CALIFORNIA CUSTODIAN CERTIFICATION | LATEST VERSION
EXAM PREP - VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
COMPLETE COVERAGE
California Custodian Certification
1. What is the primary purpose of dust mopping? To remove dry soil,
dust, and debris from hard floors before wet cleaning.
2. What motion should you use when dust mopping? A figure-eight
motion to capture debris effectively without scattering it.
3. When should you dust mop an area? Before wet mopping or
applying any floor finish.
4. What is the correct technique for sweeping a floor? Start at the
farthest corner and work toward the exit to avoid walking over swept
debris.
5. Why should you use a dustpan with a rubber edge? To ensure
complete debris collection and prevent leaving dirt behind.
6. What is the two-bucket mopping system? One bucket holds clean
solution; the second holds rinse water for wringing the mop.
7. Why is the two-bucket system preferred? It prevents contamination
of the cleaning solution, maintaining effectiveness.
8. How often should mop heads be changed? When visibly soiled or at
least daily in high-traffic areas.
9. What is the proper dilution ratio for general floor cleaning? Follow
the manufacturer's label; typically 1:64 to 1:128 for neutral cleaners.
10. What type of mop is best for applying floor finish? A synthetic,
lint-free finish mop.
,11. What is the purpose of a HEPA vacuum filter? To trap 99.97% of
particles 0.3 microns or larger, improving indoor air quality.
12. When should you vacuum carpeted areas? Daily in high-traffic
areas; less frequently in low-traffic zones.
13. What is spot cleaning? Immediate treatment of a fresh spill before it
sets or stains.
14. What is the first step in spot cleaning carpet? Blot—never rub—
the spill with a clean, absorbent cloth.
15. What cleaning pattern should be used when vacuuming?
Overlapping strokes in alternating directions.
16. What is high dusting? Cleaning elevated surfaces like vents, light
fixtures, and ceiling corners.
17. What tool is used for high dusting? An extension pole with a
microfiber duster or flexible wand.
18. Why should cleaning be done from top to bottom? So that dust
and debris fall to lower areas that haven't been cleaned yet.
19. What is the purpose of entryway matting? To trap soil and
moisture before they enter the building, reducing maintenance.
20. How often should entryway mats be vacuumed? Daily; more often
during inclement weather.
21. What is damp dusting? Using a lightly moistened microfiber cloth to
capture dust rather than dispersing it.
22. Why is microfiber preferred for dusting? It traps particles
electrostatically and reduces chemical use.
23. What should you do before moving furniture to clean
underneath? Check for obstacles, protect the floor, and lift with your legs,
not your back.
24. What is the safest way to carry a vacuum cleaner upstairs? Use
the handrail, keep the cord secured, and maintain three points of contact.
25. How do you clean glass without streaks? Use a squeegee or
microfiber cloth with a neutral glass cleaner; wipe in an S-pattern.
, 26. What is the recommended indoor temperature when applying
floor finish? 65–85°F (18–29°C) for proper drying and adhesion.
27. Why should you avoid over-wetting a floor? Excess water can
damage flooring, create slip hazards, and promote mold growth.
28. What is a "slip-and-fall" hazard in routine cleaning? Wet floors
without proper warning signs or barricades.
29. What is the purpose of a wet floor sign? To warn building
occupants of a potential slip hazard.
30. How long should a floor remain wet after mopping? As short a
time as possible; use fans or ventilation to speed drying.
Section 2: Floor Care & Deep Cleaning (31–60)
31. What is floor stripping? Removing old floor finish/wax down to the
bare floor surface.
32. What chemical is used for stripping floors? A floor stripper
(alkaline-based) that emulsifies old finish.
33. What PPE is required when stripping floors? Gloves, safety goggles,
and slip-resistant footwear.
34. How long should stripper dwell on the floor? Typically 5–10
minutes; follow manufacturer instructions.
35. What machine is used to scrub floors during stripping? A low-
speed rotary floor machine (175–300 RPM) with stripping pads.
36. What color pad is typically used for stripping? Black pad.
37. What is floor finishing/waxing? Applying a protective coating that
provides shine and durability.
38. How many coats of floor finish are typically applied? 2–4 coats,
depending on traffic and desired appearance.
39. How long should each coat of finish dry before applying the next?
Usually 20–30 minutes; verify with manufacturer guidelines.
40. What is buffing? Using a rotary machine to polish and restore floor
shine between refinishing.
