Arizona R-28 Painting Contractor Exam
Practice Questions & Correct Answers 2026
ARIZONA REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS (ROC)
R-28 Painting Contractor License Examination
Complete Practice Test Bank | 2026/2027 Edition
Exam Provider: PSI Services (Arizona ROC)
License Classification: R-28 Painting Contractor (Residential Specialty)
Exam Format: Closed Book, Multiple Choice
Passing Score: 70% Minimum
Primary References: Painting and Decorating Craftsman Manual, OSHA 29 CFR 1926, EPA
RRP Regulations, Arizona ROC Statutes & Rules
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Exam Overview & Key Information ………………………………………………………… 3
2. Section 1: Surface Preparation (Questions 1-40) ……………………………………… 4
3. Section 2: Paint Types & Materials (Questions 41-75) ………………………………… 7
4. Section 3: Application Techniques & Equipment (Questions 76-110) ………………… 9
5. Section 4: Estimating & Project Management (Questions 111-135) ………………… 12
6. Section 5: Safety & OSHA Regulations (Questions 136-160) ………………………… 13
7. Section 6: EPA Lead-Safe RRP Practices (Questions 161-175) ……………………… 15
8. Section 7: Business & Law (Questions 176-200) ……………………………………… 16
9. Complete Answer Key ……………………………………………………………………… 18
,1. EXAM OVERVIEW & KEY INFORMATION
What Is the R-28 Painting Contractor License?
The Arizona R-28 Painting Contractor License is issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
(ROC). It authorizes the holder to perform painting and decorating work on residential
structures, including:
- Surface preparation (sanding, scraping, caulking, cleaning)
- Application of paints, stains, varnishes, and coatings
- Wallcovering installation (wallpaper, vinyls, fabrics)
- Decorative texturing
- Taping and finishing of drywall in conjunction with painting
Exam Structure
| Feature | Detail |
||--|
| Trade Exam (R-28) | Closed Book, Multiple Choice |
| Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) | 80 questions, 180 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% minimum on each exam |
| Administered By | PSI Services |
| Trade Exam Fee | $66 |
Key Reference Materials
| Reference | Description |
|--|-|
| Painting and Decorating Craftsman Manual | Primary trade knowledge reference |
| OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety standards |
| EPA RRP Rule | Lead-safe work practices for pre-1978 structures |
| Arizona ROC Statutes & Rules | Business and law exam preparation |
Key Requirements for Licensure
- Minimum 4 years of verifiable painting experience
- Pass the Trade Exam (R-28) and the Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE)
- Secure a surety bond ($15,000 minimum)
- Submit a criminal background check
- Register business entity with Arizona Corporation Commission
- Carry workers' compensation insurance
,- EPA RRP Certification required for work on pre-1978 structures
2. SECTION 1: SURFACE PREPARATION (Questions 1-40)
Q1. Which of the following is the best method to prepare a wooden surface before painting?
A) Wash with soap and water only
B) Sand and remove dust
C) Apply paint directly
D) Use varnish without cleaning
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper surface preparation ensures paint adhesion and durability. Sanding smooths
rough areas, removes old finish, and creates a surface profile for the new coating to grip.
Cleaning alone is insufficient for proper adhesion.
Q2. What is the primary purpose of a primer?
A) To provide color
B) To seal and prepare the surface
C) To reduce paint usage
D) To clean the surface
Answer: B
Rationale: Primers enhance paint adhesion, prevent stains from bleeding through, and seal
porous surfaces. They create a uniform base for the finish coats, ensuring better durability and
appearance.
Q3. Before repainting previously coated metal surfaces, what is the most critical preparatory
step?
A) Apply paint directly
B) Remove rust and mill scale
C) Wipe with water only
, D) Sand lightly
Answer: B
Rationale: Rust and mill scale must be removed from metal surfaces before painting to ensure
proper adhesion and prevent further corrosion. Failure to remove rust will result in premature
coating failure.
Q4. What is the recommended method for cleaning latex paint from brushes?
A) Mineral spirits
B) Warm water and soap
C) Vinegar
D) Sandpaper
Answer: B
Rationale: Latex paint is water-based and should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap
while the paint is still wet. Mineral spirits are for oil-based paints. Allowing paint to dry on
brushes will ruin them.
Q5. What is a surfacer used for in painting?
A) To clean the surface
B) To act as a final coat
C) To fill imperfections and create a smooth base
D) To remove old coatings
Answer: C
Rationale: Surfacing compounds are applied to fill and smooth irregularities, scratches, and
minor imperfections before finish coats are applied. They create a smooth, even base for the
topcoat.
Q6. What is the recommended method for removing old paint from wood surfaces?
