About this C-28 — Lock & Security prep
This prep is built specifically for the C-28 — Lock & Security examination and includes a 18,000+-word study guide written for this exam, 5 full-length practice exams and 509 practice questions, each with a written explanation.
The CSLB C-28 Lock and Security Equipment trade examination is administered by CSLB / PSI. Closed book. 100 Q / 210 min. Pass % not published. Mix on/after 11/1/2024: Planning 24, Doors 18, Electronic 20, Mechanical 20, Safes-Video 7, Safety 11. C28StudyGuide.pdf. Not Law 115/73.. This prep is written to that board’s current scope, not to a generic national syllabus.
The real C-28 — Lock & Security exam contains 100 questions. Our practice exams mirror that structure so the format is familiar before you sit it.
Topics covered
- How this guide works
- Planning and Estimating — 24% of the exam
- Doors and Hardware — 18% of the exam
- Practice Questions
- Quick Reference -- Key Numbers and Thresholds
- Exam Day Tips
- Sources and References
- Key Code Sections the Exam Tests
- How C-28 — Lock & Security is actually scored
- California — who writes C-28 — Lock & Security
- Contractor method on C-28 — Lock & Security
- Clock discipline for C-28 — Lock & Security
- C-28 lock and security — replacement for cloned filler
- Lock types that the paper actually distinguishes
- Keying, electrified, and the sitting
- C-28 lock and security — additional on-syllabus sections
- Fire-rated openings
- Hinges, closers, and ADA force
- Electrified sequences
- Key control
How access works
You are paying for access length (30, 60, or 90 days). The study guide and four timed exams are the same on every term. Access starts when you enrol and works on any device for that term.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by any state licensing board or exam vendor. For exam-preparation purposes only.
What is actually on the C-28 exam
CSLB divides the Lock and Security Equipment (C-28) examination into six sections. These weightings are the Board’s own, taken from the study guide it publishes for this classification — they are not our estimate:
| Section | Share of exam |
|---|---|
| Planning and Estimating | 24% |
| Doors and Hardware | 18% |
| Electronic Locking Systems | 20% |
| Mechanical Locking Systems | 20% |
| Safes, Vaults, Security Containers, and Video Systems | 7% |
| Safety | 11% |
The C-28 examination is closed book — no reference materials may be used during the test. Questions are multiple choice with four options, and there is no penalty for guessing, so leave nothing blank.
This is only half of what you sit. Every applicant also passes the separate Law and Business examination, which is not part of the C-28 paper and is weighted on its own outline. Budget preparation time for both.
Source: CSLB Lock and Security Equipment (C-28) examination study guide. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CSLB.