Continental Testing Services • Brick Masonry Contractor B Card • 3 Hours • Passing Score 70 • Closed Book
Planning to earn your Chicago Brick Masonry Contractor B Card? This Illinois Chicago 302 Brick Masonry B Card Contractor Exam Prep guide explains the official examination, masonry materials, brick and block construction, mortar, wall installation, OSHA safety, estimating, business math, study books, and licensing process.
The official examination number is Chicago 302.
This examination is administered by Continental Testing Services for the City of Chicago, Illinois.
It is the examination associated with the Brick Masonry Contractor B Card.
That number matters because Chicago also has a separate Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card examination.
The Concrete Masonry C Card is Chicago 307, not 302.
The two exams test different construction subjects.
For the Brick Masonry B Card, the official content outline emphasizes masonry installation methods, OSHA safety, masonry materials, tools and fasteners, estimating, and business math.
The C Card instead concentrates on concrete materials, concrete placement, steel reinforcement, formwork, and related concrete construction practices.
If you are preparing for brick masonry work, make sure you select Chicago 302.
The B Card exam is a written multiple-choice test.
Candidates receive three hours, or 180 minutes, to complete the examination.
The official Continental Testing study guide requires a score of 70 or higher to pass.
The examination is closed book.
That means no reference books, written notes, highlighted materials, or study guides may be used during the actual exam.
You need to learn the material before you arrive at the testing center.
A mason with years of field experience may know how to build a straight wall, but exam questions can still test terminology, material properties, construction calculations, or technical safety requirements.
Practical experience is valuable.
However, a written licensing exam rewards the ability to explain and apply that experience accurately.
The official B Card examination includes six content categories.
Masonry Installations accounts for 25% of the published examination outline.
Safety Regulations accounts for 23%.
Masonry Materials accounts for 17%.
Masonry Tools, Equipment and Fasteners represents 14%.
Quantity Surveying and Estimating represents 11%.
Business Math represents another 11%.
The published percentages add to 101% because of rounding.
They describe the relative importance of the subjects.
They do not mean the examination contains 101 questions.
The official candidate guide does not specify a complete B Card question count.
It does specify the examination length, scoring standard, study references, and the subject breakdown.
Masonry Installations is the largest category for a reason.
Brick construction is not simply stacking rectangular units in a neat pattern.
A professional mason must understand layout, bonding patterns, joints, wall alignment, support, anchors, reinforcement, weather protection, and proper construction sequencing.
Mortar joints help bond masonry units together and contribute to wall performance.
Bond patterns affect the appearance and construction of masonry walls.
Flashing and weep systems help manage moisture.
Expansion and control joints accommodate movement under different conditions.
Wall ties and anchors connect masonry assemblies to supporting structures where required.
Openings need correct support details, including properly designed lintels.
If a wall looks perfect but lets water into the building, the bricks probably deserve less of the blame than the missing flashing details.
Safety Regulations is the second-largest exam category.
Masonry work regularly involves scaffolding, ladders, elevated work areas, material handling, cutting tools, dust, heavy units, and active construction sites.
Safety questions may address personal protective equipment, guardrails, scaffold access, power tools, lifting, housekeeping, and other construction hazards.
The official recommended safety reference is OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
This publication addresses many construction safety requirements that apply to masonry operations.
Masonry Materials accounts for 17% of the test.
Students should understand the properties of clay brick, concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and common masonry accessories.
Different materials behave differently.
Some units absorb water more quickly than others.
Mortar properties affect workability and bonding.
Moisture changes can cause movement in masonry materials.
Correct material selection is important for appearance, strength, durability, and weather protection.
Tools, Equipment and Fasteners represents another 14%.
Candidates should understand the functions and safe use of trowels, jointers, hammers, chisels, masonry saws, levels, measuring devices, mixers, scaffolding components, and lifting equipment.
Equipment should be inspected and used for its intended purpose.
A tool problem is not the time to invent an exciting new repair method.
Quantity Surveying and Estimating accounts for 11%.
This category tests the ability to calculate material quantities for masonry work.
Examples include wall area, brick counts, concrete block quantities, mortar requirements, openings, and waste allowances.
Students should understand the difference between nominal and actual masonry unit dimensions.
Those measurements matter when calculating courses and wall lengths.
Business Math represents a separate 11% category.
Study fractions, decimals, percentages, multiplication, division, unit conversions, production rates, labor hours, and crew productivity.
