Hawaii Masonry Contractor (C-31) Exam - Online Practice Questions

Prepare for the Hawaii Masonry Contractor (C-31) examination with online practice questions designed to reinforce plan reading, estimating, concrete block, brick, stone, glass block, mortar, grout, concrete placement, formwork, reinforcing steel, masonry construction methods, and OSHA construction safety.

This online practice-question product includes 3 months access, giving candidates time to review masonry concepts, practice construction calculations, strengthen material and installation knowledge, identify weaker subjects, and develop a consistent study routine before taking the official Hawaii C-31 contractor examination.

The Hawaii C-31 Masonry Contractor classification covers a broad range of masonry and concrete-related work. The classification includes brick and other baked clay products, concrete masonry units, structural glass block, natural and artificial stone, marble, granite, veneer materials, precast facing and backup panels, fire-clay and refractory products, grout, concrete fencing, and related masonry operations.

The C-31 scope also includes placing and finishing cement concrete, concrete drilling, sawing and coring, structural epoxy injection, tuckpointing, caulking, sandblasting, washing, cleaning, and related masonry work.

The official C-31 trade examination is administered by PSI Services LLC for the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Candidates must receive approval from the Hawaii Contractors License Board before registering for the examination.

The current Hawaii C-31 Masonry Contractor examination contains 60 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes, or 2 hours, to complete the examination, and the minimum passing score is 75%.

This examination is CLOSED book. The technical references should be used during preparation, but candidates should be ready to answer the official examination without relying on reference materials during testing.

This product uses the International Building Code, 2018, Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone by Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition, Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016, The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition, and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA) as study resources.

Exam Details

The Hawaii Masonry Contractor C-31 examination contains 60 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes to complete the examination and must achieve a minimum passing score of 75%.

The official examination content outline includes:

• Plan Reading and Estimating: 4 questions
• Concrete Block: 12 questions
• Brick: 10 questions
• Stone and Glass Block: 5 questions
• Mortar: 6 questions
• Concrete Placing and Finishing: 8 questions
• Concrete Formwork: 5 questions
• Steel Reinforcement: 4 questions
• Safety - OSHA: 4 questions
• Grout: 2 questions

Concrete Block is the largest individual category with 12 questions. Candidates should give significant attention to concrete masonry units, layout, reinforcement, bond patterns, joints, lintels, walls, openings, mortar, grout, and installation practices.

Brick accounts for another 10 questions. Preparation should include brick characteristics, bonding, mortar joints, wall construction, veneer, openings, flashing, anchors, workmanship, and installation methods.

Concrete Placing and Finishing represents 8 questions, making concrete knowledge an important part of the C-31 examination. Mortar accounts for 6 questions, while Stone and Glass Block and Concrete Formwork each contribute 5 questions.

Plan Reading and Estimating, Steel Reinforcement, and OSHA Safety each contribute 4 questions. Grout contributes 2 questions.

Closed Book Test

This examination is CLOSED book.

The technical references associated with Hawaii C-31 preparation are not permitted in the examination center. Candidates should use the books while studying but plan to answer official examination questions from memory, understanding, and practical construction knowledge.

Closed-book preparation should focus on understanding materials, methods, terminology, calculations, construction sequence, and safety rather than memorizing isolated sentences.

For example, candidates should understand how mortar differs from grout, why reinforcing steel is placed in particular locations, how masonry walls are bonded and reinforced, and how concrete should be placed and finished properly.

Repeated practice is especially useful for a closed-book examination. After studying a topic, work questions without immediately consulting the reference. Review missed answers afterward and return to the appropriate book to strengthen the underlying concept.

With 60 questions and 120 minutes, candidates have an average of approximately 2 minutes per question. Good recall and familiarity with common masonry concepts can help preserve time for calculations and more detailed construction scenarios.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm that C-31 matches your intended work. Hawaii identifies C-31 as the Masonry Contractor classification.
2. Complete the applicable contractor license application. Applications are submitted through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
3. Document qualifying experience. Applicants must demonstrate experience that satisfies the Hawaii Contractors License Board requirements for the classification sought.
4. Receive Board approval. Applicants must be approved before registering for contractor examinations.
5. Register with PSI. After approval, eligible candidates receive information for scheduling the required examination or examinations.
6. Prepare for the C-31 trade examination. Review concrete block, brick, stone, glass block, mortar, grout, concrete, reinforcement, estimating, formwork, and safety.
7. Pass the C-31 examination. The current test contains 60 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires a 75% passing score.
8. Complete the applicable Business and Law examination. New Hawaii contractor applicants must satisfy the Business and Law examination requirement when applicable.
9. Complete remaining licensing requirements. All applicable experience, financial, insurance, business entity, application, and Board requirements must be satisfied before a license is issued.

State Requirements

Hawaii contractor licensing is regulated by the Contractors License Board under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.

The C-31 Masonry Contractor classification includes laying brick, concrete masonry units, rough or cast stone, marble, granite, decorative plaster, cut and dressed stone, artificial stone, brick veneer, structural glass brick or block, and related masonry materials.

