Official Chicago 307 • Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card • Continental Testing • 3 Hours • Passing Score 70 • Closed Book
Planning to earn your Chicago Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card? This Illinois Continental Chicago Concrete Masonry C Card Contractor Exam Prep guide explains the official licensing examination, application process, concrete materials, reinforcing steel, construction methods, formwork, estimating, safety, and relevant study books available from Contractor Exam Preps.
Some older exam-prep listings call this the Continental Chicago 302 Concrete Masonry C Card.
That wording is incorrect for the current official examination.
Chicago 307 is the Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card examination.
Chicago 302 is the separate Brick Masonry Contractor B Card examination.
Both are administered through Continental Testing Services on behalf of the City of Chicago.
Choosing the correct examination number is important because the B Card and C Card have different technical subject outlines.
The Concrete Masonry C Card focuses on concrete construction and related masonry contractor skills.
Its official subjects include concrete materials, placement and installation methods, reinforcing steel, tools and equipment, quantity estimating, formwork, safety, inspection, and quality control.
These subjects apply to many types of construction projects.
Concrete contractors may work with footings, foundations, slabs, walls, columns, beams, equipment pads, and other structural or architectural components.
Projects may involve forming, reinforcing, placing, consolidating, finishing, curing, and inspecting concrete.
Each step matters.
A poorly prepared form can cause problems before the concrete even arrives.
Reinforcing bars placed incorrectly can affect how the finished concrete member performs.
Improper consolidation can leave voids in the concrete.
Poor curing can reduce the quality and durability of the work.
And inaccurate estimating can leave a crew waiting for another truckload while the concrete already placed is doing exactly what concrete does best: getting harder.
The Chicago C Card examination tests whether a candidate understands these construction concepts.
The exam is administered as a written multiple-choice examination.
Each candidate receives three hours to complete the test.
The official candidate guide states that a score of 70 or higher is required to pass.
The examination is closed book.
That means candidates may not use reference books, notes, or other study materials during testing.
The official test instructions permit a nonprogrammable, nonprinting calculator powered by a battery or solar energy.
Candidates should also bring two sharpened Number 2 pencils.
This exam is different from contractor exams that allow a stack of highlighted reference books on the testing desk.
For Chicago's C Card examination, you must learn the information before test day.
Study books are important, but they are preparation materials only.
The official guide divides the C Card examination into seven subject areas.
Reinforcing and Installing Steel is the largest, representing 20% of the published examination outline.
Concrete Methods and Installations follows at 18%.
Concrete Materials and Concrete Tools, Equipment and Fasteners each represent 14%.
Quantity Surveying and Estimating represents 12%.
Formwork accounts for 11%.
Safety, Inspection and Quality Control represents 12%.
These published percentages add to 101% because of rounding.
They describe relative topic emphasis, not a claim that the exam has 101 questions.
The official guide does not establish a specific total question count for the C Card examination.
It does establish the three-hour time limit, passing score, and content outline.
Study the percentages as priorities, but make sure you review all seven subjects.
Concrete materials knowledge provides the foundation for the exam.
Students should understand cementitious materials, aggregates, water, admixtures, fresh concrete behavior, and properties of hardened concrete.
Concrete strength is important, but strength is not the only concern.
Workability, durability, air content, temperature, placement conditions, and curing also affect performance.
A construction professional should know why concrete materials are selected and what can happen when a mixture is changed without proper review.
Reinforcing steel is another major study subject.
Reinforcement helps concrete resist tensile forces and perform as intended in a structural system.
Questions may address reinforcing-bar handling, placement, support, tying, spacing, splices, and preparation before concrete placement.
Formwork is also important.
Forms give fresh concrete its shape while the material develops the strength required to support itself and other loads.
Students should understand formwork materials, bracing, shoring, inspection, and safe removal.
Quantity surveying and estimating require practical mathematics.
For example, students may need to calculate the volume of a footing.
The familiar formula is length multiplied by width multiplied by depth, with all dimensions expressed in consistent units.
Cubic feet can be converted to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
Practice using feet, inches, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
It is easy to lose points when a problem gives dimensions in inches but expects a result in cubic yards.
Construction safety is also essential.
The exam includes topics involving scaffolding, tools, equipment, excavation, material handling, concrete placement, reinforcement hazards, and quality control.
The official candidate guide recommends OSHA construction regulations found in 29 CFR Part 1926.
The guide also recommends several construction publications.
