Arizona Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-48) Exam - Online Exam Prep

Prepare for the Arizona Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-48) trade exam with an online exam-preparation program built around the knowledge areas, installation standards, safety requirements, code provisions, and reference-navigation skills used in this classification.

The Arizona CR-48 license classification covers residential and commercial tile work. Its scope includes preparing surfaces and installing or repairing ceramic, clay, faience, metal, mosaic, glass mosaic, paver, plastic, quarry, stone, marble, slate, and terrazzo tile products on horizontal and vertical surfaces. The classification also includes the installation of shower doors and tub enclosures when that work is part of the original contract.

This online exam prep is designed for experienced tile installers, contractors, supervisors, project managers, estimators, qualifying-party applicants, and construction professionals who need a structured way to review the CR-48 trade material. Instead of relying only on field experience, candidates can study the terminology, standards, calculations, safety rules, installation methods, and reference-book organization that may be tested during the licensing examination.

Practical experience is important, but a contractor examination requires more than knowing how to complete an installation in the field. Candidates must also interpret written questions, compare possible answers, recognize the standard or code being tested, and locate information efficiently in approved references. The course supports those skills through organized, trade-focused preparation.

Study areas include plan reading and estimating, general tile knowledge, grout and finishing, adhesives, tile installation, and employee safety. Preparation also emphasizes how substrate conditions, material selection, movement accommodation, layout, bonding products, workmanship, and environmental conditions affect a tile assembly.

The online format gives candidates a focused study resource that can be used to reinforce existing trade knowledge, identify weaker topics, and build a repeatable exam-day approach. Candidates can review essential concepts, practice working through contractor-style questions, and become more comfortable navigating technical material before sitting for the Arizona CR-48 exam.

Exam Details

The Arizona Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Residential / Commercial Contractor CR-48 trade examination is administered through PSI for the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

• Number of questions: 80
• Time allowed: 180 minutes
• Minimum passing score: 70%
• Exam format: Computer-administered contractor trade examination
• Testing options: PSI test center or remote online proctoring, subject to current scheduling availability and PSI requirements

The published CR-48 content outline allocates questions among the following subject areas:

• Plan Reading and Estimating: 5 questions
• General Tile Knowledge: 20 questions
• Grout and Finishing: 10 questions
• Adhesives: 7 questions
• Tile Installation: 33 questions
• Safety and Employee Protection: 5 questions

Tile installation represents the largest portion of the published outline. Candidates should be prepared to review installation procedures, substrate preparation, setting methods, layout, material compatibility, movement provisions, cutting, placement, finishing, and related standards. General tile knowledge is also a major part of the exam and may involve products, terminology, properties, applications, tools, common conditions, and accepted industry practices.

Plan-reading and estimating questions may require candidates to interpret dimensions, determine areas, understand project information, or calculate material quantities. Grout and finishing questions can address joint preparation, grout selection, installation, cleaning, curing, and completed-surface considerations. Adhesive questions may involve bonding materials, selection factors, preparation, application, and limitations. Safety questions are based on workplace practices and employee-protection requirements relevant to construction work.

PSI may administer a small number of unscored experimental questions in addition to the number of scored questions shown in the outline. These questions are used for examination development and count against the available testing time, although they do not affect the candidate’s score.

Open Book Test

The Arizona CR-48 trade exam is an open-book examination with restrictions. Only the references approved for the examination may be used during the testing session. Candidates are responsible for obtaining and bringing their own approved references when testing at a PSI examination center.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination. Candidates may not write in, highlight, underline, or index their references during the examination session. Loose papers and additional attached sheets are not permitted.

References may be indexed with permanent tabs. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary tabs, removable notes, and Post-it-style tabs are not allowed. Downloaded reference material must be bound before it can be taken into a testing center. It may be spiral bound or placed in a binder after being hole-punched.

An open-book exam should not be approached as a simple book-search exercise. With 80 questions and 180 minutes, candidates have an average of slightly more than two minutes per question. Spending too much time searching for every answer can make it difficult to complete the exam. Effective preparation includes learning the organization of each approved reference, recognizing likely keywords, and knowing which book is most likely to contain a particular answer.

