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Study Guide for the Pipeline (C-34) Examination

FOR EXAMINATIONS SCHEDULED ON OR AFTER MARCH 27, 2002

Content of the Examination

The Pipeline (C-34) Examination is divided into four major sections. These sections are:

1. Estimating and Planning (30%)

  1. Plans, specifications, and soil conditions
  2. Field verification
  3. Equipment and materials
  4. Removal and placement

2. Trenching and Excavation (22%)

  1. Pre-construction verification
  2. Excavation techniques
  3. Backfill, compaction, and resurfacing
  4. Demolition and removal

3. Pipeline System Installation (33%)

  1. Water distribution systems
  2. Sewer and storm drain systems
  3. Electrical and communication systems
  4. Petroleum and gas systems
  5. Heavy equipment operation

4. Job Site Safety (15%)

  1. Traffic control
  2. Trench shoring and sloping
  3. Confined spaces
  4. Personal protective equipment
  5. Equipment safety

*Percentages are approximate*


Test Site Policy
This is a closed-book examination. No reference materials may be used during the examination. All materials brought to the examination site must be left in an unmonitored area at your own risk.



Test Strategy

This is a multiple-choice examination with four choices per question. Some questions require mathematical computation. Examination questions are written to provide only one BEST answer and are NOT written as trick questions.


All correct answers have equal value. If you are unsure about a particular question, it is better to try to answer the question with the chance of possibly getting it correct (and earning one point) than it is to leave the question blank and definitely get it wrong (and lose one point).


Ample time is provided to answer all examination questions, so be sure to read each question and its four choices completely and carefully before selecting the BEST possible answer to the question.



Sample Questions

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. When the soils report indicates that compaction of a trench will result in 10% less volume, what should be expected during backfill?

  1. Fill will have to be exported.
  2. Soil will have to be imported.
  3. Water will need to be added to increase compaction.
  4. More asphalt will be needed during resurfacing.

2. If a 12', 45-degree offset is required when laying a pipeline, how much extra pipe is required in order to avoid the obstruction?

  1. 5 lf
  2. 12 lf
  3. 16 lf
  4. 24 lf

3. How far apart should ladders be placed inside a trench that is deeper than four feet?

  1. 25'
  2. 50'
  3. 75'
  4. 100'

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*


Resources

Publisher information is provided. Additional sources for purchasing materials may be available online.


Cal/OSHA State of California Construction Safety Orders.
California Code of Regulations, Title 8,
Industrial Relations, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 4.
Thompson/Barclays Division.
PHONE: (800) 888-3600.
FAX (415) 344-4950.
INTERNET: ccr.oal.ca.gov/


Water Distribution Systems Handbook.
Larry Mays.
The McGraw-Hill Companies.
PHONE: (877) 833-5524.
FAX: (614) 759-3749.
INTERNET: www.mcgraw-hill.com


Traffic Manual Metric.
California Department of Transportation.
Publications Distribution Unit.
PHONE: (916) 445-3520.
FAX (916) 324-8997.
INTERNET: www.caltrans-opac.ca.gov

*Publisher information is current as of 10/07*

13E-34


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