Hawaii Pile Driving, Pile And Caisson Drilling, And Foundation Contractor (C-35) Exam - Online Practice Questions

Prepare for the Hawaii Pile Driving, Pile and Caisson Drilling, and Foundation Contractor (C-35) examination with online practice questions designed to reinforce pile and caisson drilling, foundation preparation, pile-driving methods, concrete construction, equipment knowledge, calculations, and OSHA construction safety.

This online practice-question product includes 3 months access, giving candidates time to review deep-foundation concepts, strengthen practical construction knowledge, identify weaker subjects, and build a consistent study routine before taking the official Hawaii C-35 contractor examination.

The Hawaii C-35 Pile Driving, Pile and Caisson Drilling, and Foundation Contractor classification covers drilling holes for pilings and caissons, driving piles, setting caissons, cutting and capping piles, and compacting earth for foundations using vibrofloat or similar systems.

This specialized classification requires knowledge of equipment, soil and foundation conditions, pile installation, drilled foundation work, concrete, construction sequencing, and worker safety. Candidates should be prepared to understand how deep-foundation systems transfer structural loads into supporting soil or rock and how those systems are installed safely in the field.

The current Hawaii C-35 examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes, or 2 hours, to complete the examination and must achieve a minimum passing score of 75%.

This examination is CLOSED book. Study references are not allowed in the examination center. Candidates should therefore use the listed books during preparation to build strong working knowledge and then practice answering technical questions without depending on immediate reference lookup.

The study references associated with this product include Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods, 10th Edition, The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, 4th Edition, Pipe and Excavation Contracting, and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA).

Exam Details

The Hawaii C-35 examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes to complete the examination, and the minimum passing score is 75%.

The current official examination content outline includes:

• Pile and Caisson Drilling and Foundation Preparation: 30 questions
• Concrete: 8 questions
• General Knowledge: 6 questions
• Safety OSHA: 6 questions

Pile and Caisson Drilling and Foundation Preparation is the dominant examination category, accounting for 30 of the 50 questions. Candidates should devote most of their preparation time to deep-foundation equipment, pile types, drilling, foundation preparation, installation methods, construction sequencing, soil conditions, and related field operations.

Concrete accounts for 8 questions. Concrete preparation can involve concrete materials, placement, reinforcement, quality control, curing, foundation construction, and concrete work associated with pile caps and other foundation components.

General Knowledge and Safety OSHA each contribute 6 questions. General Knowledge can involve broad construction practices and equipment concepts, while OSHA preparation should focus on hazards that arise around excavation, drilling, pile driving, heavy equipment, lifting, and deep-foundation operations.

Closed Book Test

This examination is CLOSED book.

The reference materials associated with the Hawaii C-35 examination are not allowed in the examination center. Candidates should use the books for study but prepare to answer the official questions using their retained technical knowledge and practical understanding.

Closed-book preparation is especially important for an equipment- and method-intensive trade such as pile driving and caisson drilling. Candidates should recognize common equipment, foundation systems, installation methods, soil-related conditions, concrete procedures, and safety requirements without having to search for definitions during the test.

A useful study method is to review one topic in the appropriate reference, complete practice questions from memory, and then return to the reference to investigate missed concepts. This reinforces both understanding and recall.

With 50 questions in 120 minutes, candidates have an average of approximately 2 minutes and 24 seconds per question. Strong familiarity with common foundation concepts can preserve more time for calculations or detailed construction scenarios.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm that the C-35 classification matches your intended work. Hawaii identifies C-35 as the Pile Driving, Pile and Caisson Drilling, and Foundation Contractor classification.
2. Complete the applicable Hawaii contractor license application. Contractor licensing is handled 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 Contractors License Board approval. Applicants must be approved before registering for the required contractor examination.
5. Register with PSI after approval. Approved candidates receive examination eligibility information and registration instructions.
6. Prepare for the C-35 trade examination. Focus on pile and caisson drilling, foundation preparation, concrete, construction methods, equipment, and OSHA safety.
7. Pass the C-35 examination. The current test contains 50 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires a 75% passing score.
8. Complete the applicable Business and Law examination. New Hawaii contractor applicants must also 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 contractor 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-35 classification authorizes a contractor to drill holes for pilings and caissons and to drive piles and set caissons, including cutting piles and capping them.

The classification also includes compacting earth for foundations by vibrofloat or similar systems.

This scope makes C-35 a specialized deep-foundation classification. Contractors should understand the limits of the license and coordinate other classifications when a project contains work outside the authorized C-35 scope.

Applicants must submit the appropriate contractor application and receive Board approval before registering for the examination through PSI.

