CSLB C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (Trade Exam) — All Questions

What does a city handout say about switches and receptacles in a bathtub or shower space?

• a.They are allowed if GFCI protected
• b.Switches are allowed but receptacles are not
• c.They are allowed above 6 feet
• d.They are not allowed in the space✓

The handout states that switches and receptacles are not allowed in bathtub or shower spaces. GFCI protection, a switch-only allowance and a height exception are not provisions of it.City of San Bruno handout (2025 codes)

How should a mesh-mounted mosaic sheet be seated in the mortar, according to industry guidance?

• a.Press it by hand and leave the sheet to settle on its own
• b.Walk across the sheet after the mortar skins over slightly
• c.Tap each chip one at a time with a trowel handle to seat it
• d.Align the sheet, then beat it in with a block and mallet✓

Mosaic sheets are aligned and beaten into place with a bearing block and rubber mallet, which flattens the mortar and limits squeeze-up between the tiles. Pressing by hand gives uneven contact, mortar that skins over will not bond, and tapping chips one at a time leaves them out of plane.CTEF, troweling

According to industry guidance, a glass tile larger than what dimension is classed as large-format and needs specific materials?

• a.1 inch by 1 inch
• b.3 inches by 3 inches✓
• c.6 inches by 6 inches
• d.12 inches by 12 inches

ANSI 137.2 treats glass tile with dimensions greater than 3 by 3 inches as large-format, requiring specific materials. 1 inch is mosaic-size and the larger figures are not the standard's line.ANSI A137.2 via CTEF

Why does industry guidance warn about large glass tile in a steam or hot shower?

• a.Glass absorbs water and swells in the mortar
• b.Hot water softens and dissolves the cured mortar
• c.Steam turns clear glass cloudy for good
• d.Cool glass hit by hot water or steam can crack✓

Guidance says cool glass hit by hot water or steam can expand quickly and crack, so the manufacturer should be asked whether the tile suits a shower. Glass does not absorb water, hot water does not dissolve cured mortar, and clouding is not the stated concern.CTEF, large format glass tile in a shower

How does Cal/OSHA describe silica exposure from artificial stone compared with natural stone?

• a.About the same as silica from natural stone
• b.Less toxic than silica from natural stone
• c.Harmless when the stone is kept wet
• d.Much more toxic, with rapid-onset silicosis risk✓

Cal/OSHA's silica page says artificial stone exposures are much more toxic and dangerous than those from natural or sintered stone and can cause rapid-onset severe silicosis. Calling them the same, milder or harmless when wet contradicts that warning.Cal/OSHA silica page

Under section 5204, how is failing to use effective wet methods during high-exposure trigger tasks treated?

• a.As an imminent hazard under an Order Prohibiting Use✓
• b.As a minor violation that gets a written warning
• c.As a recordkeeping defect on the exposure log
• d.As an item for the next exposure assessment

Failure to comply with the engineering controls subsection is considered an imminent hazard and subject to an Order Prohibiting Use. It is not a warning-level item, a paperwork defect, or something deferred to a later assessment.8 CCR 5204

For high-exposure trigger tasks, how much of the work object must water cover when using wet methods?

• a.Only the blade itself, and the edge being cut off the slab
• b.Only the dust collection area around the cut
• c.The floor around the saw table
• d.The whole surface where the tool contacts the work✓

Section 5204 says water must cover the entire surface of the work object where a tool, equipment or machine contacts it. Wetting only the blade, a dust area or the floor does not wet the cutting surface.8 CCR 5204

Which cleanup practice is prohibited for high-exposure trigger tasks regardless of exposure levels?

• a.Using a HEPA-filtered vacuum on the waste
• b.Collecting the waste dust with wet methods
• c.Using compressed air on dusty surfaces or clothing✓
• d.Bagging wet slurry for disposal after the shift

Any use of compressed air on waste, dust, debris or surfaces and clothing that may contain silica is prohibited. HEPA vacuuming and wet collection are required methods, and bagging slurry is not prohibited.8 CCR 5204

Which control is prohibited as a way of reducing silica exposure during high-exposure trigger tasks?

• a.Wet cutting
• b.Using a powered air-purifying respirator
• c.Using a HEPA vacuum for waste
• d.Rotating employees between tasks✓

Section 5204 prohibits using employee rotation to reduce exposure. Wet methods, PAPRs and HEPA vacuuming are required controls.8 CCR 5204

The 2023 and 2025 updates to section 5204 added protections for which kind of work?

