ETC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which type of sensor converts physical displacement into an electrical signal? → LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer)
2. Minor losses in a piping system are caused by: → Fittings, valves, bends, and abrupt geometry changes
3. Pascal's Law states that pressure applied to a confined, incompressible fluid is: → Transmitted equally in all directions
4. What does R-value measure in building insulation? → Thermal resistance, or how well the material resists heat flow
5. What is the refrigeration cycle's primary purpose in an air conditioning system? → To transfer heat from the indoor space to the outdoor environment using a refrigerant
6. A clamp-on ammeter measures current without breaking the circuit by sensing which physical phenomenon? → Magnetic field around the conductor
7. What type of pump is most commonly used for moving water in building plumbing systems? → Centrifugal pump
8. What is the function of a construction testing laboratory during a project? → To perform independent material testing to verify compliance with specifications
9. What does the term 'voltage drop' refer to in an electrical circuit? → Reduction in voltage across a component due to resistance
10. What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve in a pressure vessel? → To automatically release pressure when it exceeds safe limits, preventing vessel failure
11. What is the purpose of a topographic survey? → To map the natural and man-made features and elevations of a site
12. When working on energized electrical equipment, what NFPA 70E boundary requires rubber insulating gloves? → Restricted Approach Boundary
13. What is a risk register used for? → Track and mitigate project risks
14. What is the minimum concrete cover for reinforcing steel in a slab not exposed to weather per ACI 318? → 0.75 inch (three-quarters inch)
15. What US federal agency is primarily responsible for setting and enforcing environmental regulations? → Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
16. What does the term 'subgrade' refer to in road construction? → The native or prepared soil layer below the pavement structure
17. Which surveying method uses GPS satellites to determine precise coordinates? → GNSS/GPS surveying
18. What does calibration of an instrument ensure? → That readings are traceable to a known standard and within acceptable accuracy
19. What can poor technical design lead to? → Product failures and safety risks
20. Which instrument is used to measure electrical resistance in a circuit? → Ohmmeter
21. What is the purpose of a retention pond in site stormwater management? → To permanently store runoff, allowing settling of pollutants and reducing peak flows
22. What action is essential for maintaining safety compliance? → Conduct regular safety audits
23. What is the function of a motor grader on a construction site? → To fine-grade and level earthwork surfaces to precise elevations
24. What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)? → Project task decomposition
25. Which program promotes hazard awareness among employees? → Hazard Communication Program (HazCom)
26. What does 'bearing' mean in the context of land surveying? → The direction of a survey line expressed as an angle from north or south
27. What is the purpose of a vapor barrier installed beneath a concrete slab on grade? → To prevent moisture from migrating through the ground into the slab and building
28. What is the formula for calculating the area of a triangular parcel using base and height? → Area = (base x height) / 2
29. What is the primary purpose of dewatering during construction? → To remove groundwater from an excavation to allow work in dry conditions
30. Which type of test checks a material’s ability to withstand force? → Tensile testing