For both the B Card and C Card examinations, the shared references are Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition, the Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders, Sixth Edition, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
Additional C Card references include ASTM C94/C94M, Formwork for Concrete, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Concrete Finisher's Guide, and Placing Reinforcing Bars.
These books help candidates study the information that may appear on the examination.
They do not become exam-room references because the Chicago C Card test is closed book.
Contractor Exam Preps sells the Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders.
This is an especially relevant product because the title and sixth edition are identified in Continental Testing's official recommended study guide.
For reinforcement practice, the store also sells Placing Reinforcing Bars, Tenth Edition.
That manual supports study of bar placement, handling, supports, ties, splices, and inspections.
Another helpful supplemental product is The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, Fourth Edition.
It covers many practical concrete operations, including placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, and quality control.
The fourth-edition guide is useful as supplemental preparation even though it is not one of the exact titles in Continental's C Card recommended list.
Contractor Exam Preps also offers Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete, Tenth Edition for broader masonry education.
That title should also be treated as supplemental rather than an exact replacement for the officially recommended Masonry Skills reference.
There is one more licensing requirement to remember.
Continental Testing Services states that Chicago masonry contractor examination candidates must be at least 21 years old.
Candidates apply through the current City of Chicago and Continental Testing process.
The published examination fee is $150, with separate licensing and renewal fees.
As of October 2026, the next published C Card examination dates include January 13, June 2, and October 6, 2027.
Application deadlines fall before the examination dates, so applicants should review the live Continental Testing schedule before making arrangements.
Passing the examination is part of the process, but a passing notice is not the same as holding the final City of Chicago contractor license.
This guide includes the official C Card details, licensing roadmap, study references, seven-category examination breakdown, concrete diagrams, construction math, six-week study plan, relevant Contractor Exam Preps products, interactive FAQs, and a related 1ExamPrep concrete-contractor video.
Important Chicago Concrete Masonry C Card Exam Correction: Some commercial listings use the phrase "Continental Chicago 302 Concrete Masonry C Card." The official Continental Testing Services classification is Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card. Chicago 302 is the separate Brick Masonry B Card examination. The correct C Card exam is a three-hour, closed-book written test requiring a score of 70 or higher. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The official 2025 candidate guide lists Masonry Skills, 7th Edition, rather than the older sixth edition still mentioned on some prep-course pages. All books are for study before the exam, not for use during testing. Follow the official Continental Testing information when applying.
The Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card is a City of Chicago trade licensing classification connected with concrete masonry contractor work.
It is not a statewide Illinois contractor license.
The examination is administered by Continental Testing Services for the City of Chicago.
The official exam number is 307.
Passing the C Card examination supports the application for a Concrete Masonry Contractor license.
The test evaluates practical knowledge of concrete work, materials, steel reinforcement, formwork, estimating, and safety.
Concrete construction can include work involving foundations, footings, walls, columns, slabs, and other concrete elements.
Some projects use cast-in-place concrete.
Others involve concrete masonry units, reinforcement, grout, mortar, or prefabricated components.
Different systems have different technical requirements.
For example, concrete mixture performance depends on the materials used and their proportions.
The amount of water affects the behavior of fresh concrete and can influence the final hardened material.
Placing concrete properly helps reduce problems such as segregation and inadequate consolidation.
Finishing methods affect the surface appearance and service conditions.
Curing helps concrete develop the intended performance.
Reinforcing steel helps structural members resist forces that concrete alone does not resist as effectively.
The location of that reinforcement is important.
Formwork keeps fresh concrete in the intended shape while the material hardens.
Forms must be properly constructed and supported for the loads they will experience.
The C Card examination includes all of these subjects because successful concrete contracting depends on multiple construction operations working together.
A contractor may understand concrete placement but still need additional knowledge about steel placement, formwork, estimating, or inspection.
That is why the published exam weighting is useful.
It helps students identify subjects that deserve greater attention.
Chicago also has a related Brick Masonry Contractor B Card examination.
The B Card is Chicago 302.
The C Card is Chicago 307.
According to Continental Testing's candidate guide, a candidate who passes both examinations may qualify for a broader Masonry Contractor A Card, subject to City requirements.
Official classification: Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card.
Official examination: Chicago 307.
Testing administrator: Continental Testing Services.
Jurisdiction: City of Chicago, Illinois.