After the Hawaii Contractors License Board approves an applicant for examination, the required examination or examinations must be passed within the applicable six-month examination eligibility period. Applicants who do not complete the required testing within that period must reapply for examination eligibility.

Passing the C-35 examination alone does not automatically issue a Hawaii contractor license. Applicants must also satisfy Hawaii's applicable experience, Business and Law examination, financial, insurance, application, entity, and other licensing requirements.

Reference Books

• Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods, 10th Edition
  Supports preparation involving heavy construction equipment, production methods, excavation, drilling, pile driving, hoisting, earthmoving, construction planning, equipment selection, and field operations. This 10th Edition is included as a study reference with this product.
• The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction - 4th Edition
  Supports study involving concrete materials, preparation, formwork, reinforcement, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, quality control, and concrete foundation work.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  Supports preparation involving excavation, soil conditions, equipment, trenches, dewatering, shoring, earthwork, estimating, and field practices that relate to foundation and drilling operations.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Supports preparation involving excavation safety, heavy equipment, pile-driving operations, cranes, lifting, personal protective equipment, access, fall hazards, material handling, and other OSHA construction requirements.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Hawaii C-35 study plan should begin with Pile and Caisson Drilling and Foundation Preparation. This category represents 30 questions, or 60% of the examination.

Review the basic differences among driven piles, drilled foundation elements, and caissons. Candidates should understand how different systems are installed and the types of equipment commonly associated with each method.

Pile-driving equipment deserves substantial attention. Study hammers, leads, cranes, rigs, cushions, helmets, driving accessories, lifting equipment, and the relationship between equipment selection and pile type.

Candidates should be familiar with common pile materials, including steel, concrete, and timber systems, as well as general handling and installation considerations.

Review the importance of protecting piles during handling and driving. Damage to the pile head, misalignment, improper lifting, or unsuitable driving procedures can affect installation and finished foundation performance.

Pile splicing and cutoff are also important field operations. Candidates should understand why piles may require extension, connection, or cutting to the specified elevation before subsequent foundation work continues.

Study how pile caps coordinate multiple piles and transfer loads from the structure into the deep-foundation system.

Caisson and drilled foundation work requires knowledge of drilling equipment, bore stability, soil and groundwater conditions, reinforcement, placement of concrete, and maintaining the intended dimensions of the foundation element.

Ground conditions can significantly affect drilling. Candidates should understand that unstable soils, groundwater, obstructions, and changing subsurface conditions can alter the installation method and safety requirements.

Soil conditions are important even though the C-35 examination is not a professional geotechnical engineering exam. Contractors need practical knowledge of how soil affects drilling, pile driving, foundation support, excavation stability, and equipment operations.

Study concepts involving bearing, skin resistance, settlement, and load transfer at a practical construction level. Deep foundations transfer structural loads into suitable supporting strata through mechanisms that depend on the foundation type and subsurface conditions.

Vibrofloat compaction is specifically included within Hawaii's C-35 classification. Candidates should understand the general purpose of deep soil densification and how improving foundation soils can support subsequent construction.

Review excavation and foundation preparation because deep-foundation work often requires access, working platforms, grade preparation, excavation support, and coordination with surrounding construction.

Equipment stability is critical. Pile-driving and drilling rigs can be large and heavily loaded, and suitable working surfaces are important for safe operation.

Dewatering and groundwater control can affect foundation operations. Water in excavations or drilled holes can influence stability, work access, concrete placement, and the selected construction method.

Concrete represents 8 questions. Use The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction to review concrete materials, placement, consolidation, curing, reinforcement, formwork, and quality practices.

Deep-foundation construction may involve concrete in drilled shafts, caissons, pile caps, grade beams, and incidental foundation components. Candidates should understand how good concrete practices support structural performance.

Review concrete placement around reinforcing steel. Reinforcement should remain properly positioned while concrete is placed and consolidated.

Consolidation is important when concrete must flow around reinforcement or fill deep foundation forms. Candidates should understand why inadequate consolidation can leave voids or poorly filled areas.

Curing should also be reviewed because concrete quality depends on appropriate conditions after placement as well as proper mixture and placement beforehand.

General Knowledge accounts for 6 questions. This area can draw on practical construction knowledge involving equipment, job planning, methods, materials, basic calculations, and coordination of field work.

Use Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods to strengthen knowledge of equipment capabilities and construction production. Rather than memorizing machine names, understand what each type of equipment is designed to accomplish.

Equipment selection should reflect the task, site conditions, access, lifting requirements, drilling or driving demands, and the expected production method.

Review practical construction calculations that can arise around foundation operations. Be comfortable with length, area, volume, basic material quantities, and unit conversions.

