CDT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the correct response to suspected equipment malfunction? → Remove from service immediately, tag as defective, and report to maintenance
2. What is the purpose of a 'block' in CAD drafting? → A named reusable symbol or group of objects inserted as a single unit
3. Why is stakeholder communication important in project management? → It ensures expectations are managed and decisions are informed and timely
4. A drafting project team is using a Kanban board. Tasks are organized in columns: 'To Do,' 'In Progress,' and 'Done.' This is an example of: → Visual project management / agile workflow
5. Which OSHA standard specifically governs ergonomics and repetitive motion concerns in drafting and CAD workstations? → General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1)
6. On a site plan, contour lines that are close together indicate: → Steep slope or rapid elevation change
7. In geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), what does a circle with a diameter symbol (⌀) inside a feature control frame indicate? → The tolerance zone is cylindrical
8. On an architectural floor plan, a dashed rectangle inside a room typically represents: → A skylight or ceiling feature above the cut plane
9. What should be done when materials do not meet specifications? → Reject the materials, document the non-conformance, and notify the supplier
10. Which OSHA recordkeeping form is used to summarize work-related injuries and illnesses that must be posted in the workplace each February through April? → OSHA Form 300A
11. The 'glass box' concept in orthographic projection means: → Imagining the object inside a transparent box and unfolding the box faces to create views
12. What is the purpose of using scale in drafting? → To maintain proportionality between real objects and the drawing.
13. A project schedule baseline serves primarily as: → The approved schedule used to measure and report performance
14. On architectural drawings, what does a circle with a letter/number combination in a wall or floor plan typically indicate? → A detail callout referencing a larger-scale drawing
15. What is the role of industry standards in drafting? → To ensure designs comply with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
16. A drafting technician needs to estimate the sheet metal required for HVAC ductwork. Which measurement is most critical for an accurate material takeoff? → Surface area of duct surfaces
17. Why is financial forecasting important for strategic planning? → It projects future financial conditions to guide resource allocation decisions
18. How should equipment cleaning products be selected? → Based on manufacturer recommendations and material compatibility
19. A welding symbol with a filled triangle below the reference line indicates: → A fillet weld on the arrow side
20. When a CDT prepares as-built drawings for a facility's emergency evacuation plan, which NFPA standard provides the fire safety layout requirements? → NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
21. A 'break-out' section view is distinguished from a full section because it: → Exposes only a localized interior area using a freehand break boundary
22. On a drawing using third-angle projection, the right-side view is placed: → To the right of the front view
23. What is a key benefit of budgeting in organizational management? → It provides a financial roadmap and enables performance measurement against targets
24. Which type of line is used to show the boundary of a partial or interrupted view in technical drafting? → Break line
25. When sectioning adjacent parts in an assembly drawing, how must the hatching differ between parts? → Adjacent parts must have different hatch angles or spacing to visually differentiate them
26. Which CAD command is used to combine two overlapping closed shapes into a single unified region? → UNION
27. What is the primary purpose of building codes? → To ensure minimum standards for safety, health, and structural integrity
28. Which model building code is most widely adopted by U.S. states for commercial construction? → International Building Code (IBC)
29. Under the IBC, which occupancy group classification applies to a building used for the gathering of persons for civic, social, or religious functions? → Group A-3
30. Which structural member is typically used in US steel construction to resist bending loads in horizontal beams? → Wide-flange (W-shape) beam