• a.Fabricating countertops and walls from slabs✓
• b.Painting and coating interior walls
• c.Pouring concrete footings for a patio
• d.Installing roof shingles on a steep roof

Cal/OSHA says the updates require added protections when fabricating countertops, backsplashes, walls, flooring, waterfall edges and other products from slabs or panels. Painting, footings and shingles are not what the updates address.Cal/OSHA silica page; 8 CCR 5204

Does section 5204 cover cleanup of the dust left after cutting artificial stone?

• a.No, only the cutting itself is covered by it
• b.Only if the cleanup is done while dry
• c.Yes, cleanup and waste handling are included✓
• d.Only if done by the fabricator's owner

Section 5204 says high-exposure trigger tasks also include clean up, disturbing or handling of wastes, dusts and debris created by the cutting. It is not limited to cutting, dry cleanup is prohibited rather than the trigger, and who does the work does not matter.8 CCR 5204

Which tool does the VA stone specification call for when cutting stone?

• a.A power saw with a diamond blade✓
• b.An abrasive cutoff wheel on a grinder
• c.A masonry chisel used by hand
• d.A dry carbide blade

The specification says to use power saws with diamond blades to cut stone. Abrasive wheels, chisel-only cutting and dry carbide blades are not what it names.VA 09 63 40

How should each variety of stone be sourced under the VA stone specification?

• a.From whichever quarry has stock on hand
• b.From a single quarry with consistent quality✓
• c.From a different quarry for each separate lot
• d.From several quarries mixed to blend the color

Each variety is obtained from a single quarry with resources to provide consistent appearance and properties. Mixing quarries produces mismatched color and quality.VA 09 63 40

With which federal requirements must transition strips comply under the federal tile specification?

• a.40 CFR 745
• b.36 CFR 1191✓
• c.29 CFR 1926
• d.ASTM F446

The specification calls for transition strips that comply with 36 CFR 1191, the accessibility requirements. 40 CFR 745 is the lead renovation rule, 29 CFR 1926 is federal construction safety, and ASTM F446 concerns soap holder loads.UFGS 09 30 10

What finish does the federal tile specification require for built-in accessories?

• a.The same material and look as the wall tile✓
• b.Plastic painted to match the wall tile
• c.Polished chrome on every accessory item
• d.Any finish that the plumber prefers to use

Built-in accessories are of the same materials and finish as the wall tile. Painted plastic, a chrome finish and a plumber's choice do not match the tile.UFGS 09 30 10

A change in level between tile and an adjoining floor is more than 1/2 inch. How does ANSI A108.01 say to handle it in new construction?

• a.A vertical edge left unprotected
• b.A ramp, no steeper than 1:12 in slope✓
• c.A 1:2 bevel between the two floors
• d.A bare threshold in place of a ramp

Changes greater than 1/2 inch are handled with a ramp, and in new construction the maximum slope is 1:12. A vertical edge works only up to 1/4 inch, a 1:2 bevel covers 1/4 to 1/2 inch, and a threshold does not lower the step.ANSI A108.01 via CTEF

An existing door threshold is 3/4 inch high. When may it remain under ANSI A108.01?

• a.Never; it must always be removed before tiling
• b.Only if it is made of wood and is nailed down
• c.If it has, or is given, a bevel on each side✓
• d.Only if it is under 1/4 inch in overall height

Existing thresholds 3/4 inch or less in height may stay if they have, or are modified to have, a bevel on each side. Removal is not always required, material is not the test, and the 1/4 inch limit applies to vertical changes.ANSI A108.01 via CTEF

Under the VA specification, what shape is used for external tile corners?

• a.Bullnose✓
• b.Square edge
• c.Cove
• d.Cut miter

The specification uses bullnose shapes for external corners and edges and cove shapes for internal corners, and says square corners are not acceptable.VA 09 30 13

Which trim does the VA specification call for on horizontal surfaces of showers?

• a.Polished trim shapes for easy cleaning
• b.Glazed gloss trim shapes
• c.Slip-resistant trim shapes✓
• d.Metal trim, not ceramic

Slip-resistant trim is used on horizontal surfaces of showers. Polished and glossy shapes are more slippery, and metal-only trim is not required.VA 09 30 13

What does the federal tile specification require on tile installed with furan resin?

