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CALIFORNIA PARK MAINTENANCE
WORKER EXAM (PMW EXAM) ACTUAL
PREP EXAM 2026 |ALL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
|RATED A+ |NEW AND REVISED
1. A visitor reports a fallen tree blocking a popular trail. What
is your first action?
A. Attempt to remove the tree immediately
B. Assess the area for hazards and secure the site
C. Notify the visitor to find another trail
D. Call local law enforcement
It is essential to ensure safety first by assessing hazards and
securing the area before attempting removal.
2. Which type of soil is best for planting native California
wildflowers?
A. Clay-heavy soil
B. Sandy soil
C. Loamy soil with good drainage
D. Peaty soil
Loamy soil balances drainage and nutrient retention, ideal for
wildflower growth.
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3. While performing routine maintenance, you notice a
chemical spill near a playground. What is the most
appropriate immediate response?
A. Sweep the chemical into a dustpan and discard it
B. Evacuate the area, secure it, and follow hazardous
material protocols
C. Dilute the chemical with water
D. Cover it with soil
Safety protocols require securing the area and following
proper hazardous material procedures to prevent exposure.
4. When pruning trees to maintain public safety, which
technique is most recommended?
A. Topping the tree
B. Thinning and removing dead or hazardous branches
C. Cutting branches randomly
D. Shearing the canopy evenly
Thinning maintains tree health while removing hazards,
unlike topping which can damage the tree.
5. A park restroom has a persistent odor. Which is the best
first action?
A. Spray air freshener
B. Inspect plumbing and clean thoroughly
C. Close the restroom indefinitely
D. Notify visitors to avoid the area
Effective maintenance addresses the root cause (plumbing or
sanitation issues) rather than masking odors.
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6. Which of the following tools is safest for edging park
pathways?
A. Chainsaw
B. Hedge trimmer
C. Manual edger or string trimmer with guards
D. Pickaxe
Manual edgers or guarded trimmers minimize risk to operators
and the public.
7. What is the proper ratio of mulch application for landscape
beds to prevent weed growth without harming plants?
A. 6–8 inches
B. 4–6 inches
C. 2–4 inches
D. 1 inch
2–4 inches of mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds
without suffocating roots.
8. While refilling a pesticide sprayer, which PPE is essential?
A. Gloves only
B. Gloves, goggles, respirator, and protective clothing
C. Safety shoes only
D. Hard hat only
Proper personal protective equipment prevents chemical
exposure to skin, eyes, and lungs.
9. A visitor requests that a park bench be moved closer to a
picnic area. What is your best approach?
A. Move it immediately
B. Evaluate safety, accessibility, and park policy before
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moving
C. Tell them it’s not allowed
D. Remove the bench entirely
Policy compliance and safety considerations are critical before
modifying park amenities.
10. You notice graffiti on a park structure. Which action
reflects best practice?
A. Take photos and ignore
B. Remove it according to park protocol and document
the incident
C. Paint over it immediately with matching paint
D. Call law enforcement only
Following official procedures ensures safety, proper
documentation, and prevention of further vandalism.
11. Which of the following is the most efficient irrigation
method for conserving water in California parks?
A. Overhead sprinklers
B. Drip irrigation systems
C. Flood irrigation
D. Hose watering
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to roots, minimizing
waste and evaporation.
12. When handling a broken glass hazard in a playground,
the safest approach is to:
A. Sweep it with a broom
B. Pick up pieces with bare hands
C. Use gloves and a dustpan, then dispose in a
CALIFORNIA PARK MAINTENANCE
WORKER EXAM (PMW EXAM) ACTUAL
PREP EXAM 2026 |ALL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
|RATED A+ |NEW AND REVISED
1. A visitor reports a fallen tree blocking a popular trail. What
is your first action?
A. Attempt to remove the tree immediately
B. Assess the area for hazards and secure the site
C. Notify the visitor to find another trail
D. Call local law enforcement
It is essential to ensure safety first by assessing hazards and
securing the area before attempting removal.
2. Which type of soil is best for planting native California
wildflowers?
A. Clay-heavy soil
B. Sandy soil
C. Loamy soil with good drainage
D. Peaty soil
Loamy soil balances drainage and nutrient retention, ideal for
wildflower growth.
,2|Page
3. While performing routine maintenance, you notice a
chemical spill near a playground. What is the most
appropriate immediate response?
A. Sweep the chemical into a dustpan and discard it
B. Evacuate the area, secure it, and follow hazardous
material protocols
C. Dilute the chemical with water
D. Cover it with soil
Safety protocols require securing the area and following
proper hazardous material procedures to prevent exposure.
4. When pruning trees to maintain public safety, which
technique is most recommended?
A. Topping the tree
B. Thinning and removing dead or hazardous branches
C. Cutting branches randomly
D. Shearing the canopy evenly
Thinning maintains tree health while removing hazards,
unlike topping which can damage the tree.
5. A park restroom has a persistent odor. Which is the best
first action?
A. Spray air freshener
B. Inspect plumbing and clean thoroughly
C. Close the restroom indefinitely
D. Notify visitors to avoid the area
Effective maintenance addresses the root cause (plumbing or
sanitation issues) rather than masking odors.
,3|Page
6. Which of the following tools is safest for edging park
pathways?
A. Chainsaw
B. Hedge trimmer
C. Manual edger or string trimmer with guards
D. Pickaxe
Manual edgers or guarded trimmers minimize risk to operators
and the public.
7. What is the proper ratio of mulch application for landscape
beds to prevent weed growth without harming plants?
A. 6–8 inches
B. 4–6 inches
C. 2–4 inches
D. 1 inch
2–4 inches of mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds
without suffocating roots.
8. While refilling a pesticide sprayer, which PPE is essential?
A. Gloves only
B. Gloves, goggles, respirator, and protective clothing
C. Safety shoes only
D. Hard hat only
Proper personal protective equipment prevents chemical
exposure to skin, eyes, and lungs.
9. A visitor requests that a park bench be moved closer to a
picnic area. What is your best approach?
A. Move it immediately
B. Evaluate safety, accessibility, and park policy before
, 4|Page
moving
C. Tell them it’s not allowed
D. Remove the bench entirely
Policy compliance and safety considerations are critical before
modifying park amenities.
10. You notice graffiti on a park structure. Which action
reflects best practice?
A. Take photos and ignore
B. Remove it according to park protocol and document
the incident
C. Paint over it immediately with matching paint
D. Call law enforcement only
Following official procedures ensures safety, proper
documentation, and prevention of further vandalism.
11. Which of the following is the most efficient irrigation
method for conserving water in California parks?
A. Overhead sprinklers
B. Drip irrigation systems
C. Flood irrigation
D. Hose watering
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to roots, minimizing
waste and evaporation.
12. When handling a broken glass hazard in a playground,
the safest approach is to:
A. Sweep it with a broom
B. Pick up pieces with bare hands
C. Use gloves and a dustpan, then dispose in a