Related examination: Chicago 302 Brick Masonry Contractor B Card.
| Step | Requirement | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm Classification | Concrete Masonry C Card | Select the correct concrete contractor license. |
| Confirm Exam Number | Chicago 307 | Do not register for the separate Chicago 302 Brick Masonry exam. |
| Identify Testing Administrator | Continental Testing Services | Review the current examination registration page. |
| Licensing Jurisdiction | City of Chicago | Follow City trade licensing requirements. |
| Minimum Age | 21 Years | Confirm eligibility before applying. |
| Application | Official Trade Exam Application | Complete the current required application. |
| Testing Fee | $150 Listed | Pay applicable examination fees. |
| Exam Scheduling | Announced Dates | Apply before the published deadline. |
| Written Examination | Multiple Choice | Study all seven C Card topics. |
| Exam Duration | Three Hours | Practice under a 180-minute time limit. |
| Passing Standard | 70 or Higher | Meet the official scoring requirement. |
| Exam Format | Closed Book | Memorize important concepts and formulas. |
| Study Books | Not Allowed During Exam | Use recommended references before testing. |
| Calculator | Nonprogrammable and Nonprinting | Bring a permitted battery- or solar-powered calculator. |
| Writing Materials | Two Number 2 Pencils | Bring sharpened pencils. |
| Reference Books | Study Only | Review masonry, concrete, reinforcement, formwork, and OSHA references. |
| Passed Exam | Official Passing Notice | Follow instructions in the result notice. |
| License Application | City Trade License | Complete the post-examination licensing process. |
| Initial License Fee | $150 Listed | Confirm current City fee. |
| License Renewal Fee | $150 Listed | Check applicable renewal requirements. |
| Retake | Reapplication | Wait for the official results letter and follow retake instructions. |
| A Card Advancement | B Card and C Card | Passing both examinations may support A Card qualification. |
| Exam Detail | Category | Official Information |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Exam | Continental | Chicago 307 |
| Card | Licensing | Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card |
| Jurisdiction | Licensing | City of Chicago |
| Testing Administrator | Testing | Continental Testing Services |
| Exam Format | Testing | Written Multiple Choice |
| Time | Testing | Three Hours |
| Passing Score | Testing | 70 or Higher |
| Book Policy | Testing | Closed Book |
| Published Full Question Count | Testing | Not Specified in Candidate Guide |
| Calculator | Testing | Nonprogrammable, Nonprinting |
| Pencils | Testing | Two Sharpened Number 2 Pencils |
| Minimum Age | Licensing | 21 Years |
| Concrete Materials | Blueprint | 14% |
| Concrete Methods and Installations | Blueprint | 18% |
| Reinforcing and Installing Steel | Blueprint | 20% |
| Tools, Equipment and Fasteners | Blueprint | 14% |
| Quantity Surveying and Estimating | Blueprint | 12% |
| Formwork | Blueprint | 11% |
| Safety, Inspection and Quality Control | Blueprint | 12% |
| Blueprint Rounding | Blueprint | Published Percentages Total 101% |
| Next Published Exam | Scheduling | January 13, 2027 |
| January Application Deadline | Scheduling | December 4, 2026 |
| Additional Exam Date | Scheduling | June 2, 2027 |
| June Application Deadline | Scheduling | May 7, 2027 |
| Additional Exam Date | Scheduling | October 6, 2027 |
| October Application Deadline | Scheduling | September 10, 2027 |
| First-Time Exam Fee | Fees | $150 |
| Retake Fee | Fees | $150 |
| Initial License Fee | Fees | $150 |
| License Renewal Fee | Fees | $150 |
| Official Common Reference | Books | Masonry Skills, 7th Edition |
| Official Common Reference | Books | Concrete Masonry Handbook, 6th Edition |
| Official Common Reference | Books | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 |
| Additional Concrete Reference | Books | ASTM C94/C94M |
| Additional Formwork Reference | Books | Formwork for Concrete, 8th Edition |
| Additional Concrete Reference | Books | Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 17th Edition |
| Additional Finishing Reference | Books | Concrete Finisher's Guide, 2006 |
| Additional Steel Reference | Books | Placing Reinforcing Bars, 10th Edition |
Current official exam number: Chicago 307, not 302.
Written test: Three hours, multiple choice, closed book.
Passing score: 70 or higher.
Full exam question count: Not specified in the published candidate guide.
Study references: Recommended for preparation only, not permitted at the testing desk.
