California Custodian Certification Exam 2026: 170
Practice Questions with Verified Answers &
Rationales – Custodian I & II Prep Instant Pdf
Download
The California Custodian Certification Exam evaluates candidates on professional cleaning
techniques, OSHA safety standards, chemical handling protocols, floor care procedures,
and facility maintenance knowledge for state employment . Passing is required for state
custodian positions.
SECTION 1: CUSTODIAL SAFETY & OSHA COMPLIANCE (Questions 1-40)
Q1. What is the safest first action when a custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle
containing a blue liquid under a sink?
Answer: Do not use it; report it to a supervisor or follow facility protocol for unidentified
chemicals.
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals pose serious safety risks. Never smell or use unidentified
substances . The custodian should report it to a supervisor and follow facility protocols for
proper identification or disposal.
Q2. A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner and
notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
Answer: Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident.
,Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic chloramine vapors that can cause
severe respiratory distress . Immediate evacuation and reporting are required. Do not
attempt to neutralize the mixture.
Q3. According to OSHA guidelines, where must Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be kept for
staff access?
Answer: In an easily accessible location where chemicals are stored or used.
Rationale: SDS must be readily accessible to all employees in the work area . They cannot
be locked in a manager's office or kept only on a website.
Q4. What is the correct procedure for diluting a concentrated chemical cleaner?
Answer: Add water to the container first, then add the chemical.
Rationale: Adding water first prevents chemical splashing and reduces the risk of
hazardous reactions or concentrated mist inhalation . This is standard safety protocol for
diluting professional cleaning agents.
Q5. A custodian notices a floor buffer cord has exposed wires near the plug end.
What is the correct action?
Answer: Remove the machine from service and report for repair or replacement.
Rationale: Damaged cords create electrocution and fire hazards and must be removed
from service immediately .
, Q6. What is the correct PPE for cleaning bodily fluids from a restroom floor?
Answer: Put on proper PPE (gloves, goggles, mask) and follow bloodborne pathogen
cleanup procedures.
Rationale: Bodily fluids require PPE and proper infection control protocols to prevent
exposure to bloodborne pathogens . Universal Precautions must be followed .
Q7. A custodian is using a ladder to change light bulbs. Which practice is safest?
Answer: Keep ladder stable, maintain three points of contact, and never stand on the top
step.
Rationale: Ladder safety includes maintaining stability and never standing on the top two
rungs. Three points of contact reduces fall risk .
Q8. What does "dwell time" refer to in professional cleaning?
Answer: The length of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to be effective.
Rationale: Dwell time is critical—if a surface dries before the specified time, the disinfectant
will not achieve the required kill rate for pathogens .
Q9. When preparing disinfectant solution, the custodian is unsure of the correct
dilution ratio. What is the best action?
Answer: Read the label carefully and consult the SDS or supervisor if needed.
Rationale: Proper dilution ensures effectiveness and safety; label and SDS provide
required instructions .
Practice Questions with Verified Answers &
Rationales – Custodian I & II Prep Instant Pdf
Download
The California Custodian Certification Exam evaluates candidates on professional cleaning
techniques, OSHA safety standards, chemical handling protocols, floor care procedures,
and facility maintenance knowledge for state employment . Passing is required for state
custodian positions.
SECTION 1: CUSTODIAL SAFETY & OSHA COMPLIANCE (Questions 1-40)
Q1. What is the safest first action when a custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle
containing a blue liquid under a sink?
Answer: Do not use it; report it to a supervisor or follow facility protocol for unidentified
chemicals.
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals pose serious safety risks. Never smell or use unidentified
substances . The custodian should report it to a supervisor and follow facility protocols for
proper identification or disposal.
Q2. A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner and
notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
Answer: Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident.
,Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic chloramine vapors that can cause
severe respiratory distress . Immediate evacuation and reporting are required. Do not
attempt to neutralize the mixture.
Q3. According to OSHA guidelines, where must Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be kept for
staff access?
Answer: In an easily accessible location where chemicals are stored or used.
Rationale: SDS must be readily accessible to all employees in the work area . They cannot
be locked in a manager's office or kept only on a website.
Q4. What is the correct procedure for diluting a concentrated chemical cleaner?
Answer: Add water to the container first, then add the chemical.
Rationale: Adding water first prevents chemical splashing and reduces the risk of
hazardous reactions or concentrated mist inhalation . This is standard safety protocol for
diluting professional cleaning agents.
Q5. A custodian notices a floor buffer cord has exposed wires near the plug end.
What is the correct action?
Answer: Remove the machine from service and report for repair or replacement.
Rationale: Damaged cords create electrocution and fire hazards and must be removed
from service immediately .
, Q6. What is the correct PPE for cleaning bodily fluids from a restroom floor?
Answer: Put on proper PPE (gloves, goggles, mask) and follow bloodborne pathogen
cleanup procedures.
Rationale: Bodily fluids require PPE and proper infection control protocols to prevent
exposure to bloodborne pathogens . Universal Precautions must be followed .
Q7. A custodian is using a ladder to change light bulbs. Which practice is safest?
Answer: Keep ladder stable, maintain three points of contact, and never stand on the top
step.
Rationale: Ladder safety includes maintaining stability and never standing on the top two
rungs. Three points of contact reduces fall risk .
Q8. What does "dwell time" refer to in professional cleaning?
Answer: The length of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to be effective.
Rationale: Dwell time is critical—if a surface dries before the specified time, the disinfectant
will not achieve the required kill rate for pathogens .
Q9. When preparing disinfectant solution, the custodian is unsure of the correct
dilution ratio. What is the best action?
Answer: Read the label carefully and consult the SDS or supervisor if needed.
Rationale: Proper dilution ensures effectiveness and safety; label and SDS provide
required instructions .
