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California Custodian Certification Exam COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
ACTUAL EXAM COVERAGE (ALL CONTENTS COVERED)
A. Custodial Safety and OSHA Compliance
• PPE selection and correct use (gloves, goggles, masks, hearing protection)
• Hazard communication (HazCom), SDS reading, chemical labeling
• Lockout/Tagout awareness (basic custodial situations)
• Bloodborne pathogens precautions (bodily fluids cleanup)
• Slip, trip, fall prevention and reporting
• Ladder safety and proper lifting techniques
• Fire safety basics and emergency evacuation procedures
B. Cleaning Chemicals and Proper Use
• Chemical dilution ratios and measuring methods
• Disinfectants vs sanitizers vs cleaners
• Dwell/contact time for disinfectants
• Mixing restrictions (bleach/ammonia hazards)
• Storage requirements and ventilation
• Green cleaning standards and safe chemical alternatives
C. Floor Care and Maintenance
• Sweeping, dust mopping, wet mopping procedures
• Auto-scrubber use and maintenance
• Floor stripping and waxing steps
• Burnishing and buffing techniques
• Carpet spotting, extraction cleaning, and drying
• Slip resistance and floor finish selection
• Restroom floor disinfection procedures
D. Restroom Sanitation and Infection Control
• High-touch point cleaning priorities
• Toilet, urinal, sink, and mirror cleaning procedures
• Odor control methods
• Proper disinfecting sequence to prevent cross-contamination
• Biohazard cleanup procedures and disposal
• Hand hygiene and glove removal practices
E. Classroom / Office / Common Area Cleaning
• Desk and surface cleaning best practices
• Dusting and microfiber use
• Trash removal and liner replacement
• Cleaning electronics safely
• Glass cleaning and streak prevention
• Breakroom and cafeteria sanitation practices
F. Equipment Use and Maintenance
• Vacuum cleaner types and filter maintenance
• Floor machines, pads, brushes, and correct selection
• Pressure washer safety (if applicable)
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• Proper cord management and inspection
• Equipment cleaning and storage after use
• Preventive maintenance routines
G. Waste Handling and Recycling
• Proper waste segregation (trash, recycling, hazardous waste)
• Sharps container awareness
• Handling broken glass and sharp objects
• Disposal rules for chemical containers and rags
• Pest prevention through proper waste control
H. Building Security and Professional Responsibilities
• Key control, access control, and door security
• Reporting suspicious activity
• Customer service and communication with staff
• Work orders and documentation
• Preventing vandalism and protecting property
I. Basic Facility Maintenance Knowledge
• Identifying plumbing issues (leaks, clogged drains, toilet problems)
• Light bulb replacement and basic electrical safety
• HVAC vent cleaning awareness and filter checks
• Recognizing mold/moisture issues and reporting procedures
• Minor repairs vs when to call maintenance staff
J. Emergency Response and Special Situations
• Flood cleanup and water extraction basics
• Fire extinguisher awareness (PASS method)
• Chemical spill response and containment
• Pandemic cleaning procedures and enhanced disinfection
• Earthquake and emergency shutdown basics (California emphasis)
Q1
A custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle containing a blue liquid under a sink in a school restroom.
What is the safest immediate action?
A. Smell the liquid to identify the chemical before using it
B. Dispose of the liquid immediately down the drain without documentation
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C. Stop use, secure the bottle, and identify it using SDS and labeling procedures
D. Mix it with disinfectant to increase cleaning strength for restroom surfaces
Answer: C
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals violate HazCom rules and must be identified and properly labeled
before use.
Q2
While mopping a hallway, a custodian notices students walking through the wet floor area. What is the
best prevention step?
A. Continue mopping quickly and ignore foot traffic to finish faster
B. Place wet floor signs and block off the area if possible to prevent slips
C. Use extra soap so the floor dries with a cleaner shine
D. Stop cleaning permanently until school closes for the day
Answer: B
Rationale: Slip prevention requires warning signs and controlling access to wet areas.
Q3
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A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner during restroom cleaning and
notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
A. Add more water to weaken the mixture and continue cleaning
B. Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident
C. Cover the fumes with air freshener spray and finish the job
D. Wipe the mixture into a trash bag and place it in regular garbage
Answer: B
Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic gas, requiring immediate evacuation and reporting.
Q4
During classroom cleaning, a custodian finds a used needle in the trash can. What is the safest
procedure?