Study cementitious materials, aggregates, water, admixtures, fresh concrete characteristics, hardened concrete properties, workability, strength, and durability.
Understand water-cementitious material ratio, air content, concrete temperature, mixture handling, and the importance of correct production procedures.
Review common causes of segregation and poor concrete quality.
Study preparation, concrete placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, joints, and common field practices.
Learn how weather conditions can affect concrete construction.
Practice recognizing correct preparation and placement methods for footings, walls, slabs, and similar elements.
Review why proper curing supports the development of the concrete's intended properties.
This is the largest C Card topic.
Study the purpose of reinforcing steel, bar identification, handling, storage, supports, placement, splices, tying, hooks, and inspection.
Understand why bar location matters within a concrete member.
Review common placement practices for footings, columns, beams, walls, slabs, and other reinforced concrete elements.
Practice interpreting reinforcement details and simple drawings.
Review tools and equipment used for mixing, transporting, placing, consolidating, finishing, cutting, lifting, and maintaining concrete work.
Study concrete vibrators, mixers, screeds, trowels, saws, pumps, lifting equipment, and fastening methods.
Understand safe operation, inspection, and maintenance practices.
Practice length, area, volume, and material quantity calculations.
Learn to convert cubic feet into cubic yards.
Review footing and slab dimensions, formwork measurements, concrete waste allowances, and construction estimating.
Make sure you understand fractions and unit conversions.
Study forms, supports, shores, bracing, construction loads, form installation, inspection, and safe removal.
Understand how forms resist fresh concrete pressure and maintain the intended shape.
Review safe formwork procedures and the importance of adequate concrete strength before stripping forms or supports.
Study OSHA construction safety, concrete and masonry hazards, fall protection, scaffolding, excavation, material handling, lifting, equipment operation, and protection from reinforcing-steel hazards.
Review concrete inspection and testing basics, including temperature checks, sample handling, and evaluation of concrete quality.
Highest-weighted topic: Reinforcing and Installing Steel, 20%.
Second-largest: Concrete Methods and Installations, 18%.
Published percentages: 101% total because of rounding.
Exam-day rule: Closed book, so practice answering without reference materials.
The first study rule is simple: prepare for Chicago 307 rather than Chicago 302.
The correct exam focuses on concrete masonry, reinforcement, formwork, estimating, and safety.
Start with the official candidate guide and its seven-category outline.
Next, organize your recommended study references by subject.
Use the Concrete Masonry Handbook for masonry materials, wall systems, construction practices, and reinforcement basics.
Use Placing Reinforcing Bars for steel placement and field procedures.
Use Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures for concrete ingredients, fresh concrete behavior, strength, and durability.
Use Formwork for Concrete to study form design, supports, bracing, erection, and removal.
Use OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 for construction safety.
All these books should be used before the exam.
Since the examination is closed book, the final stage of preparation must involve answering questions without opening them.
Materials: Cement, aggregates, water, admixtures, and concrete behavior.
Installation: Placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, and construction joints.
Reinforcement: Bars, supports, splices, ties, handling, and inspection.
Tools: Mixers, pumps, vibrators, screeds, saws, and lifting equipment.
Estimating: Length, area, volume, cubic yards, percentages, and waste factors.
Formwork: Form materials, shoring, bracing, and safe removal.
Safety: Scaffolding, lifting, excavations, concrete hazards, and quality control.
Practice reinforcing-steel questions several times each week.
This is the highest-weighted subject in the official examination outline.
Learn the meaning of bar supports, concrete cover, splices, placement drawings, and reinforcement layout.
Then practice concrete quantity calculations.
A good study problem is finding the number of cubic yards needed for a footing.
Convert all measurements to feet, calculate cubic feet, divide by 27, and then apply a waste allowance if requested.
Read each problem carefully to avoid rounding too early.
For inspection and safety, learn the purpose of concrete testing and the hazards associated with forms, rebar, hoisting, and equipment.
During the last two study weeks, use closed-book practice tests.
Review your missed answers afterward with the reference books.
This method helps build recall for the actual three-hour examination.
Simplified construction illustration for exam study, not a structural design or approved reinforcement detail.
Select Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry Contractor, not Chicago 302 Brick Masonry Contractor.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and must follow City trade licensing requirements.
Review published examination dates, application deadlines, and current fees.
Review concrete materials, installation, reinforcement, tools, estimating, formwork, and safety.