The classification also covers manufactured precast concrete facing and backup panels, installation of fire-clay products and refractories, concrete fencing, grout, rubble work, tuckpointing, caulking, cleaning, and other work directly related to masonry construction.

C-31 contractors may also place and finish cement concrete, drill, saw and core concrete, and perform structural epoxy injection in concrete within the classification scope.

Applicants must receive approval from the Contractors License Board before registering with PSI. Once the Board issues examination approval, candidates must pass the required examination or examinations within the applicable six-month eligibility period.

Passing the C-31 trade examination alone does not issue a Hawaii contractor license. Applicants must also satisfy Hawaii's applicable experience, Business and Law examination, financial, insurance, entity, application, and other licensing requirements.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  Supports study involving masonry construction, structural requirements, walls, materials, fire resistance, foundations, building-code concepts, and other requirements relevant to masonry and concrete work.
• Modern Masonry - Brick, Block, Stone, Clois E. Kicklighter, 10th Edition
  Supports preparation involving brick, concrete block, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, masonry tools, layout, wall construction, joints, openings, veneer, and general masonry practices.
• Carpentry and Building Construction, 2016
  Supports preparation involving plan reading, construction layout, formwork, foundations, building construction, measurements, estimating, and coordination between masonry and other building systems.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  Supports study involving concrete materials, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, formwork, reinforcement, quality practices, slabs, foundations, and concrete construction methods.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Supports preparation involving construction safety, masonry operations, scaffolds, fall protection, material handling, personal protective equipment, tools, equipment, concrete work, and other OSHA construction requirements.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Hawaii Masonry Contractor study plan should begin with Concrete Block, the largest examination category.

Review concrete masonry unit types, nominal and actual dimensions, wall layout, coursing, bonding, joints, reinforcement, lintels, openings, anchors, flashing, grout, and general installation methods.

Candidates should understand how masonry units, mortar, reinforcement, and grout work together as a complete wall system. Treating each component separately can make practical questions more difficult.

Brick is another major category. Study brick types, dimensions, bond patterns, mortar joints, wall systems, veneer, ties, anchors, flashing, weep provisions, lintels, and workmanship.

Learn common masonry terminology. Closed-book examinations can test a candidate's ability to distinguish components, joints, tools, materials, and construction techniques.

Mortar represents 6 questions. Understand the purpose of mortar, its relationship to masonry units, mixing concepts, consistency, placement, joint finishing, and workmanship.

Candidates should distinguish mortar from grout. Mortar bonds masonry units and forms joints, while grout is used to fill designated masonry spaces and work with reinforcement as part of a reinforced masonry system.

Grout accounts for 2 questions but remains important because it connects directly with reinforced concrete masonry construction. Review placement, consolidation, cells, reinforcement, and general grouting concepts.

Stone and Glass Block contribute 5 questions. Study stone characteristics, placement, wall construction, veneer concepts, structural and decorative applications, and installation of glass block systems.

Stone materials vary significantly in properties, appearance, fabrication, and installation. Candidates should understand basic natural and manufactured stone applications without treating all stone products as interchangeable.

Concrete Placing and Finishing accounts for 8 questions. Review concrete materials, preparation, placing, consolidation, screeding, floating, finishing, joints, curing, and protection.

Concrete should be placed and handled in ways that maintain quality and reduce problems such as segregation, honeycombing, poor consolidation, or surface defects.

Study the sequence of finishing operations. Understanding why each operation is performed can be more useful than simply memorizing the names of finishing tools.

Curing should also receive attention. Proper curing supports continued hydration and helps concrete develop the intended strength and durability.

Concrete Formwork represents 5 questions. Review form materials, layout, dimensions, supports, bracing, ties, release methods, removal, and the importance of maintaining shape during concrete placement.

Forms must resist the loads generated during concrete placement and remain sufficiently stable to produce the required dimensions and surfaces.

Steel Reinforcement contributes 4 questions. Study reinforcing bars, placement, spacing concepts, cover, laps, supports, ties, and the relationship between steel and concrete or masonry.

Reinforcement must remain in the intended position during construction. Improper placement can affect structural performance even when the correct size and quantity of steel are present.

Plan Reading and Estimating accounts for 4 questions. Candidates should practice reading plans, sections, details, dimensions, elevations, notes, and schedules relevant to masonry work.

Estimating preparation should include wall area, block quantities, brick quantities, mortar, grout, concrete volume, reinforcement, and other practical material calculations.

Always identify the dimensions and units before beginning a calculation. Masonry work can require linear, square, and cubic measurements within the same project.

Practice calculating wall areas and accounting for openings where appropriate. Understand the difference between determining an area for masonry coverage and estimating individual units.

For concrete calculations, be comfortable determining volume from length, width, and thickness or depth and converting quantities into the units requested by the question.

Safety - OSHA represents 4 questions. Use 29 CFR Part 1926 to review construction hazards associated with masonry, concrete, scaffolding, lifting, tools, equipment, and material handling.

Masonry contractors frequently work from scaffolds. Review safe scaffold use, access, loading, platforms, fall protection, and hazards associated with elevated masonry construction.

Material handling also deserves attention. Masonry units, stone, bags of materials, reinforcing steel, and equipment can create lifting and struck-by hazards if handled improperly.

