CSLB B-2 Residential Remodeling (Trade Exam) — All Questions

Which tile mortar coverage does ANSI A108 call for in a wet area?

• a.65 percent
• b.95 percent✓
• c.80 percent
• d.50 percent

Wet and exterior areas require 95 percent mortar coverage for ceramic and porcelain tile. Fifty and sixty-five percent are not the published requirement, and 80 percent is the dry-area figure that is easy to confuse with it.ANSI A108 requirement as stated by the Ceramic Tile Foundation

Two flooring makers publish different expansion gaps. What governs?

• a.Whatever gap was used on the previous flooring job
• b.The instructions for the product being installed✓
• c.The smaller gap of the two, used for every product
• d.The larger gap of the two, used for every product

Each maker's instructions control its own product, so the installer follows the instructions for the floor being laid. Always using the larger gap, always using the smaller gap, or repeating the gap from the last job each ignore that the makers differ.Manufacturer installation guides (engineered hardwood)

What is the maximum slope of the walking surface of a stair tread or landing?

• a.1 in 4
• b.1 in 12
• c.1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal in all cases
• d.1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal✓

Walking surfaces are sloped not steeper than 1:48 (2 percent), with a 1:20 allowance only where a landing must drain water. One in twelve and one in four are far too steep, and 1:20 applies only where a landing must drain water, not in all cases.2025 CRC R318.7.7

In one cabinet guide, what height above the floor's high point does the first level line mark?

• a.34-1/2 inches, the bottom of the wall cabinets
• b.54 inches, the top of the base cabinets
• c.84 inches, the top of the base cabinets
• d.34-1/2 inches, the top of the base cabinets✓

The base level line is drawn 34-1/2 inches above the high point and marks the top of the base cabinets. Fifty-four inches is the wall cabinet line, and 84 inches is the top line for 30-inch wall cabinets.Manufacturer installation guide (cabinets)

Which cabinets does the guide hang first in most kitchens?

• a.Base cabinets
• b.The island
• c.Wall cabinets✓
• d.Corner cabinets

It is best to begin with the wall cabinets so that base cabinets are not in the way while hanging them. Starting with base cabinets blocks access, corner cabinets alone do not make a sequence, and the island is set after the perimeter is located.Manufacturer installation guide (cabinets)

What does the guide say about drywall screws for hanging cabinets?

• a.Drywall screws are preferred
• b.Use drywall screws into masonry
• c.Never use flat-head drywall screws✓
• d.Drywall screws are fine at the top

The guide says never to use flat-head sheet rock screws and calls for #10 by 2-1/2 inch washer-head screws through cabinets into the wall. Preferring drywall screws, allowing them at the top only, or using them into masonry all contradict that warning.Manufacturer installation guide (cabinets)

A cabinet wall run has uneven plaster. What does the guide recommend to keep the back from bowing?

• a.Over-tighten the screws to pull the back flat to the wall
• b.Skip the screws at the top
• c.Shim behind the cabinet back to support it✓
• d.Cut the plaster out of the wall behind the cabinet run

The back is fully supported with shims so it does not bow into imperfections. Over-tightening bows the back, and cutting plaster or skipping screws leaves the cabinet unsupported.Manufacturer installation guide (cabinets)

Which is permit-exempt finish work under CRC R105.2?

• a.Altering an electrical circuit
• b.Cabinets and counter tops✓
• c.Moving a gas range to a new wall
• d.Relocating a sink drain

Cabinets and counter tops are listed with painting, papering, tiling and carpeting as exempt finish work. Moving a gas range, relocating a sink drain and altering an electrical circuit all change systems and need permits.2025 CRC R105.2

What height limit applies to kitchen countertop receptacles above the countertop?

• a.20 inches✓
• b.12 inches
• c.30 inches
• d.42 inches

Receptacles are no more than 20 inches above the countertop. Twelve inches is the maximum below the countertop for island receptacles, and 30 and 42 inches are higher than the limit.City of Rancho Cucamonga handout BSF-0030 (CEC 210.52 as cited)

Which tile mortar coverage does ANSI A108 require for natural stone?

