CALIFORNIA CUSTODIAN EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH. JUST
RELEASED
1. What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in a custodial setting?
A. To list the inventory of all cleaning supplies in the building
B. To provide instructions on how to repair floor buffers
C. To track the hours worked by custodial staff
D. To provide detailed information on chemical hazards and safety precautions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are required by OSHA to provide
comprehensive information about a substance or mixture for use in workplace chemical
management.
2. Which of the following pH levels indicates a highly acidic cleaning solution?
A. pH 13
B. pH 2
C. pH 7
D. pH 9
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, values
above 7 are alkaline (basic), and values below 7 are acidic. A pH of 2 is highly acidic.
3. When using a ‘two-bucket system’ for mopping, what is the purpose of the second bucket?
A. To hold extra clean water for drinking
B. To store dry mop heads
C. To rinse the dirty mop before dipping it back into the cleaning solution
D. To collect trash found on the floor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The two-bucket system prevents cross-contamination by
keeping the cleaning solution clean in one bucket while using the other bucket to rinse soil
from the mop.
4. What is the correct procedure for cleaning up a blood spill under Bloodborne Pathogen
standards?
A. Wipe it up with a paper towel and throw it in the regular trash
B. Mop it with hot water and soap only
C. Wait for the spill to dry before scraping it up
D. Apply an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow specific disposal protocols for
biohazardous waste
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bloodborne pathogen protocols require the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE), an appropriate disinfectant, and disposal in marked biohazard
containers.
5. Which type of floor finish requires ‘high-speed burnishing’ to maintain its shine?
A. Urethane finish
B. Unsealed concrete
C. Thermoplastic floor wax
D. Ceramic tile grout
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Thermoplastic finishes are designed to be heated and smoothed
by the friction of a high-speed burnisher to restore gloss.
6. If a vacuum cleaner loses suction, what is the first thing a custodian should check?
A. The electrical outlet voltage
B. The vacuum bag or canister for fullness and the hose for clogs
C. The drive belt’s manufacturing date
D. The wheels of the vacuum
Answer: B
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH. JUST
RELEASED
1. What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in a custodial setting?
A. To list the inventory of all cleaning supplies in the building
B. To provide instructions on how to repair floor buffers
C. To track the hours worked by custodial staff
D. To provide detailed information on chemical hazards and safety precautions
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are required by OSHA to provide
comprehensive information about a substance or mixture for use in workplace chemical
management.
2. Which of the following pH levels indicates a highly acidic cleaning solution?
A. pH 13
B. pH 2
C. pH 7
D. pH 9
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, values
above 7 are alkaline (basic), and values below 7 are acidic. A pH of 2 is highly acidic.
3. When using a ‘two-bucket system’ for mopping, what is the purpose of the second bucket?
A. To hold extra clean water for drinking
B. To store dry mop heads
C. To rinse the dirty mop before dipping it back into the cleaning solution
D. To collect trash found on the floor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The two-bucket system prevents cross-contamination by
keeping the cleaning solution clean in one bucket while using the other bucket to rinse soil
from the mop.
4. What is the correct procedure for cleaning up a blood spill under Bloodborne Pathogen
standards?
A. Wipe it up with a paper towel and throw it in the regular trash
B. Mop it with hot water and soap only
C. Wait for the spill to dry before scraping it up
D. Apply an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow specific disposal protocols for
biohazardous waste
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bloodborne pathogen protocols require the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE), an appropriate disinfectant, and disposal in marked biohazard
containers.
5. Which type of floor finish requires ‘high-speed burnishing’ to maintain its shine?
A. Urethane finish
B. Unsealed concrete
C. Thermoplastic floor wax
D. Ceramic tile grout
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Thermoplastic finishes are designed to be heated and smoothed
by the friction of a high-speed burnisher to restore gloss.
6. If a vacuum cleaner loses suction, what is the first thing a custodian should check?
A. The electrical outlet voltage
B. The vacuum bag or canister for fullness and the hose for clogs
C. The drive belt’s manufacturing date
D. The wheels of the vacuum
Answer: B
