
• b.At the trench bottom
• c.On the finished surface
• d.Directly on the conduit

Warning tape goes in the trench 6 inches below finished grade so it is found before the conduit.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03

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)

At what angle may conduit enter a pull box or vault under the Caltrans electrical specification?

• a.At less than 20 degrees from the vertical or horizontal axis✓
• b.At 45 degrees to the box axis, with no restriction on spacing
• c.At 90 degrees to the box axis, with bends of a tight radius
• d.At a steep angle, if the opening is sealed against moisture and rodents

Conduits must enter pull boxes and vaults at an angle less than 20 degrees from either the vertical or horizontal axis. Not "At a steep angle, if the opening is sealed against moisture and rodents": an angle limit is stated. Not "At 45 degrees to the box axis, with no restriction on spacing": this exceeds the stated limit. Not "At 90 degrees to the box axis, with bends of a tight radius": the specification limits deviation from the axis.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 87-1.03B(3)(b)(ii)

A wall is being left standing during demolition. When may a wall section more than one story or 12 feet high stand alone without lateral bracing?

• a.Whenever the foreman believes it is stable enough, after a visual check
• b.Only if a California-registered civil engineer has substantiated its capability to the Division✓
• c.Not even with engineering data submitted to the Division by the owner
• d.Yes, if the wall is concrete and has been checked for cracks

No wall section over one story or 12 feet high may stand alone without lateral bracing, unless a registered civil engineer has submitted data to the Division. Not "Whenever the foreman believes it is stable enough, after a visual check": engineering data must be submitted. Not "Yes, if the wall is concrete and has been checked for cracks": material alone does not remove the bracing rule. Not "Not even with engineering data submitted to the Division by the owner": the rule allows it with engineering substantiation.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1735(m)(1)

A floor has been weakened by demolition work. What does Cal/OSHA require?

• a.It must be painted red and left in place until demolition ends
• b.It must be shored to safely support the intended imposed load✓
• c.It must be removed at the end of the week by the demolition crew
• d.It may be used as is if workers walk lightly and keep off the edge

Floors weakened or otherwise made unsafe by demolition operations shall be shored to safely support the intended imposed load. Not "It may be used as is if workers walk lightly and keep off the edge": weakened floors must be shored. Not "It must be painted red and left in place until demolition ends": marking does not give support. Not "It must be removed at the end of the week by the demolition crew": shoring is required before use.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1735

Exterior wall openings on floors of a building being demolished must be protected to what height, except on the ground floor and the floor being demolished?

• a.Not less than 10 feet
• b.No protection is required
• c.Not less than 12 inches
• d.Not less than 42 inches✓

Exterior wall openings on all floors are protected to a height of not less than 42 inches, except on the ground floor and the floor being demolished. Not "Not less than 12 inches": too low to prevent a fall. Not "Not less than 10 feet": far above the stated height. Not "No protection is required": the rule requires protection.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1735(k)