CSLB B LICENSE GENERAL CONTRACTOR
EXAM SCRIPT TESTED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS CERTIFICATION EVALUATION
●● In a U-shaped kitchen layout, what is the minimum required
clearance between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances,
or walls?
Answer: 60 inches
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends 60
inches of clearance in U-shaped kitchens to ensure two people can move
and work comfortably without congestion, even when doors like
dishwashers or ovens are open.
Think "U" = "You need more room" — 60 inches for full
functionality and traffic flow.
●● What is the minimum required cross-sectional area of the flue for a
14-foot-tall fireplace with an opening of 20" × 24"?
Answer: 60 square inches
Per FHA code, if the chimney is under 15 feet tall, the flue must be
at least 1/8 the area of the fireplace opening.
,• Fireplace opening = 20" × 24" = 480 sq in
• 1/8 of 480 = 60 sq in minimum required flue area
"Chimney short? Go one-eighth — 20 by 24 gets 60 to be safe."
●● What is the minimum required cross-sectional area of the flue for a
14-foot-tall fireplace with an opening of 20" × 24"?
Answer: 60 square inches
According to FHA code:
• If the chimney is under 15 feet, the flue area must be 1/8 the fireplace
opening.
• Fireplace opening = 20 × 24 = 480 sq in
• 1/8 of 480 = 60 sq in minimum required flue area
"Chimney short? Go one-eighth — 20 by 24 gets 60 to be safe."
●● Who should you contact if you want to change the location of a
driveway on a newly purchased plot of land?
Answer: Zoning department
, Driveway placement impacts access, easements, and setbacks—all
governed by zoning and land-use regulations, not building codes. The
zoning department handles driveway approvals to ensure they align with
local planning rules and ordinances.
"If it's about where on the land — zoning has the upper hand."
●● What fasteners should you use for a handicap handrail?
Answer: 3" screws
3" screws are preferred because they provide strong, secure
anchoring for handicap handrails, especially when fastening into wood
framing or blocking. They offer the required holding strength without
over-penetrating or splitting framing members.
"For solid grip and code compliance—go 3-inch screws every time."
●● How do you install insulation?
Answer: Vapor barrier toward conditioned/heated space
The vapor barrier (or facing) should always face the interior
conditioned space, because it helps prevent indoor moisture from
entering the wall cavity, where it could condense and cause mold or rot.
, This is especially important in cold climates or areas with high indoor
humidity.
"Warm side, right side — vapor barrier faces the heated space."
●● What is the diameter of a circular handrail?
Answer: 1-1/4" min and 2" max
According to the California Building Code and ADA standards,
circular handrails must have an outside diameter between 1-1/4 inches
and 2 inches. This range ensures the handrail can be easily gripped by
most people, providing adequate support and safety.
"1 and a quarter to 2 is the perfect grip for you."
●● What are you supposed to do before installing a tile countertop?
Answer: Install 3/4" plywood
According to Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials, and
Methods, a tile countertop (especially those set on a mortar bed) requires
a sturdy base. The standard is ¾" exterior-grade plywood or 1x6 boards
spaced ¼" apart to support the weight and avoid cracking.
EXAM SCRIPT TESTED QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS CERTIFICATION EVALUATION
●● In a U-shaped kitchen layout, what is the minimum required
clearance between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances,
or walls?
Answer: 60 inches
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends 60
inches of clearance in U-shaped kitchens to ensure two people can move
and work comfortably without congestion, even when doors like
dishwashers or ovens are open.
Think "U" = "You need more room" — 60 inches for full
functionality and traffic flow.
●● What is the minimum required cross-sectional area of the flue for a
14-foot-tall fireplace with an opening of 20" × 24"?
Answer: 60 square inches
Per FHA code, if the chimney is under 15 feet tall, the flue must be
at least 1/8 the area of the fireplace opening.
,• Fireplace opening = 20" × 24" = 480 sq in
• 1/8 of 480 = 60 sq in minimum required flue area
"Chimney short? Go one-eighth — 20 by 24 gets 60 to be safe."
●● What is the minimum required cross-sectional area of the flue for a
14-foot-tall fireplace with an opening of 20" × 24"?
Answer: 60 square inches
According to FHA code:
• If the chimney is under 15 feet, the flue area must be 1/8 the fireplace
opening.
• Fireplace opening = 20 × 24 = 480 sq in
• 1/8 of 480 = 60 sq in minimum required flue area
"Chimney short? Go one-eighth — 20 by 24 gets 60 to be safe."
●● Who should you contact if you want to change the location of a
driveway on a newly purchased plot of land?
Answer: Zoning department
, Driveway placement impacts access, easements, and setbacks—all
governed by zoning and land-use regulations, not building codes. The
zoning department handles driveway approvals to ensure they align with
local planning rules and ordinances.
"If it's about where on the land — zoning has the upper hand."
●● What fasteners should you use for a handicap handrail?
Answer: 3" screws
3" screws are preferred because they provide strong, secure
anchoring for handicap handrails, especially when fastening into wood
framing or blocking. They offer the required holding strength without
over-penetrating or splitting framing members.
"For solid grip and code compliance—go 3-inch screws every time."
●● How do you install insulation?
Answer: Vapor barrier toward conditioned/heated space
The vapor barrier (or facing) should always face the interior
conditioned space, because it helps prevent indoor moisture from
entering the wall cavity, where it could condense and cause mold or rot.
, This is especially important in cold climates or areas with high indoor
humidity.
"Warm side, right side — vapor barrier faces the heated space."
●● What is the diameter of a circular handrail?
Answer: 1-1/4" min and 2" max
According to the California Building Code and ADA standards,
circular handrails must have an outside diameter between 1-1/4 inches
and 2 inches. This range ensures the handrail can be easily gripped by
most people, providing adequate support and safety.
"1 and a quarter to 2 is the perfect grip for you."
●● What are you supposed to do before installing a tile countertop?
Answer: Install 3/4" plywood
According to Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials, and
Methods, a tile countertop (especially those set on a mortar bed) requires
a sturdy base. The standard is ¾" exterior-grade plywood or 1x6 boards
spaced ¼" apart to support the weight and avoid cracking.
