Masonry Contractor License Exam

Masonry Contractor License Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the most common type of masonry unit?
• Concrete block
• Stone
• Brick
• Adobe

Rationale: Bricks are the most widely used masonry unit due to their uniform

size, durability, and ease of use.

2. The main ingredient in Portland cement is:

• Gypsum
• Lime 1 / 4

• Clinker
• Sand

Rationale: Clinker, composed of calcium silicates, is the primary ingredient in

Portland cement, which is then ground with gypsum to control setting time.

3. The bond that provides the strongest masonry wall is:

• Running bond
• Stack bond
• Flemish bond
• Common bond

Rationale: Stack bond aligns units directly above each other; however,

traditional strong walls typically rely on overlapping units, making Flemish or running bonds more stable. Here, if the question intends the strongest engineered bond for certain contexts, stack bond reinforced with steel can be strongest.

• The minimum compressive strength of concrete masonry units (CMU)

used in load-bearing walls is usually:

• 500 psi
• 1000 psi
• 1900 psi
• 2500 psi

Rationale: Load-bearing CMUs are commonly required to meet a minimum

compressive strength of 1900 psi according to building codes. 2 / 4

• Which of the following is used to prevent efflorescence in masonry?
• Sand
• Water
• Water-repellent coating
• Mortar mix

Rationale: Water-repellent coatings reduce the migration of water-soluble

salts to the surface, preventing efflorescence.

• The type of mortar recommended for exterior above-grade masonry

walls is:

• M
• S
• N
• O

Rationale: Type S mortar provides higher compressive strength and better

resistance to lateral loads, making it suitable for exterior walls.

7. The purpose of control joints in masonry walls is to:

• Improve aesthetics
• Reduce load
• Allow for thermal expansion and contraction
• Increase compressive strength

Rationale: Control joints help prevent cracking due to temperature changes,

moisture movement, and shrinkage. 3 / 4

• What is the typical thickness of a standard brick?
• 2 inches
• 3 inches
• 4 inches
• 6 inches

Rationale: Standard bricks typically measure 3 5/8 inches thick, which

rounds to about 4 inches for planning purposes.

• What is the main difference between type N and type M mortar?
• Color
• Workability
• Compressive strength
• Water content

Rationale: Type M mortar has higher compressive strength (2500 psi) than

type N (750 psi), making it suitable for high-load walls.

10. A masonry wall that carries structural loads is called a:

• Veneer wall
• Curtain wall
• Load-bearing wall
• Partition wall

Rationale: Load-bearing walls support vertical loads from the roof or floors

above, unlike veneers or partitions.

• / 4