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

What does the CRC permit regarding wallpaper in a tub-shower area?

• a.Wallpaper may be applied all the way to the ceiling over the tub
• b.Bare wood panels sealed with a clear coat on the tub wall
• c.Nothing absorbent where a nonabsorbent finish is required✓
• d.Cardboard

Absorbent paper cannot replace the nonabsorbent surface that must reach 6 feet in a tub or shower area. Wallpaper to the ceiling, bare wood and cardboard are all absorbent.2025 CRC R327.2

A hearth extension for a 5 square foot opening must reach how far in front of the opening?

• a.8 inches
• b.12 inches
• c.20 inches
• d.16 inches✓

Under 6 square feet the extension is 16 inches in front and 8 inches at the sides. Twenty inches is the figure for larger openings, and 8 and 12 inches are side figures.2025 CRC R1001.10

A masonry fireplace has a 6.5 square foot opening. How far beside the opening must the extension reach?

• a.12 inches✓
• b.8 inches
• c.16 inches
• d.20 inches

At 6 square feet or more the extension reaches 12 inches beyond each side. Eight inches is the smaller-opening side figure, and 16 and 20 inches are front dimensions.2025 CRC R1001.10

How thick must a masonry hearth extension be, without the raised-firebox exception?

• a.8 inches
• b.4 inches
• c.3/8 inch
• d.2 inches✓

The extension is at least 2 inches thick, the hearth 4 inches, and a 3/8-inch extension is allowed only where the firebox bottom is at least 8 inches above it.2025 CRC R1001.9.2

A wood mantel's lower edge is 8 inches above the opening. How far may it project?

• a.8 inches
• b.1 inch✓
• c.1/2 inch
• d.2 inches

Within 12 inches the projection is 1/8 inch per inch, so 8 inches allows 1 inch. Eight inches is the distance, 2 inches would be 16 inches of distance, and 1/2 inch is too little.2025 CRC R1001.11

Combustible trim may abut the sidewall of a masonry fireplace if it is at least how far from the firebox lining, for a 5 square foot opening?

• a.8 inches✓
• b.2 inches
• c.4 inches
• d.12 inches

For an opening under 6 square feet, trim may abut if at least 8 inches from the firebox lining. Two inches is the framing clearance, 12 inches is the large-opening figure, and 4 inches is the back clearance.2025 CRC R1001.11

What standard covers fireplace accessories installed in a masonry fireplace per the CRC?

• a.Owner's choice
• b.No standard
• c.Any metal item
• d.Listed✓

Accessories are listed and labeled and installed per the listing and manufacturer's instructions. Having no standard, using any metal item or leaving it to the owner does not meet the section.2025 CRC R1001.13

During exterior paint removal on a pre-1978 house, how close must doors and windows be to the work to require closing?

• a.Within 2 feet of the work area
• b.Within 20 feet of the renovation✓
• c.Within 5 feet of the work area
• d.Within 100 feet

The firm closes all doors and windows within 20 feet of the renovation, and on multi-story buildings those on the same floor and below at the same horizontal distance. Two and five feet are too short, and 100 feet is not the rule.40 CFR 745.85(a)(2)(ii)

A roof slope is 1.5:12. Can asphalt shingles be used?

• a.Yes, with double underlayment over the whole deck
• b.Yes, with one layer of underlayment over the deck
• c.Yes, with no underlayment
• d.No; it needs a slope of at least 2:12✓

Asphalt shingles need at least 2:12, so 1.5:12 is too flat whatever the underlayment. One layer, two layers or no underlayment do not fix an insufficient slope.2025 CRC R905.2.2

What metal flashing thickness does the CRC require?

• a.0.100 inch
• b.0.005 inch, about the thickness of foil
• c.Not less than 0.019 inch✓
• d.0.050 inch of galvanized sheet

Metal flashing is not less than 0.019 inch (No. 26 galvanized). Five thousandths is far too thin, and 0.050 and 0.100 inch are thicker than required.2025 CRC R903.2.1

Where must roof flashing be installed?

• a.Only at the ridge, where the two slopes meet
• b.Only around the chimney, the one large opening
• c.At wall intersections, slope changes and roof openings✓
• d.Only along the eaves, where water leaves the roof

Flashing goes at wall and roof intersections, slope changes and roof openings. Flashing only at the ridge, only along the eaves or only around the chimney leaves the other intersections unprotected.2025 CRC R903.2.1

An attic is 1,800 square feet. What net free ventilating area does the basic rule require?

• a.6 square feet
• b.18 square feet
• c.1.8 square feet
• d.12 square feet✓

1,800 ÷ 150 = 12 square feet. Six is the 1/300 figure, 18 is 1/100 and 1.8 is 1/1,000.2025 CRC R806.2

What size attic access opening is required for rough framing in a hallway ceiling?

