NCCER Case Analysis & Practical Application 2

Question 1

A homeowner reports that a GFCI outlet in their bathroom keeps tripping immediately after being reset. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

There is a ground fault or moisture in the circuit downstream of the GFCI

Answer

A GFCI that trips immediately after reset typically indicates a ground fault or moisture downstream in the protected circuit.

Question 2

You are repairing a wooden deck and find that several joists have soft, spongy areas near the ledger board. What should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Replace the ledger board flashing to stop ongoing moisture intrusion before any structural repair

Answer

Addressing the source of moisture (improper flashing at the ledger board) must come before structural repairs, or the new material will rot as well.

Question 3

A customer asks you to hang a 200-lb mirror on a plaster wall. Your stud finder cannot locate studs reliably. What is the best approach?

Accepted Answer

Mount a backing board across multiple studs and attach the mirror to the board

Answer

For very heavy loads on plaster, a backing board spanning multiple studs distributes weight safely and provides reliable anchoring.

Question 4

While snaking a clogged kitchen drain, you encounter solid resistance about 20 feet in that the snake cannot break through. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

A collapsed or offset pipe section requiring camera inspection

Answer

Solid immovable resistance at a specific distance often indicates a collapsed or severely offset pipe that requires video inspection before further action.

Question 5

A customer complains that their forced-air furnace runs continuously but the house never reaches the set temperature in winter. After confirming the thermostat is accurate, what should you check next?

Accepted Answer

Inspect and replace the furnace filter, then check for duct leaks

Answer

A clogged filter or significant duct leakage are the most common causes of a furnace running constantly without meeting the setpoint.

(NCCER) National Center for Construction Education and Research Certified Handyman Practice Test

(NCCER) National Center for Construction Education and Research Certified Handyman Practice Test

NCCER Case Analysis & Practical Application 2