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Free Practice Questions for C&G 6706/6217 Carpentry & Joinery

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Key Facts: C&G 6706/6217 Carpentry & Joinery Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

6706

Current C&G Code (was 6217)

City & Guilds

MCQ + Practical

Assessment Method

City & Guilds

~60%+

Typical Pass Mark

City & Guilds

Levels 1-3

Qualification Levels

City & Guilds

Doc K 220mm

Max Stair Rise

Approved Document K

The City & Guilds Diploma in Site Carpentry & Joinery (current code 6706, formerly the legacy 6217 provider code) is the recognised UK craft qualification for carpenters and joiners, delivered at Levels 1 to 3 through approved colleges. Each unit is assessed by an online or paper multiple-choice knowledge test (via City & Guilds e-volve) plus practical workshop and site assignments, with pass marks set per unit (commonly around 60%+). The knowledge content spans building construction principles, information, quantities and communication, health and safety (HASAWA, COSHH, PUWER, Work at Height), first fixing (floor joists, stud partitions, door frames and linings), structural carcassing (roofs), second fixing (doors, skirting, architrave and ironmongery), stairs to Approved Document K, and bench joinery. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample C&G 6706/6217 Carpentry & Joinery Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the C&G 6706/6217 Carpentry & Joinery exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In UK domestic construction, which structural timber member spreads the load of roof rafters evenly along the top of a masonry wall?
A.Ridge board
B.Wall plate
C.Purlin
D.Binder
Explanation: The wall plate is bedded on top of the wall and provides a continuous, level bearing surface that distributes the point loads from each rafter foot evenly along the masonry, avoiding localised pressure points.
2What is the name of the angled notch cut into the underside of a common rafter so it seats squarely on the wall plate?
A.Halving joint
B.Birdsmouth
C.Housing
D.Scarf joint
Explanation: A birdsmouth is a right-angled notch (a seat cut and a plumb cut) cut at the foot of the rafter so it sits flat on the wall plate. It is normally cut to no more than one-third of the rafter depth to retain strength.
3On a pitched roof, what is the correct name for the longitudinal member that gives intermediate support to common rafters at their mid-span?
A.Purlin
B.Hip rafter
C.Jack rafter
D.Ridge
Explanation: A purlin runs horizontally along the roof slope and supports the common rafters part-way up their length, reducing the effective span of the rafters so smaller sections can be used.
4A roof slope rises 2.4 m over a horizontal run of 4.8 m. What is the pitch of the roof?
A.30 degrees
B.26.6 degrees
C.45 degrees
D.60 degrees
Explanation: Pitch = arctan(rise / run) = arctan(2.4 / 4.8) = arctan(0.5) = 26.6 degrees. The tangent of the pitch angle equals the rise divided by the run.
5Which strength class of structural timber is most commonly specified for general domestic floor joists and roof carpentry in the UK?
A.C16
B.D40
C.TR26
D.C5
Explanation: C16 is the standard general-purpose softwood strength class used for most UK domestic floor joists, studwork and roof timbers. C24 is the higher-strength softwood class used where longer spans or greater loads are required.
6What is the most common spacing (centres) used for floor joists and stud partitions in UK domestic carpentry to suit standard plasterboard and floor sheet sizes?
A.300 mm or 450 mm
B.400 mm or 600 mm
C.500 mm or 750 mm
D.350 mm or 700 mm
Explanation: Studs and joists are normally set at 400 mm or 600 mm centres so that 1200 mm wide plasterboard and floor sheets land squarely on a member at their edges and centre, giving fixed and supported board joints.
7In a timber stud partition, what is the purpose of fitting noggins (short horizontal timbers) between the vertical studs?
A.To increase the thermal insulation value
B.To stiffen the studs and provide fixing for board edges and fittings
C.To act as a damp-proof course
D.To replace the head plate
Explanation: Noggins are fixed horizontally between studs, usually at mid-height, to stiffen the partition against lateral movement and to provide solid backing for plasterboard joints and for fixing items such as radiators or rails.
8Which UK Approved Document of the Building Regulations sets the rules for the design of domestic stairs, including maximum rise and pitch?
A.Approved Document B
B.Approved Document K
C.Approved Document L
D.Approved Document M
Explanation: Approved Document K (Protection from falling, collision and impact) governs stair geometry, including the maximum rise, minimum going, pitch and handrail requirements for stairs.
9Under Approved Document K, what is the maximum permitted rise for a step on a private (domestic) stair?
A.190 mm
B.200 mm
C.220 mm
D.250 mm
Explanation: For private stairs, Approved Document K sets a maximum rise of 220 mm and a minimum going of 220 mm. Consistent risers throughout a flight are also required for safety.
10What is the maximum pitch permitted for a private domestic staircase under Approved Document K?
A.35 degrees
B.38 degrees
C.42 degrees
D.48 degrees
Explanation: The maximum pitch for a private stair is 42 degrees. A steeper pitch makes the stair unsafe to descend, so it is the regulatory ceiling for domestic flights.

