CSLB C-9 Drywall (Trade Exam) — All Questions
14 questions
Under the federal gypsum board specification, how should windows be set in glazed areas while board is applied and joints dry?
- a.Opened wide for fast drying
- b.Open at night, closed by day
- c.Open 3 to 4 inches✓
- d.Closed and sealed with plastic
The specification says "In glazed areas, keep windows open top and bottom or side to side 75 to 100 mm 3 to 4 inches," reducing openings in cold weather so compound does not freeze. Sealing traps moist air, wide opening invites rapid drying and drafts, and opening by night alone is not the instruction.UFGS 09 29 00 §1.7
An unglazed building has day-to-night temperature swings of 20°F or more during finishing. What does the federal specification say to do?
- a.Seal openings with polyethylene
- b.Screen openings with cheesecloth✓
- c.Stop ventilation until the joints dry
- d.Run unvented heaters overnight
For unglazed areas with "temperature differentials from day to night of 10 degrees C 20 degrees F or more, screen openings with cheesecloth or similar materials. Avoid rapid drying." Sealing with plastic and stopping ventilation trap moisture, and unvented heaters add moisture and fumes.UFGS 09 29 00 §1.7
Under the federal gypsum board specification, which work is scheduled after the gypsum board is applied?
- a.The framing inspection
- b.The roof covering
- c.The acoustic ceiling✓
- d.The HVAC start-up
The specification says "Apply gypsum board prior to the installation of finish flooring and acoustic ceiling," so the acoustic ceiling follows. The framing inspection, a weathertight roof and operating HVAC are all preconditions that come before board.UFGS 09 29 00 §1.6
Board is stocked on an exterior balcony of a building under construction. What does Section 1549 require?
- a.Secured or barricaded against falling✓
- b.It must be removed before the end of each shift
- c.It may be stacked on edge if under 6 feet
- d.It may be left loose if covered with a tarp
Material on balconies "shall be placed, secured or positively barricaded in order to prevent the material from falling." Edge stacking needs positive securing, a tarp does not hold material in place, and the rule does not require daily removal.T8 CCR §1549(h)
Steel studs must be stored outdoors for a week. What does the federal framing specification require?
- a.In standing water to prevent rust
- b.On a level platform, covered✓
- c.Directly on the ground under a tarp
- d.On edge against the building wall
If stored outdoors, the specification says to "stack materials off the ground, supported on a level platform, and fully protected from the weather." Ground contact and water cause corrosion and damage, and leaning stock on edge is not the method.UFGS 09 22 00 §1.3
At what temperature range does one manufacturer say to store its ready-mixed joint compound?
- a.40°F to 70°F
- b.32°F to 120°F
- c.55°F to 95°F✓
- d.65°F to 110°F
The data sheet says "Store at 55-95°F (13-35°C) in a dry location" and protect from freezing and extreme heat. The other ranges include freezing or excessive heat, or exclude part of the stated range.USG Midweight data sheet (storage)
Studs are laid out at 16 inches on center from the start of a wall. Which mark, measured from the start, is NOT a stud location?
- a.48 inches
- b.100 inches✓
- c.64 inches
- d.96 inches
Stud marks fall on multiples of 16: 48, 64 and 96 are 3, 4 and 6 spaces, but 100 is not a multiple of 16. The 48- and 96-inch marks are also where 4-foot board edges land, which is why layout runs from one fixed end and edges stay on framing.CBC §2508.3 (edges on framing)
A 10-foot stud will receive gypsum board. Scaling the federal specification's 1/4 inch in 8 feet plumb tolerance, how far out of plumb may it be?
- a.1/4 inch
- b.1/2 inch
- c.1/8 inch
- d.5/16 inch✓
10 ÷ 8 × 1/4 inch = 5/16 inch. One-quarter inch is the 8-foot figure unscaled, 1/8 inch is the tile tolerance for 8 feet, and 1/2 inch is double the scaled limit.UFGS 09 22 00 §3.2
What does the federal framing specification require under the bottom track of a partition on a concrete slab?
- a.A wood sill plate
- b.A layer of joint compound
- c.No separator; steel sits on concrete
- d.A sealer gasket✓
The specification says "Provide a sealer gasket under bottom of track on concrete slab or foundation." A wood sill and compound are not what it calls for, and it does not leave the track bare on the slab, so no separator at all is wrong.UFGS 09 22 00 §3.1.2.2
How does a head-of-wall clip system work under the federal framing specification?
- a.It is a curved-wall accessory
- b.It replaces the bottom track on slabs
- c.It lets studs move vertically✓
- d.It welds each stud to the deck above
The specification describes "Clips designed for use in head-of-wall deflection conditions that provide a positive attachment of studs to tracks while allowing" a stated minimum vertical movement. Welding fixes the head rigidly, and the clips are neither a bottom track nor limited to curved walls.UFGS 09 22 00 §2.1.2.2
In a suspended drywall grid, when does the federal framing specification give 24 inches on center as the typical cross-tee spacing?
- a.Regardless of thickness
- b.With 1/2-inch board
- c.With 3/8-inch board
- d.With 5/8-inch board✓
The specification gives "16 inches on center with ... 5/8 or 1/2 inch gypsum board" and "24 inches on center with 15 mm 5/8 inch gypsum board." Half-inch board is listed only at 16 inches, 3/8-inch board is not listed, and the spacing depends on thickness.UFGS 09 22 00 §3.1.2.10
On a school lay-in ceiling under the Division of the State Architect, where must perimeter hanger wires be placed?
- a.At the room's corners alone
- b.Perimeter wires are not required
- c.Within 24 inches of the perimeter
- d.Within 8 inches of the perimeter✓
IR 25-2 requires wires "at the ends of all main and cross runners within 8-inches of the ceiling perimeter or within one-fourth of the length of the end runner, whichever is least." Twenty-four inches is too far, corners alone are not enough, and the interpretation requires the wires at the ends of every main and cross runner.DSA IR 25-2 §1.2.2
Under the federal gypsum board specification, when should the drywall contractor confirm that blocking for towel bars and grab bars is in place?
- a.Before hanging board✓
- b.After the painter's first coat
- c.When the owner asks for it
- d.After taping the joints
The specification's examination step says to check that blocking and supports "are in place to support plumbing fixtures and to receive soap dishes, grab bars, towel racks, and similar items," and not to proceed until framing is acceptable. After taping or painting is too late, and the duty does not depend on a request.UFGS 09 29 00 §3.1.1
On housing regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development, what does the Building Code say must be verified about framing members before they are covered?
- a.Their moisture content✓
- b.Their weight per lineal foot
- c.Their paint color
- d.Their grade stamp
CBC 110.3.4.1 says "Moisture content of framing members shall be verified in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)." Paint color, the grade stamp and weight are not what the section requires.CBC §110.3.4.1 [HCD 1]