For example, a question might ask how many bricks each mason lays per hour when a crew completes a particular wall.
That calculation involves total brick count, number of masons, and working time.
It sounds simple, but the wording can create mistakes when students rush.
The official Continental Testing candidate guide includes sample questions covering these topics.
It is a useful place to begin because the questions show the style of the written exam.
Students should still prepare beyond the sample questions.
The guide recommends three study references for both the B Card and C Card examinations.
The first is Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition, 2015.
The second is Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders, Sixth Edition, 2008.
The third is Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1926, the OSHA construction safety regulations.
These titles support learning about masonry construction, materials, wall systems, tools, estimating, and safety.
Remember that the books are study resources only for this closed-book exam.
Contractor Exam Preps offers several related masonry products.
The Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders is a direct match for an officially recommended B Card title.
The Study Guide for Masonry Contractors, Second Edition offers additional training in masonry methods, materials, wall construction, and trade safety.
Students can also review Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete, Tenth Edition for broader masonry construction education.
Modern Masonry is a useful supplemental title, but it should not be described as the exact Masonry Skills edition identified in the official candidate guide.
Study resources should be selected based on their relevance to the examination.
For Chicago's closed-book B Card, the goal is to understand and remember the material rather than rely on finding answers in a book during testing.
Applicants must also understand the registration and licensing process.
Continental Testing states that Chicago masonry contractor examination candidates must be at least 21 years old.
The published first-time examination fee is $150.
The official schedule includes examination dates and application deadlines.
As of October 2026, the next published Chicago 302 examination is January 13, 2027, with an application deadline of December 4, 2026.
Additional published examination dates include June 2 and October 6, 2027.
Applicants should verify the live schedule because dates and fees can change.
After passing the examination, the candidate receives a passing notice and an application for the applicable City licensing process.
Passing the test is not the same as automatically receiving the final contractor license.
There is also an advancement opportunity for qualifying masonry contractors.
According to the Continental candidate guide, candidates who pass both the Brick Masonry B Card and Concrete Masonry C Card examinations may qualify for the broader Masonry Contractor A Card, subject to City requirements.
This guide includes the official Chicago 302 exam facts, licensing roadmap, masonry installation topics, safety rules, estimating techniques, reference books, six-week study plan, store products, interactive FAQs, a Chicago-themed educational credential image, and a related 1ExamPrep masonry contractor video.
Important Chicago 302 Brick Masonry B Card Update: The correct classification is Chicago 302 Brick Masonry Contractor B Card. Chicago 307 is the separate Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card. The Chicago 302 examination is a three-hour, closed-book, multiple-choice test with a passing score of 70 or higher. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The current official candidate guide recommends Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition, Concrete Masonry Handbook, Sixth Edition, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Some older retail descriptions mention Masonry Skills, Sixth Edition, so use the current Continental Testing guide instead. No reference books or notes are allowed in the test room.
The Brick Masonry Contractor B Card is a City of Chicago trade licensing classification associated with brick masonry contracting.
The required examination is Chicago 302.
Continental Testing Services administers the examination for the City.
This is a local Chicago licensing requirement rather than a universal statewide Illinois masonry license.
The examination evaluates the knowledge used in constructing and maintaining masonry assemblies.
That knowledge includes brick and block materials, mortar, wall layout, anchors, flashing, joints, tools, equipment, construction measurements, and safety.
Brick masonry can form an important part of a building's appearance and performance.
Depending on the project, masonry can be used for walls, exterior veneers, partitions, chimneys, and other building components.
The legal scope of any project must still follow the applicable City license, permit, construction code, and approved drawings.
Masonry work demands accuracy.
A wall must be laid out correctly.
Units need suitable mortar joints.
Openings require appropriate structural support.
Flashing and drainage components help protect against unwanted water entry.
Anchors and ties connect masonry where required.
Movement joints help accommodate material and building movement.
Good masonry work involves both appearance and performance.
For example, a wall may look straight while containing poor moisture-control details.
Those hidden problems can create significant repairs later.
A contractor should know how installation procedures affect the completed assembly.
That is why Masonry Installations represents 25% of the official B Card examination outline.
The test also places strong emphasis on safety.
Masonry workers may use scaffolding, ladders, heavy materials, cutting tools, and powered equipment.
Construction safety cannot be treated as an optional final chapter.
Safety Regulations accounts for 23% of the exam, nearly as much as masonry installations.
Materials knowledge, estimating, and business math are also included because contractors must understand the work before, during, and after installation.
