NCCER Basic Carpentry & Framing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard on-center spacing for wall studs in residential construction?
- 12 inches
- 16 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
- 32 inches
Correct answer: 16 inches
Standard residential wall studs are spaced 16 inches on-center, though 24 inches is also used in some applications.
Question 2: When installing a door rough opening, the rough opening width is typically how much wider than the door unit?
- 1/4 inch
- 1/2 inch
- 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 4 inches
Correct answer: 2 inches
A rough opening is typically 2 inches wider than the door unit to allow for the frame, shimming, and plumb adjustment.
Question 3: What type of lumber is designated as 'dimension lumber' in construction?
- Lumber 1 inch to 1-1/2 inches thick
- Lumber 2 to 4 inches thick (Correct answer)
- Lumber 5 inches and thicker
- Any kiln-dried lumber
Correct answer: Lumber 2 to 4 inches thick
Dimension lumber is classified as wood that is 2 to 4 inches thick and is used for structural framing.
Question 4: A cripple stud in wall framing is located:
- Between the top plate and a header
- Between the sole plate and a sill plate
- Both above a header and below a sill (Correct answer)
- Only at corners
Correct answer: Both above a header and below a sill
Cripple studs appear both above a header (to the top plate) and below a window sill (to the sole plate) at openings.
Question 5: Which fastener is most appropriate for attaching a ledger board to an existing structure for a deck?
- 16d common nails
- Lag screws or structural bolts (Correct answer)
- Drywall screws
- Finish nails
Correct answer: Lag screws or structural bolts
Lag screws or structural bolts are required for ledger connections because they provide the shear strength needed for load transfer.
Question 6: What does the term 'bird's mouth cut' refer to in roof framing?
- The plumb cut at the ridge board
- A notch cut in a rafter to seat on the top plate (Correct answer)
- The tail cut at the eave
- A decorative cut at the fascia
Correct answer: A notch cut in a rafter to seat on the top plate
A bird's mouth is a notch comprising a seat cut and plumb cut that allows a rafter to rest flat on the wall's top plate.
Question 7: When measuring for a stair stringer, the total rise is divided by the number of risers to find the:
- Unit run
- Unit rise (Correct answer)
- Tread depth
- Nosing overhang
Correct answer: Unit rise
Dividing total rise by the number of risers gives the unit rise, which is the height of each individual step.
NCCER Basic Carpentry & Framing 2
What is the standard on-center spacing for wall studs in residential construction?