Study the official reference titles, including masonry, OSHA, reinforcement, formwork, and concrete mixtures.
Complete timed closed-book questions and repeat concrete volume calculations.
Earn a score of 70 or higher and obtain the official results notice.
Follow the post-examination instructions and applicable City of Chicago licensing requirements.
These percentages represent the published Continental Testing Services C Card subject outline. The listed percentages total 101% because of rounding.
Largest subject: Reinforcing and Installing Steel, 20%.
Second-largest: Concrete Methods and Installations, 18%.
Total published weighting: 101% due to rounding.
Practice approach: Focus additional time on the largest areas but review every subject.
Continental Testing's current masonry contractor candidate guide identifies the following study materials.
| Reference | Edition or Standard | Study Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry Skills | 7th Edition, 2015 | Masonry materials, construction, tools, layout, procedures, and safety. |
| Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders | 6th Edition, 2008 | Concrete masonry units, materials, mortar, grout, walls, reinforcement, and construction. |
| OSHA Construction Regulations | 29 CFR Part 1926 | Scaffolding, concrete construction, tools, material handling, excavation, and jobsite safety. |
| Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete | ASTM C94/C94M | Ready-mixed concrete quality and delivery specifications. |
| Formwork for Concrete | 8th Edition, 2014 | Formwork materials, installation, bracing, shoring, and removal. |
| Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures | 17th Edition, 2021 | Concrete ingredients, mixture performance, testing, durability, and curing. |
| Concrete Finisher's Guide | 2006 | Placement, finishing techniques, surface treatment, and concrete practices. |
| Placing Reinforcing Bars | 10th Edition | Rebar placement, handling, tying, supports, splices, and inspections. |
| The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | 4th Edition | Supplemental study for field concrete operations and quality control. |
| Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete | 10th Edition | Supplemental construction and masonry education. |
Official shared references: The first three titles are recommended for both the Chicago B and C Card examinations.
Additional C Card references: ASTM C94/C94M, Formwork for Concrete, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Concrete Finisher's Guide, and Placing Reinforcing Bars.
Supplemental products: The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction and Modern Masonry.
Critical exam rule: No books or notes are allowed during the Chicago C Card exam.
The Chicago Concrete Masonry examination does not permit reference books during testing.
That makes recall practice especially important.
The Concrete Masonry C Card is associated with concrete masonry contracting under the City of Chicago's licensing system.
The examination focuses on the skills needed for concrete materials, construction operations, reinforcement, tools, estimating, formwork, and safety.
Contractors working in these areas must understand how concrete structures are constructed and inspected.
Concrete may be used in footings, foundations, slabs, walls, columns, and other building components.
The actual legal scope of a project depends on City licensing rules, permits, plans, and other applicable construction requirements.
A person preparing for the C Card should understand concrete placement from start to finish.
That includes preparation, forming, steel placement, concrete delivery, placement, consolidation, finishing, curing, and inspection.
Construction quality depends on completing these steps properly.
For example, reinforcement must be placed in the correct position before concrete is placed.
Forms must provide proper support.
Workers must follow safe procedures around equipment, lifting operations, and concrete placement.
Inspection helps determine whether the project matches the required documents and construction standards.
Successful C Card preparation should connect the exam topics to these real construction operations.
The B Card and C Card are different classifications.
The B Card focuses on brick masonry work.
The C Card focuses on concrete masonry contracting.
Passing both examinations may support eligibility for the Masonry Contractor A Card, subject to City approval.
C Card: Concrete Masonry Contractor.
B Card: Brick Masonry Contractor.
A Card: Potential broader Masonry Contractor qualification after satisfying both examination requirements and City licensing rules.
| Classification | Official Exam | Main Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Brick Masonry Contractor B Card | Chicago 302 | Brick masonry contractor licensing examination. |
| Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card | Chicago 307 | Concrete construction, steel reinforcement, formwork, estimating, and safety. |
| Masonry Contractor A Card | B and C Requirements | May be available after passing both examinations, subject to City licensing conditions. |
| B Card Test Time | 3 Hours | Closed-book written exam. |
| C Card Test Time | 3 Hours | Closed-book written exam. |
| B Card Passing Score | 70 or Higher | Same stated passing threshold as C Card. |
| C Card Passing Score | 70 or Higher | Same stated passing threshold as B Card. |
| B Card Main Topic | Masonry Installations | 25% of B Card published outline. |
| C Card Main Topic | Reinforcing and Installing Steel | 20% of C Card published outline. |
| Testing Administrator | Continental Testing Services | Administers the relevant City of Chicago examinations. |
| Minimum Age | 21 Years | Applies to Chicago masonry contractor applicants. |
City of Chicago
Seven Official Content Areas
Three-Hour Closed-Book Exam
The Chicago Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card examination can be challenging because it covers several related construction subjects.