Official examination: Chicago 302.
License classification: Brick Masonry Contractor B Card.
Testing administrator: Continental Testing Services.
Jurisdiction: City of Chicago.
Related classification: Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card.
| Step | Requirement | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm Classification | Brick Masonry B Card | Choose the correct Chicago contractor classification. |
| Exam Number | Chicago 302 | Do not confuse it with Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry. |
| Licensing Jurisdiction | City of Chicago | Review applicable City trade license requirements. |
| Testing Administrator | Continental Testing | Review official instructions and schedules. |
| Minimum Age | 21 Years | Confirm applicant eligibility. |
| Application | Official Exam Registration | Complete current required forms. |
| First-Time Exam Fee | $150 Listed | Confirm and pay the current fee. |
| Examination Date | Scheduled Administration | Choose an available testing date. |
| Application Deadline | Before Exam | Submit documents before the published deadline. |
| Exam Format | Written Multiple Choice | Practice exam-style questions. |
| Exam Duration | 180 Minutes | Practice under a three-hour limit. |
| Passing Standard | 70 or Higher | Review every major exam subject. |
| Open Book | No | Study without depending on reference books. |
| Calculator | Nonprogrammable and Nonprinting | Bring an allowed battery- or solar-powered calculator. |
| Pencils | Two Number 2 | Bring sharpened black lead pencils. |
| Masonry Materials | 17% | Study brick, concrete block, mortar, grout, and accessories. |
| Masonry Installations | 25% | Study bricklaying, bonds, flashing, joints, and wall construction. |
| Tools and Equipment | 14% | Review tools, cutting, mixing, fastening, and safe operation. |
| Quantity Estimating | 11% | Practice brick and block quantity calculations. |
| Business Math | 11% | Practice fractions, decimals, percentages, and productivity. |
| Safety Regulations | 23% | Review OSHA construction safety. |
| Results | Official Notice | Follow the instructions in the Continental result letter. |
| City License | Post-Exam Application | Complete licensing steps after passing. |
| Initial License Fee | $150 Listed | Confirm current City fee. |
| Renewal Fee | $150 Listed | Follow City renewal instructions. |
| Potential A Card | B and C Examinations | Review the separate C Card and broader A Card requirements. |
| Exam Detail | Category | Official Information |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Number | Continental | Chicago 302 |
| Classification | Licensing | Brick Masonry Contractor B Card |
| State | Location | Illinois |
| Jurisdiction | Licensing | City of Chicago |
| Administrator | Testing | Continental Testing Services |
| Format | Testing | Multiple Choice |
| Exam Length | Testing | Three Hours |
| Exam Minutes | Testing | 180 |
| Passing Score | Testing | 70 or Higher |
| Reference Policy | Testing | Closed Book |
| Full Question Count | Testing | Not Specified in Official Candidate Guide |
| Calculator | Testing | Nonprogrammable and Nonprinting |
| Calculator Power | Testing | Battery or Solar |
| Pencils | Testing | Two Sharpened Number 2 |
| Minimum Age | Eligibility | 21 Years |
| Masonry Materials | Blueprint | 17% |
| Masonry Installations | Blueprint | 25% |
| Tools, Equipment and Fasteners | Blueprint | 14% |
| Quantity Surveying and Estimating | Blueprint | 11% |
| Business Math | Blueprint | 11% |
| Safety Regulations | Blueprint | 23% |
| Published Weighting Total | Blueprint | 101% Due to Rounding |
| Shared Study Reference | Books | Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition, 2015 |
| Shared Study Reference | Books | Concrete Masonry Handbook, Sixth Edition, 2008 |
| Safety Study Reference | Books | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 |
| First Published Upcoming Exam | Schedule | January 13, 2027 |
| January Application Deadline | Schedule | December 4, 2026 |
| Second Published Exam | Schedule | June 2, 2027 |
| June Application Deadline | Schedule | May 7, 2027 |
| Third Published Exam | Schedule | October 6, 2027 |
| October Application Deadline | Schedule | September 10, 2027 |
| Initial Exam Fee | Fees | $150 Listed |
| Exam Retake Fee | Fees | $150 Listed |
| Initial License Fee | Fees | $150 Listed |
| Renewal Fee | Fees | $150 Listed |
| Related Examination | Licensing | Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry C Card |
| A Card Possibility | Licensing | Candidates Passing Both B and C Exams May Qualify |
Official exam: Chicago 302 Brick Masonry Contractor.