A. Pick it up carefully with bare hands and throw it away immediately
B. Sweep it into a dustpan and dispose of it in regular trash
C. Use tongs or a mechanical device and place it into a sharps container
D. Break the needle into pieces so it fits in the trash bag safely
California Custodian Certification Exam COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
ACTUAL EXAM COVERAGE (ALL CONTENTS COVERED)
A. Custodial Safety and OSHA Compliance
• PPE selection and correct use (gloves, goggles, masks, hearing protection)
• Hazard communication (HazCom), SDS reading, chemical labeling
• Lockout/Tagout awareness (basic custodial situations)
• Bloodborne pathogens precautions (bodily fluids cleanup)
• Slip, trip, fall prevention and reporting
• Ladder safety and proper lifting techniques
• Fire safety basics and emergency evacuation procedures
B. Cleaning Chemicals and Proper Use
• Chemical dilution ratios and measuring methods
• Disinfectants vs sanitizers vs cleaners
• Dwell/contact time for disinfectants
• Mixing restrictions (bleach/ammonia hazards)
• Storage requirements and ventilation
• Green cleaning standards and safe chemical alternatives
C. Floor Care and Maintenance
• Sweeping, dust mopping, wet mopping procedures
• Auto-scrubber use and maintenance
• Floor stripping and waxing steps
• Burnishing and buffing techniques
• Carpet spotting, extraction cleaning, and drying
• Slip resistance and floor finish selection
• Restroom floor disinfection procedures
D. Restroom Sanitation and Infection Control
• High-touch point cleaning priorities
• Toilet, urinal, sink, and mirror cleaning procedures
• Odor control methods
• Proper disinfecting sequence to prevent cross-contamination
• Biohazard cleanup procedures and disposal
• Hand hygiene and glove removal practices
E. Classroom / Office / Common Area Cleaning
• Desk and surface cleaning best practices
• Dusting and microfiber use
• Trash removal and liner replacement
• Cleaning electronics safely
• Glass cleaning and streak prevention
• Breakroom and cafeteria sanitation practices
F. Equipment Use and Maintenance
• Vacuum cleaner types and filter maintenance
• Floor machines, pads, brushes, and correct selection
• Pressure washer safety (if applicable)
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• Proper cord management and inspection
• Equipment cleaning and storage after use
• Preventive maintenance routines
G. Waste Handling and Recycling
• Proper waste segregation (trash, recycling, hazardous waste)
• Sharps container awareness
• Handling broken glass and sharp objects
• Disposal rules for chemical containers and rags
• Pest prevention through proper waste control
H. Building Security and Professional Responsibilities
• Key control, access control, and door security
• Reporting suspicious activity
• Customer service and communication with staff
• Work orders and documentation
• Preventing vandalism and protecting property
I. Basic Facility Maintenance Knowledge
• Identifying plumbing issues (leaks, clogged drains, toilet problems)
• Light bulb replacement and basic electrical safety
• HVAC vent cleaning awareness and filter checks
• Recognizing mold/moisture issues and reporting procedures
• Minor repairs vs when to call maintenance staff
J. Emergency Response and Special Situations
• Flood cleanup and water extraction basics
• Fire extinguisher awareness (PASS method)
• Chemical spill response and containment
• Pandemic cleaning procedures and enhanced disinfection
• Earthquake and emergency shutdown basics (California emphasis)
Q1
A custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle containing a blue liquid under a sink in a school restroom.
What is the safest immediate action?
A. Smell the liquid to identify the chemical before using it
B. Dispose of the liquid immediately down the drain without documentation
, Page 3 of 126
C. Stop use, secure the bottle, and identify it using SDS and labeling procedures
D. Mix it with disinfectant to increase cleaning strength for restroom surfaces
Answer: C
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals violate HazCom rules and must be identified and properly labeled
before use.
Q2
While mopping a hallway, a custodian notices students walking through the wet floor area. What is the
best prevention step?
A. Continue mopping quickly and ignore foot traffic to finish faster
B. Place wet floor signs and block off the area if possible to prevent slips
C. Use extra soap so the floor dries with a cleaner shine
D. Stop cleaning permanently until school closes for the day
Answer: B
Rationale: Slip prevention requires warning signs and controlling access to wet areas.
Q3
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A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner during restroom cleaning and
notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
A. Add more water to weaken the mixture and continue cleaning
B. Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident
C. Cover the fumes with air freshener spray and finish the job
D. Wipe the mixture into a trash bag and place it in regular garbage
Answer: B
Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic gas, requiring immediate evacuation and reporting.
Q4
During classroom cleaning, a custodian finds a used needle in the trash can. What is the safest
procedure?
A. Pick it up carefully with bare hands and throw it away immediately
B. Sweep it into a dustpan and dispose of it in regular trash
C. Use tongs or a mechanical device and place it into a sharps container
D. Break the needle into pieces so it fits in the trash bag safely