EXAM PREP - VERIFIED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
COMPLETE COVERAGE
California Custodian Certification
1. What is the primary purpose of dust mopping? To remove dry soil,
dust, and debris from hard floors before wet cleaning.
2. What motion should you use when dust mopping? A figure-eight
motion to capture debris effectively without scattering it.
3. When should you dust mop an area? Before wet mopping or
applying any floor finish.
4. What is the correct technique for sweeping a floor? Start at the
farthest corner and work toward the exit to avoid walking over swept
debris.
5. Why should you use a dustpan with a rubber edge? To ensure
complete debris collection and prevent leaving dirt behind.
6. What is the two-bucket mopping system? One bucket holds clean
solution; the second holds rinse water for wringing the mop.
7. Why is the two-bucket system preferred? It prevents contamination
of the cleaning solution, maintaining effectiveness.
8. How often should mop heads be changed? When visibly soiled or at
least daily in high-traffic areas.
9. What is the proper dilution ratio for general floor cleaning? Follow
the manufacturer's label; typically 1:64 to 1:128 for neutral cleaners.
10. What type of mop is best for applying floor finish? A synthetic,
lint-free finish mop.
,11. What is the purpose of a HEPA vacuum filter? To trap 99.97% of
particles 0.3 microns or larger, improving indoor air quality.
12. When should you vacuum carpeted areas? Daily in high-traffic
areas; less frequently in low-traffic zones.
13. What is spot cleaning? Immediate treatment of a fresh spill before it
sets or stains.
14. What is the first step in spot cleaning carpet? Blot—never rub—
the spill with a clean, absorbent cloth.
15. What cleaning pattern should be used when vacuuming?
Overlapping strokes in alternating directions.
16. What is high dusting? Cleaning elevated surfaces like vents, light
fixtures, and ceiling corners.
17. What tool is used for high dusting? An extension pole with a
microfiber duster or flexible wand.
18. Why should cleaning be done from top to bottom? So that dust
and debris fall to lower areas that haven't been cleaned yet.
19. What is the purpose of entryway matting? To trap soil and
moisture before they enter the building, reducing maintenance.
20. How often should entryway mats be vacuumed? Daily; more often
during inclement weather.
21. What is damp dusting? Using a lightly moistened microfiber cloth to
capture dust rather than dispersing it.
22. Why is microfiber preferred for dusting? It traps particles
electrostatically and reduces chemical use.
23. What should you do before moving furniture to clean
underneath? Check for obstacles, protect the floor, and lift with your legs,
not your back.
24. What is the safest way to carry a vacuum cleaner upstairs? Use
the handrail, keep the cord secured, and maintain three points of contact.
25. How do you clean glass without streaks? Use a squeegee or
microfiber cloth with a neutral glass cleaner; wipe in an S-pattern.
, 26. What is the recommended indoor temperature when applying
floor finish? 65–85°F (18–29°C) for proper drying and adhesion.
27. Why should you avoid over-wetting a floor? Excess water can
damage flooring, create slip hazards, and promote mold growth.
28. What is a "slip-and-fall" hazard in routine cleaning? Wet floors
without proper warning signs or barricades.
29. What is the purpose of a wet floor sign? To warn building
occupants of a potential slip hazard.
30. How long should a floor remain wet after mopping? As short a
time as possible; use fans or ventilation to speed drying.
Section 2: Floor Care & Deep Cleaning (31–60)
31. What is floor stripping? Removing old floor finish/wax down to the
bare floor surface.
32. What chemical is used for stripping floors? A floor stripper
(alkaline-based) that emulsifies old finish.
33. What PPE is required when stripping floors? Gloves, safety goggles,
and slip-resistant footwear.
34. How long should stripper dwell on the floor? Typically 5–10
minutes; follow manufacturer instructions.
35. What machine is used to scrub floors during stripping? A low-
speed rotary floor machine (175–300 RPM) with stripping pads.
36. What color pad is typically used for stripping? Black pad.
37. What is floor finishing/waxing? Applying a protective coating that
provides shine and durability.
38. How many coats of floor finish are typically applied? 2–4 coats,
depending on traffic and desired appearance.
39. How long should each coat of finish dry before applying the next?
Usually 20–30 minutes; verify with manufacturer guidelines.
40. What is buffing? Using a rotary machine to polish and restore floor
shine between refinishing.
