California Custodian Certification Exam Test Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of dust mopping?
To remove loose dirt and debris from the floor
Dust mopping eliminates dry soils that can damage floors and create slip hazards.
2. Which of the following is the best cleaning solution for disinfecting
restroom surfaces?
A diluted bleach solution or EPA-registered disinfectant
These products effectively kill bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces.
3. What is the most important step before using any chemical cleaning
product?
Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The SDS provides vital information on hazards, handling, and emergency
measures.
4. What type of flooring is best cleaned with a neutral pH cleaner?
Vinyl tile
Neutral pH cleaners prevent damage and preserve floor finish on vinyl surfaces.
5. What should be used to clean up a broken glass spill?
,Dustpan and brush or tongs
Avoid bare hands to prevent injury from sharp edges.
6. How should a mop be stored after use?
Rinse, wring out, and hang it to dry
Proper storage prevents mildew and extends mop life.
7. What should be done before mopping a public hallway?
Place caution signs at both ends
Wet floor signs alert others to slip hazards and reduce liability.
8. When cleaning a restroom, which area should be cleaned last?
The floor
Cleaning the floor last prevents re-contamination from other surfaces.
9. What is the primary function of a floor buffer?
To polish or scrub floors
Buffers are used for maintaining shine or deep-cleaning surfaces.
10.What is the purpose of stripping a floor?
To remove old wax or finish
Stripping prepares the floor for new finish application.
11.When using ammonia-based cleaners, avoid mixing them with:
Bleach
Mixing ammonia and bleach releases toxic chloramine gas.
12.What is the ideal PSI (pounds per square inch) for a pressure washer on
concrete?
,2500–3000 PSI
This range effectively cleans concrete without causing damage.
13.The term PPE stands for:
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE includes gloves, goggles, and other gear for chemical and physical protection.
14.What is the first step in the daily cleaning of a classroom?
Empty trash receptacles
Removing trash first prevents odor and contamination during other tasks.
15.Which of the following is a slip-resistant floor finish?
Matte or low-gloss finish
These finishes reduce glare and provide better traction.
16.How often should HVAC vents be dusted in schools?
Monthly or as needed
Regular vent cleaning maintains air quality and reduces dust buildup.
17.Which cleaning method uses minimal water and chemicals?
Dry cleaning or microfiber systems
These methods are environmentally friendly and effective.
18.What should be done if a custodian finds a needle or syringe?
Use tongs and place it in a sharps container
Direct handling is dangerous; follow biohazard protocols.
19.What color mop is typically used for restroom areas?
, Red
Color-coding helps prevent cross-contamination.
20.When buffing a floor, what should be done to avoid swirl marks?
Move the buffer in straight, overlapping passes
Overlapping ensures even coverage and a uniform shine.
21.A pH level of 14 indicates:
A strong alkaline
pH levels range from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline); 7 is neutral.
22.What is the primary risk when using a ladder incorrectly?
Falling and injury
Improper ladder use is a major cause of workplace injuries.
23.To remove graffiti from a painted wall, use:
A graffiti remover safe for painted surfaces
These removers are designed to break down paint without damaging the
substrate.
24.What should be used to clean carpet stains?
A carpet spot remover
Spot removers target stains without saturating the carpet.
25.HEPA filters are designed to:
Trap very small particles and allergens
HEPA filters improve air quality by capturing fine dust and pollen.
26.A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is now referred to as:
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of dust mopping?
To remove loose dirt and debris from the floor
Dust mopping eliminates dry soils that can damage floors and create slip hazards.
2. Which of the following is the best cleaning solution for disinfecting
restroom surfaces?
A diluted bleach solution or EPA-registered disinfectant
These products effectively kill bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces.
3. What is the most important step before using any chemical cleaning
product?
Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The SDS provides vital information on hazards, handling, and emergency
measures.
4. What type of flooring is best cleaned with a neutral pH cleaner?
Vinyl tile
Neutral pH cleaners prevent damage and preserve floor finish on vinyl surfaces.
5. What should be used to clean up a broken glass spill?
,Dustpan and brush or tongs
Avoid bare hands to prevent injury from sharp edges.
6. How should a mop be stored after use?
Rinse, wring out, and hang it to dry
Proper storage prevents mildew and extends mop life.
7. What should be done before mopping a public hallway?
Place caution signs at both ends
Wet floor signs alert others to slip hazards and reduce liability.
8. When cleaning a restroom, which area should be cleaned last?
The floor
Cleaning the floor last prevents re-contamination from other surfaces.
9. What is the primary function of a floor buffer?
To polish or scrub floors
Buffers are used for maintaining shine or deep-cleaning surfaces.
10.What is the purpose of stripping a floor?
To remove old wax or finish
Stripping prepares the floor for new finish application.
11.When using ammonia-based cleaners, avoid mixing them with:
Bleach
Mixing ammonia and bleach releases toxic chloramine gas.
12.What is the ideal PSI (pounds per square inch) for a pressure washer on
concrete?
,2500–3000 PSI
This range effectively cleans concrete without causing damage.
13.The term PPE stands for:
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE includes gloves, goggles, and other gear for chemical and physical protection.
14.What is the first step in the daily cleaning of a classroom?
Empty trash receptacles
Removing trash first prevents odor and contamination during other tasks.
15.Which of the following is a slip-resistant floor finish?
Matte or low-gloss finish
These finishes reduce glare and provide better traction.
16.How often should HVAC vents be dusted in schools?
Monthly or as needed
Regular vent cleaning maintains air quality and reduces dust buildup.
17.Which cleaning method uses minimal water and chemicals?
Dry cleaning or microfiber systems
These methods are environmentally friendly and effective.
18.What should be done if a custodian finds a needle or syringe?
Use tongs and place it in a sharps container
Direct handling is dangerous; follow biohazard protocols.
19.What color mop is typically used for restroom areas?
, Red
Color-coding helps prevent cross-contamination.
20.When buffing a floor, what should be done to avoid swirl marks?
Move the buffer in straight, overlapping passes
Overlapping ensures even coverage and a uniform shine.
21.A pH level of 14 indicates:
A strong alkaline
pH levels range from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline); 7 is neutral.
22.What is the primary risk when using a ladder incorrectly?
Falling and injury
Improper ladder use is a major cause of workplace injuries.
23.To remove graffiti from a painted wall, use:
A graffiti remover safe for painted surfaces
These removers are designed to break down paint without damaging the
substrate.
24.What should be used to clean carpet stains?
A carpet spot remover
Spot removers target stains without saturating the carpet.
25.HEPA filters are designed to:
Trap very small particles and allergens
HEPA filters improve air quality by capturing fine dust and pollen.
26.A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is now referred to as:
