NCCER Certification NCCER Core Curriculum: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills Syllabus

What does the PASS acronym stand for when operating a fire extinguisher?

Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.

When adding fractions with unlike denominators, what is the first step?

Find the lowest common denominator (LCD) and convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator before adding the numerators.

How do you convert the fraction 3/4 to a decimal?

Divide the numerator by the denominator: 3 divided by 4 equals 0.75.

What is the decimal equivalent of 1/16 inch, commonly used in trade measurements?

0.0625 inch.

To multiply two fractions, what operation do you perform on the numerators and denominators?

Multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together, then reduce the result to lowest terms.

How do you divide one fraction by another?

Invert (flip) the second fraction to its reciprocal and multiply, then reduce to lowest terms.

What is the difference between a whole number and a place value of a digit?

A whole number is a non-negative number with no fractional or decimal part; place value is the value a digit holds based on its position (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.).

In the U.S. customary system, how many inches are in one foot and one yard?

12 inches in one foot and 36 inches (3 feet) in one yard.

How many millimeters are in one centimeter, and how many centimeters are in one meter?

10 millimeters in one centimeter, and 100 centimeters in one meter.

What is the approximate metric equivalent of 1 inch?

25.4 millimeters (2.54 centimeters).

On a standard tape measure, how many sixteenths of an inch are between the 1-inch and 2-inch marks?

16 sixteenths, since each inch is divided into 16 equal parts.

What is the formula for the area of a rectangle?

Area = length x width (A = L x W).

What is the formula for the area of a circle, and what does each variable represent?

A = pi x r squared, where pi is approximately 3.14 and r is the radius of the circle.

State the Pythagorean theorem and a common application in the trades.

a squared plus b squared equals c squared, where c is the hypotenuse. The 3-4-5 rule uses it to check that a corner is square (a right angle).

What is the formula for the circumference of a circle?

Circumference = pi x diameter (C = pi x d), or C = 2 x pi x r.

What is the formula for the volume of a rectangular solid (box)?

Volume = length x width x height (V = L x W x H).

What does the acronym for order of operations spell, and what does each letter represent?

PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right).

In the order of operations, are multiplication and division performed before or after addition and subtraction?

Before. Multiplication and division are performed (left to right) before addition and subtraction.

What is a formula, and what does it mean to 'solve for a variable'?

A formula is a mathematical rule expressed with symbols showing the relationship between quantities. Solving for a variable means rearranging the formula to isolate that variable on one side of the equation.

What is the difference between a claw hammer and a ball-peen hammer?

A claw hammer is used to drive and pull nails in wood; a ball-peen hammer has a flat face and rounded peen used for metalworking, shaping metal, and striking punches or chisels.

What is the difference between a flathead (slotted) and a Phillips screwdriver?

A flathead fits a single straight slot; a Phillips has a cross-shaped (X) tip that fits into a cross-recessed screw head and resists slipping (cam-out).

What is the purpose of a level, and what indicates a surface is level or plumb?

A level checks that a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). The bubble (vial) centered between the two marks indicates a true level or plumb condition.

Name two common types of pliers and their primary uses.

Lineman's (combination) pliers for gripping and cutting wire, and needle-nose pliers for gripping small objects and reaching into tight spaces. (Slip-joint and channel-lock are also common.)

What is the difference between a standard (combination) wrench and a socket wrench?

A combination wrench has an open end and a box end on a fixed handle; a socket wrench uses interchangeable sockets on a ratcheting handle, allowing faster turning in confined spaces.

What is the most important grounding-related safety feature on a portable power tool, and what does it require?

Proper grounding via a three-prong plug, or the tool must be double-insulated. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) should be used to protect against electric shock.

Before changing a blade or bit on a portable power tool, what must always be done first?

Disconnect the tool from its power source (unplug it or remove the battery) to prevent accidental startup.

Why should defective tools be tagged and removed from service immediately?

To prevent anyone from using a damaged or unsafe tool. Defective tools should be tagged 'Do Not Use,' reported to a supervisor, and either repaired by a qualified person or replaced.

What are the three main types of construction drawings a craftworker commonly references?

Plan (overhead/floor) views, elevation views (front/side exterior or interior faces), and section views (cut-through showing internal detail).

On a construction drawing, what is a scale, and what does a scale of 1/4" = 1'-0" mean?

A scale shows the ratio of drawing size to actual size. 1/4" = 1'-0" means every quarter inch on the drawing equals one foot of actual construction.

What is the difference between a specification and a drawing in a set of construction documents?

Drawings show the size, shape, and location of the work graphically; specifications are written instructions describing the quality of materials, workmanship, and methods required. When they conflict, specifications generally govern.

What are the seven steps of effective verbal communication on a jobsite (the communication process)?

A sender encodes a message, transmits it through a medium, the receiver decodes it, and provides feedback; barriers (noise) can interrupt any step. Active listening and feedback confirm the message was understood.

What employability traits do employers value most in a construction worker?

Reliability/punctuality, a positive attitude, willingness to learn, teamwork, honesty, and good attendance — collectively forming a strong work ethic.

What does proper rigging communication rely on, and who directs a crane lift?

Standardized hand signals (and radio when needed). Only one designated, qualified signal person directs the crane operator at any time, though anyone may give a stop signal.

In basic rigging, what is the working load limit (WLL) of a sling, and why must it never be exceeded?

The WLL is the maximum load a sling is rated to safely lift. Exceeding it can cause the sling to fail and drop the load, risking serious injury or death.

What is the proper technique for lifting a heavy object manually to avoid back injury?

Keep the back straight, bend at the knees, keep the load close to the body, lift with the legs, and avoid twisting while carrying.

What is an apprenticeship in the construction trades?

A formal training program that combines paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, allowing a worker to learn a skilled trade and advance from apprentice to journeyman.

What is the role of NCCER's standardized credentialing in a construction career?

NCCER provides standardized, portable training credentials and a national registry, so a worker's verified skills and certifications are recognized by employers across companies and states.