• a.A manufacturer-applied wax coating✓
• b.A coat of clear acrylic sealer on top
• c.A film of building paper over the tile
• d.No coating is called for

The specification calls for a coating of wax applied from the manufacturer on all tile set with furan resin. An acrylic coat, building paper (used to protect finished floors from traffic), or no coating omits that requirement.UFGS 09 30 10

Where can metal or vinyl cove-shaped profiles be used under the federal specification?

• a.Over the movement joints in large floor fields
• b.For transitions in place of cove tile base✓
• c.In place of the wall tile in a dry room
• d.As a bond breaker under the thin-set mortar bed

Metal and vinyl cove-shaped trim profiles can replace cove tile base at transitions. They are not movement joint covers, wall tile, or bond breakers.UFGS 09 30 10

How are tile bases and coves backed under the federal specification?

• a.Spot bonded with adhesive
• b.Solidly backed with mortar✓
• c.Left hollow behind the toe
• d.Held with a bead of sealant

Tile bases and coves are to be solidly backed with mortar. Spots, hollows and sealant beads leave voids that crack under impact.UFGS 09 30 10

How should tile be cut around outlets, piping and fittings under the VA specification?

• a.Cut close so plates and collars overlap the edge✓
• b.Cut loosely and the gap filled in with grout afterward
• c.Cut flush with the edge of each plate or collar
• d.Left open, with the joints sealed after the plates are set

Tile is fit closely so plates, escutcheons, collars and flanges cover the cut edge, and joints are sealed watertight before plates are set. Loose cuts, flush cuts and unsealed gaps all leave exposed or unsealed edges.VA 09 30 13

What compliance credit does section 1532.3 give an employer who fully and properly implements Table 1 controls and respiratory protection?

• a.It is excused from the written exposure plan
• b.It is excused from the medical surveillance duty
• c.It may then allow dry sweeping of silica dust
• d.It is treated as complying with the exposure limit✓

Section 1532.3 treats full and proper use of Table 1 as compliance with the exposure limit subsection. The written plan and medical surveillance remain required, and dry sweeping stays barred.8 CCR 1532.3

What must a walk-behind saw have under Table 1 of section 1532.3?

• a.A bag-type dust catcher alone
• b.A cowling over the blade
• c.An integrated water delivery system✓
• d.A fan blowing dust away

Table 1 requires a walk-behind saw with an integrated water delivery system. A bag catcher, a cowling alone and a fan do not suppress the dust the way water does.8 CCR 1532.3 Table 1

What is the shortest period an employer with fewer than 10 employees may elect to keep records of scheduled inspections under the IIPP rule?

• a.For one year after each inspection
• b.Only until the hazard is corrected✓
• c.For three years after each inspection
• d.For the life of the contractor license

Section 3203 sets one year for inspection records in general, but an employer with fewer than 10 employees may elect to keep them only until the hazard is corrected, which is the shortest period allowed. One year is the general rule, not the shortest option, and three years or the life of the license are longer than the rule requires.8 CCR 3203

How often are silica medical exams repeated, unless the licensed health care professional recommends sooner?

• a.Every year, without exception
• b.At least every three years✓
• c.Every five years, at the latest
• d.Every ten years, at the latest

Exams are repeated at least every three years, or more often if the professional recommends it. Annual exams are more frequent than the rule requires, and five and ten years are longer.8 CCR 1532.3

How must personal protective equipment be selected so it works for each worker?

• a.One size for the whole crew to keep stock simple
• b.By lowest price from the cheapest supplier
• c.To ensure it properly fits each affected employee✓
• d.In the order that items appear in the catalog

Section 1514 requires PPE to be selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee. One size for all, lowest price and catalog order ignore fit.8 CCR 1514

What must an employer's respiratory protection program be, under section 5144?

• a.Verbal, covering new hires
• b.Written, with worksite-specific procedures✓
• c.A manufacturer's leaflet kept in the truck
• d.A sign posted at the job site

Section 5144 requires a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures, covering medical evaluations and fit testing. A verbal policy, a leaflet or a sign is not a program.8 CCR 5144

For employees whose noise exposure equals or exceeds the action level, what must the employer make available?