Remote-proctored testing may be governed by different security and reference-access procedures. Candidates should follow the current PSI instructions supplied during registration and confirm the rules that apply to their selected testing format.

Licensing Steps

The person serving as the qualifying party must complete the examination requirements associated with the requested Arizona contractor classification unless an applicable waiver is granted by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

1. Review the CR-48 classification. Confirm that the Ceramic, Plastic and Metal Tile Residential / Commercial classification matches the work the business plans to perform.
2. Identify the qualifying party. The qualifying party is the individual who must meet the applicable experience and examination requirements for the license.
3. Complete the required examinations or training. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this may include the CR-48 trade examination and the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam training required by the Registrar.
4. Prepare for the trade examination. Study the CR-48 content outline, review the listed references, and practice locating information under timed conditions.
5. Schedule the trade exam. After receiving eligibility instructions, create or access a PSI account, choose the examination, and select an available test-center or remote-proctored appointment.
6. Take the examination. Follow PSI identification, security, calculator, reference-book, and check-in requirements.
7. Complete the contractor-license application. Submit the appropriate application and supporting documentation to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors after satisfying the applicable licensing requirements.
8. Maintain the license. Once issued, keep the contractor license in good standing and comply with Arizona requirements governing licensed contracting activity.

Passing an examination is one part of the licensing process. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors determines whether an applicant satisfies the full set of requirements for license issuance.

State Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses and regulates contractors in the state. The CR-48 classification combines the scopes permitted under the corresponding commercial and residential ceramic, plastic, and metal tile classifications.

Applicants must use the Registrar’s current license-classification requirements to determine which examinations and application materials apply to their situation. New qualifying parties may also be required to complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam training unless they qualify for an exemption or waiver recognized by the Registrar.

The qualifying party must meet the applicable experience requirements and remain connected to the licensed business in the capacity required by Arizona law. The license application may also require business-entity information, identification of responsible parties, background information, financial or bonding documentation, and other classification-specific materials.

Applicants should make sure the business name and entity information are consistent across the application and supporting records. Examination registration details should also match the candidate’s valid identification. Differences in names or incomplete documentation can delay scheduling or application processing.

Examination results must be used within the period established by the Arizona licensing program. Candidates should plan their exam preparation and application work so that completed requirements remain valid when the license application is submitted.

Reference Books

The following references support preparation for the Arizona CR-48 examination. The first four titles are approved for use in the examination center. The remaining titles are study references and are not allowed in the examination center.

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction-safety reference addresses workplace requirements such as personal protective equipment, fall protection, scaffolding, ladders, tools, electrical safety, material handling, hazard communication, and other employee-protection topics relevant to construction operations.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  The 2018 International Residential Code provides residential construction requirements that can affect tile-related work, including building components, floor and wall assemblies, moisture-sensitive areas, structural conditions, and other provisions applicable to one- and two-family dwellings.
• ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, 2017
  This collection contains recognized standards for ceramic tile installation methods and material performance. It addresses workmanship, preparation, setting procedures, mortars, adhesives, grouts, membranes, and other materials used in tile assemblies.
• Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation, 2017
  This handbook presents installation methods and assembly details for ceramic, glass, and stone tile. It is useful for studying substrates, environmental conditions, setting systems, movement joints, wet-area assemblies, floors, walls, and other common applications.
• Setting Tile, 1995 (Used)
  This practical study reference discusses tile-setting tools, planning, surface preparation, layout, cutting, installation techniques, setting materials, grouting, and finishing. It may be used for preparation but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Builders Guide to Floors, 1997
  This study reference covers floor-system principles and construction considerations that can help candidates understand subfloor conditions, structural support, surface preparation, and the relationship between floor performance and finished tile installations. It is not allowed in the examination center.
• Tile Manual, 1991 (Used)
  This industry study reference provides background information about tile materials, installation practices, preparation, layout, setting, and related trade methods. It may support general review but is not allowed in the examination center.

