NCCER Carpenter

What floor-joist spacing is commonly used in light-frame work when conventional framing is specified?

• A12 inches on center
• B16 inches on center
• C20 inches on center
• D24 inches on center

What is the purpose of a sill plate in wood-frame construction?

• ATo support the roof rafters
• BFoundation-to-framing transition
• CTo connect wall studs at the top
• DTo provide backing for exterior siding

What is a header in wall framing?

• AThe top plate of a wall
• BA load-carrying member above an opening
• CThe bottom plate of a wall
• DA decorative trim piece above a door

What is the purpose of cripple studs in wall framing?

• ATo support the entire wall load
• BShort infill studs above a header or below a rough sill
• CTo connect two walls at a corner
• DTo anchor the wall to the foundation

What is a jack stud (trimmer) in wall framing?

• AA full-length stud at each end of a wall
• BThe shortened header-support stud
• CA stud placed at a 45-degree angle for bracing
• DA decorative stud on the exterior

How should subfloor panel thickness be selected?

• AUse 1/4 inch for every floor
• BUse 1/2 inch for every wood floor
• CThe specified span-rated panel
• DUse 1 inch for every floor

What is the purpose of bridging between floor joists?

• ATo provide a walking surface during construction
• BJoist restraint and load sharing
• CTo attach plumbing pipes to the floor system
• DTo provide fire blocking between floors

How is the rough opening for a prehung door determined?

• AEqual the slab size
• BAdd one inch each way
• CManufacturer data
• DAdd two inches each way

Which option describes a conventional job-built wood system for forming a concrete foundation wall?

• AMasonry-unit forms
• BAluminum forms
• CWood panel forms
• DFiberglass forms

What is the maximum rate of concrete placement (pour rate) that form design is typically based upon for wall forms?

• A2 feet per hour
• B4 feet per hour
• C7 feet per hour
• DThe approved pour rate

What is the purpose of form ties (snap ties) in concrete wall forming?

• ATo connect two form panels end to end
• BSpacing and pressure restraint
• CTo anchor the form to the footer
• DTo attach rebar to the form

What is a waler (wale) in concrete forming?

• AA vertical support member
• BA horizontal form stiffener
• CA type of concrete vibrator
• DA concrete finishing tool

What is the function of form release agent (form oil)?

• ATo increase concrete compressive strength
• BPrevent bonding so forms strip cleanly
• CTo speed up concrete curing
• DTo waterproof the concrete surface

On a blueprint, what does the abbreviation 'TYP' mean when shown with a dimension?

• ATemporary
• BType only
• CTypical
• DTo Your Position

What is a building section drawing?

• AA top-down view of the building
• BA vertical cut-through view
• CAn exterior elevation view
• DA close-up detail of a single component

What is the standard angle for a common rafter roof pitch expressed as 6/12?

• A18.4 degrees
• B22.6 degrees
• C26.6 degrees
• D30.0 degrees

What is the purpose of a birds-mouth cut on a rafter?

• ATo allow water to drain off the rafter
• BFlat bearing at the wall plate
• CTo connect the rafter to the ridge board
• DTo create a decorative rafter tail

What instrument is used to establish level reference points across a construction site?

• ATape measure
• BA builder's level
• CSpeed square
• DPlumb bob

What is the purpose of batter boards in construction layout?

• ATo hold concrete during pouring
• BReference lines and grades
• CTo support scaffolding
• DTo prevent erosion during construction

Which nail-gun practice best reduces unintended discharge during placement work?

• AHold the trigger while carrying it
• BFull sequential mode
• CUse the tool to pry material
• DClear jams while connected

What is the purpose of blocking in a wall frame?

• AProvide attachment, restraint, or fireblocking where required
• BTo prevent air infiltration only
• CTo replace damaged studs
• DTo connect walls to the roof

What does 'crown up' mean when installing floor joists?

• AThe thickest part of the joist goes up
• BPlace the natural bow upward
• CThe stamped end goes up
• DThe bark side goes up

Under the IRC, what is the maximum riser height for a typical dwelling stair?

• A6 inches
• B7 inches
• C7 3/4 inches
• D9 inches

How is the number of risers in a stairway determined?

• ABy the width of the stairwell
• BTotal rise / riser
• CBy the length of the stairwell opening
• DBy the number of treads desired

What is the minimum tread depth required by the IRC for residential stairs?

• A8 inches
• B9 inches
• C10 inches
• D11 inches

What is the primary advantage of engineered lumber (LVL, I-joists) over solid sawn lumber?

• AIt is always less expensive
• BEngineered consistency
• CIt is easier to cut with hand tools
• DIt does not require any fasteners

What is the 3-4-5 method used for in site layout?

• ACalculating material quantities
• BChecking a 90-degree corner
• CMeasuring the pitch of a roof
• DDetermining soil bearing capacity

What is the purpose of a vapor barrier (vapor retarder) under a concrete slab?

• ATo strengthen the concrete
• BLimit ground-moisture migration
• CTo improve thermal resistance
• DTo control joint spacing after placement

What is a rim joist (band joist)?

• AAn interior joist beside a stair opening
• BThe perimeter member closing joist ends
• CA joist with a damaged rim
• DAn interior load-bearing joist

How should an allowable floor-joist cantilever be determined?

• AOne-sixth of backspan
• BOne-fourth of backspan always
• CThe approved cantilever span
• DOne-half of backspan

What tool is used to transfer a roof pitch angle for cutting rafters?

• ATorpedo level
• BA rafter square
• CCombination square
• DCompass

What is the purpose of house wrap (such as Tyvek) on exterior walls?

• ATo serve as the final exterior finish
• BA water-resistive barrier
• CTo provide structural support
• DTo insulate the walls

What is the standard height for a residential handrail above the stair nosing?

• A28 to 30 inches
• B30 to 34 inches
• C34 to 38 inches
• D40 to 42 inches

What is a hip rafter?

• AThe diagonal outside-corner rafter
• BA rafter at the peak of the roof
• CA horizontal rafter connecting two walls
• DA rafter in a shed-style roof

What is the purpose of a cricket (saddle) on a roof?

• ATo provide a walkway for maintenance
• BAn uphill water diverter
• CTo support satellite dishes
• DTo ventilate the attic

What is the typical exposure for standard three-tab asphalt shingles on a roof?

• A4 inches
• B5 inches
• C6 inches
• D7 inches