CSLB C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (Trade Exam) — All Questions
The figures these questions turn on, laid out by section on dense colour pages you can print: CSLB C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile cheat sheet PDF — $9.99 →
37 questions
Which is one of the three categories of glass tile industry guidance describes?
- a.Low-temperature coated glass✓
- b.Quarry glass
- c.Vitreous porcelain glass
- d.Gauged glass slab
Glass tile comes as cast, fused, or low-temperature coated glass, each with different requirements.CTEF, glass tile
A glass backsplash tile is cut at an exposed end. What did the installer in the industry example do with the cut edge?
- a.Covered it with grout
- b.Polished it to match✓
- c.Left it raw
- d.Painted it
The cut edges were polished to approximate the factory edge for a consistent finish.CTEF, glass tile
Why might unsanded grout be chosen for a glass tile backsplash?
- a.Sanded grout will not bond to glass
- b.Unsanded grout is waterproof
- c.Glass needs 1/4 inch joints
- d.Sanded grout can scratch some glass✓
Some glass tiles scratch if sanded grout is used, so an unsanded grout with a narrow joint was chosen.CTEF, glass tile
What substrate flatness must be met at a minimum for gauged porcelain tile panels?
- a.1/8 inch in 10 feet✓
- b.1/16 inch in 10 feet
- c.1/2 inch in 10 feet
- d.1/4 inch in 10 feet
The A137.3/A108.19 installation requires at least the 1/8 inch in 10 feet standard for large tile.ANSI A108.19 via CTEF
In a hydronic radiant floor, what carries the heat?
- a.The grout joints
- b.Water or fluid in pipes✓
- c.Hot air ducts
- d.Resistance wires in a mat
Hydronic systems circulate water or a heat-transfer fluid through pipes; electric systems use resistance wires.CTEF, radiant heating
How far from walls and obstacles should an uncoupling membrane for a heated floor be kept?
- a.Tight against them
- b.About 1/4 inch✓
- c.About 1 foot
- d.About 3 inches
Keep the membrane a consistent 1/4 inch from any obstacle, change of plane and perimeter, the same as backer board.CTEF, radiant heating
How high does grout normally reach on a pebble-stone shower floor?
- a.Over the top of the stones
- b.Flush with the tallest stones
- c.No grout is used
- d.About one-third up✓
Grout normally extends up about one-third of the stone's height and is not intended to cover the pebbles.CTEF, slope to drain
Wood-look planks are laid in a random pattern. What risk does industry guidance flag?
- a.Too many small cuts at walls
- b.Grout that will not cure
- c.Lippage from 33–50% offsets✓
- d.Planks that absorb water
Random layouts can place offsets between 33 and 50 percent, which can cause excessive lippage.CTEF, plank tile
Which installation method does the VA specification call for in pools holding water?
- a.Latex mortar over membrane
- b.Spot-bonded epoxy
- c.A108.1C, no latex mortar✓
- d.Organic adhesive over backer
Pools holding water use A108.1C, and latex portland cement mortar is not used because latex can re-emulsify under water.VA 09 30 13
Where does the federal specification call for abrasive-surface quarry tile?
- a.Bedroom floors
- b.Shower ceilings
- c.Decorative wall panels
- d.Kitchens and coolers✓
Abrasive quarry tile is specified for vestibules, kitchens, walk-in refrigerators and work spaces behind serving lanes.UFGS 09 30 10
Want these explained in order? CSLB C-54 Tile Trade Exam Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
According to a Cal/OSHA hazard alert, about how much silica does engineered stone contain?
- a.About 10 percent
- b.Less than 1 percent
- c.About 50 percent
- d.More than 90 percent✓
The Division's alert describes engineered stone as crushed stone containing more than 90 percent silica bound with resin.Cal/OSHA hazard alert, engineered stone
Above what crystalline silica content does working artificial stone become a high-exposure trigger task under section 5204?
- a.10 percent by weight
- b.0.1 percent by weight✓
- c.50 percent by weight
- d.Any content
The trigger is 0.1 percent for artificial stone and 10 percent for natural stone.8 CCR 5204
A delivered granite slab shows a crack running into the cutout area. What does the VA stone specification direct?
- a.Use it if the crack is under 1 inch
- b.Use it facing the wall
- c.Do not use it✓
- d.Use it with the crack sealed
Stone is selected to prevent units containing cracks, seams and starts that could impair structural integrity or function.VA 09 63 40
What minimum thickness does the VA specification set for a marble threshold?
- a.1/2 inch
- b.1-1/2 inches
- c.1/4 inch
- d.3/4 inch✓
Thresholds are one piece, at least 3/4 inch thick, with at least 1/4 inch at the beveled edge.VA 09 30 13
A tile floor meets a vinyl floor 3/16 inch lower. What does ANSI A108.01 allow?
- a.A vertical edge✓
- b.A mandatory 1:2 bevel
- c.A 1-inch threshold
- d.A mandatory 1:12 ramp
Changes in level up to 1/4 inch may be vertical without edge treatment, though protecting the tile edge is advisable.ANSI A108.01-3.2.3 via CTEF
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