About the C&G 6706/6217 Carpentry & Joinery Exam

The City & Guilds Diploma in Site Carpentry & Joinery (current code 6706, formerly the legacy 6217 provider code) is the UK craft qualification for carpenters and joiners. It is assessed by online or paper multiple-choice knowledge tests for each unit alongside practical assignments, covering building construction principles, health and safety, first and second fixing, roof carcassing, stairs and bench joinery.

Exam sponsor: City & Guilds (delivered through approved further education colleges and training providers). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Per-unit online/paper multiple-choice knowledge tests via City & Guilds e-volve, combined with practical workshop and site assignments; pass marks are set per unit (commonly around 60%+).

Time Limit

Usually 1-1.5 hours per online multiple-choice knowledge test

Passing Score

Typically 60%+ on each online multiple-choice knowledge test (set per unit by City & Guilds)

Exam / Certification Fees

Included in the course fee; often funded free for eligible 16-18 learners, ~GBP 1,500-3,000+ for adult fee-paying courses (varies by college)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15%

Building Construction Principles

Foundations, walls, floors and roofs, timber types and conversion, seasoning, moisture content, defects, manufactured boards, and damp-proofing

12%

Information, Quantities & Communication

Working drawings, scales and symbols, quantity, area and perimeter calculations, setting-out rods, hand tools, and site documentation

13%

Health, Safety & Welfare

HASAWA, COSHH, PUWER, Work at Height, wood-dust control, PPE, 110 V tools, manual handling, fire safety and safety signs

20%

First-Fixing Carpentry

Floor joists, notching and drilling limits, strutting, joist hangers, stud partitions, noggins, door frames and linings, and fixing into masonry

12%

Structural Carcassing (Roofs)

Pitched roof carcassing, common/hip/jack/valley rafters, ridge, purlins, wall plate, birdsmouth, eaves, pitch geometry, ventilation and insulation

16%

Second-Fixing Carpentry

Hanging doors, hinges and clearances, mortise locks and ironmongery, FD30 fire doors and self-closers, skirting (scribe/mitre) and architrave

6%

Stairs

Approved Document K geometry, rise and going, 2R+G rule, pitch, headroom, guarding, handrails, strings, newels and wedged housings

6%

Bench Joinery

Windows, doors and units, mortise and tenon and haunched joints, dovetails, housings, weathering, adhesives, cramping and scribing

Preparing for the C&G 6706/6217 Carpentry & Joinery Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Typically 60%+ on each online multiple-choice knowledge test (set per unit by City & Guilds)
  • Assessment: Per-unit online/paper multiple-choice knowledge tests via City & Guilds e-volve, combined with practical workshop and site assignments; pass marks are set per unit (commonly around 60%+).
  • Time limit: Usually 1-1.5 hours per online multiple-choice knowledge test
  • Exam / certification fees: Included in the course fee; often funded free for eligible 16-18 learners, ~GBP 1,500-3,000+ for adult fee-paying courses (varies by college) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

C&G 6706/6217 Carpentry & Joinery: Suggested Study Strategy

1Learn the Building Regulations references that come up repeatedly: Approved Document K for stairs, B for fire doors and L for insulation
2Memorise key stair figures: max 220 mm rise, max 42 degrees pitch, 2R+G = 550-700 mm, 2.0 m headroom, 100 mm guarding sphere
3Know the notching and drilling limits for floor joists (notches max 0.125 of depth near supports, holes max 0.25 of depth on the centreline)
4Be clear on the first-fix versus second-fix sequence and on which joint goes where: scribe internal corners, mitre external corners
5Revise the main health and safety laws by acronym - HASAWA, COSHH, PUWER, RIDDOR, LOLER, Work at Height - and what each one controls
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting your unit knowledge tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between City & Guilds code 6217 and 6706?

6706 is the current City & Guilds qualification number for the Carpentry and Joinery diplomas, while 6217 is a legacy provider code many learners and colleges still use to refer to the same trade route. The content (site carpentry and bench joinery) is the same; this practice bank covers both.

How is the City & Guilds carpentry and joinery diploma assessed?

Each unit is assessed by an online or paper multiple-choice knowledge test, delivered through City & Guilds e-volve, combined with practical workshop and site assignments observed by an assessor. There is no single combined exam; you complete a test for each unit plus the practical tasks.

What pass mark do I need on the multiple-choice tests?

Pass marks are set per unit by City & Guilds and are commonly around 60% or higher on the online multiple-choice knowledge test. You also have to pass the practical assignments to achieve the full diploma, so balanced preparation in both theory and practical skills is essential.

What topics does the carpentry and joinery knowledge test cover?

The knowledge tests cover building construction principles, information, quantities and communication, health and safety, first fixing (floor joists, stud partitions, door frames and linings), structural carcassing (roofs), second fixing (doors, skirting, architrave and ironmongery), stairs to Approved Document K, and bench joinery.

How long does the qualification take and what does it cost?

The full diploma typically takes one to two years part-time or full-time at an approved college. Courses are often funded free for eligible 16-18 learners, while adult fee-paying courses commonly cost around GBP 1,500 to 3,000 or more depending on the college and level.

Is this free carpentry practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same knowledge content as the City & Guilds units, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. They use correct UK terminology and Building Regulations references. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.