CALIFORNIA ROOFING CONTRACTOR EXAM PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT
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Core Domains
*- Planning and Estimating for Roofing Projects*
*- Job Site Preparation for Roof Projects*
*- Low-Slope Roof Projects*
*- Steep-Slope Roof Projects*
*- Safety and Fall Protection*
*- California Building Code Compliance*
*- NRCA Roofing Standards and Best Practices*
*- Professional Ethics and Contractor Responsibilities*
Introduction
This practice assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the California Roofing (C-39) Contractor
Examination administered by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The exam evaluates essential
knowledge and skills required for professional roofing contractors, including planning and estimating roof
projects, job site preparation, installation and repair of low-slope and steep-slope roofing systems, and
comprehensive safety protocols. The test features multiple-choice questions with scenario-based problems
that emphasize real-world application, critical decision-making, and regulatory compliance. Candidates will
encounter questions covering California Building Code requirements, Cal/OSHA safety standards, NRCA
guidelines, material selection, underlayment installation, flashings, ventilation, waterproofing, and
professional ethics. Success on this examination demonstrates competency to install, maintain, repair, and
alter all kinds of roofing systems while ensuring worker and job site safety.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
When estimating the roof covering required for a flat rectangular roof measuring 20' × 45', how many squares
of roof covering are needed?
A. 8 squares
B. 9 squares
🟢 C. 10 squares
D. 11 squares
🔴 RATIONALE: One square equals 100 square feet. The roof area is 20' × 45' = 900 square feet. Dividing by
100 gives 900/100 = 9 squares. However, standard practice includes a waste factor of approximately 10-15% for
roofing materials, bringing the total to approximately 10 squares.
Question 2
According to Cal/OSHA Title 8, what is the minimum height at which fall protection systems must be provided
for workers on steep-slope roofs?
🟢 A. 6 feet
B. 8 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 12 feet
🔴 RATIONALE: OSHA requires fall protection systems for workers on roofs over 6 feet in height with steep
slopes. This is a critical safety requirement under Cal/OSHA Title 8 regulations.
,Question 3
What minimum slope is required for built-up roofs with aggregate surfacing according to the California
Building Code to ensure adequate drainage?
A. 1/16 inch per foot
🟢 B. 1/8 inch per foot
C. 1/4 inch per foot
D. 1/2 inch per foot
🔴 RATIONALE: The California Building Code requires a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot for built-up roofs
with aggregate surfacing to allow adequate drainage and prevent water accumulation.
Question 4
When installing spray foam (SPF) roofing over a built-up roof with aggregate, which material must be removed?
A. Only the air conditioning units
B. Only the walk pads
C. The entire roof system
🟢 D. Only the gravel/rock
🔴 RATIONALE: When installing spray foam roofing over a built-up roof with aggregate, only the gravel/rock
must be removed to ensure proper adhesion of the SPF material to the underlying roof surface.
Question 5
Which section of the California Roofing (C-39) Examination represents the largest percentage of questions?
, A. Planning and Estimating (22%)
B. Job Site Preparation (13%)
C. Low-Slope Roof Projects (17%)
🟢 D. Steep-Slope Roof Projects (26%)
🔴 RATIONALE: Steep-Slope Roof Projects represents 26% of the examination, making it the largest section.
This reflects the prevalence of steep-slope roofing in California residential construction.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of underlayment in a steep-slope roofing system?
A. To provide the final aesthetic appearance
🟢 B. To serve as a secondary water-shedding barrier
C. To replace the need for flashings
D. To increase the roof's structural load capacity
🔴 RATIONALE: Underlayment serves as a secondary water-shedding barrier that protects the roof deck from
water infiltration if the primary roofing material (shingles, tile, etc.) is damaged or displaced.
Question 7
When tearing off existing roofing, what is the most critical safety consideration?