• a.Hearing aids
• b.A single yearly noise survey
• c.Audiometric testing✓
• d.A noise dosimeter for each employee

Section 5097 requires an audiometric testing program to be available to employees whose exposures equal or exceed the action level. Hearing aids treat loss rather than test for it, and a survey or dosimeter measures noise, not hearing.8 CCR 5097

In construction, who provides hearing protection and who sees that it is worn?

• a.Employees buy their own and decide when to wear it
• b.The employer provides it, but wearing it is optional
• c.The employer provides it and requires employees to wear it✓
• d.The tool supplier provides it with each saw

Section 1521 says ear protection is provided by the employer, who must require employees to wear it. Employee-bought or optional use leaves the duty with the worker, and a tool supplier is not the responsible party.8 CCR 1521

What must an employer do to determine whether personal protective equipment is needed?

• a.Wait until an employee reports an injury or close call
• b.Assess hazards and certify the assessment in writing✓
• c.Ask the PPE supplier to decide what the crew needs
• d.Issue gloves to everyone and skip the assessment

Section 3380 requires the employer to assess the workplace for hazards that call for PPE and to confirm the assessment through a written certification. Waiting for an injury is reactive, a supplier does not know the site, and blanket gloves ignore other hazards.8 CCR 3380

What are employees allowed and encouraged to do under the heat illness standard when they feel the need to avoid overheating?

• a.Take a preventative cool-down rest in the shade✓
• b.Keep working until the next scheduled break
• c.Leave the site without telling anyone
• d.Wait for a supervisor to schedule one

Section 3395 says employees shall be allowed and encouraged to take a preventative cool-down rest in the shade when they feel the need. Working through, leaving unannounced, or waiting for a schedule is not what the standard describes.8 CCR 3395

At what temperature must an employer implement high-heat procedures under the outdoor heat standard?

• a.95 degrees F or higher✓
• b.80 degrees F or higher
• c.85 degrees F or higher
• d.105 degrees F or higher

High-heat procedures begin when the temperature equals or exceeds 95 degrees F. 80 degrees F is the point at which shade must be present, and 85 and 105 degrees F are not trigger values.8 CCR 3395

What is Cal/OSHA's construction lead action level since January 1, 2025?

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

The action level is 2 micrograms per cubic meter, and the permissible exposure limit is 10. 10 is the PEL rather than the action level, and 25 and 50 are the silica action level and PEL.8 CCR 1532.1

Which element must a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program include?

• a.A list of preferred tool brands for the crew
• b.A pledge that licensed qualifiers alone may stop work
• c.Procedures for scheduled periodic inspections✓
• d.A requirement for monthly mandatory overtime

Section 3203 requires a written program with procedures for identifying and evaluating hazards, including scheduled periodic inspections, and for investigating injuries and illnesses. Tool brands, a qualifier-only stop-work rule and overtime are not elements.8 CCR 3203

What must every construction employer adopt in writing that relates to its operations?

• a.A purchasing policy
• b.A subcontractor price list
• c.A Code of Safe Practices✓
• d.A material takeoff form

Section 1509 requires every employer to adopt a written Code of Safe Practices related to its operations. A purchasing policy, a price list and a takeoff form are business documents, not safety rules.8 CCR 1509

How must personal protective equipment be used under the construction orders?

• a.As the manufacturer's instructions direct✓
• b.However the crew finds it most comfortable
• c.Only on days when inspections are expected
• d.Only when the worker is alone on a job

Section 1514 says PPE shall be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Comfort, inspection days and solo work are not the standard.8 CCR 1514

How must employees learn what to do in case of injury or illness?

• a.They read the instructions printed on the first-aid kit lid
• b.The employer informs all employees of the procedure✓
• c.Only supervisors are told, and they relay it if asked
• d.They are told after the first incident on the project

Section 1512 requires each employer to inform all employees of the procedure in case of injury or illness. A kit label is not the procedure, telling only supervisors leaves the crew unprepared, and waiting for an incident is too late.8 CCR 1512

May a plank be laid across the top step of a stepladder as a work platform?

• a.Yes, if the plank is a full 2 x 10 scaffold plank
• b.Yes, if a second person holds the plank steady
• c.No, not on the top step or the topcap✓
• d.Yes, if the plank is under six feet in length

Section 3276 says planks shall not be used on the top step or topcap of step ladders. Plank size, a helper and plank length do not change that.8 CCR 3276

Which exposure must metal ladders avoid?