• a.95 percent in every location✓
• b.80 percent in dry areas
• c.100 percent in wet areas
• d.50 percent

Natural stone requires 95 percent coverage in every location, wet or dry, interior or exterior. Eighty percent is the ceramic dry-area figure, 50 percent is not a requirement, and 100 percent in wet areas only is not how the standard is written.ANSI A108 requirement as stated by the Ceramic Tile Foundation

Dry cutting quartz countertop slabs mainly exposes workers to what?

• a.Carbon monoxide released by the saw motor
• b.Refrigerant
• c.Respirable crystalline silica✓
• d.Asbestos from the countertop material

Cutting engineered stone releases respirable crystalline silica, which Cal/OSHA regulates. Carbon monoxide comes from combustion, asbestos from older insulation and flooring products, and refrigerant from cooling equipment, none of which stone cutting produces.8 CCR 1532.3

Which of the following is a prohibited practice on lead-painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing?

• a.Open-flame burning✓
• b.HEPA vacuum cleanup
• c.Damp wiping
• d.Wet scraping

Open-flame burning or torching of painted surfaces is prohibited. Wet scraping, HEPA vacuum cleanup and damp wiping are acceptable practices that control dust.40 CFR 745.85(a)(3)

How much painted surface per room inside may a minor repair disturb under the federal rule?

• a.100 square feet or less
• b.20 square feet or less
• c.6 square feet or less✓
• d.2 square feet or less

Interior minor repair disturbs 6 square feet or less per room, with 20 square feet being the exterior figure, and only if no prohibited practice is used and no window is replaced. Two square feet and 100 square feet per house are not the thresholds.40 CFR 745.83

California green building rules apply to paints and sealants how?

• a.Only exterior coatings are limited
• b.They must comply with VOC limits✓
• c.Only aerosol products are limited
• d.They are exempt because paint is permit-exempt

The green building code limits the VOC content of paints, sealants, caulks, adhesives and coatings. Permit exemption for painting does not remove those limits, and the limits are not confined to exterior coatings or aerosols.CALGreen 4.504.2 (per City of Rancho Cucamonga handout)

What is the heat gun temperature limit on painted surfaces under the lead renovation rule?

• a.No limit
• b.Below 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
• c.Below 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit✓
• d.Below 500 degrees Fahrenheit

A heat gun on painted surfaces is permitted only below 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Five hundred degrees is lower than the stated limit, 2,000 degrees is far above it, and the rule does set a limit.40 CFR 745.85(a)(3)(iii)

What does the CRC require for tub and shower walls?

• a.Wallpaper applied up to about 4 feet high
• b.A nonabsorbent surface up to 6 feet✓
• c.Bare gypsum board with a primer coat
• d.Paint applied from the floor to the ceiling

Walls above tubs with shower heads are finished with a nonabsorbent surface to at least 6 feet above the floor. Wallpaper to 4 feet, paint to the ceiling and bare gypsum board are absorbent or too low.2025 CRC R327.2

What is the minimum thickness of a masonry fireplace hearth?

• a.6 inches
• b.2 inches
• c.4 inches✓
• d.1 inch

The hearth is at least 4 inches thick. Two inches is the hearth extension thickness, and 6 inches and 1 inch are not the stated minimum for the hearth.2025 CRC R1001.9.1

A masonry fireplace opening is 4 square feet. How far must the hearth extension reach in front and beside the opening?

• a.12 inches in front and 6 inches each side
• b.24 inches in front and 16 inches each side
• c.20 inches in front and 12 inches each side
• d.16 inches in front and 8 inches each side✓

Under 6 square feet the extension is 16 inches in front and 8 inches at each side; 20 and 12 are for openings of 6 square feet or more.2025 CRC R1001.10

How far must combustible framing be from the back of a masonry fireplace?

• a.At least 4 inches✓
• b.At least 1 inch
• c.At least 2 inches
• d.Touching is permitted

Combustible framing stays at least 4 inches from the back of a masonry fireplace and at least 2 inches from the front and sides. Two inches is the front and side figure, and 1 inch or touching is not allowed.2025 CRC R1001.11

A wood mantel is 5 inches from the edge of a masonry fireplace opening. What is the finding?