Safety OSHA accounts for 6 questions and should receive serious preparation. Pile-driving and caisson operations involve heavy equipment, suspended loads, excavation hazards, fall hazards, high-energy machinery, and changing ground conditions.

Use 29 CFR Part 1926 to study OSHA construction safety concepts applicable to foundation work.

Review lifting and rigging safety. Piles, reinforcing cages, casing, equipment, and foundation components can involve large suspended loads. Workers should remain aware of load movement and equipment operating zones.

Study hazards associated with pile-driving equipment, including moving machinery, suspended components, hammer operations, leads, and access to elevated areas.

Excavation safety should include soil conditions, cave-in hazards, protective systems, access and egress, spoil placement, water accumulation, underground utilities, and equipment near excavation edges.

Drilled foundations can create open-hole hazards. Work areas should be controlled so personnel and equipment are protected around drilled shafts, caissons, and other openings.

Review personal protective equipment and jobsite communication. Deep-foundation operations can involve high noise levels, heavy machinery, falling-object hazards, and restricted visibility.

Good communication between operators, riggers, signal personnel, and other workers is important when moving piles, casing, reinforcement, or drilling components.

Pipe and Excavation Contracting can help reinforce excavation methods, soil-related field conditions, shoring, equipment use, and practical sitework concepts that overlap with foundation preparation.

Because the official examination is closed book, begin by studying with the references and gradually move toward answering questions without them. The goal is to recognize familiar construction situations quickly.

When a practice question is missed, determine whether the issue involved pile-driving methods, drilling, soils, concrete, equipment, calculations, or safety.

Track recurring weak areas. Since Pile and Caisson Drilling and Foundation Preparation represents 60% of the examination, repeated errors in that category should receive additional attention immediately.

As exam day approaches, use mixed-topic practice that shifts among pile driving, caissons, equipment, concrete, general construction knowledge, and OSHA safety.

With 50 questions in 120 minutes, candidates should answer familiar questions efficiently and reserve additional time for calculation-based or more detailed foundation scenarios.

The included 3 months access gives candidates time to progress from foundational study into topic-focused practice, weak-area correction, mixed-question review, and closed-book exam preparation.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Hawaii Pile Driving, Pile and Caisson Drilling, and Foundation Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, calculation practice, and confidence-building study structure.

The online practice questions help candidates actively apply foundation-construction knowledge instead of relying only on passive reading. Practice can reinforce pile driving, caisson drilling, equipment, foundation preparation, concrete, construction methods, and OSHA safety.

Because the official Hawaii C-35 examination is closed book, repeated practice can help strengthen recall and improve the ability to apply technical concepts without consulting a reference during every question.

The study references can be used to investigate missed questions and reinforce difficult topics before candidates return to closed-book practice.

With 3 months access included, candidates can establish a consistent preparation schedule, revisit challenging foundation topics, strengthen equipment knowledge, practice calculations, and build familiarity with the official exam content areas.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Hawaii C-35 examination with stronger deep-foundation knowledge, better construction judgment, improved safety awareness, and a structured study process without guaranteeing a passing score or Hawaii contractor license.

How many questions are on the Hawaii C-35 exam?

The current Hawaii Pile Driving, Pile and Caisson Drilling, and Foundation Contractor examination contains 50 questions.

How much time is allowed for the Hawaii C-35 examination?

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

What score is required to pass the Hawaii C-35 exam?

The minimum passing score is 75%.

Is the Hawaii C-35 exam open book?

No. This examination is CLOSED book.

What is the largest category on the C-35 examination?

Pile and Caisson Drilling and Foundation Preparation is the largest category with 30 questions.

Does the C-35 exam cover concrete?

Yes. Concrete accounts for 8 questions.

Does the examination include OSHA safety?

Yes. Safety OSHA accounts for 6 questions.

Does the examination cover general construction knowledge?

Yes. General Knowledge accounts for 6 questions.

What does the Hawaii C-35 contractor classification cover?

The classification covers drilling holes for pilings and caissons, driving piles, setting caissons, cutting and capping piles, and compacting earth for foundations using vibrofloat or similar systems.

Should I study pile-driving equipment?

Yes. Equipment and construction methods are important parts of pile-driving and foundation preparation and should receive focused study.

Should I study soil and excavation conditions?

Yes. Soil, groundwater, excavation, and site conditions can directly affect drilling, pile driving, foundation preparation, and worker safety.

Does the exam include foundation-related concrete work?

Yes. Candidates should prepare for concrete materials, placement, consolidation, reinforcement, curing, and other quality-construction concepts relevant to foundation work.

Who administers the Hawaii C-35 contractor 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, applicants must pass the required examination or examinations 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 C-35 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-35 examination?

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