Time: Three hours.
Passing score: 70 or higher.
Closed book: Yes.
Published total question count: Not specified by the official guide.
Most important categories: Masonry Installations and Safety Regulations.
Masonry Installations is the largest category in the Chicago 302 examination outline.
Review bricklaying procedures, masonry coursing, bond patterns, mortar joint construction, wall alignment, and proper installation methods.
Study flashing, weep systems, lintels, wall anchors, reinforcement, openings, and movement joints.
Learn why masonry construction details matter for strength, appearance, and moisture protection.
Safety is the second-largest category.
Study OSHA construction requirements, scaffolding, ladders, fall hazards, personal protective equipment, material handling, masonry saws, and common jobsite risks.
Review the safe handling of cleaning chemicals and the proper use of tools and powered equipment.
Learn to recognize unsafe conditions and appropriate protective practices.
Study brick, concrete masonry units, stone, mortar, grout, reinforcement, anchors, ties, flashing, sealants, and other masonry materials.
Understand how material properties affect construction.
Review absorption, moisture movement, shrinkage, mortar behavior, weathering, and unit selection.
Review trowels, hammers, chisels, jointers, levels, measuring tools, masonry saws, mortar mixers, scaffolding equipment, lifting devices, and fasteners.
Understand what each tool is used for and how to operate it safely.
Learn basic equipment inspection and maintenance practices.
Study wall dimensions, square footage, unit quantities, course counts, openings, mortar needs, and material waste.
Practice estimating brick and concrete masonry unit quantities using nominal unit sizes.
Learn how to adjust a total when wall openings reduce the area requiring masonry.
Practice multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, labor-hour calculations, production rates, and unit conversions.
Understand how to calculate average work completed per mason per hour.
Business Math is a separate official exam category, not merely another name for estimating.
Largest category: Masonry Installations, 25%.
Second largest: Safety Regulations, 23%.
Combined: 48% of the published examination emphasis.
Published totals: 101% because of rounding.
Start with the official Continental Testing candidate guide.
It explains the examination format and identifies the six technical subject categories.
Because the B Card examination is closed book, your study plan should focus on understanding, memorization, and repeated practice.
Use books to learn the topics.
Then practice answering without looking at the book.
Begin with Masonry Installations.
Learn wall layout, bricklaying, block construction, bonding patterns, mortar joints, flashing, weeps, reinforcement, anchors, and masonry openings.
Next, study construction safety.
Review scaffolding, ladders, fall protection, cutting equipment, material handling, and personal protective equipment.
Spend time with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
The combination of installations and safety accounts for 48% of the published exam emphasis.
Installations: Bricklaying, bond patterns, coursing, flashing, anchors, and joints.
Safety: OSHA 1926, scaffolds, ladders, cutting tools, PPE, and material handling.
Materials: Brick, block, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and moisture behavior.
Tools: Trowels, jointers, saws, mixers, hammers, levels, and fasteners.
Estimating: Wall measurements, brick counts, block counts, and waste.
Business Math: Fractions, decimals, percentages, labor time, and productivity.
Use a notebook during home study to record important definitions and example calculations.
Do not plan to bring that notebook into the exam.
Try making flash cards for masonry terms and safety concepts.
Practice calculations without help until you can complete them accurately.
Finish each week with mixed questions covering earlier subjects.
That helps keep the material fresh while new topics are introduced.
During the final two weeks, complete full closed-book practice sessions.
Use a three-hour timer and a permitted type of calculator.
Review incorrect answers afterward using the study books.
Understanding coursing, mortar joints, wall layout, anchors, and moisture protection is useful preparation for the Chicago B Card's largest topic, Masonry Installations.
Simplified brick running-bond illustration for study. Actual walls require appropriate structural support, moisture protection, and approved construction details.
Choose the City of Chicago Brick Masonry Contractor B Card.
Make sure you do not register for Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry by mistake.
Review the minimum age of 21 and the current Continental examination schedule.
Follow the current City and Continental Testing instructions and pay applicable fees.
Review Masonry Skills, Concrete Masonry Handbook, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 before testing.
Study bond patterns, wall construction, safety, tools, estimating, and business mathematics.
Complete the three-hour written exam and earn a score of 70 or higher.
Follow the official passing notice and complete any remaining license application requirements.
These percentages come from the official Continental Testing Services B Card outline.
Highest-weighted topic: Masonry Installations, 25%.
Second-largest topic: Safety Regulations, 23%.
