MASONRY & BRICKLATING /
FRAMING CERTIFICATION
PRACTICE EXAM (2026 UPDATED)
:Questions and answer with
rationals/graded A+Update/100%
correct
SECTION 1: MASONRY MATERIALS & PROPERTIES (Questions
1–15)
1. Which type of masonry unit has three cores and is typically used for load-bearing
walls?
A) Hollow brick
B) Solid concrete block
C) Structural glazed facing tile
D) Concrete masonry unit (CMU) ✅
Rationale: CMUs are standard load-bearing units; hollow brick often has two cores, but
CMUs with three cores provide strength and reduced weight.
2. What is the minimum compressive strength for Grade N brick in ASTM C216 (2026
revision)?
A) 1,500 psi
B) 3,500 psi ✅
C) 5,000 psi
D) 8,000 psi
*Rationale: ASTM C216-25 maintains Grade N (severe weather) at 3,500 psi
minimum.*
, 3. The primary purpose of adding hydrated lime to mortar is to:
A) Increase compressive strength
B) Improve workability and water retention ✅
C) Reduce drying time
D) Increase efflorescence
Rationale: Lime plasticizes the mix, improves adhesion, and holds water for cement
hydration.
4. What is the maximum water absorption rate for Grade SW brick?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 17% ✅
D) 25%
Rationale: Grade SW (severe weathering) per ASTM C62 allows up to 17% absorption.
5. Which mortar type is highest in compressive strength?
A) Type N
B) Type O
C) Type M ✅
D) Type K
Rationale: Type M ≥ 2,500 psi; others are lower (Type N ~750 psi).
6. Efflorescence in masonry is caused by:
A) Over-hydration of lime
B) Water-soluble salts migrating to the surface ✅
C) Alkali-silica reaction
D) Freeze-thaw cycles
Rationale: Salts in clay/brick or mortar dissolve in water, then crystallize on drying.
7. A "closure brick" is used to:
A) Reinforce corners
B) Fill gaps at openings or bond patterns ✅
C) Support lintels
D) Provide weep holes
Rationale: Closure bricks are cut or special-shaped to complete a course.
8. ASTM C90 requires that normal-weight CMU have a minimum net compressive
strength of:
A) 1,000 psi
B) 1,500 psi
C) 1,900 psi ✅
D) 2,500 psi
*Rationale: Latest ASTM C90-25: net area compressive strength min 1900 psi.*
FRAMING CERTIFICATION
PRACTICE EXAM (2026 UPDATED)
:Questions and answer with
rationals/graded A+Update/100%
correct
SECTION 1: MASONRY MATERIALS & PROPERTIES (Questions
1–15)
1. Which type of masonry unit has three cores and is typically used for load-bearing
walls?
A) Hollow brick
B) Solid concrete block
C) Structural glazed facing tile
D) Concrete masonry unit (CMU) ✅
Rationale: CMUs are standard load-bearing units; hollow brick often has two cores, but
CMUs with three cores provide strength and reduced weight.
2. What is the minimum compressive strength for Grade N brick in ASTM C216 (2026
revision)?
A) 1,500 psi
B) 3,500 psi ✅
C) 5,000 psi
D) 8,000 psi
*Rationale: ASTM C216-25 maintains Grade N (severe weather) at 3,500 psi
minimum.*
, 3. The primary purpose of adding hydrated lime to mortar is to:
A) Increase compressive strength
B) Improve workability and water retention ✅
C) Reduce drying time
D) Increase efflorescence
Rationale: Lime plasticizes the mix, improves adhesion, and holds water for cement
hydration.
4. What is the maximum water absorption rate for Grade SW brick?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 17% ✅
D) 25%
Rationale: Grade SW (severe weathering) per ASTM C62 allows up to 17% absorption.
5. Which mortar type is highest in compressive strength?
A) Type N
B) Type O
C) Type M ✅
D) Type K
Rationale: Type M ≥ 2,500 psi; others are lower (Type N ~750 psi).
6. Efflorescence in masonry is caused by:
A) Over-hydration of lime
B) Water-soluble salts migrating to the surface ✅
C) Alkali-silica reaction
D) Freeze-thaw cycles
Rationale: Salts in clay/brick or mortar dissolve in water, then crystallize on drying.
7. A "closure brick" is used to:
A) Reinforce corners
B) Fill gaps at openings or bond patterns ✅
C) Support lintels
D) Provide weep holes
Rationale: Closure bricks are cut or special-shaped to complete a course.
8. ASTM C90 requires that normal-weight CMU have a minimum net compressive
strength of:
A) 1,000 psi
B) 1,500 psi
C) 1,900 psi ✅
D) 2,500 psi
*Rationale: Latest ASTM C90-25: net area compressive strength min 1900 psi.*