Concrete and masonry work can involve mixers, saws, drills, grinders, pumps, cutting equipment, and other powered tools. Candidates should understand basic guarding and personal protective equipment principles.

Silica exposure is another important hazard associated with cutting, grinding, drilling, and disturbing concrete or masonry materials. Safe work methods and appropriate controls are important parts of masonry operations.

The International Building Code, 2018 can be used during study to reinforce structural masonry concepts and general building requirements. Because the official exam is closed book, focus on understanding recurring concepts rather than trying to memorize entire code sections.

Modern Masonry should receive significant attention because it supports many of the major content categories, including concrete block, brick, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and masonry techniques.

The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction is especially useful for the concrete placing, finishing, formwork, and quality-construction portions of the exam.

Carpentry and Building Construction can help reinforce formwork, layout, plan reading, estimating, foundations, and construction sequencing.

When working practice questions, try to answer from memory before checking the reference. This mirrors the demands of the closed-book examination.

If a question is missed, determine whether the problem involved terminology, materials, layout, calculation, installation sequence, concrete practice, reinforcement, or safety.

Track weak areas by category. If Concrete Block questions are consistently difficult, dedicate additional study to coursing, reinforcement, mortar, grout, and wall construction. If Brick or Concrete Placing and Finishing produce repeated errors, build separate study sessions around those subjects.

As the examination approaches, use mixed-topic practice that moves between block, brick, stone, mortar, concrete, reinforcement, estimating, and safety. This helps prepare for the rapid subject changes found on a broad trade examination.

With 60 questions in 120 minutes, time management matters. Candidates should answer familiar questions efficiently while preserving additional time for calculations or questions requiring closer analysis.

The included 3 months access provides time to move from individual-topic review into calculation practice, weak-area correction, mixed-question preparation, and exam-oriented study.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Hawaii Masonry Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, construction calculations, and confidence-building study structure.

The online practice questions help candidates actively apply masonry and concrete concepts instead of relying only on passive reading. Practice can reinforce block, brick, stone, mortar, grout, concrete placing and finishing, formwork, reinforcement, estimating, and OSHA safety.

Because the official Hawaii C-31 examination is closed book, repeated practice can help candidates strengthen recall, recognize common construction conditions, and apply masonry principles without immediate access to technical references.

The reference books can be used during preparation to investigate missed questions and improve understanding before returning to closed-book practice.

Calculation-focused preparation can also strengthen confidence with masonry quantities, wall areas, concrete volumes, and other common estimating problems.

With 3 months access included, candidates can establish a consistent preparation schedule, revisit difficult subjects, practice calculations, and build familiarity with the complete C-31 examination content.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Hawaii Masonry Contractor C-31 examination with stronger masonry knowledge, better concrete understanding, improved estimating skills, greater safety awareness, and an organized study process without guaranteeing a passing score or Hawaii contractor license.

How many questions are on the Hawaii C-31 Masonry Contractor exam?

The current examination contains 60 questions.

How much time is allowed for the C-31 exam?

Candidates receive 120 minutes, or 2 hours, to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass the Hawaii Masonry Contractor exam?

The minimum passing score is 75%.

Is the Hawaii C-31 exam open book?

No. This examination is CLOSED book.

What is the largest subject on the C-31 examination?

Concrete Block is the largest category with 12 questions.

Does the C-31 exam cover brick masonry?

Yes. Brick accounts for 10 questions on the current examination.

Does the exam cover concrete placement and finishing?

Yes. Concrete Placing and Finishing accounts for 8 questions.

Does the exam include mortar and grout?

Yes. Mortar accounts for 6 questions, and Grout accounts for 2 questions.

Does the C-31 exam cover stone and glass block?

Yes. Stone and Glass Block account for 5 questions.

Does the exam include concrete formwork?

Yes. Concrete Formwork accounts for 5 questions.

Does the exam cover reinforcing steel?

Yes. Steel Reinforcement accounts for 4 questions.

Does the Hawaii C-31 examination include OSHA safety?

Yes. Safety - OSHA accounts for 4 questions.

Can a Hawaii C-31 contractor place and finish concrete?

Yes. Placing and finishing cement concrete is included within the Hawaii C-31 Masonry Contractor classification.

Can a C-31 contractor drill, saw, and core concrete?

Yes. Drilling, sawing, and coring concrete are included within the C-31 classification scope.

Who administers the Hawaii C-31 examination?

The examination is administered by PSI Services LLC for the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

How long is Hawaii contractor examination eligibility valid?

After Board approval, candidates must complete the required examination process within the applicable six-month eligibility period.

How long do I have access to the online practice questions?

This product includes 3 months access.

Does passing the C-31 exam automatically issue a Hawaii contractor license?

No. Applicants must also satisfy Hawaii's applicable experience, Business and Law examination, application, financial, insurance, and other Contractors License Board requirements.

Does this product guarantee that I will pass the Hawaii C-31 examination?

No. These online practice questions are designed to support organized preparation. Examination performance depends on each candidate's study, masonry experience, construction knowledge, estimating skills, safety awareness, and performance on test day.