Combined emphasis: 48%.
Published weighting total: 101%, due to rounding.
Preparation: Study every category and practice without books.
The official Continental Testing candidate guide lists three recommended study references for both the B Card and C Card examinations.
Other masonry books can provide useful supplemental practice, but should not be confused with the exact editions in the official guide.
| Reference Book | Edition | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry Skills | 7th Edition, 2015 | Official recommended study reference covering masonry materials, laying methods, tools, equipment, estimating, and safety. |
| Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders | 6th Edition, 2008 | Official recommended reference for concrete masonry materials, units, reinforcement, joints, walls, and construction practices. |
| Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1926 | Current Construction Safety Regulations | Official recommended OSHA safety study reference. |
| Study Guide for Masonry Contractors | 2nd Edition | Supplemental construction study, masonry materials, installation, safety, and estimating. |
| Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete | 10th Edition | Supplemental study for tools, materials, laying methods, masonry joints, flashing, wall construction, and estimating. |
| The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | 4th Edition | Optional general concrete construction review, more directly related to concrete topics than the B Card's main brick emphasis. |
| Continental Chicago Masonry Candidate Guide | Current Official Guide | Exam length, passing score, subject percentages, reference list, testing rules, and official sample questions. |
Exact official B Card study references: Masonry Skills 7th Edition, Concrete Masonry Handbook 6th Edition, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
Store supplemental products: Study Guide for Masonry Contractors 2nd Edition and Modern Masonry 10th Edition.
Test-day policy: No books, notes, or study materials are permitted.
The Chicago B Card exam is not an open-book examination.
Reference books help you study, but they cannot help you look up an answer while you are testing.
Practice recalling masonry terms and construction procedures without looking at your notes.
Best strategy: Study with books first and practice without books later.
Largest focus: Masonry Installations and Safety Regulations.
Exam time: Three hours.
Passing score: 70 or higher.
The Chicago Brick Masonry B Card relates to brick masonry contractor licensing in the City of Chicago.
Brick masonry is used in many building applications.
Common projects can involve brick walls, masonry veneers, columns, chimneys, exterior facades, and repair work.
Actual permitted work depends on the contractor license, project documents, permits, and applicable City requirements.
Masonry contractors must understand how different construction materials perform.
Brick and concrete masonry units may have different properties.
Mortar is selected and placed for the intended masonry assembly.
Grout may be used in reinforced masonry systems according to the project design.
Anchors and ties can provide required connections between building components.
Flashings and drainage features help manage moisture.
Movement joints can accommodate different types of material or building movement.
Support around windows, doors, and other openings is also important.
The test evaluates practical knowledge that supports those construction activities.
It also covers safety practices that apply to masonry workers and their equipment.
The separate Concrete Masonry C Card covers additional concrete construction operations.
Passing both B and C examinations may help a qualifying applicant pursue a Masonry Contractor A Card.
That process still depends on the City's full licensing requirements.
B Card: Brick Masonry Contractor.
C Card: Concrete Masonry Contractor.
A Card: Potential broader Masonry Contractor license qualification.
Important: Exam passage and final licensing approval are separate steps.
| Classification | Official Exam | Main Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Brick Masonry Contractor B Card | Chicago 302 | Brick masonry materials, installation, equipment, estimating, business math, and safety. |
| Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card | Chicago 307 | Concrete materials, placement, reinforcing steel, formwork, tools, estimating, and safety. |
| Masonry Contractor A Card | B and C Requirements | May be available after passing both examinations and meeting City licensing requirements. |
| B Card Exam Length | 3 Hours | Closed-book multiple-choice test. |
| C Card Exam Length | 3 Hours | Closed-book multiple-choice test. |
| B Card Passing Standard | 70 or Higher | Official passing score. |
| C Card Passing Standard | 70 or Higher | Official passing score. |
| B Card Largest Subject | Masonry Installations | 25% of B Card examination outline. |
| C Card Largest Subject | Reinforcing and Installing Steel | 20% of C Card examination outline. |
| B Card Second-Largest Subject | Safety Regulations | 23% of examination outline. |
| C Card Second-Largest Subject | Concrete Methods and Installations | 18% of examination outline. |
| Exam Administrator | Continental Testing | Administers both Chicago exams. |
| Jurisdiction | City of Chicago | These are City-specific licensing classifications. |
Chicago 302
Six Official Subjects
Three-Hour Closed-Book Test
The Chicago Brick Masonry B Card examination can be challenging because it combines practical masonry knowledge, construction safety, and mathematics.
