California Contractor License
Examination Roofing (C 39) with Practice
Questions And Corr
1. Under California law, what is the maximum down payment a roofing contractor
may collect before starting work on a residential project?
A. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less
B. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater
C. 20% of the contract price or $2,000, whichever is less
D. No down payment is allowed for residential projects
Answer: B. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater
Rationale: California Business and Professions Code § 7159.5 limits down payments to
10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater. Options A, C, and D are
incorrect because they misstate the statutory limit or incorrectly imply no down payment is
allowed.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary function of a roof underlayment
in a steep-slope roofing system?
A. Provide structural support to the roof deck
B. Serve as a secondary water barrier and protect the deck from moisture intrusion
C. Improve the aesthetic appearance of the roof
D. Increase the fire rating of the roofing assembly
Answer: B. Serve as a secondary water barrier and protect the deck from moisture
intrusion
Rationale: Underlayment acts as a secondary water barrier, preventing moisture from
reaching the roof deck if the primary roofing material fails. It does not provide structural
support, aesthetic value, or fire rating; those functions are served by other components.
Page 1 of 87
,3. When installing clay or concrete roof tiles in a high-wind zone, which fastening
method is required to meet California Building Code standards?
A. Adhesive only
B. Corrosion-resistant screws or nails with a minimum penetration into the deck
C. Staples
D. Wire ties
Answer: B. Corrosion-resistant screws or nails with a minimum penetration into the
deck
Rationale: In high-wind zones, tiles must be mechanically fastened with corrosion-resistant
fasteners (screws or nails) that penetrate the deck as specified by the CBC. Adhesive,
staples, and wire ties alone are insufficient for wind uplift resistance.
4. A roofing contractor is preparing a bid for a 20-square roof using 30-year
architectural shingles. The contractor estimates 10% waste. If shingles cost $90 per
square, what is the material cost for shingles?
A. $1,800
B. $1,980
C. $2,000
D. $2,200
Answer: B. $1,980
Rationale: 20 squares plus 10% waste equals 22 squares. 22 squares × $90 = $1,980.
Options A, C, and D do not account for waste or miscalculate.
Page 2 of 87
,5. Which OSHA regulation specifically addresses fall protection for roofing work at
heights above 6 feet?
A. OSHA 1910.147
B. OSHA 1926.501
C. OSHA 1910.269
D. OSHA 1926.1053
Answer: B. OSHA 1926.501
Rationale: OSHA 1926.501 outlines fall protection requirements for construction,
including roofing work at 6 feet or more. The other standards cover hazardous energy,
electric power, and ladders, respectively.
6. In low-slope roofing, what is the primary purpose of a vapor retarder in a built-up
roof assembly?
A. To prevent moisture from entering the building from the interior
B. To reflect UV radiation
C. To provide a walking surface
D. To enhance the roof's fire rating
Answer: A. To prevent moisture from entering the building from the interior
Rationale: A vapor retarder minimizes moisture migration from the building interior into
the roof assembly, reducing condensation risk. It does not reflect UV, provide a walking
surface, or enhance fire rating.
Page 3 of 87
, 7. A contractor discovers that a client's roof deck has dry rot in several areas.
According to California law, what must the contractor do before proceeding with
re-roofing?
A. Proceed with installation, as dry rot is not covered by the contract
B. Inform the client in writing of the condition and obtain written approval for repairs
C. Ignore it, as it is the homeowner's responsibility
D. Replace the entire roof deck without notifying the client
Answer: B. Inform the client in writing of the condition and obtain written approval
for repairs
Rationale: Business and Professions Code § 7159 requires contractors to report
unforeseen conditions and obtain written change orders. Proceeding without approval or
ignoring the issue can lead to legal and safety issues.
8. Which of the following is a key difference between a roofing contractor and a
general building contractor regarding project scope?
A. A roofing contractor can perform any work on a roof, while a general contractor
cannot
B. A general building contractor can perform all phases of a project, while a roofing
contractor is limited to roofing work
C. A roofing contractor can build additions, while a general contractor cannot
D. There is no difference; both licenses are interchangeable
Answer: B. A general building contractor can perform all phases of a project, while a
roofing contractor is limited to roofing work
Rationale: A general building contractor (B) can manage all trades and phases of a
project, whereas a C-39 roofing contractor is restricted to roofing-related work. Options A,
C, and D misstate the scope of each license.
