The Chicago masonry exam is administered by Continental Testing for the City of Chicago. Each card exam runs 3 hours, costs $95, and requires a 70% score to pass. It is broader than the trade itself, and the estimating, code, and business sections are where experienced masons lose the most points.
The Exam at a Glance
| Length | 3 hours per card exam |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 70% |
| Exam fee | $95 per exam |
| Administered by | Continental Testing, for the City of Chicago |
| Cards | B (brick), C (concrete), A (both) |
Verified 2026. The A card requires passing both the B and C exams. See the A, B, and C card guide.
What Is on the Exam
- Masonry and concrete materials and their properties
- Masonry and concrete installation methods
- Tools and equipment
- Surveying and estimating
- Reinforcing and installing steel
- Formwork
- Safety and quality control, including OSHA
- Business math
Why People Fail It
Skilled masons often stumble not on the hands-on material but on everything around it:
- Underestimating the estimating, surveying, and business-math sections
- Studying the trade broadly instead of what the exam actually tests
- Weak time management across a 3-hour exam
- Walking in with field experience but no exam-specific prep
How to Prepare Efficiently
- Front-load estimating, code, and business math. That is where most points are lost.
- Use practice questions as a diagnostic. Study your weak areas, not everything.
- Practice under time. Get comfortable with the 3-hour format before test day.
- Learn from people who know the exam. A focused course tells you exactly what to study.
Our 2-day Chicago masonry prep, since 2012. We tell you exactly what to study.
Register For A Class →Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Chicago masonry exam?
Each card exam is 3 hours, and you need 70% to pass.
How much does the exam cost?
$95 per exam, administered by Continental Testing.
Do I take two exams for the A card?
Yes. The A card requires passing both the brick (B) and concrete (C) exams. Our course prepares you for both.
Can you help me pass?
Yes. We teach to the test in a focused 2-day course. Call (773) 635-0099 or register for a class.
The Bottom Line
The Chicago masonry exam is passable, but it rewards preparation on the estimating, code, and business sections, not just trade skill. Know the format, study what is tested, and practice under time. In-person prep is the fastest route, and that is what we do.
Next: the full license guide, the A, B, and C cards, or the cost.
Pass the Masonry Exam the First Time
In-person Chicago prep since 2012. We tell you what to study so you walk in ready.