• a.Allowed if painted
• b.Allowed with any projection
• c.Allowed if the projection is kept to about 1 inch
• d.Not allowed within 6 inches of the opening✓

Combustible mantels or trim may be placed on the masonry front only if not within 6 inches of the opening. Projection limits, paint and unlimited projection do not cure that.2025 CRC R1001.11

How is a factory-built fireplace installed?

• a.However the owner prefers, if it fits
• b.By the masonry fireplace tables for a similar size
• c.Per its listing and the maker's instructions✓
• d.Without a hearth extension, since it is factory built

Factory-built fireplaces are listed and labeled and installed according to the conditions of the listing and the manufacturer's instructions. Masonry dimension tables do not govern a listed unit, installation is not the owner's choice, and the hearth extension is installed per the listing, not omitted because the unit is factory built.2025 CRC R1004.1

A 3:12 roof will receive asphalt shingles. What does the CRC require?

• a.No underlayment
• b.Metal covering
• c.Double underlayment✓
• d.Single underlayment

Asphalt shingles are permitted from 2:12, and between 2:12 and 4:12 double underlayment is required. Single or no underlayment is not enough, and shingles are allowed at that slope.2025 CRC R905.2.2

What is the minimum 12-gage shingle nail head size, and how far must it penetrate into sheathing?

• a.A 1/8-inch head, penetrating 1/4 inch
• b.A 3/8-inch head, penetrating 3/4 inch✓
• c.A 3/4-inch head, penetrating 2 inches
• d.A 1/2-inch head, penetrating 1/2 inch

Roofing nails have a minimum 3/8-inch head and penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the sheathing, or through sheathing thinner than that. A 1/8-inch head would pull through, a 3/4-inch head with 2-inch penetration is not the stated pair, and 1/2 inch of penetration is too shallow.2025 CRC R905.2.5

A roof tear-off is planned on a house with two layers of shingles. What does R908.3 require?

• a.Removal of all layers down to the roof deck✓
• b.Covering over both layers
• c.Leaving the second layer in place as underlayment
• d.Removal of the top layer

Replacement removes all layers down to the roof deck, with narrow exceptions for sound ice barrier or self-adhered underlayment. Removing only the top layer, covering both layers and leaving a second layer as underlayment are recover practices the replacement rule does not allow.2025 CRC R908.3

Under Cal/OSHA's residential roofing rule, a 9:12 roof has an eave 4 feet above grade. Is fall protection required?

• a.Yes, because the slope is greater than 7:12✓
• b.No, because the eave is under 6 feet
• c.No, because it is a house
• d.Yes, if the roof is wet

On slopes greater than 7:12, protection is required regardless of height. The 6-foot trigger applies only up to 7:12, and houses are what the section covers, so being a house is no exemption. A wet roof is not the trigger either, since slope alone decides.8 CCR 1731(c)(2)

What does the CRC require behind exterior wall finishes?

• a.A vapor retarder, with nothing else behind the siding
• b.Paint applied directly on the sheathing boards
• c.Nothing if siding is vinyl
• d.At least one layer of water-resistive barrier✓

At least one layer of water-resistive barrier covers studs or sheathing on all exterior walls. A vapor retarder alone does not shed water, paint on sheathing is not a barrier, and vinyl siding does not remove the requirement.2025 CRC R703.2

How far above the ground must vinyl siding be kept?

• a.At least 12 inches
• b.At least 1 inch
• c.At least 6 inches✓
• d.At least 2 inches

Vinyl siding keeps at least 6 inches from the ground and 1/2 inch from adjacent surfaces. One and two inches are too close, and 12 inches is more than the minimum.2025 CRC R703.3.1

How many coats of cement plaster are required over metal lath?

• a.One coat of cement plaster
• b.Two coats of cement plaster
• c.At least three✓
• d.Five coats of cement plaster

Over metal or wire lath, plaster is at least three coats. One or two coats are too thin, and five is more than the minimum.2025 CRC R703.7.2

How far on center along framing may lath nails be spaced?

