CALIFORNIA MASONRY CONTRACTOR
LICENSE EXAM ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS
AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND
COMPLETE UPDATE WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
1. Which type of mortar is generally used for load-bearing masonry walls?
A. Type M
B. Type S
C. Type N
D. Type O
Answer: A
Type M mortar has the highest compressive strength and is suitable for
load-bearing walls.
2. What is the maximum allowable moisture content in concrete masonry units
before laying them?
A. 2%
B. 5%
C. 8%
D. 12%
Answer: B
Excessive moisture can weaken mortar adhesion; 5% is typically the max
recommended.
3. Which brick bond provides the strongest wall in terms of lateral strength?
A. Running bond
, B. English bond
C. Flemish bond
D. Stack bond
Answer: B
English bond alternates stretcher and header courses, providing excellent
strength.
4. What is the primary purpose of control joints in masonry walls?
A. Aesthetic enhancement
B. Thermal expansion and contraction control
C. Prevent moisture absorption
D. Improve load-bearing capacity
Answer: B
Control joints allow movement from thermal expansion/contraction to
prevent cracking.
5. Which tool is used to smooth and compact mortar joints?
A. Trowel
B. Jointers
C. Level
D. Mason’s hammer
Answer: B
Jointers are specifically designed to shape and compact mortar joints.
6. What is the minimum thickness for a brick veneer wall over wood framing?
A. 2 inches
B. 4 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 8 inches
, Answer: B
The minimum thickness for proper structural stability is 4 inches.
7. In masonry construction, what does “weep hole” refer to?
A. Hole for vertical reinforcement
B. Hole for water drainage
C. Hole for inspection
D. Hole for electrical conduit
Answer: B
Weep holes allow moisture to drain from behind masonry walls.
8. Which type of cement is best suited for high-sulfate soils?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type V
Answer: D
Type V cement resists high sulfate attack.
9. Which is the most commonly used aggregate for concrete masonry?
A. Sandstone
B. Gravel
C. Crushed stone and sand
D. Clay
Answer: C
Crushed stone and sand provide proper strength and workability.
10.What is the recommended spacing for vertical reinforcement in reinforced
masonry walls?
A. 16 inches
B. 24 inches
, C. 32 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: B
Vertical reinforcement spacing is generally 24 inches to provide adequate
strength.
11.Which masonry unit is lightweight and provides better insulation?
A. Solid clay brick
B. Concrete block
C. Aerated concrete block
D. Stone block
Answer: C
Aerated concrete blocks are lightweight and have higher insulating
properties.
12.How should masonry units be laid in freezing conditions?
A. Use standard mortar
B. Pre-wet units and use anti-freeze admixtures
C. Lay dry units only
D. Delay construction until thaw
Answer: B
Pre-wetting and using anti-freeze additives prevent mortar from freezing.
13.What is the typical slump range for masonry concrete?
A. 1–2 inches
B. 2–4 inches
C. 4–6 inches
D. 6–8 inches
Answer: B
A 2–4 inch slump ensures workable concrete for masonry purposes.
LICENSE EXAM ACTUAL PREP QUESTIONS
AND WELL REVISED ANSWERS - LATEST AND
COMPLETE UPDATE WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS – ASSURES PASS
1. Which type of mortar is generally used for load-bearing masonry walls?
A. Type M
B. Type S
C. Type N
D. Type O
Answer: A
Type M mortar has the highest compressive strength and is suitable for
load-bearing walls.
2. What is the maximum allowable moisture content in concrete masonry units
before laying them?
A. 2%
B. 5%
C. 8%
D. 12%
Answer: B
Excessive moisture can weaken mortar adhesion; 5% is typically the max
recommended.
3. Which brick bond provides the strongest wall in terms of lateral strength?
A. Running bond
, B. English bond
C. Flemish bond
D. Stack bond
Answer: B
English bond alternates stretcher and header courses, providing excellent
strength.
4. What is the primary purpose of control joints in masonry walls?
A. Aesthetic enhancement
B. Thermal expansion and contraction control
C. Prevent moisture absorption
D. Improve load-bearing capacity
Answer: B
Control joints allow movement from thermal expansion/contraction to
prevent cracking.
5. Which tool is used to smooth and compact mortar joints?
A. Trowel
B. Jointers
C. Level
D. Mason’s hammer
Answer: B
Jointers are specifically designed to shape and compact mortar joints.
6. What is the minimum thickness for a brick veneer wall over wood framing?
A. 2 inches
B. 4 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 8 inches
, Answer: B
The minimum thickness for proper structural stability is 4 inches.
7. In masonry construction, what does “weep hole” refer to?
A. Hole for vertical reinforcement
B. Hole for water drainage
C. Hole for inspection
D. Hole for electrical conduit
Answer: B
Weep holes allow moisture to drain from behind masonry walls.
8. Which type of cement is best suited for high-sulfate soils?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type V
Answer: D
Type V cement resists high sulfate attack.
9. Which is the most commonly used aggregate for concrete masonry?
A. Sandstone
B. Gravel
C. Crushed stone and sand
D. Clay
Answer: C
Crushed stone and sand provide proper strength and workability.
10.What is the recommended spacing for vertical reinforcement in reinforced
masonry walls?
A. 16 inches
B. 24 inches
, C. 32 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: B
Vertical reinforcement spacing is generally 24 inches to provide adequate
strength.
11.Which masonry unit is lightweight and provides better insulation?
A. Solid clay brick
B. Concrete block
C. Aerated concrete block
D. Stone block
Answer: C
Aerated concrete blocks are lightweight and have higher insulating
properties.
12.How should masonry units be laid in freezing conditions?
A. Use standard mortar
B. Pre-wet units and use anti-freeze admixtures
C. Lay dry units only
D. Delay construction until thaw
Answer: B
Pre-wetting and using anti-freeze additives prevent mortar from freezing.
13.What is the typical slump range for masonry concrete?
A. 1–2 inches
B. 2–4 inches
C. 4–6 inches
D. 6–8 inches
Answer: B
A 2–4 inch slump ensures workable concrete for masonry purposes.