Page 4 of 87
Examination Roofing (C 39) with Practice
Questions And Corr
1. Under California law, what is the maximum down payment a roofing contractor
may collect before starting work on a residential project?
A. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less
B. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater
C. 20% of the contract price or $2,000, whichever is less
D. No down payment is allowed for residential projects
Answer: B. 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater
Rationale: California Business and Professions Code § 7159.5 limits down payments to
10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is greater. Options A, C, and D are
incorrect because they misstate the statutory limit or incorrectly imply no down payment is
allowed.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary function of a roof underlayment
in a steep-slope roofing system?
A. Provide structural support to the roof deck
B. Serve as a secondary water barrier and protect the deck from moisture intrusion
C. Improve the aesthetic appearance of the roof
D. Increase the fire rating of the roofing assembly
Answer: B. Serve as a secondary water barrier and protect the deck from moisture
intrusion
Rationale: Underlayment acts as a secondary water barrier, preventing moisture from
reaching the roof deck if the primary roofing material fails. It does not provide structural
support, aesthetic value, or fire rating; those functions are served by other components.
Page 1 of 87
,3. When installing clay or concrete roof tiles in a high-wind zone, which fastening
method is required to meet California Building Code standards?
A. Adhesive only
B. Corrosion-resistant screws or nails with a minimum penetration into the deck
C. Staples
D. Wire ties
Answer: B. Corrosion-resistant screws or nails with a minimum penetration into the
deck
Rationale: In high-wind zones, tiles must be mechanically fastened with corrosion-resistant
fasteners (screws or nails) that penetrate the deck as specified by the CBC. Adhesive,
staples, and wire ties alone are insufficient for wind uplift resistance.
4. A roofing contractor is preparing a bid for a 20-square roof using 30-year
architectural shingles. The contractor estimates 10% waste. If shingles cost $90 per
square, what is the material cost for shingles?
A. $1,800
B. $1,980
C. $2,000
D. $2,200
Answer: B. $1,980
Rationale: 20 squares plus 10% waste equals 22 squares. 22 squares × $90 = $1,980.
Options A, C, and D do not account for waste or miscalculate.
Page 2 of 87
,5. Which OSHA regulation specifically addresses fall protection for roofing work at
heights above 6 feet?
A. OSHA 1910.147
B. OSHA 1926.501
C. OSHA 1910.269
D. OSHA 1926.1053
Answer: B. OSHA 1926.501
Rationale: OSHA 1926.501 outlines fall protection requirements for construction,
including roofing work at 6 feet or more. The other standards cover hazardous energy,
electric power, and ladders, respectively.
6. In low-slope roofing, what is the primary purpose of a vapor retarder in a built-up
roof assembly?
A. To prevent moisture from entering the building from the interior
B. To reflect UV radiation
C. To provide a walking surface
D. To enhance the roof's fire rating
Answer: A. To prevent moisture from entering the building from the interior
Rationale: A vapor retarder minimizes moisture migration from the building interior into
the roof assembly, reducing condensation risk. It does not reflect UV, provide a walking
surface, or enhance fire rating.
Page 3 of 87
, 7. A contractor discovers that a client's roof deck has dry rot in several areas.
According to California law, what must the contractor do before proceeding with
re-roofing?
A. Proceed with installation, as dry rot is not covered by the contract
B. Inform the client in writing of the condition and obtain written approval for repairs
C. Ignore it, as it is the homeowner's responsibility
D. Replace the entire roof deck without notifying the client
Answer: B. Inform the client in writing of the condition and obtain written approval
for repairs
Rationale: Business and Professions Code § 7159 requires contractors to report
unforeseen conditions and obtain written change orders. Proceeding without approval or
ignoring the issue can lead to legal and safety issues.
8. Which of the following is a key difference between a roofing contractor and a
general building contractor regarding project scope?
A. A roofing contractor can perform any work on a roof, while a general contractor
cannot
B. A general building contractor can perform all phases of a project, while a roofing
contractor is limited to roofing work
C. A roofing contractor can build additions, while a general contractor cannot
D. There is no difference; both licenses are interchangeable
Answer: B. A general building contractor can perform all phases of a project, while a
roofing contractor is limited to roofing work
Rationale: A general building contractor (B) can manage all trades and phases of a
project, whereas a C-39 roofing contractor is restricted to roofing-related work. Options A,
C, and D misstate the scope of each license.
Page 4 of 87
