California C-28 Lock & Security
Equipment Contractor Exam
Prep | Complete Practice
Questions, Verified Answers,
Rationales & CSLB License Study
Guide | Updated 2026
1. Planning and Estimating
Before installing a new access-control system in an existing
building, what is the BEST first step?
A. Order the locks
B. Program the controllers
C. Conduct a job-site survey
D. Install the power supply
Answer: Conduct a job-site survey
Rationale: A job-site survey identifies existing door
conditions, power availability, wiring routes,
environmental conditions, security requirements, and
other conditions that affect system design and pricing.
2. Planning and Estimating
Which document most clearly defines the intended
performance and material requirements for a lock and security
project?
A. Payroll register
B. Daily time sheet
C. Change-order log
D. Plans and specifications
Answer: Plans and specifications
,Rationale: Plans and specifications communicate the
design intent, materials, dimensions, performance
requirements, and installation requirements for the
project.
3. Planning and Estimating
A contractor estimates 8 hours of labor at $75 per hour. What is
the estimated direct labor cost?
A. $525
B. $575
C. $600
D. $675
Answer: $600
Rationale: 8 hours × $75 per hour = $600.
4. Planning and Estimating
When estimating a replacement electronic strike, which
condition is MOST important to verify before selecting the
device?
A. Paint color
B. Door and frame configuration
C. Number of employees at the company
D. Contractor's office size
Answer: Door and frame configuration
Rationale: Strike selection depends on the type of
frame, lockset, door construction, handing, latch
position, and the specific opening configuration.
5. Planning and Estimating
Four electromagnetic locks each draw 0.75 amp. What is the
total operating current?
A. 1.5 amps
B. 2.0 amps
,C. 2.5 amps
D. 3.0 amps
Answer: 3.0 amps
Rationale: 4 × 0.75 amp = 3.0 amps total. A properly
sized power supply must account for the total
connected load and appropriate operating margin.
6. Planning and Estimating
Which factor should be included when determining the material
cost of a security-system project?
A. Only the locks
B. Only the labor
C. Equipment, accessories, wire, hardware, and other
required materials
D. Only the permit fee
Answer: Equipment, accessories, wire, hardware, and
other required materials
Rationale: A complete material estimate must include
all components needed to furnish a functioning
installation, not merely the primary lock or controller.
7. Planning and Estimating
A contractor notices that the existing frame is badly damaged
and will not properly support the specified lock. What is the
BEST action?
A. Install the lock anyway
B. Hide the damage with trim
C. Document the condition and address it before
installation
D. Reduce the lock size
Answer: Document the condition and address it before
installation
, Rationale: Existing conditions that affect proper
installation should be identified, documented, and
resolved so the finished system performs as intended.
8. Planning and Estimating
A project requires 12 door closers at $185 each. What is the
material cost before tax and other charges?
A. $1,850
B. $2,000
C. $2,220
D. $2,400
Answer: $2,220
Rationale: 12 × $185 = $2,220.
9. Planning and Estimating
Which issue is MOST likely to cause an electronic locking
system to malfunction after installation?
A. Correct wire labeling
B. Accurate door measurements
C. Insufficient or improperly distributed power
D. Proper mounting height
Answer: Insufficient or improperly distributed power
Rationale: Electronic locks and control devices depend
on adequate voltage and current. Undersized power
supplies, excessive voltage drop, or improper
distribution can cause unreliable operation.
10. Planning and Estimating
When reviewing plans, the contractor discovers that the
specified lock is incompatible with the door thickness. What
should the contractor do FIRST?
A. Modify the lock without approval
B. Install a different lock without notice
C. Notify the appropriate project representative and
Equipment Contractor Exam
Prep | Complete Practice
Questions, Verified Answers,
Rationales & CSLB License Study
Guide | Updated 2026
1. Planning and Estimating
Before installing a new access-control system in an existing
building, what is the BEST first step?
A. Order the locks
B. Program the controllers
C. Conduct a job-site survey
D. Install the power supply
Answer: Conduct a job-site survey
Rationale: A job-site survey identifies existing door
conditions, power availability, wiring routes,
environmental conditions, security requirements, and
other conditions that affect system design and pricing.
2. Planning and Estimating
Which document most clearly defines the intended
performance and material requirements for a lock and security
project?
A. Payroll register
B. Daily time sheet
C. Change-order log
D. Plans and specifications
Answer: Plans and specifications
,Rationale: Plans and specifications communicate the
design intent, materials, dimensions, performance
requirements, and installation requirements for the
project.
3. Planning and Estimating
A contractor estimates 8 hours of labor at $75 per hour. What is
the estimated direct labor cost?
A. $525
B. $575
C. $600
D. $675
Answer: $600
Rationale: 8 hours × $75 per hour = $600.
4. Planning and Estimating
When estimating a replacement electronic strike, which
condition is MOST important to verify before selecting the
device?
A. Paint color
B. Door and frame configuration
C. Number of employees at the company
D. Contractor's office size
Answer: Door and frame configuration
Rationale: Strike selection depends on the type of
frame, lockset, door construction, handing, latch
position, and the specific opening configuration.
5. Planning and Estimating
Four electromagnetic locks each draw 0.75 amp. What is the
total operating current?
A. 1.5 amps
B. 2.0 amps
,C. 2.5 amps
D. 3.0 amps
Answer: 3.0 amps
Rationale: 4 × 0.75 amp = 3.0 amps total. A properly
sized power supply must account for the total
connected load and appropriate operating margin.
6. Planning and Estimating
Which factor should be included when determining the material
cost of a security-system project?
A. Only the locks
B. Only the labor
C. Equipment, accessories, wire, hardware, and other
required materials
D. Only the permit fee
Answer: Equipment, accessories, wire, hardware, and
other required materials
Rationale: A complete material estimate must include
all components needed to furnish a functioning
installation, not merely the primary lock or controller.
7. Planning and Estimating
A contractor notices that the existing frame is badly damaged
and will not properly support the specified lock. What is the
BEST action?
A. Install the lock anyway
B. Hide the damage with trim
C. Document the condition and address it before
installation
D. Reduce the lock size
Answer: Document the condition and address it before
installation
, Rationale: Existing conditions that affect proper
installation should be identified, documented, and
resolved so the finished system performs as intended.
8. Planning and Estimating
A project requires 12 door closers at $185 each. What is the
material cost before tax and other charges?
A. $1,850
B. $2,000
C. $2,220
D. $2,400
Answer: $2,220
Rationale: 12 × $185 = $2,220.
9. Planning and Estimating
Which issue is MOST likely to cause an electronic locking
system to malfunction after installation?
A. Correct wire labeling
B. Accurate door measurements
C. Insufficient or improperly distributed power
D. Proper mounting height
Answer: Insufficient or improperly distributed power
Rationale: Electronic locks and control devices depend
on adequate voltage and current. Undersized power
supplies, excessive voltage drop, or improper
distribution can cause unreliable operation.
10. Planning and Estimating
When reviewing plans, the contractor discovers that the
specified lock is incompatible with the door thickness. What
should the contractor do FIRST?
A. Modify the lock without approval
B. Install a different lock without notice
C. Notify the appropriate project representative and