• a.Acid or alkali materials✓
• b.Direct sunlight during the workday
• c.Rainwater from a short shower
• d.Cold weather in the winter

Section 3276 says metal ladders shall not be exposed to acid or alkali materials, which corrode the metal. Sunlight, rain and cold are not the stated concern.8 CCR 3276

On a single or extension ladder, where may an employee not stand and work without a firm handhold or fall protection?

• a.On the top 3 rungs✓
• b.On the bottom 3 rungs
• c.On the middle rungs
• d.On a rung above 6 feet

The restriction is on the top 3 rungs, where balance and reach are hardest to control. The lower and middle rungs are not restricted by that rule, and 6 feet is not the trigger.8 CCR 3276

What must a ladder be free of before use?

• a.Any manufacturer label printed on the rail
• b.Rubber feet at the bottom of the rails
• c.Oil, grease and other slippery material✓
• d.Paint of any kind, even a thin coat

Section 3276 requires ladders to be free of oil, grease or slippery materials. Labels are required to be legible, rubber feet help traction, and paint is not the hazard named.8 CCR 3276

Where should a worker's body be positioned when climbing or working on a ladder?

• a.Near the middle of the step or rung, not overreaching✓
• b.Leaning out to one side to reach farther
• c.At the outer edge of the rung for better balance
• d.Pressed against the rail with one hand free

Section 3276 says the employee climbs or works with the body near the middle of the step or rung and does not overreach from that position. Leaning out, working at the edge or hugging a rail shifts weight off center.8 CCR 3276

What lumber size must solid sawn scaffold planking be equivalent to?

• a.2 x 4 nominal, construction grade
• b.1 x 8 nominal, any grade
• c.2 x 6 nominal, any grade
• d.2 x 10 nominal, scaffold grade✓

Solid sawn planking must be at least equivalent to 2 inch by 10 inch nominal lumber selected for scaffold grade plank. The smaller or lower-grade sizes would not carry the loads.8 CCR 1637

When work is done from trusses, beams, purlins or plates 4 inches nominal or wider, at what height above ground does section 1669 require personal fall protection if temporary guardrails are impracticable?

• a.Elevations exceeding 4 feet
• b.Elevations exceeding 7 feet
• c.Elevations exceeding 15 feet✓
• d.Elevations exceeding 30 feet

Section 1669 requires an approved personal fall protection system above 15 feet where guardrails are impracticable. 4 and 7 feet are lower than that section's trigger, and 30 feet is higher.8 CCR 1669

What minimum tensile load must self-retracting lifelines that limit free fall to 2 feet or less sustain?

• a.3,000 pounds✓
• b.500 pounds
• c.1,500 pounds
• d.5,000 pounds

Section 1670 sets 3,000 pounds for those self-retracting lifelines and lanyards. 5,000 pounds is the breaking strength for ordinary lanyards and vertical lifelines, and 500 and 1,500 pounds are too low.8 CCR 1670

Which device has not been permitted as part of a personal fall arrest system since January 1, 1998, except where the section allows it?

• a.A full body harness
• b.A body belt✓
• c.A self-retracting lifeline
• d.A shock-absorbing lanyard

Section 1670 bars body belts in a personal fall arrest system, apart from narrow exceptions. A full harness, a self-retracting lifeline and a shock-absorbing lanyard are acceptable components.8 CCR 1670

Instead of ground-fault circuit interrupters, what may an employer use to protect against ground faults at temporary power?

• a.A surge-protected power strip on the cord set
• b.A tag on each cord stating that the cord is safe to use
• c.An assured equipment grounding conductor program✓
• d.A weekly visual check of the tools by themselves

Section 2405 allows GFCIs, an assured equipment grounding conductor program, or both. A surge strip protects equipment, not people, a tag is not a test, and a weekly look alone is not the required program.8 CCR 2405

At what maximum interval must cord sets and receptacles be tested under an assured equipment grounding conductor program?

• a.Every week on the job
• b.Not exceeding three months✓
• c.Once a year at least
• d.Every five years at most

Tests are at intervals not exceeding three months, except fixed cord sets and receptacles not exposed to damage, which may be tested at intervals not exceeding six months. Weekly is more often than required, and yearly or five-yearly is too infrequent.8 CCR 2405