Masonry Contractor Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the standard compressive strength of concrete masonry units
(CMU) used in structural walls?
a) 500 psi
b) 1000 psi
c) 1900 psi
d) 2500 psi
The ASTM requirement for load-bearing CMUs is a minimum
compressive strength of 1900 psi.
2. Which mortar type has the highest compressive strength?
a) Type O
b) Type N
c) Type M
, d) Type S
Type M mortar is the strongest, with a compressive strength of about
2500 psi, suitable for foundations and retaining walls.
3. When laying brick, what is the standard thickness of a mortar joint?
a) 1/16 inch
b) 1/4 inch
c) 3/8 inch
d) 1/2 inch
The industry standard for mortar joints is 3/8 inch.
4. Which tool is primarily used to spread mortar on bricks or blocks?
a) Chisel
b) Hammer
c) Trowel
d) Level
A mason’s trowel is designed for spreading mortar during brick and
block laying.
5. The process of cutting out old mortar from joints and replacing it with
new mortar is called:
a) Parge coating
b) Rendering
c) Tuckpointing
d) Grouting
, Tuckpointing restores deteriorated mortar joints and extends the life of
masonry walls.
6. Which type of bond pattern uses bricks laid with their ends facing
outward?
a) Stretcher bond
b) Running bond
c) Header bond
d) Flemish bond
Header bond exposes the short face (header) of the brick, tying walls
together.
7. In masonry construction, what is the function of weep holes?
a) Provide ventilation
b) Allow water drainage
c) Anchor reinforcement
d) Reduce load transfer
Weep holes let water escape from cavity walls, preventing moisture
buildup.
8. The standard size of a modular brick in the U.S. is:
a) 2 x 4 x 6 inches
b) 3 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 7 5/8 inches
c) 4 x 4 x 8 inches
d) 3 x 3 x 6 inches
, This size allows for a 3/8-inch mortar joint, making a nominal 4 x 2 2/3
x 8 dimension.
9. What is the main ingredient in Portland cement?
a) Sand
b) Lime
c) Calcium silicates
d) Aluminum oxide
Calcium silicates provide the binding properties of cement.
10. Which of the following is a common cause of efflorescence in
masonry?
a) High wind pressure
b) Excessive heat
c) Water-soluble salts
d) Freeze-thaw cycles
Efflorescence is caused by salts dissolved in water migrating to the
surface.
11. In reinforced masonry walls, vertical reinforcement bars are
typically placed in:
a) Mortar joints
b) Grouted cells
c) Header bricks
d) Weep holes
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the standard compressive strength of concrete masonry units
(CMU) used in structural walls?
a) 500 psi
b) 1000 psi
c) 1900 psi
d) 2500 psi
The ASTM requirement for load-bearing CMUs is a minimum
compressive strength of 1900 psi.
2. Which mortar type has the highest compressive strength?
a) Type O
b) Type N
c) Type M
, d) Type S
Type M mortar is the strongest, with a compressive strength of about
2500 psi, suitable for foundations and retaining walls.
3. When laying brick, what is the standard thickness of a mortar joint?
a) 1/16 inch
b) 1/4 inch
c) 3/8 inch
d) 1/2 inch
The industry standard for mortar joints is 3/8 inch.
4. Which tool is primarily used to spread mortar on bricks or blocks?
a) Chisel
b) Hammer
c) Trowel
d) Level
A mason’s trowel is designed for spreading mortar during brick and
block laying.
5. The process of cutting out old mortar from joints and replacing it with
new mortar is called:
a) Parge coating
b) Rendering
c) Tuckpointing
d) Grouting
, Tuckpointing restores deteriorated mortar joints and extends the life of
masonry walls.
6. Which type of bond pattern uses bricks laid with their ends facing
outward?
a) Stretcher bond
b) Running bond
c) Header bond
d) Flemish bond
Header bond exposes the short face (header) of the brick, tying walls
together.
7. In masonry construction, what is the function of weep holes?
a) Provide ventilation
b) Allow water drainage
c) Anchor reinforcement
d) Reduce load transfer
Weep holes let water escape from cavity walls, preventing moisture
buildup.
8. The standard size of a modular brick in the U.S. is:
a) 2 x 4 x 6 inches
b) 3 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 7 5/8 inches
c) 4 x 4 x 8 inches
d) 3 x 3 x 6 inches
, This size allows for a 3/8-inch mortar joint, making a nominal 4 x 2 2/3
x 8 dimension.
9. What is the main ingredient in Portland cement?
a) Sand
b) Lime
c) Calcium silicates
d) Aluminum oxide
Calcium silicates provide the binding properties of cement.
10. Which of the following is a common cause of efflorescence in
masonry?
a) High wind pressure
b) Excessive heat
c) Water-soluble salts
d) Freeze-thaw cycles
Efflorescence is caused by salts dissolved in water migrating to the
surface.
11. In reinforced masonry walls, vertical reinforcement bars are
typically placed in:
a) Mortar joints
b) Grouted cells
c) Header bricks
d) Weep holes
