CSLB Class B General Contractor's
License - Building's Exam: General
Building Updates I 2025
What fastener spacing is required for the corners of oriented strand board (OSB)?
A) 6 on edge or 8 on center
B) 6 on edge 12 on center
C) 8 on edge 12 on center
D) 8 on edge 16 on center - ✔️✔️B) 6 on edge 12 on center
Can linoleum be repaired or patched?
A) Never
B) Yes, with a pattern match
C) Yes, just cut small patch to fit
D) No, because it's not repairable - ✔️✔️B) Yes, with a pattern match
What is the best tool used to cut a 2 foot diameter hole in plywood?
A) Jigsaw
B) Keyhole saw
C) Mason saw
D) Hacksaw - ✔️✔️
Who may work with asbestos?
A) Contractor carrying asbestos certification
B) General contractor
C) General Engineer
D) Subcontractor - ✔️✔️A) Contractor carrying asbestos certification
What tile is better with sanded grout?
A) 4"x4" with a joint size between 3/32" and 1/16"
B) 4"x4" with a joint size between 1/16" and 5/8"
C) 6"x6" with a joint size between 1/16" and 1/8"
D) 6"x6" with a joint size between 1/8" and 1/4" - ✔️✔️D) 6"x6" with a joint size
between 1/8" and 1/4"
The size of the tile is not as important as the joint size. Sanded grouts are typically used
for grout joints that are wider than 1/8".
,If you have concrete subfloor, how would you install hardwood on top?
A) Nail it but only if there is a vapor barrier under the slab
B) Nail it but only if the hardwood is heavy enough to avoid warping
C) Nail it along with a water-based membrane
D) Glue down - ✔️✔️D) Glue down
Hardwood should never be nailed directly to concrete. Standard strip hardwood is
installed by blind nailing to wood subfloors or sleepers that are set over mastic. If using
sleepers don't forget to place a polyethylene sheet over the sleeper planks. If installing
tongue-and-groove hardwood planks over concrete, you may use mastic (paste-like
adhesive). This is known as the glue down method.
When connecting a rafter with collar ties, what nails are used? - ✔️✔️10d
What is the maximum height of an accessible sink in a commercial building? - ✔️✔️34"
According to the California Building Code, lavatories and sinks shall be installed with the
front of the higher of the rim or counter surface 34 inches (864 mm) maximum above
the finished floor. In residential dwellings unit kitchens, sinks that are adjustable to
variable heights, 29 inches (737 mm) minimum and 36 inches (914 mm) maximum,
shall be permitted where rough-in plumbing permits connections of supply and drain
pipes for sinks mounted at the height of 29 inches (737 mm).
Of the following, the best tool for door jamb installations is:
A) T-square
B) Eight-foot level
C) Six-foot level
D) Plumb - ✔️✔️C) Six-foot level
Who gives permission to install a septic system? - ✔️✔️City
How much spacing is required for anchor bolts from the edge of a stem wall? - ✔️✔️1
3/4"
When flooring (wood, laminate, etc.) is delivered to the job, how does the contractor
proceed?
A) Place in the room where it will be installed, and let acclimate
B) Start installation immediately
C) Put all the laminate in one place and let acclimate
, D) Wait a few hours and start installing - ✔️✔️A) Place in the room where it will be
installed, and let acclimate
Which of the following is incorrect about mobile scaffolds?
A) Wheels need to lock
B) All wheels must rotate
C) Base is 1/3 the height of the scaffold
D) Support 4 times the maximum intended load - ✔️✔️B) All wheels must rotate
What is the maximum slope for an ADA-compliant ramp?
A) 1:12
B) 1:18
C) 1:24
D) 1:48 - ✔️✔️A) 1:12
According to the ADA, ramps and curb ramps are required when an accessible route
has a change in elevation greater than ½-inch. The maximum slope expressed in
vertical rise to horizontal run is 1:12 (8.33%).
What part of a framing joist should not be drilled?
A) Middle 1/4 of the span of a joist
B) Middle 1/6 of the span of a joist
C) Middle 3/4 of the span of a joist
D) Middle 1/3 of the span of a joist - ✔️✔️
What waste is typically considered hazardous waste?
A) Decking materials
B) Walls
C) Oil
D) Gypsum - ✔️✔️C) Oil
What is the first thing you do for the side of a shear wall?
A) Paint with latex paint
B) Install wire mesh
C) Seal the wall with primer
D) Install No. 15 building felt - ✔️✔️D) Install No. 15 building felt
A water-resistant barrier must be provided over the frame or sheathing of a shear wall.
These barriers can be housewrap, Grade D Kraft building paper, or No. 15 building felt.
