ALA Certified Lighting Consultant (CLC) Exam Prep
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Free CLC Practice Questions

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Question 1

An empty kitchen counter measures 540 lx, exceeding the project's 500 lx task target. When someone stands in the normal food-preparation position, their body blocks the ceiling downlights and the cutting area becomes dark. The ceiling locations and cabinetry must remain. Which revision addresses the cause rather than simply increasing room brightness?

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Correct answer: C - Add shielded undercabinet lighting near the cabinet fronts, directed onto the preparation area.

Question 2

At a kitchen mock-up, a client approves the 2700 K appearance and the amount of light but finds red foods and finishes dull. The installed source has general CRI Ra 91 and R9 20. The replacement must retain 2700 K and Ra of at least 90. With output, optics, and compatibility otherwise equal, which specification best addresses the color-rendering weakness?

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Correct answer: A - 2700 K; Ra 92; R9 85.

Question 3

A reflected ceiling plan places recessed downlights on 8 ft centers. The section shows the luminous apertures 11 ft above the finished floor and the workplane 3 ft above the floor. The manufacturer gives a spacing criterion of 1.1 in the direction being checked. Before the point-by-point analysis, which note correctly applies the spacing criterion?

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Correct answer: C - Maximum spacing is 8.8 ft; retain the proposed 8 ft centers.

Question 4

Six LED downlights flicker only when dimmed below 8% output. The electrician confirms correct wiring, an approved dimmer-driver pairing, and a load within the permitted range. The manufacturer specifies stable operation from 10% to 100% and permits low-end trim adjustment. The client's lowest required scene is 15%. How should this behavior be addressed?

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Correct answer: D - Set low-end trim for 12% light output; verify stable dimming and startup in the 15% scene.

Question 5

For a glare review, a consultant needs to compare a pendant's luminous shade with the adjacent wall from the client's seated viewing position. The reading surface already has adequate illuminance. Which measurement captures the surface-to-surface difference relevant to this review?

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Correct answer: A - Luminance in cd/m², measured toward each surface from the seated viewing position.

Question 6

A bathroom vanity is lit by one recessed downlight directly above the user's head. The countertop is bright, but grooming is difficult because the eye sockets and the area beneath the chin remain in shadow. The client is satisfied with the source's color quality. What change would most directly improve facial modeling?

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Correct answer: C - Place broad, diffused vertical light sources to the left and right of the mirror at face height.

Question 7

During an on-site lighting test, a burning-insulation odor develops at a recessed driver's enclosure. The lights remain on and the circuit breaker has not tripped. There is no visible smoke or flame, and the project's electrician is present. What takes priority over completing the aiming adjustments?

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Correct answer: B - Stop the test and keep people clear while the electrician isolates the affected circuit before inspection.

Question 8

An LED luminaire submittal quotes L70 at 60,000 hours, based on LED-source LM-80 data and a TM-21 projection. The driver has a separate five-year warranty. A client wants to use the 60,000-hour figure for maintenance planning. What does that figure actually support?

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Correct answer: D - A 70% LED-source lumen-maintenance projection under its stated conditions, not a complete-luminaire survival or warranty claim.

Question 9

A shower-light substitution must fit the coordinated ceiling section's 3 in maximum installation depth. The light is exposed to direct shower spray and must work with the scheduled reverse-phase dimmer. All four candidates have confirmed insulation-contact suitability and meet the specified output and color requirements. Their manufacturers confirm the ratings shown. Which submittal fits without changing the ceiling or controls?

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Correct answer: D - 2.5 in installation depth; wet-location ceiling use; compatible with the scheduled reverse-phase dimmer.

Question 10

A 77-year-old reader says, 'The page is clear, but when I look up, I struggle to see anything else.' A shielded task lamp provides comfortable reading light; the surrounding room is almost dark. Lowering the task output makes the print harder to read. Which adjustment best balances these needs?

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Correct answer: A - Introduce modest indirect ambient lighting and keep the task lamp independently adjustable at the comfortable reading level.

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