CSLB C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (Trade Exam) Practice Test

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CSLB Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54) Trade Examination — Exam facts
Administering bodyContractors State License Board (CSLB), California Department of Consumer Affairs — exam delivered by PSI Services LLC

Source: CSLB — Examinations Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionsNot published by CSLB

What we read and found nothing in: CSLB — Step 7: Studying for the Examination

Time limit210 minutes

Source: CSLB — Examinations Frequently Asked Questions

Passing scoreNot published by CSLB

What we read and found nothing in: CSLB — Step 7: Studying for the Examination

Fees
  • $450 — Original application (exam or waiver, one classification) (CSLB, one-time)
  • $51.43 — Examination registration (each registration, first attempt or retake) (PSI Services LLC, per attempt)
  • $200 — Initial license fee (sole owner) (CSLB, one-time)
  • $350 — Initial license fee (non-sole owner: partnership, corporation, LLC, joint venture) (CSLB, one-time)

Source: CSLB — List of All CSLB Fees

Languages offeredEnglish · Spanish

Source: CSLB — Examinations Frequently Asked Questions

Exam facts, with a source for every line

Frequently asked questions

How many CSLB Trade — Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54) practice questions are here?+

A full bank of original CSLB Trade — Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54) practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.

What is the CSLB Trade — Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54) exam like?+

A multiple-choice exam, 210 minutes. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.

Are these the real exam questions?+

No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.

Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+

PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.

Is there a study guide for the CSLB Trade — Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54)?+

Yes. PrepPass sells CSLB C-54 Tile Trade Exam Study Guide (2026), a PDF + EPUB download, $24.99 one-time; the practice on this page stays free without it. See the study guide →

Sample practice questions

A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.

  1. 1. Planning and Estimating

    A kitchen floor measures 7 ft 6 in. by 10 ft. What is its area?

    • a.76 ft²
    • b.75 ft²
    • c.86 ft²
    • d.70 ft²

    Answer: b

    Explanation: 7 ft 6 in. is 7.5 ft, and 7.5 × 10 = 75 ft². Reading 7 ft 6 in. as 7.6 ft gives 76 ft², the common error of treating inches as tenths of a foot.

    Source: NIST Handbook 44, App. C (units)

  2. 2. Planning and Estimating

    Glazed ceramic wall tile made for interior walls typically falls in which water-absorption class?

    • a.Non-vitreous
    • b.Vitreous
    • c.Semi-vitreous
    • d.Impervious

    Answer: a

    Explanation: Glazed wall tile is typically non-vitreous, absorbing 7 percent or more, and is recommended for walls only. Impervious describes porcelain.

    Source: ANSI A137.1 via UFGS 09 30 10

  3. 3. Preparation for Tile and Stone Installation

    When vacuuming floors after removing presumed-asbestos vinyl tile, what floor tool must the HEPA vacuum use?

    • a.Any tool with a HEPA bag
    • b.A rotating brush head
    • c.A metal tool, no brush
    • d.A carpet beater bar

    Answer: c

    Explanation: Cal/OSHA requires HEPA vacuums with a disposable bag and a metal floor tool, no brush. A brush head is the tempting default, but the order specifies a metal floor tool with no brush.

    Source: 8 CCR 1529(g)(8)

  4. 4. Preparation for Tile and Stone Installation

    Under the VA liquid-membrane procedure, how far up the walls is the membrane turned?

    • a.At least 1 inch
    • b.Only to the cove joint
    • c.At least 4 inches
    • d.At least 12 inches

    Answer: c

    Explanation: The membrane is extended over drain flashing rings and turned up vertical surfaces not less than 4 inches above the finish floor.

    Source: VA 09 30 13

  5. 5. Installation and Repairs

    Under the TCNA Handbook's stone rule, where may no voids occur under natural stone tile?

    • a.Within 6 inches of the edges
    • b.Only at the center
    • c.Anywhere under dry-area tile
    • d.Within 2 inches of corners

    Answer: d

    Explanation: Stone requires 95 percent coverage with no void over 2 square inches and none within 2 inches of the corners.

    Source: TCNA Handbook via CTEF

  6. 6. Installation and Repairs

    A slab has a 1/2 inch expansion joint under a new tile floor. How wide must the tile's movement joint be?

    • a.No joint is needed
    • b.At least 1/2 inch
    • c.At least 1/4 inch
    • d.Grout-joint width only

    Answer: b

    Explanation: Joints through tile over structural joints must never be narrower than the structural joint.

    Source: TCNA Handbook via CTEF

  7. 7. Installation and Repairs

    What minimum drain and trap size do city handouts list for a shower?

    • a.2 inches
    • b.3 inches
    • c.1-1/4 inches
    • d.1-1/2 inches

    Answer: a

    Explanation: Showers require a minimum 2-inch drain and trap; tub-to-shower conversions increase smaller waste outlets to 2 inches.

    Source: CPC per city handouts (2025 codes)

  8. 8. Specialty Installations

    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

    Answer: a

    Explanation: The A137.3/A108.19 installation requires at least the 1/8 inch in 10 feet standard for large tile.

    Source: ANSI A108.19 via CTEF

  9. 9. Specialty Installations

    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

    Answer: d

    Explanation: Thresholds are one piece, at least 3/4 inch thick, with at least 1/4 inch at the beveled edge.

    Source: VA 09 30 13

  10. 10. Safety

    At what outdoor temperature must shade be present for a tile crew under section 3395?

    • a.Above 80°F
    • b.Above 70°F
    • c.Above 95°F
    • d.Above 100°F

    Answer: a

    Explanation: Shade shall be present when the temperature exceeds 80°F; high-heat procedures begin at 95°F.

    Source: 8 CCR 3395(d)

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