Fall Semester 2025 – December California Certified
Asbestos Consultant (CAC) Complete Study Guide |
Full Asbestos Regulations Review, Site Assessment
Procedures, AHERA/OSHA Compliance, Hazard
Evaluation Methods, Air Monitoring Standards &
High-Yield Exam Prep for CAC Certification
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of an asbestos survey?
A) To determine the market value of a property
B) To identify and assess the presence of asbestos-containing materials
C) To calculate renovation costs
D) To establish a demolition plan
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify and assess the
presence of asbestos-containing materials in buildings to ensure safety and
compliance with regulations.
Question 2
Which regulation governs asbestos management in the state of California?
A) OSHA
B) EPA
C) Cal/OSHA
D) NSPS
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Cal/OSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration) sets
regulations for asbestos management specific to California, focusing on worker safety
and environmental health.
Question 3
When is it mandatory to perform an asbestos inspection?
A) Before any renovation work
B) Only in commercial buildings
C) Before demolition or significant remodeling
D) When the building is over 30 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: C
,Rationale: An asbestos inspection is mandatory before demolition or significant
remodeling to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are properly managed to
prevent exposure.
Question 4
What type of asbestos is primarily associated with lung cancer and other diseases?
A) Chrysotile
B) Amosite
C) Crocidolite
D) Tremolite
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is highly toxic and has a strong association
with lung cancer and other serious health conditions.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a common use of asbestos in construction?
A) Insulation
B) Soundproofing materials
C) Fireproofing
D) Roof shingles
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: While asbestos was historically used for insulation, fireproofing, and
roofing, its use in soundproofing materials is not common.
Question 6
Which of the following is considered a low-risk asbestos-containing material?
A) Sprayed-on fireproofing
B) Thermal system insulation
C) Floor tiles
D) Ceiling tiles
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Floor tiles are considered low-risk asbestos-containing materials, whereas
sprayed-on fireproofing and thermal insulation are high-risk due to the friable nature of
the materials.
,Question 7
What is the safe level of asbestos exposure according to current research?
A) There is no safe level of asbestos exposure
B) 0.1 fibers/cm³
C) 1 fiber/cm³
D) 10 fibers/cm³
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Current research indicates that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure,
as even minimal exposure can lead to serious health risks.
Question 8
Which type of asbestos is most commonly used in commercial products?
A) Amosite
B) Crocidolite
C) Chrysotile
D) Anthophyllite
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is the most commonly used form of asbestos
in commercial products due to its fibrous nature and resistance to heat.
Question 9
What is the primary health effect associated with asbestos exposure?
A) Skin irritation
B) Liver damage
C) Gastrointestinal issues
D) Lung disease
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Lung disease, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, is the
primary health effect associated with asbestos exposure.
Question 10
In which phase of a construction project is asbestos abatement most critical?
A) Demolition
B) Planning
, C) Execution
D) Post-construction
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Asbestos abatement is most critical during the demolition phase to ensure
the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials before any work begins.
Question 11
What is the purpose of a negative pressure enclosure in asbestos abatement?
A) To increase air flow
B) To improve visibility
C) To prevent the spread of asbestos fibers
D) To facilitate cooling
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A negative pressure enclosure is designed to prevent the spread of asbestos
fibers outside of the work area during abatement.
Question 12
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for workers handling
asbestos?
A) Rubber gloves
B) Face masks
C) Full-body protective suits
D) Safety goggles
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Full-body protective suits are essential for workers handling asbestos to
provide maximum protection against fiber inhalation and skin contact.
Question 13
What must be done with waste materials containing asbestos?
A) Dispose of in regular trash
B) Double-bag and label for hazardous waste disposal
C) Burn it
D) Bury it on-site
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Asbestos Consultant (CAC) Complete Study Guide |
Full Asbestos Regulations Review, Site Assessment
Procedures, AHERA/OSHA Compliance, Hazard
Evaluation Methods, Air Monitoring Standards &
High-Yield Exam Prep for CAC Certification
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of an asbestos survey?
A) To determine the market value of a property
B) To identify and assess the presence of asbestos-containing materials
C) To calculate renovation costs
D) To establish a demolition plan
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify and assess the
presence of asbestos-containing materials in buildings to ensure safety and
compliance with regulations.
Question 2
Which regulation governs asbestos management in the state of California?
A) OSHA
B) EPA
C) Cal/OSHA
D) NSPS
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Cal/OSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration) sets
regulations for asbestos management specific to California, focusing on worker safety
and environmental health.
Question 3
When is it mandatory to perform an asbestos inspection?
A) Before any renovation work
B) Only in commercial buildings
C) Before demolition or significant remodeling
D) When the building is over 30 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: C
,Rationale: An asbestos inspection is mandatory before demolition or significant
remodeling to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are properly managed to
prevent exposure.
Question 4
What type of asbestos is primarily associated with lung cancer and other diseases?
A) Chrysotile
B) Amosite
C) Crocidolite
D) Tremolite
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is highly toxic and has a strong association
with lung cancer and other serious health conditions.
Question 5
Which of the following is NOT a common use of asbestos in construction?
A) Insulation
B) Soundproofing materials
C) Fireproofing
D) Roof shingles
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: While asbestos was historically used for insulation, fireproofing, and
roofing, its use in soundproofing materials is not common.
Question 6
Which of the following is considered a low-risk asbestos-containing material?
A) Sprayed-on fireproofing
B) Thermal system insulation
C) Floor tiles
D) Ceiling tiles
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Floor tiles are considered low-risk asbestos-containing materials, whereas
sprayed-on fireproofing and thermal insulation are high-risk due to the friable nature of
the materials.
,Question 7
What is the safe level of asbestos exposure according to current research?
A) There is no safe level of asbestos exposure
B) 0.1 fibers/cm³
C) 1 fiber/cm³
D) 10 fibers/cm³
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Current research indicates that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure,
as even minimal exposure can lead to serious health risks.
Question 8
Which type of asbestos is most commonly used in commercial products?
A) Amosite
B) Crocidolite
C) Chrysotile
D) Anthophyllite
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is the most commonly used form of asbestos
in commercial products due to its fibrous nature and resistance to heat.
Question 9
What is the primary health effect associated with asbestos exposure?
A) Skin irritation
B) Liver damage
C) Gastrointestinal issues
D) Lung disease
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Rationale: Lung disease, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, is the
primary health effect associated with asbestos exposure.
Question 10
In which phase of a construction project is asbestos abatement most critical?
A) Demolition
B) Planning
, C) Execution
D) Post-construction
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Asbestos abatement is most critical during the demolition phase to ensure
the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials before any work begins.
Question 11
What is the purpose of a negative pressure enclosure in asbestos abatement?
A) To increase air flow
B) To improve visibility
C) To prevent the spread of asbestos fibers
D) To facilitate cooling
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A negative pressure enclosure is designed to prevent the spread of asbestos
fibers outside of the work area during abatement.
Question 12
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for workers handling
asbestos?
A) Rubber gloves
B) Face masks
C) Full-body protective suits
D) Safety goggles
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Full-body protective suits are essential for workers handling asbestos to
provide maximum protection against fiber inhalation and skin contact.
Question 13
What must be done with waste materials containing asbestos?
A) Dispose of in regular trash
B) Double-bag and label for hazardous waste disposal
C) Burn it
D) Bury it on-site
CORRECT ANSWER: B
