Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Bricklayer Journeyman Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of mortar is most commonly used for general-purpose

bricklaying?

• Type M
• Type S
• Type N
• Type O

Rationale: Type S mortar provides high strength and good bonding

properties suitable for most structural and non-structural brickwork.

• What is the primary purpose of a brick joint tool?
• Cutting bricks 1 / 4

• Shaping and finishing mortar joints
• Laying bricks evenly
• Mixing mortar

Rationale: Joint tools compress and shape mortar joints, improving

durability and appearance.

• What is the minimum recommended thickness for a standard brick

wall?

• 2 inches
• 4 inches
• 8 inches
• 12 inches

Rationale: A single wythe of brick is typically 8 inches thick, providing

structural stability.

• Which type of brick is commonly used in areas exposed to freeze-thaw

cycles?

• Sand-lime brick
• Concrete brick
• Firebrick
• Hollow clay brick

Rationale: Concrete and engineered bricks resist water absorption

and freeze-thaw damage.

• What is the recommended slump for mortar used in standard

bricklaying? 2 / 4

• 0–1 inch
• 1–2 inches
• 2–3 inches
• 3–4 inches

Rationale: A 2–3 inch slump ensures workability while maintaining

mortar strength.

• What is the primary function of a brick tie?
• Waterproof the wall
• Support decorative brickwork
• Provide lateral support between brick veneer and structural

backing

• Reduce mortar usage

Rationale: Brick ties anchor veneer walls to the structural frame,

preventing separation and collapse.

• Which tool is specifically designed for cutting bricks?
• Trowel
• Jointer
• Masonry chisel
• Brick hammer

Rationale: Masonry chisels allow precise brick cutting; hammers can

be used but are less accurate.

• What is the ideal thickness of a mortar bed for bricklaying?
• ¼ inch 3 / 4

• ½ inch
• ⅜ inch
• 1 inch

Rationale: A ⅜ inch mortar joint ensures uniform spacing, good

bonding, and proper structural performance.

• What is a wythe in masonry construction?
• A type of mortar
• A vertical layer of masonry units
• A horizontal row of bricks
• A bonding agent

Rationale: A wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry that

contributes to wall thickness.

• Which of the following is a sign of efflorescence on brickwork?
• Cracking
• White powdery deposit
• Spalling
• Bulging

Rationale: Efflorescence is caused by soluble salts migrating to the

surface and crystallizing.

• Which type of bond is commonly used for structural brick walls?
• Stack bond
• Running bond
• Flemish bond
• / 4