Practice Exam Questions And Correct

AWI Certified Cabinet Installer (CCI) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which tool is essential for ensuring cabinets are installed level?
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Screwdriver

Rationale: A spirit level is used to ensure cabinets are perfectly horizontal,

preventing misalignment and functional issues.

• When installing base cabinets, what is the recommended height from

the finished floor to the top of the cabinet?

• 32 inches
• 34 ½ inches 1 / 4

• 36 inches
• 38 inches

Rationale: Standard countertop height is 36 inches, including the cabinet

and countertop thickness.

• What type of fastener is typically used to attach cabinets to wall

studs?

• Nails
• Staples
• Wood screws
• Bolts

Rationale: Wood screws provide strong holding power and prevent cabinets

from pulling away from the wall.

• Which is the correct sequence when installing upper cabinets?
• Attach doors, level, secure
• Locate studs, mark, secure, level, shim
• Level, secure, locate studs
• Shim, secure, locate studs

Rationale: Marking studs first ensures cabinets are properly anchored. Shims

adjust for wall irregularities.

• When installing a corner base cabinet, what is crucial for proper

alignment?

• Color matching 2 / 4

• Using a corner brace and checking squareness
• Sanding edges
• Installing doors first

Rationale: Corner braces help maintain 90-degree angles and prevent

misalignment in corner cabinet installations.

• What is the purpose of shimming during cabinet installation?
• To decorate cabinets
• To level and plumb cabinets on uneven surfaces
• To secure hardware
• To attach doors

Rationale: Shims correct minor floor or wall irregularities, ensuring cabinets

are level and plumb.

• What is the recommended screw length for attaching upper cabinets

to wall studs?

• 1 inch
• 1 ½ inches
• 2 ½ inches
• 3 inches

Rationale: Screws of 2 ½ inches penetrate both the cabinet and wall stud for

secure fastening.

• When installing a cabinet with a face frame, which part should align

first? 3 / 4

• Doors
• Face frame
• Hinges
• Shelves

Rationale: The face frame defines the cabinet’s visible structure and guides

alignment of doors and hardware.

• What is the minimum distance required between a countertop and

the bottom of upper cabinets?

• 12 inches
• 14 inches
• 18 inches
• 24 inches

Rationale: 18 inches is standard to provide sufficient workspace and

appliance clearance.

• When two cabinets meet at a corner, which installation method

is most stable?

• Toe-to-toe or back-to-back method with secure fasteners
• Side-by-side only
• Only use adhesive
• Overlapping edges

Rationale: Securing cabinets together at corners ensures rigidity and

prevents separation over time.

• / 4