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ARIZONA CR-21 HARDSCAPING & IRRIGATION
SYSTEMS PRACTICE EXAM 2026-27 VERSION
EXAM OVERVIEW
This practice exam mirrors the topics tested on Arizona’s CR-21
Hardscaping & Irrigation Systems contractor exam, covering:
• Irrigation system design and components
• Hardscape materials and installation
• Drainage, grading, and water management
• Low-voltage lighting basics
• Relevant codes and regulations
• Safety and jobsite practices
There are 75 multiple-choice questions with answers and
rationales.
SECTION 1 — IRRIGATION SYSTEMS (Q1–15)
1. The component that divides an irrigation system into
independently controlled watering areas is the:
A. Check valve
B. Zone valve
,2
C. Backflow preventer
D. Manifold
Answer: B
Rationale: Zone valves partition an irrigation system into
segments (zones) to water different areas separately.
2. An irrigation controller:
A. Measures soil moisture
B. Pumps water
C. Sets schedules and run times
D. Filters debris
Answer: C
Rationale: The controller programs when and how long each
zone waters.
3. A primary function of a backflow preventer is to:
A. Increase water flow
B. Protect the potable water system
C. Mix fertilizer
D. Reduce pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Backflow prevention stops irrigation water from
contaminating drinking water.
, 3
4. Drip tape and soaker hoses are types of:
A. Spray heads
B. Drip irrigation
C. Rotor sprinklers
D. Check valves
Answer: B
Rationale: These deliver low-volume, slow water directly to the
root zone.
5. In an irrigation system, laterals connect to the:
A. Mainline
B. Controller
C. Backflow device only
D. Water meter
Answer: A
Rationale: Laterals branch off the mainline to feed individual
emitters or heads.
6. A pressure regulator in a drip system maintains:
A. Constant voltage
B. Even distribution pressure
ARIZONA CR-21 HARDSCAPING & IRRIGATION
SYSTEMS PRACTICE EXAM 2026-27 VERSION
EXAM OVERVIEW
This practice exam mirrors the topics tested on Arizona’s CR-21
Hardscaping & Irrigation Systems contractor exam, covering:
• Irrigation system design and components
• Hardscape materials and installation
• Drainage, grading, and water management
• Low-voltage lighting basics
• Relevant codes and regulations
• Safety and jobsite practices
There are 75 multiple-choice questions with answers and
rationales.
SECTION 1 — IRRIGATION SYSTEMS (Q1–15)
1. The component that divides an irrigation system into
independently controlled watering areas is the:
A. Check valve
B. Zone valve
,2
C. Backflow preventer
D. Manifold
Answer: B
Rationale: Zone valves partition an irrigation system into
segments (zones) to water different areas separately.
2. An irrigation controller:
A. Measures soil moisture
B. Pumps water
C. Sets schedules and run times
D. Filters debris
Answer: C
Rationale: The controller programs when and how long each
zone waters.
3. A primary function of a backflow preventer is to:
A. Increase water flow
B. Protect the potable water system
C. Mix fertilizer
D. Reduce pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Backflow prevention stops irrigation water from
contaminating drinking water.
, 3
4. Drip tape and soaker hoses are types of:
A. Spray heads
B. Drip irrigation
C. Rotor sprinklers
D. Check valves
Answer: B
Rationale: These deliver low-volume, slow water directly to the
root zone.
5. In an irrigation system, laterals connect to the:
A. Mainline
B. Controller
C. Backflow device only
D. Water meter
Answer: A
Rationale: Laterals branch off the mainline to feed individual
emitters or heads.
6. A pressure regulator in a drip system maintains:
A. Constant voltage
B. Even distribution pressure