Exam Room Approved Books

The following references are approved for use in the Arizona CR-48 examination center:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
• ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, 2017
• Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation, 2017

Setting Tile, 1995; Builders Guide to Floors, 1997; and Tile Manual, 1991 are not approved for use in the examination center. These books should remain outside the testing room and be used only during preparation.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong study plan should begin with the published content outline. Because tile installation and general tile knowledge account for most of the scored examination, candidates should devote substantial study time to those areas while still reviewing estimating, grout, adhesives, and OSHA safety.

Start by becoming familiar with each approved book. Review the table of contents, chapter structure, indexes, standard numbers, method designations, and recurring terminology. Practice deciding which reference should be opened before searching for an answer. OSHA questions should direct you toward 29 CFR Part 1926, while material and installation-standard questions may lead to ANSI or the tile installation handbook.

Study reference navigation and trade knowledge together. Reading a standard without understanding its field application can make a question harder to interpret. Likewise, relying only on experience can lead to an incorrect answer when the exam expects the method or requirement stated in a listed reference.

Timed practice is especially useful. Work through sample questions in groups, record the time used, and review why each incorrect answer was selected. Separate errors into categories such as knowledge gaps, calculation mistakes, misread wording, or slow reference searches. This creates a practical study plan based on actual performance.

During the exam, read the complete question before opening a book. Identify terms such as minimum, maximum, required, prohibited, first, or most appropriate. Eliminate clearly incorrect choices, then use the relevant reference when confirmation is needed. Mark difficult questions for review and protect enough time to complete the full examination.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arizona CR-48 candidates organize their preparation around the trade areas that matter. The online exam prep provides a structured alternative to studying unrelated chapters or attempting to memorize entire technical books without a plan.

Trade-focused review helps connect field experience with examination terminology. Candidates can reinforce tile installation principles, adhesives, grouting, estimating, plan interpretation, safety requirements, and general industry knowledge while becoming more comfortable with contractor-exam question formats.

Practice-oriented preparation encourages candidates to apply information rather than simply read it. Working through questions helps improve comprehension, identify weak areas, and develop a disciplined method for evaluating possible answers. Reference-navigation guidance also supports faster use of approved books when an answer must be located during an open-book examination.

The course structure helps candidates divide a large body of material into manageable study sessions. Instead of waiting until the final days before the test, students can follow a consistent review routine, revisit difficult subjects, and measure progress through continued practice.

1 Exam Prep also supports confidence by helping candidates understand what the CR-48 exam emphasizes. Familiarity with the content outline, technical vocabulary, reference organization, and timed-question process can reduce uncertainty and help candidates approach exam day with a clearer strategy.

What does the Arizona CR-48 contractor classification cover?

The CR-48 classification covers residential and commercial work involving the preparation of surfaces and the installation or repair of ceramic, clay, faience, metal, mosaic, glass mosaic, paver, plastic, quarry, stone, marble, slate, and terrazzo tile products on horizontal and vertical surfaces. Shower doors and tub enclosures are included when they are part of the original contract.

How many questions are on the Arizona CR-48 exam?

The trade examination contains 80 scored questions. PSI may also include a small number of unscored experimental questions for examination-development purposes.

How much time is allowed for the CR-48 exam?

Candidates are allowed 180 minutes to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass?

The minimum passing score is 70%.

Is the Arizona CR-48 exam open book?

Yes. It is an open-book examination with restrictions. Only approved references may be used, and all highlighting, annotations, and permanent indexing must be completed before the examination begins.

Can I take every listed book into the exam?

No. The approved exam-room references are 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2018 International Residential Code, ANSI A108/A118/A136.1:2017, and the 2017 tile installation handbook. Setting Tile, Builders Guide to Floors, and Tile Manual are study references that are not permitted in the examination center.

What topics should I study most?

Tile installation and general tile knowledge make up the largest portions of the published outline. Candidates should also prepare for grout and finishing, adhesives, plan reading and estimating, and safety and employee-protection questions.

Does passing the trade exam automatically issue a contractor license?

No. Passing the trade examination satisfies only one part of the licensing process. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors reviews the complete application and determines whether all licensing requirements have been met.