Chapter 1 of 518% of exam

Planning and Estimating

CSLB weights Planning and Estimating at about 18% of the C-9 exam: reviewing plans and specifications, estimating project costs and evaluating material specifications. Some questions require computation, and a calculator is provided. This page is a short survey; the PrepPass C-9 Drywall study guide teaches the section with worked estimates and a full practice exam at CSLB's weights.

Read the documents

Partition-type schedules give stud size, board layers and, for rated walls, the tested design number. The specification names products, finish levels and installation standards.

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

Estimate the quantities

Area, plus a waste allowance, divided by sheet area and rounded up gives sheets. Partitions have two faces. Compound coverage is published per 1,000 square feet.

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)

Check the material

The Building Code names a standard for each product, and the label proves it.

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

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