CSLB C20 LATEST 2026 TEST PAPER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+
✔✔Columns built into exterior walls are called:
A. studs
B. piers
C. pilasters
D. concealed posts - ✔✔C.
Columns built into walls are called pilasters.
✔✔Sills may do all of the following EXCEPT:
A. anchor the superstructure to the foundation
B. provide a level surface for wall and floor joists
C. provide nailing surface for floor joists
D. act as the structural support for framing over basement windows - ✔✔D.
Act as the structural support for framing over basement windows. Sills should not be
asked to carry the framing loads over basement windows.
✔✔Common column materials include all of these EXCEPT:
A. steel
B. concrete
C. plywood
D. masonry - ✔✔C.
Columns are NOT typically made of plywood
✔✔The function of columns is MOST like:
A. beams
B. studs
C. rafters
D. piers - ✔✔D.
Columns are MOST like piers.
✔✔Rectangular or square solid wood columns should be at LEAST
A. 2-inches x 12-inches
B. 6-inches x 6-inches
C. 4-inches x 8-inches
D. 5-inches x 8-inches - ✔✔B.
Wood columns should be at LEAST
6-inches x 6-inches.
✔✔If a 2 x 8 joist has a 3-inch x 3-inch notch at the bottom where it rests on a beam:
A. the beam should also be notched
B. the head room is reduced below
C. the beam should be steel
, D. the joist may have a crack that extends horizontally from the notch - ✔✔D.
The notched joist may have a crack that extends out horizontally from the notch.
✔✔Brick ties are:
A. usually aluminum
B. visible
C. fastened to studs
D. fastened to sheathing - ✔✔C.
Brick ties should be fastened to studs.
✔✔In determining the size of rafters, what are the factors that MUST be considered?
A. span, spacing, live load, dead load
B. type of sheathing, span, spacing
C. span, length, type of material
D. span, live load, type of sheathing - ✔✔A.
Span, spacing, live load, dead load. The length of the rafters may also be a factor. The
type ofsheathing or other material is NOT specific enough to determine the size of
rafters.
✔✔For a custom-cut roof structure, how much greater than the cut end of a rafter does
the ridge width need to be?
A. O"
B. 1/2"
C. 2"
D. 3" - ✔✔A.
O"
The words "custom cut" are not relevant. Any non-truss roof having a slope has rafters
that are cut at an angle. The ridge board MUST not be less than the width of these cut
ends of the rafters. It does NOT have to be wider.
✔✔if the rafter size is 2" x 6", the size of the ridge beam should be:
A. 2" x 8"
B. 4" x 8"
C. 2" x 6"
D. 4" x 4" - ✔✔A.
2" X 8"
✔✔In which direction do hip jack rafters run?
A. parallel to common rafters
B. perpendicular to the ridge board
C. perpendicular to common rafters
D. perpendicular to queen post - ✔✔A.
Parallel to common rafters.
Hip jack rafters run from the wall to the hip rafter. Common rafters run from the wall to
the ridge board. There may be some hip jack rafters that are perpendicular to some
ANSWERS GRADED A+
✔✔Columns built into exterior walls are called:
A. studs
B. piers
C. pilasters
D. concealed posts - ✔✔C.
Columns built into walls are called pilasters.
✔✔Sills may do all of the following EXCEPT:
A. anchor the superstructure to the foundation
B. provide a level surface for wall and floor joists
C. provide nailing surface for floor joists
D. act as the structural support for framing over basement windows - ✔✔D.
Act as the structural support for framing over basement windows. Sills should not be
asked to carry the framing loads over basement windows.
✔✔Common column materials include all of these EXCEPT:
A. steel
B. concrete
C. plywood
D. masonry - ✔✔C.
Columns are NOT typically made of plywood
✔✔The function of columns is MOST like:
A. beams
B. studs
C. rafters
D. piers - ✔✔D.
Columns are MOST like piers.
✔✔Rectangular or square solid wood columns should be at LEAST
A. 2-inches x 12-inches
B. 6-inches x 6-inches
C. 4-inches x 8-inches
D. 5-inches x 8-inches - ✔✔B.
Wood columns should be at LEAST
6-inches x 6-inches.
✔✔If a 2 x 8 joist has a 3-inch x 3-inch notch at the bottom where it rests on a beam:
A. the beam should also be notched
B. the head room is reduced below
C. the beam should be steel
, D. the joist may have a crack that extends horizontally from the notch - ✔✔D.
The notched joist may have a crack that extends out horizontally from the notch.
✔✔Brick ties are:
A. usually aluminum
B. visible
C. fastened to studs
D. fastened to sheathing - ✔✔C.
Brick ties should be fastened to studs.
✔✔In determining the size of rafters, what are the factors that MUST be considered?
A. span, spacing, live load, dead load
B. type of sheathing, span, spacing
C. span, length, type of material
D. span, live load, type of sheathing - ✔✔A.
Span, spacing, live load, dead load. The length of the rafters may also be a factor. The
type ofsheathing or other material is NOT specific enough to determine the size of
rafters.
✔✔For a custom-cut roof structure, how much greater than the cut end of a rafter does
the ridge width need to be?
A. O"
B. 1/2"
C. 2"
D. 3" - ✔✔A.
O"
The words "custom cut" are not relevant. Any non-truss roof having a slope has rafters
that are cut at an angle. The ridge board MUST not be less than the width of these cut
ends of the rafters. It does NOT have to be wider.
✔✔if the rafter size is 2" x 6", the size of the ridge beam should be:
A. 2" x 8"
B. 4" x 8"
C. 2" x 6"
D. 4" x 4" - ✔✔A.
2" X 8"
✔✔In which direction do hip jack rafters run?
A. parallel to common rafters
B. perpendicular to the ridge board
C. perpendicular to common rafters
D. perpendicular to queen post - ✔✔A.
Parallel to common rafters.
Hip jack rafters run from the wall to the hip rafter. Common rafters run from the wall to
the ridge board. There may be some hip jack rafters that are perpendicular to some
