California Park Maintenance Worker
(PMW) Practice Exam with Practice
Questions And Correc
1. A park's irrigation system exhibits uneven pressure: zones closest to the valve
operate at 55 psi while distant zones drop to 28 psi. A pressure gauge at the pump
reads 60 psi. Which of the following is the most likely primary cause?
A. A faulty pump impeller reducing overall system flow.
B. Excessive friction loss in the mainline due to undersized pipe or high flow velocity.
C. A malfunctioning backflow preventer causing pressure surges.
D. Improperly set pressure regulator at the zone control valve.
Answer: B. Excessive friction loss in the mainline due to undersized pipe or high flow
velocity.
Rationale: The pressure gradient from 55 psi near the valve to 28 psi at distant zones
indicates significant friction loss along the mainline, typically from undersized piping or
excessive flow velocity. Pump issues would affect all zones equally, and a pressure
regulator would create a uniform reduction. Backflow preventers do not cause gradual
pressure drop with distance.
2. A park maintenance worker plans to apply a non-restricted herbicide to control
weeds along a fence line adjacent to a public walking path. According to California
Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) requirements, which of the following is
mandatory before application?
A. Obtain a written permit from the county agricultural commissioner for non-restricted
herbicides.
B. Post warning signs at the application site and provide oral notification to adjacent
residents within 24 hours.
C. Ensure the applicator holds a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or works under a
certified applicator's supervision.
D. Notify the California EPA Air Resources Board at least 48 hours in advance.
Answer: C. Ensure the applicator holds a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or
works under a certified applicator's supervision.
Rationale: California DPR regulations require that anyone applying pesticides for hire or
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,on public property must be a certified applicator or work under the direct supervision of a
certified applicator. Non-restricted herbicides do not require a county permit, and
posting/notification rules vary by county but are not universally mandated for
non-restricted materials. ARB notification is not required for ground applications of
non-restricted herbicides.
Page 2 of 79
,3. A park's cool-season turfgrass shows irregular patches of grayish-white mycelium
in the morning, with leaf blades exhibiting water-soaked lesions that turn tan. The
disease progresses rapidly in warm, humid conditions. Which pathogen is most likely
responsible?
A. Sclerotinia homoeocarpa (dollar spot)
B. Rhizoctonia solani (brown patch)
C. Pythium aphanidermatum (Pythium blight)
D. Magnaporthe poae (summer patch)
Answer: C. Pythium aphanidermatum (Pythium blight)
Rationale: Pythium blight is characterized by grayish-white mycelium in the morning,
water-soaked lesions, and rapid progression in warm, humid conditions. Dollar spot
produces smaller, distinct lesions with hourglass shapes; brown patch causes circular
patches with dark borders; summer patch affects roots and crowns, not typically producing
mycelium.
4. While operating a riding mower on a slope, the operator loses traction and the
mower begins to slide sideways. According to Cal/OSHA and equipment safety best
practices, what is the correct immediate action?
A. Turn the steering wheel sharply uphill to regain traction.
B. Dismount immediately and attempt to stabilize the mower manually.
C. Steer straight downhill and disengage the blade to reduce rollover risk.
D. Apply the brake abruptly and shut off the engine.
Answer: C. Steer straight downhill and disengage the blade to reduce rollover risk.
Rationale: The safest response to a sideways slide on a slope is to steer straight downhill
and disengage the blade, reducing the risk of rollover. Turning uphill can cause a rollover,
dismounting is dangerous, and abrupt braking can worsen the slide. Cal/OSHA
recommends operating riding mowers up and down slopes, not across.
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, 5. A concrete park pathway shows extensive hairline cracking and spalling after 15
years of service. The maintenance supervisor requests a cost-effective repair that
restores structural integrity and meets ADA accessibility standards. Which method is
most appropriate?
A. Apply a thin epoxy coating over the entire surface to seal cracks.
B. Remove and replace the affected sections with new concrete, ensuring slope and
cross-slope compliance.
C. Fill cracks with flexible sealant and overlay with asphalt.
D. Grind down the spalled areas and apply a polymer-modified resurfacing compound.
Answer: B. Remove and replace the affected sections with new concrete, ensuring
slope and cross-slope compliance.
Rationale: Full-depth replacement of affected sections ensures structural integrity and
allows proper slope and cross-slope to meet ADA standards. Epoxy coatings and sealants
do not restore structural capacity and may not address accessibility. Asphalt overlays can
create height transitions that violate ADA.
6. A park's backflow prevention assembly (reduced pressure zone) fails its annual
certification test. The maintenance worker notices the relief valve is discharging
continuously. What is the most likely cause?
A. A blocked air inlet on the first check valve.
B. Debris lodged in the second check valve, preventing it from sealing.
C. A ruptured diaphragm in the relief valve.
D. Excessive upstream pressure exceeding the relief valve setting.
Answer: B. Debris lodged in the second check valve, preventing it from sealing.
Rationale: Continuous discharge from the relief valve in an RPZ assembly typically
indicates that the second check valve is not sealing properly, allowing downstream
pressure to force the relief valve open. Debris is a common cause. A ruptured diaphragm
or blocked air inlet would cause different symptoms, and excessive upstream pressure
would affect both checks.