• a.18 inches by 18 inches, with a pull-down cover
• b.12 inches by 12 inches, with no minimum height
• c.At least 22 inches by 30 inches✓
• d.36 inches by 48 inches, framed into the wall

The rough opening is at least 22 by 30 inches. Twelve by twelve and eighteen by eighteen are too small to enter, and 36 by 48 inches is larger than required.2025 CRC R807.1

When may a new roof covering go over the existing one instead of a tear-off?

• a.Always, since a recover is the usual method
• b.Only where the code's listed conditions are met✓
• c.Whenever the owner prefers a faster, cheaper job
• d.Never, because replacement is the only method

A recover is permitted only where one of the code's listed conditions occurs. It is not always permitted, since the code names conditions, it is not never permitted, since those conditions exist, and the owner's schedule or budget is not one of them.2025 CRC R908.4

Under Cal/OSHA's residential roofing rule, a 4:12 roof has an eave 8 feet above grade. Is fall protection required?

• a.No, because the eave is under 15 feet
• b.No, because the slope is gentle
• c.Yes, because the fall distance is 6 feet or more✓
• d.Yes, but above 20 feet

On slopes up to 7:12 the trigger is a fall distance of 6 feet or more above the grade or level below. Gentle slope and the 15- or 20-foot figures are not the trigger.8 CCR 1731(c)

Exterior wall water-resistive barrier must be continuous to what point?

• a.Not required
• b.Above windows
• c.The top of the wall✓
• d.The first floor

The barrier runs continuously to the top of the wall and terminates at penetrations. Only the first floor, only above windows or no barrier leaves water paths open.2025 CRC R703.2

How should overlapping flashings on exterior walls be applied?

• a.In shingle fashion✓
• b.Butted without overlap
• c.Randomly
• d.In reverse

Overlapping flashing is applied in shingle fashion so water sheds outward. Reverse laps, random laps and butted joints let water in.2025 CRC R703.4

What clearance does vinyl siding need from adjacent surfaces such as decks and roofs?

• a.At least 6 inches, the same as from the ground
• b.At least 2 feet of open air space
• c.At least 1/2 inch✓
• d.None, siding may touch them

Vinyl siding keeps 1/2 inch from adjacent surfaces like decks and roofs. Six inches is the ground clearance, two feet is not stated, and none would let it bind.2025 CRC R703.3.1

How long must each stucco coat remain moist before the next?

• a.At least 48 hours✓
• b.At least 14 days
• c.At least 1 hour
• d.At least 4 hours

Each coat stays moist at least 48 hours before the next. Four hours and one hour are too short, and 14 days is longer than required.2025 CRC R703.7.4

What is the maximum spacing for lath nails along framing?

• a.2 inches on center along the framing
• b.18 inches on center along the framing
• c.7 inches on center✓
• d.36 inches

Lath nails are at most 7 inches on center along framing. Two inches is closer than needed, and 18 and 36 inches are farther than allowed.2025 CRC R703.7.1

In a pre-1978 house, how far must ground plastic extend beyond exterior renovation surfaces?

• a.1 foot beyond the surfaces being renovated
• b.6 feet, the same as interior floors
• c.3 feet beyond the surfaces being renovated
• d.10 feet, or farther to catch debris✓

Ground plastic extends 10 feet, or farther to catch falling debris. One and three feet are too short, and 6 feet is the interior floor figure.40 CFR 745.85(a)(2)(ii)

Exterior work within 10 feet of a property line on a pre-1978 house requires what?

• a.Vertical containment or equivalent extra precautions✓
• b.A sign
• c.A fence or sign posted along the property line boundary
• d.Nothing

Vertical containment or equivalent extra precautions are required. Doing nothing, only a sign or only a fence does not keep dust and debris off adjacent property.40 CFR 745.85(a)(2)(ii)

A glass panel beside a door is 18 inches from the door and has its bottom edge 30 inches above the floor. What is it?

• a.Not hazardous, so any glass may be used
• b.Safety glazing is required✓
• c.Hazardous when the pane is above 9 square feet
• d.Hazardous when the glass is tinted

Glazing within 24 inches of a door with its bottom edge under 60 inches is hazardous and needs safety glazing. Tint is irrelevant, and the 9-square-foot test applies to large windows.2025 CRC R324.4.2

A large window pane is 12 square feet, with its bottom edge 10 inches above the floor, top edge 70 inches, and a walkway at the glass. What is it?

• a.A hazardous location needing safety glazing✓
• b.Not hazardous because it is a window and not a door
• c.Hazardous when the pane is under 9 square feet
• d.Hazardous when the window can be opened

A pane over 9 square feet with a bottom edge under 18 inches, a top edge over 36 inches and a walking surface within 36 inches is hazardous, whether or not the window opens, and a window is not exempt just because it is a window. The under-9-square-foot condition is not the test, since 12 square feet is over the size threshold.2025 CRC R324.4.3

What is the minimum area well size for a below-grade escape window?

