California Masonry Contractor License
(C-29) Exam Practice Test Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the typical mix ratio for Type S mortar used in masonry
construction?
A. 1:2:9 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
B. 1:1:6 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
C. 2:1:9 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
D. 3:1:10 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
Type S mortar typically has a 2:1:9 ratio for optimal bond strength and
workability in structural applications.
2. Which of the following bricks is best suited for high-moisture
environments?
A. Common brick
B. Facing brick
C. Engineering brick
D. Firebrick
,Engineering bricks have low porosity and high compressive strength,
making them ideal for wet environments.
3. What does a "running bond" pattern in brickwork refer to?
A. Bricks placed vertically
B. Bricks placed at 45 degrees
C. Bricks overlapping halfway on each row
D. Bricks stacked directly over each other
Running bond is the most common pattern where each brick overlaps the
one below it by half its length.
4. According to California Code, how high can an unreinforced masonry
wall be built?
A. 6 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 8 feet
Unreinforced masonry walls over 4 feet typically require reinforcement or
engineering per building code.
5. What is the minimum required slump for masonry grout?
A. 2 inches
B. 10 inches
C. 4 inches
D. 8 inches
Grout used in masonry must be fluid enough to flow into spaces and
typically has a slump of about 10 inches.
6. What is the purpose of a bond beam in CMU walls?
A. Aesthetic appeal
B. Horizontal reinforcement
, C. Moisture resistance
D. Anchor flashing
Bond beams distribute lateral forces and help stabilize the wall with
horizontal reinforcement.
7. Which type of tie is commonly used to connect brick veneer to a wood
frame?
A. Steel rod
B. Expansion bolt
C. Corrugated metal tie
D. Grout key
Corrugated metal ties are embedded in mortar joints and nailed to framing
to secure veneer.
8. In concrete masonry, what does “nominal dimension” refer to?
A. Dimensions including mortar joint
B. Exact unit size
C. Blueprint dimension
D. Slump-corrected size
Nominal dimensions account for the mortar joint (usually 3/8") to simplify
layout.
9. What causes efflorescence on masonry?
A. Mold
B. Lime leaching from cement
C. Water carrying salts to the surface
D. Acid wash
Efflorescence occurs when water moves through masonry and leaves salt
deposits on the surface.
10. What tool is used to smooth and compact mortar joints?
(C-29) Exam Practice Test Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the typical mix ratio for Type S mortar used in masonry
construction?
A. 1:2:9 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
B. 1:1:6 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
C. 2:1:9 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
D. 3:1:10 (Cement:Lime:Sand)
Type S mortar typically has a 2:1:9 ratio for optimal bond strength and
workability in structural applications.
2. Which of the following bricks is best suited for high-moisture
environments?
A. Common brick
B. Facing brick
C. Engineering brick
D. Firebrick
,Engineering bricks have low porosity and high compressive strength,
making them ideal for wet environments.
3. What does a "running bond" pattern in brickwork refer to?
A. Bricks placed vertically
B. Bricks placed at 45 degrees
C. Bricks overlapping halfway on each row
D. Bricks stacked directly over each other
Running bond is the most common pattern where each brick overlaps the
one below it by half its length.
4. According to California Code, how high can an unreinforced masonry
wall be built?
A. 6 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 8 feet
Unreinforced masonry walls over 4 feet typically require reinforcement or
engineering per building code.
5. What is the minimum required slump for masonry grout?
A. 2 inches
B. 10 inches
C. 4 inches
D. 8 inches
Grout used in masonry must be fluid enough to flow into spaces and
typically has a slump of about 10 inches.
6. What is the purpose of a bond beam in CMU walls?
A. Aesthetic appeal
B. Horizontal reinforcement
, C. Moisture resistance
D. Anchor flashing
Bond beams distribute lateral forces and help stabilize the wall with
horizontal reinforcement.
7. Which type of tie is commonly used to connect brick veneer to a wood
frame?
A. Steel rod
B. Expansion bolt
C. Corrugated metal tie
D. Grout key
Corrugated metal ties are embedded in mortar joints and nailed to framing
to secure veneer.
8. In concrete masonry, what does “nominal dimension” refer to?
A. Dimensions including mortar joint
B. Exact unit size
C. Blueprint dimension
D. Slump-corrected size
Nominal dimensions account for the mortar joint (usually 3/8") to simplify
layout.
9. What causes efflorescence on masonry?
A. Mold
B. Lime leaching from cement
C. Water carrying salts to the surface
D. Acid wash
Efflorescence occurs when water moves through masonry and leaves salt
deposits on the surface.
10. What tool is used to smooth and compact mortar joints?
