PrepPass team · Verified against CSLB — C-9 study guide (13E-9) · How we review
Free · printable · no signup
CSLB C-9 Drywall (Trade Exam) Exam Cheat Sheet (2026)
A free, printable CSLB C-9 Drywall (Trade Exam) exam cheat sheet: the 23 highest-yield points to know, grouped into 5 sections that follow the exam's content areas, each section with its published weight.
- Free to read, print and keep — no signup, no email, no paywall.
- 23 of the 23 points carry a citation to the rule they come from.
- The real CSLB C-9 Drywall (Trade Exam) exam: 210 minutes.
- Prints from your browser (Ctrl-P, or Cmd-P on a Mac) — the navigation, buttons and links drop out of the printed copy.
- 100 free CSLB C-9 Drywall (Trade Exam) practice questions on the same material, every one explained.
- Last updated: October 2026.
Planning and Estimating
18% of the exam- Rated walls
- Build the listed design exactly: framing, board type, fasteners and joints.· 2025 CBC §703.2.1
- Inspection before taping
- Rated or shear gypsum assemblies are inspected after hanging and before taping.· 2025 CBC §110.3.6
- Board width
- Gypsum board is 48 inches wide; lengths vary by product.· UFGS 09 29 00
- Markup vs margin
- Markup is on cost; margin is on price: price = cost ÷ (1 − margin).· CSLB 13E-9 (computation questions)
- Gypsum board
- ASTM C1396; accessories ASTM C1047; tape and compound ASTM C474/C475.· 2025 CBC Table 2506.2
- Steel framing
- Nonstructural studs and track to AISI S220.· 2025 CBC Table 2506.2
Preparation, Framing, and Layout
14% of the exam- Weather protection
- Board is not installed until weather protection is provided.· 2025 CBC §2508.2.1
- Stocking
- Sheetrock is not stacked on edge unless secured; keep material 6 ft from hoistways and 10 ft from open exterior edges.· T8 CCR §1549
- Steel framing width
- At least 1-1/4 inches in the least dimension; nonload-bearing per AISI S220.· 2025 CRC §R702.3.3
- Fire barriers
- Extend to the deck above and continue through ceiling spaces.· 2025 CBC §707.5
- Grab bars
- Bar, fasteners and supporting structure resist 250 lb at any point.· 2025 CBC §11B-609.8
Installation and Repair
32% of the exam- Wet texture on ceilings
- Perpendicular application; 1/2 in at 16 in o.c., 5/8 in (or 1/2 in sag-resistant) at 24 in o.c.· 2025 CRC §R702.3.5
- Screws
- Into wood: Type W or S, 5/8 in penetration; thin steel: Type S, 3/8 in.· 2025 CRC §R702.3.5.1
- Boxes in rated walls
- Steel boxes up to 16 sq in; 100 sq in per 100 sq ft; 1/8 in maximum gap.· 2025 CBC §714.4.2
- Garage under rooms
- 5/8-inch Type X ceiling.· 2025 CRC Table R302.6
- Water-resistant board
- Not over a vapor retarder in tub or shower compartments, nor where directly wet.· 2025 CBC §2509.3
Finishing
17% of the exam- Mesh tape
- Do not use self-adhering mesh with drying-type compounds.· UFGS 09 29 00 §3.4
- Level 5
- A skim coat over the whole surface for gloss paint or critical light.· UFGS 09 29 00 §3.4.1
- Dust
- Use a vacuum sander or wet sanding.· USG joint compound data sheet
Safety
19% of the exam- Tailgate meetings
- At least every 10 working days.· T8 CCR §1509(e)
- Heat
- Outdoor (§3395) and indoor (§3396) standards differ; the 10-minute-per-2-hours rest is agricultural.· T8 CCR §§3395, 3396
- Asbestos
- 100 sq ft or more of ACM needs C-22 or asbestos certification.· B&P Code §7058.5
- Rolling scaffolds
- Base at least 1/3 the height free-standing; casters locked during work.· T8 CCR §1646
Now prove you know them
Reading an outline is not the same as recalling it under exam pressure. Drill the free CSLB C-9 Drywall (Trade Exam) questions to find the areas you keep missing, then sit a full timed mock.
Study aid, not a substitute for the official material — always confirm the current rule with CSLB — C-9 study guide (13E-9).