• a.20 square feet
• b.9 square feet✓
• c.1 square foot
• d.4 square feet

The area well is at least 9 square feet with a horizontal projection and width of at least 36 inches. Four and one square foot are too small, and 20 square feet is more than the minimum.2025 CRC R319.4.1

What clear height does an egress door need?

• a.84 inches
• b.60 inches
• c.78 inches✓
• d.72 inches

The required egress door has at least 78 inches of clear height. Sixty and seventy-two inches are too low, and 84 inches is more than required.2025 CRC R318.2

An exterior landing at the required egress door has a floor 3 inches lower than the threshold, and the door swings over that landing. What is the finding?

• a.It is required
• b.It is acceptable if there is a door mat
• c.It is acceptable
• d.It is more than the 1-1/2 inch allowance✓

The landing or floor at the required egress door is not more than 1-1/2 inches lower than the top of the threshold, with an exception for the exterior side where the door does not swing over it. Here the door does swing over the landing, so the exception does not apply: a 3-inch drop exceeds the allowance, a door mat does not change the drop, and calling it acceptable ignores the limit.2025 CRC R318.3.1

A window opening bottom is 18 inches above the floor and more than 72 inches above grade. What does the CRC require?

• a.Nothing, since an operable window is itself an exit
• b.A 4-inch sphere limit or an ASTM F2090 device✓
• c.A 42-inch guard, since every window needs one
• d.A window screen rated to hold a person's weight

Where the opening is under 24 inches above the floor and over 72 inches above grade, windows limit passage of a 4-inch sphere or have a control device meeting ASTM F2090. A screen is not fall protection, the exit function does not waive the rule, and the code does not require a 42-inch guard at every window.2025 CRC R321.2.1

An employer's Injury and Illness Prevention Program must be handled how under section 1509?

• a.Established, implemented and maintained✓
• b.Kept in the owner's head, never written down
• c.Posted in the office and not shared with crews
• d.Required only after an employee is injured

Every employer establishes, implements and maintains an effective program under section 3203, and adopts a written Code of Safe Practices. A mental plan, an office-only posting and an after-injury rule do not meet that.8 CCR 1509(a)

Under section 1510(a), who must be given hazard instruction and told to read the Code of Safe Practices at the time of initial employment?

• a.Only visitors to the site
• b.Each new worker✓
• c.Only workers with a prior injury
• d.Only supervisors

Workers first employed are given instructions on the hazards and precautions for the work and directed to read the Code of Safe Practices. Supervisor-only, prior-injury-only and visitor-only rules leave new workers uninformed.8 CCR 1510(a)

Who may operate equipment and machinery under section 1510?

• a.Any worker the foreman assigns
• b.Only qualified persons✓
• c.Visitors who ask to help
• d.Whoever bid the job lowest

Only qualified persons operate equipment and machinery. Any worker, visitors and the lowest bidder are not qualified by that status.8 CCR 1510(b)

Which statement is correct about head protection?

• a.It is optional
• b.It meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1✓
• c.Any cap is adequate
• d.It is required on roofs

Head protection meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 where there is a risk of flying or falling objects or electric shock. A cap is not protection, the rule is not roof-only and it is not optional.8 CCR 3381

What does Cal/OSHA require of eye protection?

• a.Suitable protection that the employer provides✓
• b.Eye protection for welders and torch cutters on site
• c.Eye protection on request
• d.Sunglasses for everyone

The employer provides protection suitable for the exposure and ensures it is used. Sunglasses are not suitable, the rule is not welder-only and use is not on request only.8 CCR 3382(a)

What does Cal/OSHA say about defective footwear?

• a.It may be worn by supervisors
• b.It may be worn if taped
• c.It shall not be worn✓
• d.It may be worn on dry days

Defective or inappropriate footwear shall not be worn. Taping, dry weather and a supervisor's status do not make it safe.8 CCR 3385(b)

At 90 degrees outdoors, what must the employer have present?

• a.A fan, blowing on the working crew
• b.Shade when it is above 100 degrees
• c.Nothing, since 90 degrees is not high heat
• d.Shade, since it is above 80 degrees✓

Shade must be present above 80 degrees. Nothing would violate the rule, shade only above 100 degrees is too high a trigger, and a fan is not shade.8 CCR 3395(d)

At 96 degrees, what rest is ensured?

• a.A ten-minute cool-down rest every two hours✓
• b.None
• c.A one-minute break taken at the top of every hour
• d.A thirty-minute rest taken once every four hours

A ten-minute net cool-down rest every two hours is ensured at 95 degrees or above. A one-minute hourly break and a thirty-minute rest every four hours are not the rule, and some rest is required.8 CCR 3395(e)

Which ladder angle is preferred for a single ladder?

