The Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Exam: Format, Topics, and Passing Score
The C-5 exam is a closed-book, four-choice test. The current CSLB guide is the best source for its weights, while CSLB provides the required percentage at the test site. This post turns that blueprint into a practical study order.
Exam snapshot
| Exam item | Current answer |
|---|---|
| Format | Closed book; four-choice multiple choice |
| Passing score | CSLB provides the required percentage at the test site |
| Question count | The public trade guide does not give one universal question count |
| Official guide | C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry |
Topics and weights
1. Planning and Estimating (17%)
Plans, specifications, estimating, and calculations.
2. Structural Framing (38%)
Formwork, loads, bracing, shear, hardware, and wood or metal framing.
3. General Framing (21%)
Flashing, weatherproofing, openings, stairs, decks, squaring, and leveling.
4. Safety (24%)
Cal/OSHA, environmental hazards, transportation, and traffic control.
C-5 focus: structural framing carries the most weight
The official C-5 guide assigns 38% to structural framing, more than twice the planning section. Put formwork, load and span, bracing, shear, hardware, and wood or metal framing into the first serious review block. General framing and safety still matter, but they should not crowd out the largest section.
Study plan
The percentages are approximate, but they are useful for allocating time. Give the largest sections more study sessions, then mark each topic green, yellow, or red after a first pass. Start the next block with the highest-weight red topic. This turns the official guide into a schedule instead of a list you read once.
- Read the free C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry and make a one-page topic map.
- Review the Peerless Framing and Rough Carpentry (C-5) Study Guide Book in the same order as the blueprint.
- Pair trade preparation with the CSLB Law & Business practice exam.
- Use the Peerless Framing and Rough Carpentry online practice exam in timed blocks and log every miss.
- Practice without notes before test day and confirm the current PSI appointment instructions.
How to use practice questions
Keep an error log with three columns: topic, reason for the miss, and the rule or calculation that fixes it. Review lucky guesses too. CSLB keeps exam questions confidential, so preparation should teach the public blueprint and reasoning rather than promise access to live questions.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the C-5 exam?
The current public CSLB trade guide does not give one universal question count for every classification. Use the current Notice to Schedule and PSI instructions for appointment-specific details.
What passing score do I need for the C-5 exam?
CSLB says the percentage of correct answers needed to pass is provided at the examination site. Treat an uncited percentage from an old article as unverified.
Is the C-5 exam open book?
No. The official CSLB C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry study guide describes the trade examination as closed book. Practice recalling the rule, calculation, or sequence without a reference open beside you.
Can I use a calculator?
The CSLB guide says some questions require mathematical computation and that a calculator will be provided. Practice setting up the calculation before checking arithmetic.
Are practice questions actual CSLB questions?
No. CSLB says exam questions and answer keys are not available for review. Practice questions should be newly written from the public blueprint.
Sources
- CSLB examination study guides
- CSLB: Studying for the examination
- CSLB examination FAQ
- C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry
- CSLB C-5 classification
Peerless Institute has helped people prepare for California contractor exams since 1953. Use the Peerless Framing and Rough Carpentry Study Guide Book and online practice exam. The California contractor license roadmap and Law & Business guide cover the rest of the application.