Masonry Contractor License Exam
Practice Test Questions And Correct
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which of the following is the most common type of masonry unit?
A. Concrete block
B. Stone
C. Brick
D. Adobe
Rationale: Bricks are the most widely used masonry unit due to their uniform
size, durability, and ease of use.
2. The main ingredient in Portland cement is:
A. Gypsum
B. Lime
,C. Clinker
D. Sand
Rationale: Clinker, composed of calcium silicates, is the primary ingredient in
Portland cement, which is then ground with gypsum to control setting time.
3. The bond that provides the strongest masonry wall is:
A. Running bond
B. Stack bond
C. Flemish bond
D. Common bond
Rationale: Stack bond aligns units directly above each other; however,
traditional strong walls typically rely on overlapping units, making Flemish or
running bonds more stable. Here, if the question intends the strongest
engineered bond for certain contexts, stack bond reinforced with steel can be
strongest.
4. The minimum compressive strength of concrete masonry units (CMU)
used in load-bearing walls is usually:
A. 500 psi
B. 1000 psi
C. 1900 psi
D. 2500 psi
Rationale: Load-bearing CMUs are commonly required to meet a minimum
compressive strength of 1900 psi according to building codes.
,5. Which of the following is used to prevent efflorescence in masonry?
A. Sand
B. Water
C. Water-repellent coating
D. Mortar mix
Rationale: Water-repellent coatings reduce the migration of water-soluble
salts to the surface, preventing efflorescence.
6. The type of mortar recommended for exterior above-grade masonry
walls is:
A. M
B. S
C. N
D. O
Rationale: Type S mortar provides higher compressive strength and better
resistance to lateral loads, making it suitable for exterior walls.
7. The purpose of control joints in masonry walls is to:
A. Improve aesthetics
B. Reduce load
C. Allow for thermal expansion and contraction
D. Increase compressive strength
Rationale: Control joints help prevent cracking due to temperature changes,
moisture movement, and shrinkage.
, 8. What is the typical thickness of a standard brick?
A. 2 inches
B. 3 inches
C. 4 inches
D. 6 inches
Rationale: Standard bricks typically measure 3 5/8 inches thick, which
rounds to about 4 inches for planning purposes.
9. What is the main difference between type N and type M mortar?
A. Color
B. Workability
C. Compressive strength
D. Water content
Rationale: Type M mortar has higher compressive strength (2500 psi) than
type N (750 psi), making it suitable for high-load walls.
10. A masonry wall that carries structural loads is called a:
A. Veneer wall
B. Curtain wall
C. Load-bearing wall
D. Partition wall
Rationale: Load-bearing walls support vertical loads from the roof or floors
above, unlike veneers or partitions.
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most common type of masonry unit?
A. Concrete block
B. Stone
C. Brick
D. Adobe
Rationale: Bricks are the most widely used masonry unit due to their uniform
size, durability, and ease of use.
2. The main ingredient in Portland cement is:
A. Gypsum
B. Lime
,C. Clinker
D. Sand
Rationale: Clinker, composed of calcium silicates, is the primary ingredient in
Portland cement, which is then ground with gypsum to control setting time.
3. The bond that provides the strongest masonry wall is:
A. Running bond
B. Stack bond
C. Flemish bond
D. Common bond
Rationale: Stack bond aligns units directly above each other; however,
traditional strong walls typically rely on overlapping units, making Flemish or
running bonds more stable. Here, if the question intends the strongest
engineered bond for certain contexts, stack bond reinforced with steel can be
strongest.
4. The minimum compressive strength of concrete masonry units (CMU)
used in load-bearing walls is usually:
A. 500 psi
B. 1000 psi
C. 1900 psi
D. 2500 psi
Rationale: Load-bearing CMUs are commonly required to meet a minimum
compressive strength of 1900 psi according to building codes.
,5. Which of the following is used to prevent efflorescence in masonry?
A. Sand
B. Water
C. Water-repellent coating
D. Mortar mix
Rationale: Water-repellent coatings reduce the migration of water-soluble
salts to the surface, preventing efflorescence.
6. The type of mortar recommended for exterior above-grade masonry
walls is:
A. M
B. S
C. N
D. O
Rationale: Type S mortar provides higher compressive strength and better
resistance to lateral loads, making it suitable for exterior walls.
7. The purpose of control joints in masonry walls is to:
A. Improve aesthetics
B. Reduce load
C. Allow for thermal expansion and contraction
D. Increase compressive strength
Rationale: Control joints help prevent cracking due to temperature changes,
moisture movement, and shrinkage.
, 8. What is the typical thickness of a standard brick?
A. 2 inches
B. 3 inches
C. 4 inches
D. 6 inches
Rationale: Standard bricks typically measure 3 5/8 inches thick, which
rounds to about 4 inches for planning purposes.
9. What is the main difference between type N and type M mortar?
A. Color
B. Workability
C. Compressive strength
D. Water content
Rationale: Type M mortar has higher compressive strength (2500 psi) than
type N (750 psi), making it suitable for high-load walls.
10. A masonry wall that carries structural loads is called a:
A. Veneer wall
B. Curtain wall
C. Load-bearing wall
D. Partition wall
Rationale: Load-bearing walls support vertical loads from the roof or floors
above, unlike veneers or partitions.