• a.Foot distance one-tenth of the working length
• b.Foot distance equal to the working length of the ladder
• c.Foot distance of one-quarter the working length✓
• d.Foot against the wall, so the ladder stands vertical

The foot is one-quarter of the working length from the support. Equal to the working length would lay the ladder flat, one-tenth is too steep, and the foot against the wall is vertical.8 CCR 3276(e)(9)

What is three-point contact on a ladder?

• a.Three fingers
• b.Two feet and one hand✓
• c.Both feet and the knee
• d.One hand and one knee

Three-point contact is two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot. Both feet and a knee, one hand and one knee and three fingers do not give secure support.8 CCR 3276

A ladder is occupied. What may not be done?

• a.It may be climbed
• b.It may not be moved✓
• c.It may be leaned on a wall
• d.It may be inspected

An occupied ladder is not moved, shifted or extended unless designed for it. Climbing, leaning on a wall and inspecting are normal uses.8 CCR 3276

Where is fall arrest generally required?

• a.Any exposure above about 3 feet of fall
• b.Exposure above about 40 feet of fall
• c.Any exposure above about 1 foot of fall
• d.Exposure to falling above 7-1/2 feet✓

Systems are worn by employees whose work exposes them to falling in excess of 7-1/2 feet from perimeters, edges, leading edges, openings and sloped roofs steeper than 7:12.8 CCR 1670(a)

A wall opening with a 5-foot drop has its bottom 2 feet above the floor. What is required?

• a.It must be guarded✓
• b.Nothing
• c.A tape line across the opening
• d.A warning sign posted at the opening

An opening with a drop over 4 feet and a bottom under 3 feet above the surface is guarded. Nothing, a sign alone and a tape line alone do not guard it.8 CCR 1632(j)

What does the scaffold standard say about platforms?

• a.Left unsecured, since weight holds them
• b.Sloped 4 to 1 so that debris slides off
• c.Not sloped more than 2 feet in 10 feet✓
• d.Sloped 4 feet in 10 feet to shed water

Platforms are not sloped more than 2 feet vertically in 10 feet horizontally and are secured against slipping. A 4-feet-in-10 slope or a 4-to-1 slope is far steeper than allowed, and leaving platforms unsecured is not allowed.8 CCR 1637(o)

When are guardrails installed on a scaffold?

• a.Never
• b.Above 30 feet
• c.Before other work not related to erection begins✓
• d.After the scaffold work is completely finished

Guardrails go on before other work not related to erection begins. After the job, never and only above 30 feet are not the rule.8 CCR 1637

Combustible debris inside a building during work must be handled how?

• a.Burned on site
• b.Removed promptly✓
• c.Left until the end
• d.Stacked near the stairs

Combustible debris inside is removed promptly. Leaving it, stacking it near the stairs and burning it on site create hazards.8 CCR 1513(d)

What must be done about structural hazards found before demolition?

• a.They are ignored until the walls start to move
• b.They are noted in the survey report and nothing more
• c.Shored, braced or corrected before demolition✓
• d.They are fixed after demolition is complete

Deficiencies found in the survey are shored, braced or corrected before demolition. Ignoring, merely noting or fixing them after demolition leaves the hazard.8 CCR 1735(d)

In what order is exterior wall and floor demolition done?

• a.Sides first
• b.Random
• c.Top down✓
• d.Bottom up

Exterior walls and floors are demolished from the top down, story by story. Bottom up, random and sides-first sequences remove support and endanger workers.8 CCR 1735(f)

How high is an unbraced free-standing wall section allowed to stand?

• a.One story or 12 feet, without lateral bracing✓
• b.30 feet
• c.50 feet
• d.Any height at all, as long as the wall is plumb

A wall section more than one story or 12 feet high needs lateral bracing unless an engineer's data shows it can stand. Any height, 30 feet and 50 feet are not the rule.8 CCR 1735(m)

What is the asbestos PEL?

• a.100 fibers per cubic centimeter as an 8-hour average
• b.1 fiber per cubic centimeter
• c.10 fibers per cubic centimeter
• d.0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter, 8-hour average✓

The PEL is 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter as an 8-hour average. One, ten and one hundred fibers are higher than the limit.8 CCR 1529

Who supervises asbestos work in regulated areas?

• a.Any laborer
• b.The homeowner
• c.The delivery driver
• d.A competent person✓

A competent person supervises asbestos work in regulated areas. A laborer, the homeowner and a driver are not designated competent persons.8 CCR 1529

What is the lead action level under Cal/OSHA?

• a.2 micrograms per cubic meter✓
• b.50 micrograms per cubic meter
• c.25 micrograms per cubic meter
• d.10 micrograms per cubic meter

The action level is 2 micrograms per cubic meter. Ten is the PEL, and 25 and 50 are silica or blasting figures.8 CCR 1532.1