It is also closed book.
That means candidates need to remember important definitions, procedures, and formulas.
Masonry Installations is the largest category at 25%.
A candidate should understand brick layout, mortar joints, bonding patterns, flashing, reinforcement, anchors, and wall construction.
Field experience provides a useful foundation for these subjects.
However, written questions sometimes focus on details that workers do not discuss during every workday.
For example, a question may ask about the purpose of a particular masonry joint or the correct tool for a task.
Students should understand the terms rather than simply recognize them by appearance.
Safety Regulations accounts for 23% of the exam.
That is almost one-fourth of the examination emphasis.
Students who ignore OSHA topics may create a serious weakness in their preparation.
Review scaffolds, fall hazards, access, lifting, cutting, protective equipment, and material handling.
Masonry Materials is another important category at 17%.
Study clay brick, concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and moisture-related behavior.
Understanding material properties helps candidates answer questions about why one procedure is preferred over another.
The exam also tests estimating and business math.
These topics can be challenging when students are unfamiliar with calculations involving multiple measurements.
A wall-area problem may require converting inches to feet.
A brick-count problem may involve unit dimensions, openings, and waste.
A productivity problem may require dividing completed work by the number of workers and hours.
The official candidate guide includes examples of masonry calculations.
Use those examples to understand the kind of arithmetic that may appear.
Regular practice helps improve both speed and accuracy.
Contractor Exam Preps offers the Study Guide for Masonry Contractors for broader masonry review.
The Concrete Masonry Handbook is one of the official recommended reference titles.
Students can also use Modern Masonry as supplemental study material.
Once you understand a subject, close the book and answer new questions from memory.
Repeat that process throughout your study schedule.
The goal is not to read everything once and hope it sticks.
The goal is to recognize the correct answer when the examination clock is running and no books are available.
These real ContractorExamPreps.com products cover subjects related to Chicago's Brick Masonry B Card examination.
Only the Concrete Masonry Handbook below matches one of the exact official recommended study titles. The other products provide additional masonry education.
Officially Recommended Study Reference
Supplemental Masonry Contractor Training
Supplemental Brick and Block Study
Official recommended B Card books: Masonry Skills, 7th Edition; Concrete Masonry Handbook, 6th Edition; and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
Additional store products: Masonry Contractor Study Guide and Modern Masonry.
Not interchangeable: Modern Masonry is not the same publication as Masonry Skills.
Exam rule: No books are allowed during Chicago 302 testing.
Availability: Check current product descriptions, stock, and editions when ordering.
Actual masonry contractor study guide product image from ContractorExamPreps.com. The Chicago B Card credential illustration above is educational and is not an official City-issued license.
This educational credential features the Chicago skyline, a brick running-bond wall, and the official Chicago 302 examination designation.
The store-hosted image beside it is an actual Contractor Exam Preps masonry study guide product photo.
• Illinois Contractor Exam Prep
• City of Chicago
• Brick Masonry Contractor
• B Card
• Chicago Examination 302
• Continental Testing Services
• Three-Hour Examination
• Passing Score 70
• Closed-Book Format
• Masonry Installations
• Bricklaying
• Concrete Block Installation
• Masonry Materials
• Mortar
• Grout
• Brick Properties
• Concrete Masonry Units
• Mortar Joints
• Brick Bond Patterns
• Masonry Coursing
• Running Bond
• Wall Layout
• Wall Alignment
• Flashing
• Weep Systems
• Moisture Protection
• Control Joints
• Expansion Joints
• Anchors and Wall Ties
• Reinforcement
• Lintels and Openings
• Masonry Tools
• Trowels and Jointers
• Masonry Saws
• Mortar Mixers
• Measuring Equipment
• Quantity Surveying
• Masonry Estimating
• Wall Area Calculations
• Brick Quantities
• Block Quantities
• Labor Productivity
• Fractions and Decimals
• Percentages
• Construction Safety
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926
• Scaffolding
• Ladder Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Closed-Book Test Practice
• Chicago Contractor Licensing
• Separate Concrete Masonry C Card
• Potential Masonry A Card Advancement
Chicago Brick Masonry B Card Exam Basics
Chicago 302 is the official Brick Masonry Contractor B Card examination.
Continental Testing Services administers the examination for the City of Chicago.
Three hours, or 180 minutes.
The official candidate guide requires a score of 70 or higher.
No. The examination is closed book. Reference materials and notes are prohibited during testing.