A) Burning with a torch
B) Scraping and sanding
Practice Questions & Correct Answers 2026
ARIZONA REGISTRAR OF CONTRACTORS (ROC)
R-28 Painting Contractor License Examination
Complete Practice Test Bank | 2026/2027 Edition
Exam Provider: PSI Services (Arizona ROC)
License Classification: R-28 Painting Contractor (Residential Specialty)
Exam Format: Closed Book, Multiple Choice
Passing Score: 70% Minimum
Primary References: Painting and Decorating Craftsman Manual, OSHA 29 CFR 1926, EPA
RRP Regulations, Arizona ROC Statutes & Rules
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Exam Overview & Key Information ………………………………………………………… 3
2. Section 1: Surface Preparation (Questions 1-40) ……………………………………… 4
3. Section 2: Paint Types & Materials (Questions 41-75) ………………………………… 7
4. Section 3: Application Techniques & Equipment (Questions 76-110) ………………… 9
5. Section 4: Estimating & Project Management (Questions 111-135) ………………… 12
6. Section 5: Safety & OSHA Regulations (Questions 136-160) ………………………… 13
7. Section 6: EPA Lead-Safe RRP Practices (Questions 161-175) ……………………… 15
8. Section 7: Business & Law (Questions 176-200) ……………………………………… 16
9. Complete Answer Key ……………………………………………………………………… 18
,1. EXAM OVERVIEW & KEY INFORMATION
What Is the R-28 Painting Contractor License?
The Arizona R-28 Painting Contractor License is issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
(ROC). It authorizes the holder to perform painting and decorating work on residential
structures, including:
- Surface preparation (sanding, scraping, caulking, cleaning)
- Application of paints, stains, varnishes, and coatings
- Wallcovering installation (wallpaper, vinyls, fabrics)
- Decorative texturing
- Taping and finishing of drywall in conjunction with painting
Exam Structure
| Feature | Detail |
||--|
| Trade Exam (R-28) | Closed Book, Multiple Choice |
| Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) | 80 questions, 180 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% minimum on each exam |
| Administered By | PSI Services |
| Trade Exam Fee | $66 |
Key Reference Materials
| Reference | Description |
|--|-|
| Painting and Decorating Craftsman Manual | Primary trade knowledge reference |
| OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety standards |
| EPA RRP Rule | Lead-safe work practices for pre-1978 structures |
| Arizona ROC Statutes & Rules | Business and law exam preparation |
Key Requirements for Licensure
- Minimum 4 years of verifiable painting experience
- Pass the Trade Exam (R-28) and the Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE)
- Secure a surety bond ($15,000 minimum)
- Submit a criminal background check
- Register business entity with Arizona Corporation Commission
- Carry workers' compensation insurance
,- EPA RRP Certification required for work on pre-1978 structures
2. SECTION 1: SURFACE PREPARATION (Questions 1-40)
Q1. Which of the following is the best method to prepare a wooden surface before painting?
A) Wash with soap and water only
B) Sand and remove dust
C) Apply paint directly
D) Use varnish without cleaning
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper surface preparation ensures paint adhesion and durability. Sanding smooths
rough areas, removes old finish, and creates a surface profile for the new coating to grip.
Cleaning alone is insufficient for proper adhesion.
Q2. What is the primary purpose of a primer?
A) To provide color
B) To seal and prepare the surface
C) To reduce paint usage
D) To clean the surface
Answer: B
Rationale: Primers enhance paint adhesion, prevent stains from bleeding through, and seal
porous surfaces. They create a uniform base for the finish coats, ensuring better durability and
appearance.
Q3. Before repainting previously coated metal surfaces, what is the most critical preparatory
step?
A) Apply paint directly
B) Remove rust and mill scale
C) Wipe with water only
, D) Sand lightly
Answer: B
Rationale: Rust and mill scale must be removed from metal surfaces before painting to ensure
proper adhesion and prevent further corrosion. Failure to remove rust will result in premature
coating failure.
Q4. What is the recommended method for cleaning latex paint from brushes?
A) Mineral spirits
B) Warm water and soap
C) Vinegar
D) Sandpaper
Answer: B
Rationale: Latex paint is water-based and should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap
while the paint is still wet. Mineral spirits are for oil-based paints. Allowing paint to dry on
brushes will ruin them.
Q5. What is a surfacer used for in painting?
A) To clean the surface
B) To act as a final coat
C) To fill imperfections and create a smooth base
D) To remove old coatings
Answer: C
Rationale: Surfacing compounds are applied to fill and smooth irregularities, scratches, and
minor imperfections before finish coats are applied. They create a smooth, even base for the
topcoat.
Q6. What is the recommended method for removing old paint from wood surfaces?
A) Burning with a torch
B) Scraping and sanding