• a.Not more than 36 inches
• b.Not more than 24 inches
• c.Not more than 2 inches
• d.Not more than 7 inches✓

Lath fasteners are spaced not more than 7 inches on center along framing. Two inches is closer than needed, and 24 and 36 inches are the between-framing figure or farther than allowed.2025 CRC R703.7.1

What is the minimum net clear opening area of an upper-floor escape window?

• a.6.5 square feet
• b.5.0 square feet
• c.4.0 square feet
• d.5.7 square feet✓

An upper-floor escape opening needs 5.7 square feet net clear. Five square feet is the grade-floor figure, 4 square feet is too small, and 6.5 square feet is more than the minimum.2025 CRC R319.2.1

What are the minimum clear height and width of an escape opening?

• a.24 inches high and 20 inches wide✓
• b.18 inches high and 18 inches wide
• c.20 inches high and 24 inches wide
• d.36 inches high and 36 inches wide

The net clear height is 24 inches and the width is 20 inches. Reversing them, or using 36 by 36 or 18 by 18 inches, does not match the code.2025 CRC R319.2.2

What maximum height may the bottom of an escape opening be above the floor?

• a.24 inches
• b.48 inches
• c.36 inches
• d.44 inches✓

The bottom of the clear opening is not more than 44 inches above the floor. Thirty-six inches is lower than the limit, 48 inches is above it, and 24 inches is the minimum clear height of the opening itself.2025 CRC R319.2.3

A glass pane is located within 24 inches of a door with its bottom edge 36 inches above the floor. What does the CRC require?

• a.Standard glass, unless the pane is over 9 square feet
• b.Standard glass is acceptable
• c.Safety glazing✓
• d.Standard glass, since the pane edge is under 60 inches

Glazing within 24 inches of a door with its bottom edge under 60 inches above the floor is a hazardous location, so safety glazing is required. Standard glass fails, the 9-square-foot test belongs to large windows, and 60 inches is the upper limit for the bottom edge, not a minimum height.2025 CRC R324.4.2

How is a replacement window installed?

• a.With paint alone, sealing the joint at the trim
• b.With foam only, filling the gap around the frame
• c.Without flashing, since the frame seals itself
• d.In accordance with the maker's instructions✓

Windows and doors are installed per the manufacturer's written instructions and the opening is flashed per the CRC. A frame cannot seal itself, and foam only or paint alone leaves the opening unprotected from water.2025 CRC R609.1

How often must supervisors hold tailgate meetings under Cal/OSHA's construction safety orders?

• a.At least every 10 working days✓
• b.Once a year, at the annual safety meeting
• c.Every day, before the crew starts work
• d.Every month

Supervisors hold toolbox or tailgate meetings at least every 10 working days. Daily meetings are more often than required, a monthly or yearly schedule is too infrequent.8 CCR 1509(e)

A new hire's first day requires what under section 1510?

• a.No training at all until they have finished their first full week
• b.Hazard instruction and direction to read the Code of Safe Practices✓
• c.A company uniform and a locker for their personal tools and belongings
• d.A written test covering the work they performed on their earlier jobs

Section 1510 requires instruction in hazards and precautions and a direction to read the Code of Safe Practices. A written test, a uniform and no training are not what it requires.8 CCR 1510(a)

Which standard does Cal/OSHA name for hard hats?

• a.UL 127
• b.ASTM C926
• c.ANSI/ISEA Z89.1✓
• d.ANSI A108

Head protection meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1. ANSI A108 is a tile installation standard, UL 127 covers fireplaces, and ASTM C926 covers plaster application.8 CCR 3381(b)

At what outdoor temperature does the high-heat procedures rule start?

• a.100 degrees Fahrenheit
• b.95 degrees Fahrenheit✓
• c.80 degrees Fahrenheit
• d.105 degrees Fahrenheit

High-heat procedures start at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Eighty degrees is the threshold for shade, and 100 and 105 degrees are higher than the trigger.8 CCR 3395(e)

When is voluntary use of a respirator allowed?

• a.If the respirator is brand new and still in its box
• b.Never
• c.When use will not itself create a hazard✓
• d.Whenever the employee simply likes the respirator better

Voluntary use is permitted when the employer determines it will not itself create a hazard. Employee preference, a new respirator and a blanket ban are not the test.8 CCR 5144(c)(2)

A portable ladder is used to reach a roof edge. How far above the landing must the side rails extend?

