California C-28 Lock &
Security Equipment
Contractor Practice Exam |
Questions, Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales |
Complete CSLB Contractor
License Exam Prep Study
Guide | Updated 2026
1. Which activity is within the scope of a California C-28 Lock
and Security Equipment Contractor?
A. Installing residential plumbing systems
B. Installing fire alarm initiating devices
C. Installing and maintaining electronic access control
systems
D. Installing central air-conditioning systems
Answer: Installing and maintaining electronic access
control systems
Rationale: The C-28 classification includes locks, doors,
gates, master key systems, electronic access control,
detectors, and related security equipment. Fire alarm
systems are specifically excluded from the C-28
classification.
2. Which of the following is specifically excluded from the C-
28 classification?
A. Master key systems
B. Electronic access control
C. Security doors
D. Fire alarm systems
,Answer: Fire alarm systems
Rationale: Fire alarm systems are specifically excluded
from the C-28 classification, even though some related
low-voltage security equipment falls within C-28.
3. Before preparing an estimate for a security door
installation, the contractor should first:
A. Order the hardware
B. Hire additional employees
C. Survey the job site and verify existing conditions
D. Purchase a new key machine
Answer: Survey the job site and verify existing
conditions
Rationale: A job-site survey helps identify door
dimensions, frame conditions, electrical requirements,
security requirements, access limitations, and other
conditions that affect the scope and price.
4. A drawing scale is 1/4 inch = 1 foot. A wall measures 3
inches on the drawing. What is the actual length?
A. 6 feet
B. 9 feet
C. 12 feet
D. 16 feet
Answer: 12 feet
Rationale: At 1/4 inch per foot, 3 inches represents 3 ÷
0.25 = 12 feet.
5. A contractor estimates material at $2,400 and labor at
$1,600. What is the direct cost before overhead and
profit?
A. $3,000
B. $4,000
C. $4,400
D. $5,000
,Answer: $4,000
Rationale: Direct cost equals material plus labor: $2,400
+ $1,600 = $4,000.
6. Which factor is most important when selecting an electric
locking device?
A. Paint color
B. Key bow design
C. Door type, security requirements, and electrical
characteristics
D. Office furniture layout
Answer: Door type, security requirements, and electrical
characteristics
Rationale: Electric locking equipment must be
compatible with the door, frame, traffic conditions,
voltage, current, fire/life-safety requirements, and
required security function.
7. What is the primary purpose of a job-site survey?
A. To determine employee vacation schedules
B. To select company uniforms
C. To identify conditions affecting installation, materials,
labor, and system design
D. To calculate payroll taxes
Answer: To identify conditions affecting installation,
materials, labor, and system design
Rationale: Accurate field information is essential for
designing and estimating a C-28 installation correctly.
8. A contractor adds a 20% markup to a $5,000 cost. What is
the selling price?
A. $5,200
B. $5,500
C. $6,000
D. $6,500
, Answer: $6,000
Rationale: A 20% markup on $5,000 is $1,000.
Therefore, the selling price is $5,000 + $1,000 = $6,000.
9. Which document normally provides detailed requirements
for products, installation, and performance?
A. Employee handbook
B. Purchase receipt
C. Project specifications
D. Payroll register
Answer: Project specifications
Rationale: Specifications describe required materials,
equipment, performance standards, installation
requirements, and other project requirements.
10. If an existing door is warped and does not close
properly, the contractor should:
A. Install the lock without further investigation
B. Ignore the condition
C. Document the condition and determine whether
corrective work is required
D. Remove the door without authorization
Answer: Document the condition and determine whether
corrective work is required
Rationale: Existing conditions can prevent locking
hardware from operating correctly and can affect both
the estimate and system performance.
11. Which measurement is especially important when
ordering a replacement door lock?