License - Building's Exam: General
Building Updates I 2025
What fastener spacing is required for the corners of oriented strand board (OSB)?
A) 6 on edge or 8 on center
B) 6 on edge 12 on center
C) 8 on edge 12 on center
D) 8 on edge 16 on center - ✔️✔️B) 6 on edge 12 on center
Can linoleum be repaired or patched?
A) Never
B) Yes, with a pattern match
C) Yes, just cut small patch to fit
D) No, because it's not repairable - ✔️✔️B) Yes, with a pattern match
What is the best tool used to cut a 2 foot diameter hole in plywood?
A) Jigsaw
B) Keyhole saw
C) Mason saw
D) Hacksaw - ✔️✔️
Who may work with asbestos?
A) Contractor carrying asbestos certification
B) General contractor
C) General Engineer
D) Subcontractor - ✔️✔️A) Contractor carrying asbestos certification
What tile is better with sanded grout?
A) 4"x4" with a joint size between 3/32" and 1/16"
B) 4"x4" with a joint size between 1/16" and 5/8"
C) 6"x6" with a joint size between 1/16" and 1/8"
D) 6"x6" with a joint size between 1/8" and 1/4" - ✔️✔️D) 6"x6" with a joint size
between 1/8" and 1/4"
The size of the tile is not as important as the joint size. Sanded grouts are typically used
for grout joints that are wider than 1/8".
,If you have concrete subfloor, how would you install hardwood on top?
A) Nail it but only if there is a vapor barrier under the slab
B) Nail it but only if the hardwood is heavy enough to avoid warping
C) Nail it along with a water-based membrane
D) Glue down - ✔️✔️D) Glue down
Hardwood should never be nailed directly to concrete. Standard strip hardwood is
installed by blind nailing to wood subfloors or sleepers that are set over mastic. If using
sleepers don't forget to place a polyethylene sheet over the sleeper planks. If installing
tongue-and-groove hardwood planks over concrete, you may use mastic (paste-like
adhesive). This is known as the glue down method.
When connecting a rafter with collar ties, what nails are used? - ✔️✔️10d
What is the maximum height of an accessible sink in a commercial building? - ✔️✔️34"
According to the California Building Code, lavatories and sinks shall be installed with the
front of the higher of the rim or counter surface 34 inches (864 mm) maximum above
the finished floor. In residential dwellings unit kitchens, sinks that are adjustable to
variable heights, 29 inches (737 mm) minimum and 36 inches (914 mm) maximum,
shall be permitted where rough-in plumbing permits connections of supply and drain
pipes for sinks mounted at the height of 29 inches (737 mm).
Of the following, the best tool for door jamb installations is:
A) T-square
B) Eight-foot level
C) Six-foot level
D) Plumb - ✔️✔️C) Six-foot level
Who gives permission to install a septic system? - ✔️✔️City
How much spacing is required for anchor bolts from the edge of a stem wall? - ✔️✔️1
3/4"
When flooring (wood, laminate, etc.) is delivered to the job, how does the contractor
proceed?
A) Place in the room where it will be installed, and let acclimate
B) Start installation immediately
C) Put all the laminate in one place and let acclimate
, D) Wait a few hours and start installing - ✔️✔️A) Place in the room where it will be
installed, and let acclimate
Which of the following is incorrect about mobile scaffolds?
A) Wheels need to lock
B) All wheels must rotate
C) Base is 1/3 the height of the scaffold
D) Support 4 times the maximum intended load - ✔️✔️B) All wheels must rotate
What is the maximum slope for an ADA-compliant ramp?
A) 1:12
B) 1:18
C) 1:24
D) 1:48 - ✔️✔️A) 1:12
According to the ADA, ramps and curb ramps are required when an accessible route
has a change in elevation greater than ½-inch. The maximum slope expressed in
vertical rise to horizontal run is 1:12 (8.33%).
What part of a framing joist should not be drilled?
A) Middle 1/4 of the span of a joist
B) Middle 1/6 of the span of a joist
C) Middle 3/4 of the span of a joist
D) Middle 1/3 of the span of a joist - ✔️✔️
What waste is typically considered hazardous waste?
A) Decking materials
B) Walls
C) Oil
D) Gypsum - ✔️✔️C) Oil
What is the first thing you do for the side of a shear wall?
A) Paint with latex paint
B) Install wire mesh
C) Seal the wall with primer
D) Install No. 15 building felt - ✔️✔️D) Install No. 15 building felt
A water-resistant barrier must be provided over the frame or sheathing of a shear wall.
These barriers can be housewrap, Grade D Kraft building paper, or No. 15 building felt.