A. Disposing of materials in the correct dumpster
B. Using the correct number of workers
🟢 C. Preventing falls and protecting workers from debris
D. Ensuring the truck is positioned correctly
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
*- Planning and Estimating for Roofing Projects*
*- Job Site Preparation for Roof Projects*
*- Low-Slope Roof Projects*
*- Steep-Slope Roof Projects*
*- Safety and Fall Protection*
*- California Building Code Compliance*
*- NRCA Roofing Standards and Best Practices*
*- Professional Ethics and Contractor Responsibilities*
Introduction
This practice assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the California Roofing (C-39) Contractor
Examination administered by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The exam evaluates essential
knowledge and skills required for professional roofing contractors, including planning and estimating roof
projects, job site preparation, installation and repair of low-slope and steep-slope roofing systems, and
comprehensive safety protocols. The test features multiple-choice questions with scenario-based problems
that emphasize real-world application, critical decision-making, and regulatory compliance. Candidates will
encounter questions covering California Building Code requirements, Cal/OSHA safety standards, NRCA
guidelines, material selection, underlayment installation, flashings, ventilation, waterproofing, and
professional ethics. Success on this examination demonstrates competency to install, maintain, repair, and
alter all kinds of roofing systems while ensuring worker and job site safety.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
When estimating the roof covering required for a flat rectangular roof measuring 20' × 45', how many squares
of roof covering are needed?
A. 8 squares
B. 9 squares
🟢 C. 10 squares
D. 11 squares
🔴 RATIONALE: One square equals 100 square feet. The roof area is 20' × 45' = 900 square feet. Dividing by
100 gives 900/100 = 9 squares. However, standard practice includes a waste factor of approximately 10-15% for
roofing materials, bringing the total to approximately 10 squares.
Question 2
According to Cal/OSHA Title 8, what is the minimum height at which fall protection systems must be provided
for workers on steep-slope roofs?
🟢 A. 6 feet
B. 8 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 12 feet
🔴 RATIONALE: OSHA requires fall protection systems for workers on roofs over 6 feet in height with steep
slopes. This is a critical safety requirement under Cal/OSHA Title 8 regulations.
,Question 3
What minimum slope is required for built-up roofs with aggregate surfacing according to the California
Building Code to ensure adequate drainage?
A. 1/16 inch per foot
🟢 B. 1/8 inch per foot
C. 1/4 inch per foot
D. 1/2 inch per foot
🔴 RATIONALE: The California Building Code requires a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot for built-up roofs
with aggregate surfacing to allow adequate drainage and prevent water accumulation.
Question 4
When installing spray foam (SPF) roofing over a built-up roof with aggregate, which material must be removed?
A. Only the air conditioning units
B. Only the walk pads
C. The entire roof system
🟢 D. Only the gravel/rock
🔴 RATIONALE: When installing spray foam roofing over a built-up roof with aggregate, only the gravel/rock
must be removed to ensure proper adhesion of the SPF material to the underlying roof surface.
Question 5
Which section of the California Roofing (C-39) Examination represents the largest percentage of questions?
, A. Planning and Estimating (22%)
B. Job Site Preparation (13%)
C. Low-Slope Roof Projects (17%)
🟢 D. Steep-Slope Roof Projects (26%)
🔴 RATIONALE: Steep-Slope Roof Projects represents 26% of the examination, making it the largest section.
This reflects the prevalence of steep-slope roofing in California residential construction.
Question 6
What is the primary purpose of underlayment in a steep-slope roofing system?
A. To provide the final aesthetic appearance
🟢 B. To serve as a secondary water-shedding barrier
C. To replace the need for flashings
D. To increase the roof's structural load capacity
🔴 RATIONALE: Underlayment serves as a secondary water-shedding barrier that protects the roof deck from
water infiltration if the primary roofing material (shingles, tile, etc.) is damaged or displaced.
Question 7
When tearing off existing roofing, what is the most critical safety consideration?
A. Disposing of materials in the correct dumpster
B. Using the correct number of workers
🟢 C. Preventing falls and protecting workers from debris
D. Ensuring the truck is positioned correctly