It is also a closed-book examination.
Candidates cannot search through a concrete manual or OSHA reference during the test.
They must recognize the correct answer based on their knowledge and preparation.
Experienced concrete professionals may feel comfortable with placement and finishing work.
However, the examination also includes reinforcement, formwork, material properties, estimating, and safety.
That broader subject coverage is what makes structured study important.
Reinforcing and Installing Steel is the largest official category at 20%.
Students should understand how bars are handled, supported, spliced, tied, and positioned.
The location of reinforcement is not something to guess.
It affects how a concrete element performs under the intended loads.
Concrete Methods and Installations is the second-largest category at 18%.
That subject includes many steps in a concrete operation, from preparation and placement to finishing and curing.
Concrete Materials makes up another 14%.
Candidates should know common material properties and how mixture characteristics affect performance.
Estimating and calculations can be especially challenging for students who have not practiced using a calculator under timed conditions.
A simple dimensional error can change a concrete quantity by a large amount.
For example, students need to remember that cubic feet are converted to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
Formwork questions may involve structural support and safe construction procedures.
Safety questions may involve scaffolding, lifting, forms, excavation, and construction equipment.
The official study guide also includes sample questions.
Those examples help candidates understand the examination style.
However, the sample questions should be used as a starting point, not as a complete preparation program.
A good study routine combines technical reading, calculation practice, recall drills, and full timed testing.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders, a publication listed in the official study references.
The store's Placing Reinforcing Bars also supports the most heavily weighted subject.
For additional concrete construction review, The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction covers useful field practices.
Use the books to understand concepts and then close them during the final practice session.
That is the best way to prepare for a closed-book trade examination.
These actual ContractorExamPreps.com products cover major topics from the Chicago C Card examination.
Officially Recommended C Card Study Title
Reinforcing Steel and Installation
Supplemental Concrete Construction Study
Additional supplemental product: Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone, Concrete, 10th Edition.
Official reference editions: Follow the Continental candidate guide, including Masonry Skills 7th Edition and Concrete Masonry Handbook 6th Edition.
Closed-book rule: Product books are for studying before the exam only.
Availability: Confirm the current listing and edition before purchase.
Educational Chicago C Card credential and the related store product. The product photo is retrieved directly from the Contractor Exam Preps Shopify product listing.
This educational credential features the Chicago skyline, concrete formwork, reinforcing steel, and the official Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card exam number.
It is an exam-preparation illustration and not a City-issued contractor license.
The linked store product image is loaded directly from ContractorExamPreps.com's Concrete Masonry Handbook product listing.
• Illinois Contractor Exam Prep
• City of Chicago
• Concrete Masonry Contractor
• C Card
• Official Exam 307
• Continental Testing Services
• Three-Hour Written Examination
• Passing Score 70
• Closed-Book Format
• Concrete Materials
• Concrete Mixtures
• Water-Cementitious Ratio
• Cement and Aggregates
• Concrete Admixtures
• Concrete Placement
• Consolidation
• Concrete Finishing
• Curing and Protection
• Reinforcing Steel
• Bar Placement
• Rebar Supports
• Splicing and Tying
• Footings and Foundations
• Concrete Slabs
• Columns and Walls
• Concrete Tools
• Mixing Equipment
• Concrete Vibrators
• Concrete Saws
• Material Handling
• Quantity Surveying
• Concrete Volume Calculations
• Cubic Yards
• Construction Estimating
• Formwork
• Shoring and Bracing
• Form Removal
• OSHA Construction Safety
• Scaffolding Safety
• Inspection
• Quality Control
• Closed-Book Practice
• Chicago Contractor Licensing
Chicago Concrete Masonry Exam Basics
Chicago 307 is the official Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card exam number.
No. Chicago 302 is the separate Brick Masonry Contractor B Card exam. The Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card is Chicago 307.
Continental Testing Services administers the City of Chicago masonry contractor examinations.
Three hours, or 180 minutes.
The official candidate guide requires a score of 70 or higher.