The official candidate guide does not specify a complete question count. It does provide the three-hour time limit, passing score, and subject percentages.
No. Chicago 302 is Brick Masonry Contractor B Card. Chicago 307 is Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card.
Application, Scheduling and Fees
Continental Testing requires Chicago masonry contractor exam applicants to be at least 21 years old.
Use Continental Testing Services' official Chicago 302 Brick Masonry Contractor page and follow the current City application instructions.
The current Continental listing shows a $150 first-time examination fee. Check the official page for any later changes.
As of October 2026, Continental lists January 13, 2027, with an application deadline of December 4, 2026.
Yes. The current schedule also lists June 2 and October 6, 2027, subject to updates.
Continental Testing states that there are no makeup examinations or examination fee refunds. Candidates must follow reapplication instructions.
No. Candidates who pass receive a passing notice and application for licensure. They must still complete the applicable City licensing process.
Closed-Book Testing Rules
No. Masonry Skills is a recommended study book, not an exam-room reference for Chicago 302.
No. It is recommended for studying construction safety, but the examination is closed book.
Yes. Continental permits a nonprogrammable, nonprinting battery- or solar-powered portable calculator.
Two sharpened Number 2 black lead pencils.
Masonry Installations and Materials
Masonry Installations, which represents 25% of the official examination outline.
Yes. Masonry installation study should include bricklaying, coursing, bond patterns, mortar joints, and wall construction methods.
Yes. They are important masonry materials. Candidates should understand their different uses and properties.
Flashing and drainage systems are useful masonry installation topics involving moisture protection and wall construction.
Study brick, concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, anchors, ties, sealants, flashing, and other masonry accessories.
Yes. The official B Card sample questions include concrete block dimensions, courses, and masonry quantities.
Safety, Tools and Equipment
Safety Regulations represents 23% of the published B Card examination outline.
Yes. OSHA construction safety regulations are one of the three official study references for the B Card.
Scaffolding is a relevant construction safety subject, and the official sample questions include scaffolding topics.
Yes. Masonry Tools, Equipment and Fasteners represents 14% of the official examination outline.
Estimating and Business Math
Yes. Quantity Surveying and Estimating accounts for 11% of the examination outline.
Yes. Business Math accounts for an additional 11%.
Practice wall area, brick counts, block counts, courses, material waste, fractions, decimals, percentages, production rates, and labor-hour calculations.
Continental's published percentages total 101% because of rounding. They describe the relative topic emphasis and do not identify the examination's total number of questions.
Recommended Books and Contractor Exam Preps
The current Continental candidate guide lists Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition, 2015.
The current official guide lists Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders, Sixth Edition, 2008.
Yes. The store has a product listing for Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers Study Guide for Masonry Contractors, Second Edition, as supplemental masonry training material.
Yes. Modern Masonry covers brick, block, mortar, tools, wall systems, and related subjects. It is supplemental and is not the same publication as Masonry Skills.
No. Study materials support preparation, but each candidate must pass the official examination and satisfy the City's licensing requirements.
B Card, C Card and A Card
The B Card is for Brick Masonry Contractors and uses exam 302. The C Card is for Concrete Masonry Contractors and uses exam 307.
The official candidate guide states that candidates who pass both the B Card and C Card examinations may qualify for the A Card, subject to City licensing requirements.
No. The B Card is a City of Chicago licensing classification. Work in other jurisdictions may be subject to different rules.
Watch this related 1ExamPrep video on preparing for a masonry contractor examination.
The video discusses the North Carolina Masonry Construction Contractor Exam, so it provides general masonry licensing and study context rather than Chicago-specific test instructions.
Important difference: Chicago 302 is closed book. Do not use another state's open-book instructions when preparing for the Chicago B Card.
Video: How to Pass the North Carolina Masonry Construction Contractor Exam.
Source: 1ExamPrep.
Related subjects: Masonry materials, brick and block construction, safety, and contractor exam preparation.
Video jurisdiction: North Carolina.
This blog's jurisdiction: City of Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago 302 rule: Three-hour closed-book examination requiring a score of 70 or higher.
Official classification: Chicago 302 Brick Masonry Contractor B Card.
Exam administrator: Continental Testing Services.
Duration: Three hours.
Passing score: 70 or higher.
Exam format: Closed book.
Highest-weighted subject: Masonry Installations, 25%.
Second-largest subject: Safety Regulations, 23%.