A. Ceiling height only
B. Floor color
C. Door thickness and backset
D. Wall paint thickness
Answer: Door thickness and backset
Security Equipment
Contractor Practice Exam |
Questions, Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales |
Complete CSLB Contractor
License Exam Prep Study
Guide | Updated 2026
1. Which activity is within the scope of a California C-28 Lock
and Security Equipment Contractor?
A. Installing residential plumbing systems
B. Installing fire alarm initiating devices
C. Installing and maintaining electronic access control
systems
D. Installing central air-conditioning systems
Answer: Installing and maintaining electronic access
control systems
Rationale: The C-28 classification includes locks, doors,
gates, master key systems, electronic access control,
detectors, and related security equipment. Fire alarm
systems are specifically excluded from the C-28
classification.
2. Which of the following is specifically excluded from the C-
28 classification?
A. Master key systems
B. Electronic access control
C. Security doors
D. Fire alarm systems
,Answer: Fire alarm systems
Rationale: Fire alarm systems are specifically excluded
from the C-28 classification, even though some related
low-voltage security equipment falls within C-28.
3. Before preparing an estimate for a security door
installation, the contractor should first:
A. Order the hardware
B. Hire additional employees
C. Survey the job site and verify existing conditions
D. Purchase a new key machine
Answer: Survey the job site and verify existing
conditions
Rationale: A job-site survey helps identify door
dimensions, frame conditions, electrical requirements,
security requirements, access limitations, and other
conditions that affect the scope and price.
4. A drawing scale is 1/4 inch = 1 foot. A wall measures 3
inches on the drawing. What is the actual length?
A. 6 feet
B. 9 feet
C. 12 feet
D. 16 feet
Answer: 12 feet
Rationale: At 1/4 inch per foot, 3 inches represents 3 ÷
0.25 = 12 feet.
5. A contractor estimates material at $2,400 and labor at
$1,600. What is the direct cost before overhead and
profit?
A. $3,000
B. $4,000
C. $4,400
D. $5,000
,Answer: $4,000
Rationale: Direct cost equals material plus labor: $2,400
+ $1,600 = $4,000.
6. Which factor is most important when selecting an electric
locking device?
A. Paint color
B. Key bow design
C. Door type, security requirements, and electrical
characteristics
D. Office furniture layout
Answer: Door type, security requirements, and electrical
characteristics
Rationale: Electric locking equipment must be
compatible with the door, frame, traffic conditions,
voltage, current, fire/life-safety requirements, and
required security function.
7. What is the primary purpose of a job-site survey?
A. To determine employee vacation schedules
B. To select company uniforms
C. To identify conditions affecting installation, materials,
labor, and system design
D. To calculate payroll taxes
Answer: To identify conditions affecting installation,
materials, labor, and system design
Rationale: Accurate field information is essential for
designing and estimating a C-28 installation correctly.
8. A contractor adds a 20% markup to a $5,000 cost. What is
the selling price?
A. $5,200
B. $5,500
C. $6,000
D. $6,500
, Answer: $6,000
Rationale: A 20% markup on $5,000 is $1,000.
Therefore, the selling price is $5,000 + $1,000 = $6,000.
9. Which document normally provides detailed requirements
for products, installation, and performance?
A. Employee handbook
B. Purchase receipt
C. Project specifications
D. Payroll register
Answer: Project specifications
Rationale: Specifications describe required materials,
equipment, performance standards, installation
requirements, and other project requirements.
10. If an existing door is warped and does not close
properly, the contractor should:
A. Install the lock without further investigation
B. Ignore the condition
C. Document the condition and determine whether
corrective work is required
D. Remove the door without authorization
Answer: Document the condition and determine whether
corrective work is required
Rationale: Existing conditions can prevent locking
hardware from operating correctly and can affect both
the estimate and system performance.
11. Which measurement is especially important when
ordering a replacement door lock?
A. Ceiling height only
B. Floor color
C. Door thickness and backset
D. Wall paint thickness
Answer: Door thickness and backset