No. It is a closed-book examination. Books, notes, and other reference materials are not permitted during testing.
The official candidate guide does not specify a complete question count. It provides the three-hour duration, passing score, and relative topic percentages.
Continental Testing lists a minimum age of 21 years for Chicago masonry contractor examination candidates.
Applications, Fees and Scheduling
Use the official Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry Contractors page at ContinentalTesting.net.
Continental Testing currently lists a $150 first-time examination fee and a $150 retake fee, subject to changes.
As of October 2026, the next published examination is January 13, 2027, with an application deadline of December 4, 2026. Confirm updates with Continental Testing.
Continental also lists June 2 and October 6, 2027, with earlier application deadlines.
Continental Testing states that there are no makeup examinations or refunds. Candidates must follow the reapplication instructions.
No. A passing notice supports the post-examination City licensing process. Candidates must complete the applicable licensing requirements.
Testing Rules
Yes. A nonprogrammable, nonprinting calculator powered by batteries or solar energy is permitted under the published instructions.
Yes. The official guide instructs candidates to bring two sharpened Number 2 black lead pencils.
No. OSHA construction regulations are a recommended study reference, but books are not permitted in the Chicago C Card testing room.
Tabs can help organize your study, but they cannot be used during the closed-book Chicago C Card examination because books are prohibited.
Official C Card Study Topics
Reinforcing and Installing Steel is the largest published category at 20%.
Concrete Methods and Installations accounts for 18% of the official topic outline.
Yes. Concrete Materials represents 14% of the published outline.
Yes. Reinforcement is the highest-weighted subject. Review bar placement, supports, splices, tying, handling, and inspection.
Yes. Formwork accounts for 11% of the published C Card outline.
Yes. Concrete Tools, Equipment and Fasteners makes up 14%.
Yes. Quantity Surveying and Estimating accounts for 12%.
Yes. Concrete volume calculations and unit conversions are important estimating skills. Divide cubic feet by 27 to convert to cubic yards.
Yes. Safety, Inspection and Quality Control makes up 12% of the official C Card outline.
The topic percentages in Continental Testing's guide total 101% because of rounding. This does not establish a 101-question examination.
Recommended Books and Study Materials
The current official Continental candidate guide lists Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition, 2015.
The official guide lists the Sixth Edition, 2008, of Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders.
Yes. OSHA's construction regulations are listed among the recommended study references for both B and C Card examinations.
Yes. The official C Card reference list includes the Seventeenth Edition, 2021.
Yes. The official guide identifies the Eighth Edition, 2014.
Yes. The official guide lists the Tenth Edition. It supports review of the most heavily weighted exam subject.
Yes. ContractorExamPreps.com has a product listing for Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders.
Yes. The store has a product listing for Placing Reinforcing Bars, Tenth Edition.
Yes. It is useful supplemental material covering placement, curing, finishing, planning, and quality control. It is not one of the exact titles listed in Continental's current C Card reference list.
Chicago Masonry Cards
The B Card is for Brick Masonry Contractors and uses Chicago exam 302. The C Card is for Concrete Masonry Contractors and uses Chicago exam 307.
The official candidate guide states that candidates who pass both the B Card and C Card exams may qualify for the A Card, subject to applicable City licensing requirements.
No. Contractors must follow the license scope, project permits, and applicable City requirements for the work being performed.
Watch this related 1ExamPrep video, Arkansas Concrete Contractor Exam Made Simple, for general concrete contractor examination study techniques, preparation planning, and concrete trade review.
This video concerns Arkansas, not Chicago. Its open-book advice does not apply to Chicago's closed-book C Card examination. Use the video for general study methods, and follow Continental Testing's Chicago 307 rules for the actual exam.
Video creator: 1ExamPrep.
Related topic: Concrete contractor examination preparation.
Video jurisdiction: Arkansas.
This blog's jurisdiction: City of Chicago, Illinois.
Critical difference: Chicago 307 is closed book. Do not follow open-book test-day instructions from an exam for another state.
Official examination: Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry C Card.
Testing administrator: Continental Testing Services.
Time limit: Three hours.
Passing: 70 or higher.
Open book: No.
Main study subject: Reinforcing and Installing Steel.
Recommended references: Use the Continental candidate guide to verify required editions.
Store products: Actual masonry and concrete books sold through ContractorExamPreps.com.
Preparing for the Chicago Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card examination is an important step for construction professionals who want to meet the City's licensing requirements.