Official reference editions: Masonry Skills 7th, Concrete Masonry Handbook 6th, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
Study books: Available through ContractorExamPreps.com and applicable publishers.
Preparing for the Chicago Brick Masonry Contractor B Card examination is an important step for masonry professionals pursuing the City's trade licensing requirements.
The official examination is Chicago 302.
Continental Testing Services administers the examination for the City of Chicago.
The test covers the knowledge used in masonry construction, including materials, brick installation methods, tools, equipment, estimating, mathematics, and safety.
One of the first things to remember is the correct examination classification.
Chicago 302 is for Brick Masonry Contractors.
Chicago 307 is for Concrete Masonry Contractors.
These are separate examinations with different technical subject distributions.
The Brick Masonry B Card examination is a written multiple-choice test lasting three hours.
Candidates must achieve a score of 70 or higher to pass.
It is a closed-book examination.
That means students cannot use masonry books, OSHA regulations, notes, or highlighted materials during testing.
The books are for learning before the examination.
For that reason, the most effective preparation combines technical study with repeated closed-book practice.
The official Chicago B Card examination contains six categories.
Masonry Installations is the largest, representing 25% of the published outline.
Safety Regulations represents 23%.
Those two categories together account for 48% of the published examination emphasis.
Students should give both subjects significant attention.
Masonry installation preparation should include bricklaying, coursing, bond patterns, mortar joints, wall alignment, flashing, weeps, anchors, ties, and movement joints.
These topics explain how masonry assemblies are constructed and how different installation details influence finished work.
Safety preparation should include scaffolds, ladders, fall hazards, personal protective equipment, cutting tools, material handling, and OSHA construction requirements.
Contractors need to understand how safe procedures protect workers and other people at the jobsite.
Masonry Materials is the next-largest category at 17%.
Students should review clay brick, concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and masonry accessories.
The properties of masonry materials influence strength, durability, appearance, and resistance to moisture-related problems.
Tools, Equipment and Fasteners represents 14%.
This category includes common masonry tools and the safe use of construction equipment.
Quantity Surveying and Estimating accounts for 11%.
Business Math accounts for another 11%.
These areas require practical arithmetic.
Students should practice wall-area calculations, unit counts, mortar quantities, labor hours, production rates, decimals, fractions, and percentages.
Accurate calculations are essential for examination success and helpful for planning real construction work.
The official Continental Testing candidate guide recommends three main study references.
The first is Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition.
The second is Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders, Sixth Edition.
The third is OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
These books cover masonry construction methods, materials, and safety.
Contractor Exam Preps offers the Concrete Masonry Handbook through its online store.
This title matches an official recommended reference for the Chicago B Card examination.
The store also offers Study Guide for Masonry Contractors, Second Edition.
That product provides supplemental masonry instruction involving brick and block construction, mortar, flashing, wall systems, estimating, and safety.
Another related resource is Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete, Tenth Edition.
It covers a broad range of masonry construction practices and terminology.
Modern Masonry is supplemental and should not be confused with the exact Masonry Skills edition in Continental's official study guide.
A six-week preparation plan can help organize the material.
Begin with masonry installations and wall details.
Continue with OSHA construction safety.
Then review masonry materials, tools, equipment, estimating, and business mathematics.
Use the final week to complete full closed-book practice sessions under a three-hour timer.
Review missed answers with your reference books after each practice test.
This approach helps turn reading into knowledge that can be recalled during the actual examination.
Applicants must also meet the registration requirements.
Continental Testing identifies a minimum age of 21 years for Chicago masonry contractor examination candidates.
The current listed first-time exam fee is $150.
Applicants should review scheduled examination dates and submit the required forms before the deadline.
Passing candidates receive a notice and instructions for the applicable City licensing process.
A passing score does not automatically complete every licensing requirement.
For those planning to expand their masonry credentials, the City also has a Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card examination.
That is Chicago 307.
According to the official candidate guide, individuals who pass both the B and C Card examinations may qualify for a Masonry Contractor A Card, subject to City requirements.
With the correct exam classification, recommended reference books, steady masonry practice, attention to safety, and careful construction mathematics, candidates can prepare for Chicago 302 with a clear study plan.
The purpose is not simply to recognize answers during an examination.
It is also to build stronger knowledge of masonry construction, material selection, quality workmanship, jobsite safety, and professional contractor responsibilities.
Find masonry study guides, brick and block construction books, concrete masonry references, and contractor exam preparation at ContractorExamPreps.com.
