C-27 Landscaping Contractor License
Practice Examination 2026–2027 |
Comprehensive -Question Practice Test
with Answers & Rationales| Free Pdf
Access.
The California C-27 Landscaping Contractor license allows you to construct, maintain,
repair, or install landscape systems and facilities that aesthetically or functionally
improve grounds . The exam is divided into six major sections: Planning and Estimating,
Construction Preparation, Hardscape Installation, Drainage/Irrigation/Lighting/Plant
Installation, Maintenance and Repair, and Safety .
,Question 1:
What is the primary objective of California's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
(WELO)?
A) Increase irrigation frequency
B) Reduce landscape construction costs
C) Promote efficient outdoor water use
D) Eliminate planting requirements
,Answer: C. Promote efficient outdoor water use
WELO establishes standards aimed at promoting water conservation through efficient
landscape design and irrigation practices, reducing water use in landscapes . Contractors
must understand these requirements when planning and installing landscapes.
Question 2:
Why are backflow prevention devices installed on irrigation systems?
A) To increase pipe pressure
B) To reduce valve maintenance
C) To improve controller programming
D) To protect potable water supplies from contamination
Answer: D. To protect potable water supplies from contamination
Backflow prevention devices help prevent contaminated irrigation water from entering
drinking water systems due to back-siphonage or backpressure . A double-check valve is
commonly mandated to protect potable water supplies from irrigation backflow .
Question 3:
A crew installs 2,400 square feet of sod in 6 hours. What is the average installation rate?
A) 300 sq ft/hr
B) 350 sq ft/hr
C) 400 sq ft/hr
D) 450 sq ft/hr
Answer: C. 400 sq ft/hr
Dividing 2,400 square feet by 6 hours results in an average production rate of 400 square
feet per hour . This type of calculation is essential for estimating labor hours on
landscaping projects.
, Question 4:
A contractor is preparing a concrete walkway. Why is subgrade preparation important
before placing concrete?
A) To improve the color of the concrete
B) To provide a stable base and prevent settlement
C) To reduce the amount of concrete needed
D) To speed up curing time
Answer: B. To provide a stable base and prevent settlement
A properly compacted base distributes loads evenly and helps prevent settlement, shifting,
and surface irregularities . Without proper subgrade preparation, the walkway can crack
or settle unevenly.
Question 5:
A specification requires 3 cubic yards of compost per 1,000 square feet. A planting bed
contains 4,500 square feet. How much compost is required?
A) 12.5 cubic yards
B) 13.0 cubic yards
C) 13.5 cubic yards
D) 14.0 cubic yards
Answer: C. 13.5 cubic yards
4,500 sq ft ÷ 1,000 = 4.5 units. Multiplying 4.5 × 3 cubic yards equals 13.5 cubic yards .
Accurate material estimation is critical for bidding and project success.
Question 6:
A plan indicates a contour interval of 1 foot. Adjacent contour lines represent:
A) One foot of elevation change
B) Two feet of elevation change
C) Five feet of elevation change
D) Ten feet of elevation change
Practice Examination 2026–2027 |
Comprehensive -Question Practice Test
with Answers & Rationales| Free Pdf
Access.
The California C-27 Landscaping Contractor license allows you to construct, maintain,
repair, or install landscape systems and facilities that aesthetically or functionally
improve grounds . The exam is divided into six major sections: Planning and Estimating,
Construction Preparation, Hardscape Installation, Drainage/Irrigation/Lighting/Plant
Installation, Maintenance and Repair, and Safety .
,Question 1:
What is the primary objective of California's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
(WELO)?
A) Increase irrigation frequency
B) Reduce landscape construction costs
C) Promote efficient outdoor water use
D) Eliminate planting requirements
,Answer: C. Promote efficient outdoor water use
WELO establishes standards aimed at promoting water conservation through efficient
landscape design and irrigation practices, reducing water use in landscapes . Contractors
must understand these requirements when planning and installing landscapes.
Question 2:
Why are backflow prevention devices installed on irrigation systems?
A) To increase pipe pressure
B) To reduce valve maintenance
C) To improve controller programming
D) To protect potable water supplies from contamination
Answer: D. To protect potable water supplies from contamination
Backflow prevention devices help prevent contaminated irrigation water from entering
drinking water systems due to back-siphonage or backpressure . A double-check valve is
commonly mandated to protect potable water supplies from irrigation backflow .
Question 3:
A crew installs 2,400 square feet of sod in 6 hours. What is the average installation rate?
A) 300 sq ft/hr
B) 350 sq ft/hr
C) 400 sq ft/hr
D) 450 sq ft/hr
Answer: C. 400 sq ft/hr
Dividing 2,400 square feet by 6 hours results in an average production rate of 400 square
feet per hour . This type of calculation is essential for estimating labor hours on
landscaping projects.
, Question 4:
A contractor is preparing a concrete walkway. Why is subgrade preparation important
before placing concrete?
A) To improve the color of the concrete
B) To provide a stable base and prevent settlement
C) To reduce the amount of concrete needed
D) To speed up curing time
Answer: B. To provide a stable base and prevent settlement
A properly compacted base distributes loads evenly and helps prevent settlement, shifting,
and surface irregularities . Without proper subgrade preparation, the walkway can crack
or settle unevenly.
Question 5:
A specification requires 3 cubic yards of compost per 1,000 square feet. A planting bed
contains 4,500 square feet. How much compost is required?
A) 12.5 cubic yards
B) 13.0 cubic yards
C) 13.5 cubic yards
D) 14.0 cubic yards
Answer: C. 13.5 cubic yards
4,500 sq ft ÷ 1,000 = 4.5 units. Multiplying 4.5 × 3 cubic yards equals 13.5 cubic yards .
Accurate material estimation is critical for bidding and project success.
Question 6:
A plan indicates a contour interval of 1 foot. Adjacent contour lines represent:
A) One foot of elevation change
B) Two feet of elevation change
C) Five feet of elevation change
D) Ten feet of elevation change
