Page 1 of 152
Hawaii (HI) C 55 Waterproofing Contractor Exam
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
Hawaii (HI) C-55 Waterproofing Contractor Exam, as administered by Prometric on behalf of the Hawaii
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Each question is paired with a verified answer
and a summarized rationale based on the official exam outline, waterproofing industry standards,
Hawaii’s tropical climate considerations, and OSHA safety requirements.
Note on Exam Coverage: The following questions are directly relevant to the C-55 license scope, which
includes application of waterproofing materials (felt, glass, asphaltum, epoxy, pitch, silicone, elastomeric
coatings, sheet membranes, etc.) to surfaces to prevent water and water vapor penetration. Work
includes exterior walls (above and below grade), planter boxes, tank linings, parking decks, and walking
decks—but not the work of a C-42 roofing contractor . The exam outline weighting is: Above-Grade
Waterproofing Systems (40%), Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems (30%), Vapor Barriers (10%), Damp
Proofing (10%), and Safety (10%) .
Domain 1: Above-Grade Waterproofing Systems (40% of exam)
1. A general contractor requests waterproofing for exterior walls of a new building in Kailua that will be
exposed to heavy wind-driven rain. The substrate is poured concrete. Which system is most appropriate
for this above-grade application?
A) Bentonite clay panels
B) Self-adhered bituminous sheet membrane with UV-resistant coating
C) Interior vapor barrier only
D) Damp proofing with asphalt emulsion
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Correct Answer: B. Self-adhered bituminous sheet membranes provide a continuous, flexible barrier
resistant to hydrostatic head and wind-driven rain; they must be protected from UV exposure with a
coating or covering .
2. A homeowner in Kihei wants to waterproof a rooftop deck that will be used frequently for lūʻau
gatherings. The surface will see heavy foot traffic and intense sun. Which waterproofing system
characteristic is most critical for this application?
A) Low cost
B) High aesthetic appearance only
C) High compressive strength and abrasion resistance
D) Maximum vapor permeability
Correct Answer: C. Rooftop decks with pedestrian traffic require high compressive strength and abrasion
resistance to withstand wear while maintaining a continuous waterproof barrier .
3. A building inspector identifies efflorescence on a newly constructed above-grade concrete wall in
Hilo. What does this indicate about the wall’s condition?
A) The concrete was cured with seawater
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B) Moisture is migrating through the substrate, dissolving and depositing salts
C) The waterproof coating was applied too thickly
D) The wall is properly sealed and dry
Correct Answer: B. Efflorescence occurs when water moves through masonry or concrete, carrying
soluble salts to the surface where they crystallize, indicating moisture movement that must be addressed
before waterproofing .
4. A specification requires a waterproof coating that can stretch across hairline cracks without rupturing.
Which property is most directly relevant to this requirement?
A) High tensile strength only
B) Low viscosity
C) High elongation at break
D) UV resistance
Correct Answer: C. High elongation at break allows the coating to stretch with substrate movement and
bridge cracks without losing continuity .
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5. A project in Waikīkī requires waterproofing for a balcony subject to salt spray and intense UV
radiation. Which coating chemistry is most suitable for these harsh coastal conditions?
A) Acrylic latex
B) Asphaltum-based coating
C) Silicone-based membrane
D) Unmodified Portland cement coating
Correct Answer: C. Silicone membranes exhibit excellent resistance to salt-air corrosion and UV
degradation, making them ideal for Hawaii’s coastal environment .
6. An architect specifies an elastomeric coating for an above-grade stucco wall. What is the primary
benefit of elastomeric over rigid coatings?
A) It costs less per square foot
B) It remains flexible and can bridge minor substrate cracks
C) It requires no surface preparation
D) It cures faster in humid conditions
Hawaii (HI) C 55 Waterproofing Contractor Exam
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
Hawaii (HI) C-55 Waterproofing Contractor Exam, as administered by Prometric on behalf of the Hawaii
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Each question is paired with a verified answer
and a summarized rationale based on the official exam outline, waterproofing industry standards,
Hawaii’s tropical climate considerations, and OSHA safety requirements.
Note on Exam Coverage: The following questions are directly relevant to the C-55 license scope, which
includes application of waterproofing materials (felt, glass, asphaltum, epoxy, pitch, silicone, elastomeric
coatings, sheet membranes, etc.) to surfaces to prevent water and water vapor penetration. Work
includes exterior walls (above and below grade), planter boxes, tank linings, parking decks, and walking
decks—but not the work of a C-42 roofing contractor . The exam outline weighting is: Above-Grade
Waterproofing Systems (40%), Below-Grade Waterproofing Systems (30%), Vapor Barriers (10%), Damp
Proofing (10%), and Safety (10%) .
Domain 1: Above-Grade Waterproofing Systems (40% of exam)
1. A general contractor requests waterproofing for exterior walls of a new building in Kailua that will be
exposed to heavy wind-driven rain. The substrate is poured concrete. Which system is most appropriate
for this above-grade application?
A) Bentonite clay panels
B) Self-adhered bituminous sheet membrane with UV-resistant coating
C) Interior vapor barrier only
D) Damp proofing with asphalt emulsion
, Page 2 of 152
Correct Answer: B. Self-adhered bituminous sheet membranes provide a continuous, flexible barrier
resistant to hydrostatic head and wind-driven rain; they must be protected from UV exposure with a
coating or covering .
2. A homeowner in Kihei wants to waterproof a rooftop deck that will be used frequently for lūʻau
gatherings. The surface will see heavy foot traffic and intense sun. Which waterproofing system
characteristic is most critical for this application?
A) Low cost
B) High aesthetic appearance only
C) High compressive strength and abrasion resistance
D) Maximum vapor permeability
Correct Answer: C. Rooftop decks with pedestrian traffic require high compressive strength and abrasion
resistance to withstand wear while maintaining a continuous waterproof barrier .
3. A building inspector identifies efflorescence on a newly constructed above-grade concrete wall in
Hilo. What does this indicate about the wall’s condition?
A) The concrete was cured with seawater
, Page 3 of 152
B) Moisture is migrating through the substrate, dissolving and depositing salts
C) The waterproof coating was applied too thickly
D) The wall is properly sealed and dry
Correct Answer: B. Efflorescence occurs when water moves through masonry or concrete, carrying
soluble salts to the surface where they crystallize, indicating moisture movement that must be addressed
before waterproofing .
4. A specification requires a waterproof coating that can stretch across hairline cracks without rupturing.
Which property is most directly relevant to this requirement?
A) High tensile strength only
B) Low viscosity
C) High elongation at break
D) UV resistance
Correct Answer: C. High elongation at break allows the coating to stretch with substrate movement and
bridge cracks without losing continuity .
, Page 4 of 152
5. A project in Waikīkī requires waterproofing for a balcony subject to salt spray and intense UV
radiation. Which coating chemistry is most suitable for these harsh coastal conditions?
A) Acrylic latex
B) Asphaltum-based coating
C) Silicone-based membrane
D) Unmodified Portland cement coating
Correct Answer: C. Silicone membranes exhibit excellent resistance to salt-air corrosion and UV
degradation, making them ideal for Hawaii’s coastal environment .
6. An architect specifies an elastomeric coating for an above-grade stucco wall. What is the primary
benefit of elastomeric over rigid coatings?
A) It costs less per square foot
B) It remains flexible and can bridge minor substrate cracks
C) It requires no surface preparation
D) It cures faster in humid conditions