The official examination is administered through Continental Testing Services for the City of Chicago.
Its current classification is Chicago 307 Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card.
One of the most important details to remember is the examination number.
Chicago 302 is the separate Brick Masonry Contractor B Card exam.
Some older commercial listings incorrectly use Chicago 302 for the Concrete Masonry C Card.
Applicants should avoid this confusion when studying, purchasing materials, and registering.
The official Chicago 307 examination is a written, multiple-choice test.
Each candidate has three hours.
A score of 70 or higher is required to pass.
The examination is closed book.
This means candidates cannot use books, notes, or other reference materials during testing.
That rule changes the most effective study strategy.
Instead of preparing to find answers in a reference book during the exam, students must learn the important construction concepts before test day.
Continental Testing's official study guide divides the C Card examination into seven areas.
Reinforcing and Installing Steel is the largest at 20%.
Concrete Methods and Installations follows at 18%.
Concrete Materials and Concrete Tools, Equipment and Fasteners each account for 14%.
Quantity Surveying and Estimating makes up 12%.
Safety, Inspection and Quality Control also makes up 12%.
Formwork represents 11%.
The published percentages total 101% because of rounding.
They are intended to show relative topic emphasis.
Candidates should review every category rather than focusing on one or two familiar subjects.
Reinforcing steel deserves extra study time.
Students should understand bar placement, ties, supports, splices, and inspection.
Reinforcement must be installed in the correct location for the construction design.
Concrete installation is another major area.
Students should study proper preparation, mixing, placement, consolidation, finishing, and curing.
The properties of fresh and hardened concrete are closely connected to these operations.
Concrete materials questions may involve cement, aggregates, water, admixtures, durability, and strength.
Students should understand why the properties of a mixture matter and what can happen when concrete is handled incorrectly.
Formwork is also a significant subject.
Forms must maintain the intended shape and be properly supported while concrete is placed and hardens.
Unsafe formwork can create serious hazards.
That is why the examination includes related safety and inspection topics.
Construction mathematics should be practiced regularly.
Concrete quantity surveying may require calculating dimensions, converting cubic feet to cubic yards, applying allowances, and estimating materials.
Good math habits reduce avoidable errors.
Students should write out calculations clearly during practice and learn to recognize the units required by each question.
The official Continental Testing candidate guide recommends several publications.
For both B and C Card examinations, it lists Masonry Skills, Seventh Edition, Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders, Sixth Edition, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.
Additional C Card study references include Formwork for Concrete, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, ASTM C94/C94M, Concrete Finisher's Guide, and Placing Reinforcing Bars.
These titles help students review concrete construction knowledge in greater detail.
However, none of the books may be used during the closed-book Chicago C Card examination.
Contractor Exam Preps offers relevant study materials through its online store.
The Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Builders is especially relevant because it is one of the official recommended C Card study titles.
The Placing Reinforcing Bars, Tenth Edition supports preparation for the largest exam category.
The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction provides useful supplemental information about field concrete operations.
Students can also explore Modern Masonry, Tenth Edition for additional concrete masonry and masonry construction education.
A structured six-week study plan can make preparation easier.
Begin with concrete materials.
Continue with concrete installation methods and reinforcing steel.
Then review tools, equipment, estimating, formwork, safety, and inspection.
Use the final week for closed-book practice tests and review.
The goal is to understand the material well enough to answer correctly without looking it up during the examination.
Applicants must also follow the official registration process.
Continental Testing requires candidates to be at least 21 years old and to apply before the announced examination deadline.
The current listed examination fee is $150.
After passing, candidates receive instructions for the applicable City of Chicago licensing process.
Passing the examination does not automatically complete every licensing requirement.
Professionals interested in broader masonry licensing should also understand the related B Card and A Card classifications.
Chicago 302 is the Brick Masonry Contractor B Card.
Chicago 307 is the Concrete Masonry Contractor C Card.
Passing both examinations may support qualification for a Masonry Contractor A Card, subject to City requirements.
With the correct exam number, the official content outline, consistent technical study, practical construction mathematics, and realistic closed-book examination practice, candidates can build a more organized preparation plan.
The purpose of that preparation is not only to earn a passing result.
It is also to develop stronger knowledge of concrete construction, reinforcement, quality workmanship, estimation, and jobsite safety.
Find concrete masonry study books, reinforcement references, construction guides, and contractor examination preparation resources at ContractorExamPreps.com.
