FOR EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED ON OR AFTER MARCH 30, 2011

CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD

LICENSE EXAMINATION STUDY GUIDE

PAINTING AND DECORATING (C-33)

Content of the Examination

Test Site Policy

The Painting and Decorating (C-33) Examination is

divided into six major sections:

This is a closed-book examination. No

reference materials may be used during the
examination. All materials brought to the
examination site must be left in an unmonitored
area at your own risk.

1. Planning and Estimating (32%)

Assessment of job site conditions
Material selection and calculation
Estimating painting projects

Test Strategy
2. Substrate Repair and Replace (9%)
Removal of wall coverings
Repairing and replacing substrate
Patching and caulking
3. Surface Preparation and Priming (26%)
Masking techniques
Removal of paint
Cleaning surfaces and pressure
washing
Preparation of contaminated surfaces
Primer application
Filling and texturing
4. Application of Paints and Finishes (8%)
Application of finish coat
Application of specialty coatings
5. Wood Staining and Finishing (5%)
Preparation of wood
Staining wood
Sealing and refinishing
Finishing wood (interior/exterior)
6. Job Site Safety (20%)
Personal Protection
Waste Disposal
Elevated work
Hazard identification and prevention
*Percentages are approximate*

This is a multiple-choice examination with four

choices per question. Some questions require
mathematical computation. Examination
questions are written to provide only one BEST
answer and are NOT written as trick questions.
There is no penalty for guessing. If you are
unsure about a particular question, it is better
to try to answer the question than to leave the
question blank.
Ample time is provided to answer all
examination questions, so be sure to read
each question and its four choices completely
and carefully before selecting the BEST
possible answer to the question.

Sample Questions
The following questions are typical of the types
of items that are on the examination. The
correct answer is marked with " ".

PDCA Architectural Specifications Manual.

Painting and Decorating Contractors of
America.
PHONE: (800) 332-7322.

1. What is the square footage of a gable 12

ft. wide by 6 ft. high?

INTERNET: www.pdca.org/store

PDCA Estimating Guide Vol. II.

Painting and Decorating Contractors of
America.
PHONE: (800) 332-7322.
INTERNET: www.pdca.org/store

a. 24 sq. ft.
b. 36 sq. ft.
c. 42 sq. ft.
d. 72 sq. ft.
2. When bidding a job from a blueprint, from
what section would the painting contractor
identify the paints to be used?
a.
b.
c.
d.

The general notes

The elevations
The finish schedule
The table of contents

3. How should loose paint be efficiently

removed from wood?
a.
b.
c.
d.

Apply paint remover.

Soak with a pressure washer.
Use a blow torch and a putty knife.
Scrape in the direction of the grain.

*All questions are written and reviewed by

licensed contractors who are actively working in
the field*

PDCA Maintenance Repainting Manual.

Printing and Decorating Contractors of
America.
PHONE: (800) 332-7322.
INTERNET: www.pdca.org/store
State of California General Industry &
Electrical Safety Orders (Cal/OSHA) and
State of California Construction Safety
Orders (Cal/OSHA). 2012. California Code of
Regulations, Title 8. Mancomm.
PHONE: (877) 626-2666
INTERNET: www.mancomm.com
VIEW ONLINE:
www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/LawAndRegulations.htm
Tailgate Training Packet: Lead Safety for
Painting and Remodeling Workers.
Department of Health Services, Occupational
Health Branch.
PHONE: (866) 627-1587.
INTERNET: www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/olppp

References
Publisher information is provided. Additional
sources for purchasing materials may be
available online.
PDCA Painting and Decorating
Craftsmans Manual & Textbook. Painting
and Decorating Contractors of America.
PHONE: (800) 332-7322.
INTERNET: www.pdca.org/store

LEAD Safety for Renovation, Repair, and

Painting. Certified Renovator Manual. Joint
EPA-HUD Curriculum. Department of Health
Services, Occupational Health Branch.
PHONE: (800) 530-1161.
INTERNET: www.ehsmaterials.com
VIEW ONLINE: www.epa.gov/LEAD
*Publisher information is current as of 12/13*

13E-33