Nevada C-5 Concrete Contractor Exam
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
___________________________________________________________________
1. What is the primary purpose of using reinforcement in concrete?
A. Reduce curing time
B. Improve color consistency
C. Increase compressive strength only
D. Increase tensile strength
Rationale: Reinforcing steel is used because concrete is weak in tension but
strong in compression. Reinforcement helps resist tensile stresses and cracking.
2. Which slump range is generally suitable for standard reinforced concrete
walls?
A. 0–1 inch
B. 3–5 inches
C. 7–9 inches
D. 10–12 inches
Rationale: A slump of 3–5 inches provides workable concrete without excessive
water content for most wall placements.
, 3. What does the term “curing” refer to in concrete work?
A. Heating the forms
B. Drying the surface rapidly
C. Maintaining moisture and temperature for hydration
D. Applying reinforcement
Rationale: Proper curing allows cement hydration to continue, increasing
strength and durability.
4. Which tool is commonly used to screed concrete slabs?
A. Float
B. Jointer
C. Edger
D. Straightedge
Rationale: A straightedge or screed board levels freshly placed concrete to the
desired grade.
5. Air-entrained concrete is primarily used to improve resistance to:
A. Fire damage
B. Sulfate attack
C. Freeze-thaw cycles
D. Excessive curing
Rationale: Entrained air provides tiny air pockets that help concrete withstand
freezing and thawing conditions.
6. What is the minimum concrete cover generally required for reinforcing steel
exposed to earth?
A. 1 inch
B. 1½ inches
C. 3 inches
D. 5 inches
Rationale: Concrete cover protects reinforcement from corrosion and
environmental exposure.
, 7. What is the purpose of control joints in concrete slabs?
A. Increase slab thickness
B. Prevent reinforcement corrosion
C. Control random cracking
D. Reduce curing time
Rationale: Control joints create planned weak points where shrinkage cracks can
occur in a controlled manner.
8. Which aggregate size is most commonly used in standard concrete mixes?
A. 3 inches
B. 2 inches
C. ¾ inch
D. 4 inches
Rationale: Three-quarter-inch aggregate is commonly used because it provides
good strength and workability.
9. Concrete gains most of its design strength in approximately:
A. 3 days
B. 7 days
C. 14 days
D. 28 days
Rationale: Standard concrete compressive strength is generally measured at 28
days.
10.Which test measures the consistency of fresh concrete?
A. Compression test
B. Air content test
C. Slump test
D. Cylinder test
Rationale: The slump test measures workability and consistency of fresh
concrete.