Page 4 of 79
(PMW) Practice Exam with Practice
Questions And Correc
1. A park's irrigation system exhibits uneven pressure: zones closest to the valve
operate at 55 psi while distant zones drop to 28 psi. A pressure gauge at the pump
reads 60 psi. Which of the following is the most likely primary cause?
A. A faulty pump impeller reducing overall system flow.
B. Excessive friction loss in the mainline due to undersized pipe or high flow velocity.
C. A malfunctioning backflow preventer causing pressure surges.
D. Improperly set pressure regulator at the zone control valve.
Answer: B. Excessive friction loss in the mainline due to undersized pipe or high flow
velocity.
Rationale: The pressure gradient from 55 psi near the valve to 28 psi at distant zones
indicates significant friction loss along the mainline, typically from undersized piping or
excessive flow velocity. Pump issues would affect all zones equally, and a pressure
regulator would create a uniform reduction. Backflow preventers do not cause gradual
pressure drop with distance.
2. A park maintenance worker plans to apply a non-restricted herbicide to control
weeds along a fence line adjacent to a public walking path. According to California
Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) requirements, which of the following is
mandatory before application?
A. Obtain a written permit from the county agricultural commissioner for non-restricted
herbicides.
B. Post warning signs at the application site and provide oral notification to adjacent
residents within 24 hours.
C. Ensure the applicator holds a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or works under a
certified applicator's supervision.
D. Notify the California EPA Air Resources Board at least 48 hours in advance.
Answer: C. Ensure the applicator holds a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or
works under a certified applicator's supervision.
Rationale: California DPR regulations require that anyone applying pesticides for hire or
Page 1 of 79
,on public property must be a certified applicator or work under the direct supervision of a
certified applicator. Non-restricted herbicides do not require a county permit, and
posting/notification rules vary by county but are not universally mandated for
non-restricted materials. ARB notification is not required for ground applications of
non-restricted herbicides.
Page 2 of 79
,3. A park's cool-season turfgrass shows irregular patches of grayish-white mycelium
in the morning, with leaf blades exhibiting water-soaked lesions that turn tan. The
disease progresses rapidly in warm, humid conditions. Which pathogen is most likely
responsible?
A. Sclerotinia homoeocarpa (dollar spot)
B. Rhizoctonia solani (brown patch)
C. Pythium aphanidermatum (Pythium blight)
D. Magnaporthe poae (summer patch)
Answer: C. Pythium aphanidermatum (Pythium blight)
Rationale: Pythium blight is characterized by grayish-white mycelium in the morning,
water-soaked lesions, and rapid progression in warm, humid conditions. Dollar spot
produces smaller, distinct lesions with hourglass shapes; brown patch causes circular
patches with dark borders; summer patch affects roots and crowns, not typically producing
mycelium.
4. While operating a riding mower on a slope, the operator loses traction and the
mower begins to slide sideways. According to Cal/OSHA and equipment safety best
practices, what is the correct immediate action?
A. Turn the steering wheel sharply uphill to regain traction.
B. Dismount immediately and attempt to stabilize the mower manually.
C. Steer straight downhill and disengage the blade to reduce rollover risk.
D. Apply the brake abruptly and shut off the engine.
Answer: C. Steer straight downhill and disengage the blade to reduce rollover risk.
Rationale: The safest response to a sideways slide on a slope is to steer straight downhill
and disengage the blade, reducing the risk of rollover. Turning uphill can cause a rollover,
dismounting is dangerous, and abrupt braking can worsen the slide. Cal/OSHA
recommends operating riding mowers up and down slopes, not across.
Page 3 of 79
, 5. A concrete park pathway shows extensive hairline cracking and spalling after 15
years of service. The maintenance supervisor requests a cost-effective repair that
restores structural integrity and meets ADA accessibility standards. Which method is
most appropriate?
A. Apply a thin epoxy coating over the entire surface to seal cracks.
B. Remove and replace the affected sections with new concrete, ensuring slope and
cross-slope compliance.
C. Fill cracks with flexible sealant and overlay with asphalt.
D. Grind down the spalled areas and apply a polymer-modified resurfacing compound.
Answer: B. Remove and replace the affected sections with new concrete, ensuring
slope and cross-slope compliance.
Rationale: Full-depth replacement of affected sections ensures structural integrity and
allows proper slope and cross-slope to meet ADA standards. Epoxy coatings and sealants
do not restore structural capacity and may not address accessibility. Asphalt overlays can
create height transitions that violate ADA.
6. A park's backflow prevention assembly (reduced pressure zone) fails its annual
certification test. The maintenance worker notices the relief valve is discharging
continuously. What is the most likely cause?
A. A blocked air inlet on the first check valve.
B. Debris lodged in the second check valve, preventing it from sealing.
C. A ruptured diaphragm in the relief valve.
D. Excessive upstream pressure exceeding the relief valve setting.
Answer: B. Debris lodged in the second check valve, preventing it from sealing.
Rationale: Continuous discharge from the relief valve in an RPZ assembly typically
indicates that the second check valve is not sealing properly, allowing downstream
pressure to force the relief valve open. Debris is a common cause. A ruptured diaphragm
or blocked air inlet would cause different symptoms, and excessive upstream pressure
would affect both checks.
Page 4 of 79
