About this C-54 — Ceramic & Mosaic Tile prep
This prep is built specifically for the C-54 — Ceramic & Mosaic Tile examination and includes a 18,000+-word study guide written for this exam, 5 full-length practice exams and 500 practice questions, each with a written explanation.
The C-54 Ceramic and Mosaic Tile trade examination is administered by CSLB / PSI. Closed book. 100 Q / 210 min. Pass % not published. Mix on/after 7/1/2023: Planning 18, Prep 16, Installation 33, Specialty 15, Safety 18. C54StudyGuide.pdf. Not C-53. Not Law 115/73.. This prep is written to that board’s current scope, not to a generic national syllabus.
The real C-54 — Ceramic & Mosaic Tile exam contains 100 questions. Our practice exams mirror that structure so the format is familiar before you sit it.
Topics covered
- 8 Contract Types and Bidding
- 1 Tile Types and Characteristics
- 4 Setting Materials
- 5 Grout Types and Selection
- 3 Setting Material Selection Guide
- 3 Insurance Requirements
- 5 Change Orders
- 9 Permits and Inspections
- 2 Substrate Preparation
- 3 Waterproofing Systems
- 7 Grouting and Finishing
- 8 Common Tile Failures and Troubleshooting
- 10 Tools and Equipment
- 1 Sample Questions by Category
- 2 Exam-Day Strategies
- 1 ANSI Standards Quick Reference
- 2 Tile Classification Quick Reference
- 4 Key Numbers to Memorize
- 1 California Building Code (CBC) -- Tile-Relevant Provisions
- 2 ANSI Tile Standards -- The Three-Part System
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-54 exam
CSLB divides the Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54) examination into five 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 | 18% |
| Preparation for Tile and Stone Installation | 16% |
| Installation and Repairs | 33% |
| Specialty Installations | 15% |
| Safety | 18% |
The C-54 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-54 paper and is weighted on its own outline. Budget preparation time for both.
Source: CSLB Ceramic and Mosaic Tile (C-54) examination study guide. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-preparation provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CSLB.