• a.At least 24 inches
• b.At least 60 inches
• c.At least 36 inches✓
• d.At least 12 inches

Side rails extend at least 36 inches above the landing so the climber can grasp them. Twelve and twenty-four inches are too short, and 60 inches is more than required.8 CCR 3276(e)(11)

A 20-foot ladder is set at the preferred pitch. How far from the wall is the foot?

• a.5 feet✓
• b.10 feet
• c.2 feet
• d.20 feet

One-quarter of the working length: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 feet. Two feet is one-tenth, 10 feet is half, and 20 feet is the full length.8 CCR 3276

Which ladders may not be used in construction?

• a.Extension ladders
• b.Step ladders with metal side rails
• c.Single-rail ladders✓
• d.Job-made ladders meeting section 1676

Single-rail ladders are not used in construction. Extension ladders, step ladders and job-made ladders built to the safety order are allowed.8 CCR 1675(d)

At what fall exposure must personal fall arrest generally be worn?

• a.Above 2 feet from edges
• b.Above 4 feet from edges
• c.Above 25 feet from edges
• d.Above 7-1/2 feet from edges✓

Personal fall arrest is worn where exposure exceeds 7-1/2 feet from perimeters and edges. Two and four feet are lower than the threshold, so they would require protection the rule does not call for, and 25 feet is higher, so it would leave workers unprotected between 7-1/2 and 25 feet.8 CCR 1670(a)

How far may a scaffold plank overhang its support unprotected?

• a.18 inches✓
• b.6 inches
• c.36 inches
• d.24 inches

A plank may overhang its support by no more than 18 inches unless a guardrail or barrier prevents access. Six inches is less than the limit, and 24 and 36 inches exceed it.8 CCR 1637(g)

During demolition, what must be done before the work starts regarding utilities?

• a.Label them
• b.Leave them live, so the crew keeps power
• c.Shut off, cap or otherwise control them✓
• d.Move them up to the roof until demolition ends

Utilities are shut off, capped or otherwise controlled before demolition starts. Leaving them live, labeling them only, or moving them to the roof does not control them.8 CCR 1735(a)

What is the limit on a floor opening cut for debris disposal?

• a.80 percent of the total floor area, whether or not supports remain
• b.50 percent of the total floor area, whether or not supports remain
• c.25 percent of the floor area, unless supports remain✓
• d.5 percent of the total floor area, whether or not supports remain

Openings for debris are limited to 25 percent of the total floor area unless the lateral supports remain. Five percent is smaller than the limit, and 50 and 80 percent exceed it.8 CCR 1735(f)(2)

Which asbestos class includes removal of ACM floor tile?

• a.Class IV
• b.Class I
• c.Class II✓
• d.Class III

Removal of ACM floor tile is Class II work. Class I is thermal insulation and surfacing, Class III is repair and maintenance likely to disturb ACM, and Class IV is custodial work.8 CCR 1529

What is the Cal/OSHA lead PEL?

• a.50 micrograms per cubic meter
• b.10 micrograms per cubic meter✓
• c.100 micrograms per cubic meter
• d.2 micrograms per cubic meter

The PEL is 10 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour average. Two is the action level, 50 is the silica PEL and 100 is not a limit in the standard.8 CCR 1532.1(c)

At what quantity of ACM must a contractor hold C-22 or asbestos certification?

• a.50 square feet or more
• b.10 square feet or more
• c.500 square feet or more
• d.100 square feet or more✓

The statute applies at 100 square feet or more of ACM surface area. Ten and fifty square feet are below it, and 500 square feet is above it.Bus. & Prof. Code section 7058.5

How are fuel gas cylinders stored and used on a job?

• a.Valve end down
• b.Valve end up, held so they will not fall✓
• c.Lying loose on the floor of the work area
• d.Inside a confined space such as a crawl space

Cylinders are stored and used valve end up and secured so they will not fall. Valve end down, loose in a truck and use in a confined space are all prohibited or unsafe.8 CCR 1740