Page 1 of 185
Hawaii (HI) C-27 Landscaping Contractor
Practice Exam Questions & Rationales
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
Hawaii (HI) C-27 Landscaping Contractor Practice Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
• Licensing & Regulatory Authority – Issued by the Hawaii Contractors License Board, a
division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). C-27 is
a Specialty Contractor classification covering landscape construction, maintenance, and
repair. There is also a C-27b classification for tree trimming and removal.
• Application & Exam – Two exams required: Business and Law plus C-27 Trade Exam,
administered by PSI. Both are closed-book examinations. 4 years of experience in the
last 10 years required. Application fees approximately $300+. Candidates must
demonstrate proficiency in both business management and specialized landscaping
skills.
• Exam Content Domains – Based on California CSLB C-27 exam structure (Hawaii follows
similar content categories):
1. Planning and Estimation (26%) – Project planning, botanical names, estimating
2. Construction Preparation (14%) – Site planning, demolition, trenching/grading
3. Hardscape Installation (16%) – Flatwork, masonry, structures, water features
4. Drainage, Irrigation, Lighting, and Plant Installation (24%)
5. Maintenance and Repair (10%)
6. Safety (10%)
• Scope of Work – Land preparation for architectural horticulture, tree trimming,
decorative treatment and arrangement of gardens/plants, construction of
conservatories, greenhouses, drainage/sprinkler systems, rockscaping, ornamental
pools/fountains, walls, fences, walks, hydro mulching, and installation of irrigation
control or decorative lamp wiring 24 volts or less.
• Business & Law – Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) applies to both goods and services
including labor. Workers' compensation insurance is legally required. LLC provides
limited liability protection with pass-through taxation. Contract must define scope,
timeline, responsibilities, and include consideration. Performance bonds guarantee
completion. Overhead includes indirect expenses (insurance, office rent).
,Page 2 of 185
• Permits & Environmental – Building permit required for retaining walls over 4
feet. NPDES storm-water permit required before hillside grading. Utility
locate/clearance required before excavation. Silt fences capture sediment runoff to
protect water quality. Bioswales slow runoff and filter pollutants.
• Drainage & Grading – Topographic maps show contour lines for grading requirements.
Minimum slope 1–2% for proper drainage. Profile line indicates elevation
changes/grading. Critical elevation used as reference for grading.
• Irrigation – Percolation rate most critical soil test before drip irrigation. Drip
irrigation most water-efficient for planting beds. Rain sensor/weather-based smart
scheduling essential for water conservation. Backflow prevention must comply
with Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
• Planting & Soils – Site analysis is first step in landscape project planning. Recommended
pH range for most landscape plants in Hawaii: 5.5–7.0. Naupaka kahakai (Scaevola
sericea) is native Hawaiian plant for coastal landscapes. Koa (Acacia koa) used for
erosion control. Organic amendments improve water/nutrient holding capacity in sandy
coastal soils. Salinity (EC) measurement most critical for coastal sites. Plant at same
depth as container. Mulch (compost) conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, regulates
temperature. Standard planting depth for most shrubs: same depth as container.
• Hardscape & Construction – ADA accessible route maximum slope 1:12 (1 inch rise per
12 inches run). Class A aggregate meets concrete mix gradation requirements. Sub-
grade for patios: compact to 90% or more of Maximum Dry Density (MDD). 6-
inch compacted base for pedestrian paver patio. Key in retaining wall construction
refers to notch/lip interlocking wall courses or trench below footing to prevent sliding.
Perforated pipe with gravel backfill behind retaining wall for drainage. 10% waste
factor standard for concrete estimating.
• Low-Voltage Lighting – Low-voltage lighting operates at 12VAC or 24V. 20-amp
transformer is standard residential limit. Maximum voltage drop for 12V system: 1.0
Volt (approx. 8%). Full-cutoff LED step light minimizes light pollution.
• Safety – OSHA 29 CFR 1910.242 governs hand/power tools. Excavation safety: shoring
and sloping required to prevent collapse. Competent person must inspect trenches. PPE
for chainsaw: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chaps.
• Business Math – Topsoil calculation: Area (sq ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. 5,000 sq
ft × (4 in ÷ 12) = 1,667 cu ft ÷ 27 = 61.7 ≈ 62 cubic yards (common exam math).
QUESTIONS 1-100
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Question 1
The Hawaii C-27 Landscaping Contractor license is issued by which agency?
A) Hawaii Department of Agriculture
B) Hawaii Contractors License Board (DCCA)
C) Hawaii Department of Transportation
D) Hawaii Office of Planning
Answer: B
The Contractors License Board, a division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
(DCCA), issues the C-27 license for landscaping contractors.
Question 2
What is the minimum experience requirement for a C-27 license applicant in Hawaii?
A) 2 years in the last 5 years
B) 4 years in the last 10 years
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C) 6 years in the last 8 years
D) 10 years total experience
Answer: B
Applicants must provide proof of 4 years of experience in the last 10 years in landscaping work.
Question 3
How many exams must a C-27 applicant pass to obtain licensure?
A) One exam (Trade only)
B) Two exams (Business and Law + C-27 Trade)
C) Three exams (Trade, Law, Safety)
D) Four exams (Trade, Law, Business, Environmental)
Answer: B
Candidates must pass both the Hawaii Business and Law exam and the C-27 Landscaping Trade
exam.
