Journeyman Certification Practice Exam

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

• Which type of mortar joint is most commonly used for exterior walls?

a) Concave

b) Vee

c) Flush

d) Weathered

Rationale: Weathered joints shed water effectively, making them

ideal for exterior masonry walls.

• What is the primary purpose of a bond beam in masonry construction?

a) Decorative finish

b) Structural reinforcement

c) Moisture barrier 1 / 4

d) Thermal insulation

Rationale: Bond beams reinforce walls horizontally and help

distribute loads, especially in reinforced masonry construction.

• Which type of brick is most suitable for high-load bearing walls?

a) Face brick

b) Fire brick

c) Engineering brick

d) Common brick

Rationale: Engineering bricks are dense, strong, and suitable for

structural and load-bearing applications.

• What is the main difference between Type N and Type S mortar?

a) Color

b) Compressive strength

c) Water absorption

d) Setting time

Rationale: Type S mortar has higher compressive strength than Type

N, making it suitable for load-bearing walls and below-grade applications.

• Which of the following tools is used to level and smooth mortar?

a) Trowel

b) Masonry hammer

c) Jointers

d) Chisel 2 / 4

Rationale: Jointers are designed to shape and smooth mortar joints

for proper water shedding and appearance.

• What is the minimum overlap for a running bond pattern?
• 1/4 brick
• 1/2 brick
• 3/4 brick

d) Full brick

Rationale: A 1/2 brick overlap ensures proper bonding and structural

stability in running bond patterns.

• Which masonry material is best suited for fireproofing applications?

a) Concrete block

b) Fire brick

c) Clay brick

d) Sand-lime brick

Rationale: Fire bricks are made to withstand extremely high

temperatures, making them ideal for fireplaces, furnaces, and kilns.

• When laying brick, what is the recommended bed joint thickness?
• 1/4 inch
• 3/8 inch
• 1/2 inch
• 5/8 inch

Rationale: A 3/8 inch bed joint is standard for most brickwork,

providing consistency and proper bonding. 3 / 4

• What does efflorescence on masonry indicate?

a) Structural failure

b) Presence of soluble salts

c) Poor mortar quality

d) Inadequate reinforcement

Rationale: Efflorescence occurs when water carries soluble salts to

the surface, leaving a white powdery deposit.

• Which type of block is most commonly used for interior non-

load-bearing walls?

a) Hollow concrete block

b) Solid concrete block

c) Lightweight concrete block

d) Retaining wall block

Rationale: Lightweight blocks reduce weight and are easier to handle

for non-load-bearing interior partitions.

• What is the main purpose of weep holes in a masonry wall?

a) Ventilation

b) Aesthetic design

c) Water drainage

d) Thermal insulation

Rationale: Weep holes allow water to drain from behind the

masonry, preventing moisture accumulation and damage.

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