California Custodian Certification Exam – 107
Practice Questions Complete Study Guide for
State Custodian Certification (2026 Edition) latest
update this year .pdf
Section 1: Routine Cleaning Functions (Questions 1-25)
1. When dusting an office, what is the best procedure?
A) Dust vertical surfaces first, then flat surfaces
B) Dust flat surfaces first, then high surfaces
C) Dust from the top down and from clean to dirty areas
D) Dust from the bottom up to avoid missing spots
Answer: C
Rationale: Dusting from top to bottom prevents dust from falling onto already-cleaned
surfaces. Working from clean to dirty areas prevents cross-contamination .
2. What is the correct mopping pattern to minimize recontamination?
A) Figure-eight pattern starting from the door
B) Random overlapping strokes
C) "S" pattern working from the farthest corner toward the exit
D) Circular pattern ending in the center
Answer: C
Rationale: Working from the farthest corner toward the exit prevents walking over cleaned
areas, reducing recontamination and slip risk .
3. What tool is most effective for daily floor cleaning of large areas?
A) Dust mop
B) Push broom
C) Vacuum cleaner
D) Carpet sweeper
Answer: B
,Rationale: Push brooms are commonly used for daily floor cleaning because they efficiently
cover large areas and remove dry debris .
4. A custodian is mopping a large floor area. How often should the mop water be
changed?
A) Every time the custodian rinses the mop
B) Every other time the custodian rinses the mop
C) When the water appears to be dirty
D) When the custodian is finished mopping the floor
Answer: C
Rationale: Changing water when it appears dirty prevents spreading soil back onto the floor
and maintains cleaning effectiveness .
5. What is the correct technique for using a dust mop effectively?
A) Shake it vigorously to remove dust
B) Soak it in water before use
C) Sweep it across the floor in a figure-eight motion to collect dust and debris
D) Push it straight forward without lifting
Answer: C
Rationale: A figure-eight motion allows the dust mop to collect dust and debris effectively
without spreading it around .
6. What method should be used to deep clean carpet?
A) Carpet extraction
B) Shampoo the carpet
C) Spot clean the carpet
D) Soak the carpet with detergent
Answer: A
Rationale: Carpet extraction is the most effective deep cleaning method as it injects
cleaning solution and removes it along with soil, rather than just agitating it .
7. What is the recommended frequency for cleaning drinking water fountains?
A) Bi-weekly
B) Daily
, C) Weekly
D) Monthly
Answer: B
Rationale: Drinking water fountains should be cleaned daily to prevent bacterial growth and
ensure safe drinking water .
8. What is the primary task that must be completed when cleaning a room?
A) Organize furniture
B) Change light bulbs
C) Ensure cleanliness
D) Rearrange decorations
Answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of custodial work is to ensure cleanliness, health, and
safety in the environment .
9. What areas should be cleaned first in a room?
A) The floor
B) The walls
C) High surfaces and clean areas before dirty areas
D) The windows
Answer: C
Rationale: Cleaning from top to bottom and from clean to dirty areas is the most effective
and efficient cleaning method .
10. Which areas are typically prioritized during cleaning procedures?
A) Storage rooms and offices
B) Restrooms and break rooms
C) High-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces
D) Windows and light fixtures
Answer: C
Rationale: High-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces are prioritized because they
are most likely to spread germs .
11. Which tool is most appropriate for removing dust from high vents and pipes?
Practice Questions Complete Study Guide for
State Custodian Certification (2026 Edition) latest
update this year .pdf
Section 1: Routine Cleaning Functions (Questions 1-25)
1. When dusting an office, what is the best procedure?
A) Dust vertical surfaces first, then flat surfaces
B) Dust flat surfaces first, then high surfaces
C) Dust from the top down and from clean to dirty areas
D) Dust from the bottom up to avoid missing spots
Answer: C
Rationale: Dusting from top to bottom prevents dust from falling onto already-cleaned
surfaces. Working from clean to dirty areas prevents cross-contamination .
2. What is the correct mopping pattern to minimize recontamination?
A) Figure-eight pattern starting from the door
B) Random overlapping strokes
C) "S" pattern working from the farthest corner toward the exit
D) Circular pattern ending in the center
Answer: C
Rationale: Working from the farthest corner toward the exit prevents walking over cleaned
areas, reducing recontamination and slip risk .
3. What tool is most effective for daily floor cleaning of large areas?
A) Dust mop
B) Push broom
C) Vacuum cleaner
D) Carpet sweeper
Answer: B
,Rationale: Push brooms are commonly used for daily floor cleaning because they efficiently
cover large areas and remove dry debris .
4. A custodian is mopping a large floor area. How often should the mop water be
changed?
A) Every time the custodian rinses the mop
B) Every other time the custodian rinses the mop
C) When the water appears to be dirty
D) When the custodian is finished mopping the floor
Answer: C
Rationale: Changing water when it appears dirty prevents spreading soil back onto the floor
and maintains cleaning effectiveness .
5. What is the correct technique for using a dust mop effectively?
A) Shake it vigorously to remove dust
B) Soak it in water before use
C) Sweep it across the floor in a figure-eight motion to collect dust and debris
D) Push it straight forward without lifting
Answer: C
Rationale: A figure-eight motion allows the dust mop to collect dust and debris effectively
without spreading it around .
6. What method should be used to deep clean carpet?
A) Carpet extraction
B) Shampoo the carpet
C) Spot clean the carpet
D) Soak the carpet with detergent
Answer: A
Rationale: Carpet extraction is the most effective deep cleaning method as it injects
cleaning solution and removes it along with soil, rather than just agitating it .
7. What is the recommended frequency for cleaning drinking water fountains?
A) Bi-weekly
B) Daily
, C) Weekly
D) Monthly
Answer: B
Rationale: Drinking water fountains should be cleaned daily to prevent bacterial growth and
ensure safe drinking water .
8. What is the primary task that must be completed when cleaning a room?
A) Organize furniture
B) Change light bulbs
C) Ensure cleanliness
D) Rearrange decorations
Answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of custodial work is to ensure cleanliness, health, and
safety in the environment .
9. What areas should be cleaned first in a room?
A) The floor
B) The walls
C) High surfaces and clean areas before dirty areas
D) The windows
Answer: C
Rationale: Cleaning from top to bottom and from clean to dirty areas is the most effective
and efficient cleaning method .
10. Which areas are typically prioritized during cleaning procedures?
A) Storage rooms and offices
B) Restrooms and break rooms
C) High-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces
D) Windows and light fixtures
Answer: C
Rationale: High-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces are prioritized because they
are most likely to spread germs .
11. Which tool is most appropriate for removing dust from high vents and pipes?
