CALIFORNIA C-09 DRYWALL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM - 400 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS
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SECTION 1: FRAMING AND METAL STUDS (40 Questions)
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1. What is the standard gauge for a load-bearing metal stud?
A) 12-gauge
B) 14-gauge
C) 16-gauge
D) 25-gauge
ANSWER: C
EXPLANATION: Load-bearing studs are typically 16-gauge or heavier to support structural
loads. Non-load bearing studs are usually 20 to 25-gauge.
2. What is the standard gauge for a non-load-bearing (drywall) metal stud?
A) 10-gauge
B) 12-gauge
C) 16-gauge
D) 25-gauge
ANSWER: D
EXPLANATION: 25-gauge steel studs are commonly used for non-load-bearing interior
partitions where only the weight of the drywall is supported.
,3. What is the purpose of a "runner" or "track" in metal stud framing?
A) To provide structural support for the roof
B) To form the top and bottom channels that receive the studs
C) To act as a firestop
D) To support electrical conduit
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Tracks (or runners) are the horizontal channels attached to the floor and
ceiling. The vertical studs are inserted and secured into these tracks.
4. What is the minimum bearing length for a metal stud sitting in a track?
A) 1/2 inch
B) 3/4 inch
C) 1 inch
D) 1-1/2 inches
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Studs should bear a minimum of 3/4 inch in the track to ensure proper
stability and load transfer.
5. What fastener is typically used to attach metal track to a concrete floor?
A) Drywall screws
B) Wood screws
C) Powder-actuated fasteners (shot pins) or concrete screws (Tapcons)
D) Nails
ANSWER: C
EXPLANATION: Powder-actuated tools or hammer drills with concrete screws are used to
fasten track securely to concrete.
,6. How are metal studs typically attached to the top and bottom track?
A) Welding
B) Screws (pan head or self-drilling)
C) Adhesive
D) Rivets
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Studs are attached to the track using #8 or #10 self-drilling screws (often
called "TEK" screws) that penetrate the track and stud flanges.
7. What is the maximum allowable spacing for metal studs in a standard residential wall?
A) 12 inches O.C.
B) 16 inches O.C.
C) 24 inches O.C.
D) 32 inches O.C.
ANSWER: C
EXPLANATION: For standard interior non-load-bearing walls, studs are typically spaced 24
inches on-center. Load-bearing walls may require 16-inch spacing.
8. What is the purpose of "blocking" in a metal stud wall?
A) To increase the wall height
B) To provide a backing for fixtures, cabinets, or grab bars
C) To reduce sound transmission
D) To act as a fire block
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Blocking (horizontal bracing between studs) provides a solid backing to
mount heavy items like cabinets, handrails, or plumbing fixtures.
, 9. What tool is used to cut metal studs and tracks?
A) Circular saw with wood blade
B) Aviation snips or a power saw with an abrasive blade
C) Reciprocating saw
D) Utility knife
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Aviation snips (hand tools) are used for small cuts. For production work,
power saws with abrasive or metal-cutting blades are common.
10. What is a "deflection track" or "slip track" used for?
A) To allow for building movement and seismic deflection
B) To create a curved wall
C) To support a door frame
D) To attach the wall to the foundation
ANSWER: A
EXPLANATION: Deflection tracks have a deep leg that allows the stud to move vertically
within the track, accommodating structural deflection or seismic movement without
damaging the drywall.
11. When framing a door opening in a metal stud wall, what supports the header?
A) The top track only
B) King studs and jack studs (trimmers)
C) The drywall itself
D) The floor track
ANSWER: B
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM - 400 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS
==========================================================
======================
SECTION 1: FRAMING AND METAL STUDS (40 Questions)
==========================================================
======================
1. What is the standard gauge for a load-bearing metal stud?
A) 12-gauge
B) 14-gauge
C) 16-gauge
D) 25-gauge
ANSWER: C
EXPLANATION: Load-bearing studs are typically 16-gauge or heavier to support structural
loads. Non-load bearing studs are usually 20 to 25-gauge.
2. What is the standard gauge for a non-load-bearing (drywall) metal stud?
A) 10-gauge
B) 12-gauge
C) 16-gauge
D) 25-gauge
ANSWER: D
EXPLANATION: 25-gauge steel studs are commonly used for non-load-bearing interior
partitions where only the weight of the drywall is supported.
,3. What is the purpose of a "runner" or "track" in metal stud framing?
A) To provide structural support for the roof
B) To form the top and bottom channels that receive the studs
C) To act as a firestop
D) To support electrical conduit
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Tracks (or runners) are the horizontal channels attached to the floor and
ceiling. The vertical studs are inserted and secured into these tracks.
4. What is the minimum bearing length for a metal stud sitting in a track?
A) 1/2 inch
B) 3/4 inch
C) 1 inch
D) 1-1/2 inches
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Studs should bear a minimum of 3/4 inch in the track to ensure proper
stability and load transfer.
5. What fastener is typically used to attach metal track to a concrete floor?
A) Drywall screws
B) Wood screws
C) Powder-actuated fasteners (shot pins) or concrete screws (Tapcons)
D) Nails
ANSWER: C
EXPLANATION: Powder-actuated tools or hammer drills with concrete screws are used to
fasten track securely to concrete.
,6. How are metal studs typically attached to the top and bottom track?
A) Welding
B) Screws (pan head or self-drilling)
C) Adhesive
D) Rivets
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Studs are attached to the track using #8 or #10 self-drilling screws (often
called "TEK" screws) that penetrate the track and stud flanges.
7. What is the maximum allowable spacing for metal studs in a standard residential wall?
A) 12 inches O.C.
B) 16 inches O.C.
C) 24 inches O.C.
D) 32 inches O.C.
ANSWER: C
EXPLANATION: For standard interior non-load-bearing walls, studs are typically spaced 24
inches on-center. Load-bearing walls may require 16-inch spacing.
8. What is the purpose of "blocking" in a metal stud wall?
A) To increase the wall height
B) To provide a backing for fixtures, cabinets, or grab bars
C) To reduce sound transmission
D) To act as a fire block
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Blocking (horizontal bracing between studs) provides a solid backing to
mount heavy items like cabinets, handrails, or plumbing fixtures.
, 9. What tool is used to cut metal studs and tracks?
A) Circular saw with wood blade
B) Aviation snips or a power saw with an abrasive blade
C) Reciprocating saw
D) Utility knife
ANSWER: B
EXPLANATION: Aviation snips (hand tools) are used for small cuts. For production work,
power saws with abrasive or metal-cutting blades are common.
10. What is a "deflection track" or "slip track" used for?
A) To allow for building movement and seismic deflection
B) To create a curved wall
C) To support a door frame
D) To attach the wall to the foundation
ANSWER: A
EXPLANATION: Deflection tracks have a deep leg that allows the stud to move vertically
within the track, accommodating structural deflection or seismic movement without
damaging the drywall.
11. When framing a door opening in a metal stud wall, what supports the header?
A) The top track only
B) King studs and jack studs (trimmers)
C) The drywall itself
D) The floor track
ANSWER: B
