CSLB C20 TRADE TOUGHER EXAM PRACTICE
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
◉ All of the following perform essentially the same function as a
knee wall EXCEPT:
A. purlins
B. struts
C. strongbacks
D. birds' mouths. Answer: D.
Birds' mouths are notches not structural members.
◉ The webs of a truss:
A. are compression members
B. are tension members
C. may be in compression or tension
D. have no load on them. Answer: C.
Webs may be in compression or tension.
◉ Collar ties are:
A. always loaded in compression
,B. always loaded in tension
C. potentially in compression or tension but are most often in
tension
D. potentially in compression or tension but are most often in
compression. Answer: B.
Always loaded in tension.
◉ 13.What is the MINIMUM girder for a 12' span under a deck?
A. 2" x4"
B. 4"x4"
C. 2"x6"
D. 4"x8". Answer: D.
4" x8".
Only the 4"x 8" has enough bending strength to support the joists
and deck.
◉ Which of the following statements is true of knee walls and
struts?
A. Knee walls and struts should not bear directly on a supporting
wall.
B. Knee walls and struts supporting purlins sometimes bear close to,
but not directly on, bearing walls.
,C. Where knee walls and struts supporting purlins bear directly on
supporting walls, the joists should be the next size larger than they
otherwise would be.
D. None of the above statements are true.. Answer: B.
Knee walls and struts supporting purlins sometimes bear close to,
but not directly on, bearing walls.
◉ Masonry veneer has a function similar to:
A. studs
B. sheathing
C. buttress
D. aluminum siding. Answer: D.
Masonry veneer's function is similar to aluminum siding. It is not a
structural member.
◉ Door trimmers shall be nailed with 3 sets of 2 nails at the:
A. top
B. top & bottom
C. top, center, and bottom
D. None of the above. Answer: C.
Top, center, and bottom.
, ◉ Plates shall break no less than ____inches from channels, corners,
or any other discontinuity in walls.
A. 6
B. 8
C. 12
D. 16. Answer: C.
12 inches is standard.
◉ Do not use framing lumber with a moisture content that EXCEEDS
__ %.
A. 10
B. 15
C. 19
D. 24. Answer: C.
19%
Multi-story construction more than two stories requires drier
framing material - check the Code.
◉ Use __ nails on all plate breaks.
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
◉ All of the following perform essentially the same function as a
knee wall EXCEPT:
A. purlins
B. struts
C. strongbacks
D. birds' mouths. Answer: D.
Birds' mouths are notches not structural members.
◉ The webs of a truss:
A. are compression members
B. are tension members
C. may be in compression or tension
D. have no load on them. Answer: C.
Webs may be in compression or tension.
◉ Collar ties are:
A. always loaded in compression
,B. always loaded in tension
C. potentially in compression or tension but are most often in
tension
D. potentially in compression or tension but are most often in
compression. Answer: B.
Always loaded in tension.
◉ 13.What is the MINIMUM girder for a 12' span under a deck?
A. 2" x4"
B. 4"x4"
C. 2"x6"
D. 4"x8". Answer: D.
4" x8".
Only the 4"x 8" has enough bending strength to support the joists
and deck.
◉ Which of the following statements is true of knee walls and
struts?
A. Knee walls and struts should not bear directly on a supporting
wall.
B. Knee walls and struts supporting purlins sometimes bear close to,
but not directly on, bearing walls.
,C. Where knee walls and struts supporting purlins bear directly on
supporting walls, the joists should be the next size larger than they
otherwise would be.
D. None of the above statements are true.. Answer: B.
Knee walls and struts supporting purlins sometimes bear close to,
but not directly on, bearing walls.
◉ Masonry veneer has a function similar to:
A. studs
B. sheathing
C. buttress
D. aluminum siding. Answer: D.
Masonry veneer's function is similar to aluminum siding. It is not a
structural member.
◉ Door trimmers shall be nailed with 3 sets of 2 nails at the:
A. top
B. top & bottom
C. top, center, and bottom
D. None of the above. Answer: C.
Top, center, and bottom.
, ◉ Plates shall break no less than ____inches from channels, corners,
or any other discontinuity in walls.
A. 6
B. 8
C. 12
D. 16. Answer: C.
12 inches is standard.
◉ Do not use framing lumber with a moisture content that EXCEEDS
__ %.
A. 10
B. 15
C. 19
D. 24. Answer: C.
19%
Multi-story construction more than two stories requires drier
framing material - check the Code.
◉ Use __ nails on all plate breaks.
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
