CSLB Painting and Decorating (C-33): Online Practice Exam

What this exam covers

Practice questions for the California CSLB Painting & Decorating (C-33) license exam, delivered online and graded instantly. Per the state's classification, a C-33 contractor applies paints, varnishes, stains, primers, and specialty coatings to exterior and interior surfaces. Works on any device, including iPad. See the official CSLB C33 classification.

Updated July 2026 · 2022 CA Codes · 640 Questions · Topic Practice

• Content Last Updated: July 24, 2026
• Code Basis: 2022 California Codes
• Question Count: 640 practice questions
• Organized By: CSLB study-guide topic categories
• Includes: This practice exam has been updated using Peerless’s vetted usable question set. Questions are organized by CSLB study-guide topic categories and include answer explanations to support full-exam review and focused topic practice. Each topic has a mini-exam to help you develop mastery.

Sample questions — Try our free practice test

1. What is it called when painting is done around inside corners, window and door trim and along baseboard before rolling the rest of the wall?
   A. Heeling · B. Fanning · ✓ C. Cutting in · D. Tipping
2. A brush used to apply paste filler should have bristles that are:
   ✓ A. short and stiff · B. long and flexible · C. fiber · D. long and stiff
3. A ceiling is 15' x 24'. How much paint should be purchased if the paint covers 300 sq. ft. per gallon?
   ✓ A. 1.2 gallons · B. .83 gallons · C. 2 gallons · D. 2.1 gallons
4. A clean, lint-free cloth saturated in a solution of finishing material and the correct solvent is called a:
   A. duster cloth · ✓ B. tack cloth · C. finishing cloth · D. sealant cloth
5. A common abrasive used for rubbing the final varnish coat is:
   ✓ A. carborundum · B. 6/0 sandpaper · C. pumice · D. stone