Chicago issues masonry licenses in three cards. The B card is for brick, the C card is for concrete, and the A card covers both. The key rule: brick work requires a B (or A), and concrete work requires a C (or A). You cannot mix them.
The Three Cards
The B card licenses you for brick masonry: brick, block, stone, and similar unit masonry on Chicago buildings. You earn it by passing the City’s B exam through Continental Testing.
Choose the B card if your work is brick and unit masonry and you do not pour or form structural concrete.
The C card licenses you for concrete masonry: forming, reinforcing, and placing structural concrete on Chicago buildings. You earn it by passing the City’s C exam.
Choose the C card if your work is concrete, formwork, and rebar, and you do not lay brick or unit masonry.
The A card covers both brick and concrete. You earn it by passing both the B and C exams. It is the most flexible card, and for most contractors who touch both materials, it is the one worth pursuing.
Choose the A card if you do, or plan to do, both brick and concrete work and want a single credential that covers all of it.
The Rule That Separates Them
This is the part contractors most need to understand. The cards are not interchangeable:
- You cannot use a C-card (concrete) holder for brick work.
- You cannot use a B-card (brick) holder for concrete work.
- The A card is the only single card that covers both.
Which Card Should You Get?
| Your work | Card to get |
|---|---|
| Brick and unit masonry only | B card |
| Concrete, formwork, rebar only | C card |
| Both brick and concrete | A card (pass both exams) |
Each exam is 3 hours, $95, and requires 70% to pass. See the full masonry exam guide and the complete license guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the B and C masonry cards?
The B card is for brick masonry and the C card is for concrete masonry. You cannot use a C-card holder for brick work, or a B-card holder for concrete work.
What does the A card cover?
The A card covers both brick and concrete. You earn it by passing both the B and C exams.
Which card should I get?
Get the B card for brick-only work, the C card for concrete-only work, and the A card if you do both. Most contractors who touch both materials go for the A card.
Do I take two exams for the A card?
Yes. The A card requires passing both the B (brick) and C (concrete) exams. Our course prepares you for both. Call (773) 635-0099.
The Bottom Line
B is brick, C is concrete, and A is both. The cards are not interchangeable, so match your card to your work, and if you do both, the A card is the one that covers you fully. Whichever you choose, the exam is the hurdle, and that is what we make fast.
Next: the full license guide, the exam, or the cost.
B, C, or the Full A Card, We Prep You for All
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