Hawaii (HI) C-27 Landscaping Contractor
Practice Exam Questions & Rationales
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
Hawaii (HI) C-27 Landscaping Contractor Practice Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
• Licensing & Regulatory Authority – Issued by the Hawaii Contractors License Board, a
division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). C-27 is
a Specialty Contractor classification covering landscape construction, maintenance, and
repair. There is also a C-27b classification for tree trimming and removal.
• Application & Exam – Two exams required: Business and Law plus C-27 Trade Exam,
administered by PSI. Both are closed-book examinations. 4 years of experience in the
last 10 years required. Application fees approximately $300+. Candidates must
demonstrate proficiency in both business management and specialized landscaping
skills.
• Exam Content Domains – Based on California CSLB C-27 exam structure (Hawaii follows
similar content categories):
1. Planning and Estimation (26%) – Project planning, botanical names, estimating
2. Construction Preparation (14%) – Site planning, demolition, trenching/grading
3. Hardscape Installation (16%) – Flatwork, masonry, structures, water features
4. Drainage, Irrigation, Lighting, and Plant Installation (24%)
5. Maintenance and Repair (10%)
6. Safety (10%)
• Scope of Work – Land preparation for architectural horticulture, tree trimming,
decorative treatment and arrangement of gardens/plants, construction of
conservatories, greenhouses, drainage/sprinkler systems, rockscaping, ornamental
pools/fountains, walls, fences, walks, hydro mulching, and installation of irrigation
control or decorative lamp wiring 24 volts or less.
• Business & Law – Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) applies to both goods and services
including labor. Workers' compensation insurance is legally required. LLC provides
limited liability protection with pass-through taxation. Contract must define scope,
timeline, responsibilities, and include consideration. Performance bonds guarantee
completion. Overhead includes indirect expenses (insurance, office rent).
,Page 2 of 185
• Permits & Environmental – Building permit required for retaining walls over 4
feet. NPDES storm-water permit required before hillside grading. Utility
locate/clearance required before excavation. Silt fences capture sediment runoff to
protect water quality. Bioswales slow runoff and filter pollutants.
• Drainage & Grading – Topographic maps show contour lines for grading requirements.
Minimum slope 1–2% for proper drainage. Profile line indicates elevation
changes/grading. Critical elevation used as reference for grading.
• Irrigation – Percolation rate most critical soil test before drip irrigation. Drip
irrigation most water-efficient for planting beds. Rain sensor/weather-based smart
scheduling essential for water conservation. Backflow prevention must comply
with Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
• Planting & Soils – Site analysis is first step in landscape project planning. Recommended
pH range for most landscape plants in Hawaii: 5.5–7.0. Naupaka kahakai (Scaevola
sericea) is native Hawaiian plant for coastal landscapes. Koa (Acacia koa) used for
erosion control. Organic amendments improve water/nutrient holding capacity in sandy
coastal soils. Salinity (EC) measurement most critical for coastal sites. Plant at same
depth as container. Mulch (compost) conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, regulates
temperature. Standard planting depth for most shrubs: same depth as container.
• Hardscape & Construction – ADA accessible route maximum slope 1:12 (1 inch rise per
12 inches run). Class A aggregate meets concrete mix gradation requirements. Sub-
grade for patios: compact to 90% or more of Maximum Dry Density (MDD). 6-
inch compacted base for pedestrian paver patio. Key in retaining wall construction
refers to notch/lip interlocking wall courses or trench below footing to prevent sliding.
Perforated pipe with gravel backfill behind retaining wall for drainage. 10% waste
factor standard for concrete estimating.
• Low-Voltage Lighting – Low-voltage lighting operates at 12VAC or 24V. 20-amp
transformer is standard residential limit. Maximum voltage drop for 12V system: 1.0
Volt (approx. 8%). Full-cutoff LED step light minimizes light pollution.
• Safety – OSHA 29 CFR 1910.242 governs hand/power tools. Excavation safety: shoring
and sloping required to prevent collapse. Competent person must inspect trenches. PPE
for chainsaw: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chaps.
• Business Math – Topsoil calculation: Area (sq ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. 5,000 sq
ft × (4 in ÷ 12) = 1,667 cu ft ÷ 27 = 61.7 ≈ 62 cubic yards (common exam math).
QUESTIONS 1-100
,Page 3 of 185
Question 1
The Hawaii C-27 Landscaping Contractor license is issued by which agency?
A) Hawaii Department of Agriculture
B) Hawaii Contractors License Board (DCCA)
C) Hawaii Department of Transportation
D) Hawaii Office of Planning
Answer: B
The Contractors License Board, a division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
(DCCA), issues the C-27 license for landscaping contractors.
Question 2
What is the minimum experience requirement for a C-27 license applicant in Hawaii?
A) 2 years in the last 5 years
B) 4 years in the last 10 years
, Page 4 of 185
C) 6 years in the last 8 years
D) 10 years total experience
Answer: B
Applicants must provide proof of 4 years of experience in the last 10 years in landscaping work.
Question 3
How many exams must a C-27 applicant pass to obtain licensure?
A) One exam (Trade only)
B) Two exams (Business and Law + C-27 Trade)
C) Three exams (Trade, Law, Safety)
D) Four exams (Trade, Law, Business, Environmental)
Answer: B
Candidates must pass both the Hawaii Business and Law exam and the C-27 Landscaping Trade
exam.
