NCCER Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. When nailing 2x6 inch joists, what nail should be used? → 12 d
2. What is the current-carrying capacity (ampacity) of a 12 AWG copper conductor under standard conditions? → 20 amperes
3. What is the minimum distance that workers must maintain from overhead power lines when operating equipment? → 10 feet
4. Kickback occurs with a table saw when the ______ kicks back. → material or stock
5. To prevent electrical shock, power tools should not be operated without the proper _____. → GFCI
6. A competent person inspects an excavation daily. In the absence of a soil analysis, which of the following soil types must all excavations be treated as? → Type C
7. When welding, what color is the oxygen hose? → Green
8. What is the purpose of a safety stand-down on a construction site? → To provide a focused period for safety training and hazard awareness discussions
9. Some manufacturers suggest that each time you use a pneumatic nailer, the air inlet needs ____. → a few drops of oil
10. When using an air wrench, ______. → keep your body stance balanced
11. What type of hammer is commonly selected for trim work? → 16-ounce wood handle curved claw
12. In standard US 120V residential wiring, which wire is the ungrounded (hot) conductor? → Black wire
13. If a pneumatic nailer is not firing properly, before you attempt repairs you must _______. → disconnect the air hose
14. When gas welding or burning, welders are required to wear tinted goggles or welding hoods with a filter lens of not less than a _____ shade. → No. 4
15. What is the correct procedure for squaring a wall frame before raising it? → Measure the diagonals — they should be equal when the frame is square
16. To prevent electric shock, only use tools that have proper: → ground fault protection
17. The first-aid procedure to treat a co-worker who has been splattered with muriatic acid is found in the: → MSDS
18. Which instrument is used to measure electrical current flowing through a circuit? → Ammeter
19. Which conflict resolution approach is recommended when a disagreement arises between coworkers on a job site? → Discussing the issue calmly and focusing on finding a mutually acceptable solution
20. What does a section line with arrows on a floor plan indicate? → The location and viewing direction of a cross-section cut through the building
21. The adjustable tool rest on a bench grinder should be positioned ___ inch from the wheel. → 1/8
22. What minimum safe distance must unqualified workers maintain from overhead power lines up to 50kV, per OSHA 1926.416? → 10 feet
23. The primary purpose of a machine guard on a tool is to _____. → protect the worker from rotating parts
24. On a floor plan drawn at 1/4 inch = 1 foot scale, a wall measures 3 inches on the drawing. What is the actual length of the wall? → 12 feet
25. What is the primary purpose of a bearing wall in a framed structure? → To transfer loads from the roof and upper floors down to the foundation
26. Which type of circuit breaker is specifically designed to detect and interrupt arc faults that could cause electrical fires? → AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) breaker
27. Which drawing in a set would you reference to determine the reinforcing steel requirements for a concrete foundation? → Structural drawing
28. A statement that explains how a company does business is called a(n) _______. → mission statement
29. What are plywood clips used for? → Supporting roof sheathing edges between the trusses
30. A wood auger bit marked 10 will drill with what diameter? → 5/8 inch