About this C-29 — Masonry prep
This prep is built specifically for the C-29 — Masonry examination and includes a 19,000+-word study guide written for this exam, 4 full-length practice exams and 400 practice questions, each with a written explanation.
The CSLB C-29 Masonry trade examination is administered by CSLB / PSI. Closed book. 100 Q / 210 min. Pass % not published. Mix on/after 8/1/2026: Planning 15, Prep 16, Walls 14, Decorative 11, Veneer 14, Fireplace 10, Safety 20. C29StudyGuide.pdf. Not Law 115/73.. This prep is written to that board’s current scope, not to a generic national syllabus.
The real C-29 — Masonry exam contains 100 questions. Our practice exams mirror that structure so the format is familiar before you sit it.
Topics covered
- 1 C-29 Scope and Limitations
- 4 TMS 602 -- Specification for Masonry Structures
- 6 Public Works and Prevailing Wage
- 2 Mortar Mixing and Application
- 12 Estimating Masonry Quantities
- 7 Insurance Requirements
- 4 Grouting Procedures
- 5 Reinforcement Placement
- 6 Flashing and Moisture Management
- 2 California Building Code -- Chapter 21 (Masonry)
- 3 TMS 402 -- Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures
- 5 Mortar Type Selection Guide
- 8 Clay Brick Types, Grades, and Classifications
- 10 Seismic Requirements for California Masonry
- 5 Permits and Inspections
- 1 Masonry Unit Types and Selection
- 3 Laying Masonry -- Techniques and Best Practices
- 7 Expansion and Control Joints
- 9 Retaining Walls
- 10 Cold and Hot Weather Masonry Construction
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-29 exam
CSLB divides the Masonry (C-29) examination into seven 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 | 15% |
| Job Site Preparation | 16% |
| Masonry Wall and Building Installation and Repair | 14% |
| Decorative Masonry Installation and Repair | 11% |
| Masonry Veneer and Stone Installation and Repair | 14% |
| Fireplace, Chimney, and Outdoor Cooking Area Installation and Repair | 10% |
| Personnel and Job Site Safety | 20% |
The C-29 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-29 paper and is weighted on its own outline. Budget preparation time for both.
Source: CSLB Masonry (C-29) examination study guide. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CSLB.