NCCER Core Construction Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a circular saw to rip a long board, which accessory provides the safest and most accurate cut?
- A miter gauge
- A rip fence or guide clamp (Correct answer)
- A speed square
- A chalk line
Correct answer: A rip fence or guide clamp
A rip fence or guide clamp keeps the saw at a consistent distance from the board edge throughout the entire cut.
Question 2: Which type of fastener is best suited for attaching two pieces of dimensional lumber where the connection must resist withdrawal forces?
- Box nail
- Brad nail
- Structural screw (Correct answer)
- Staple
Correct answer: Structural screw
Structural screws have superior withdrawal resistance compared to nails due to their threaded shank engaging wood fibers mechanically.
Question 3: What does the term 'plumb' mean in construction?
- Perfectly horizontal
- Perfectly vertical (Correct answer)
- At a 45-degree angle
- Level with the floor
Correct answer: Perfectly vertical
Plumb refers to a perfectly vertical alignment, typically verified with a plumb bob or level.
Question 4: A handyman needs to cut a 45-degree miter on baseboard trim. Which saw is most appropriate for this task?
- Jigsaw
- Reciprocating saw
- Miter saw (Correct answer)
- Table saw
Correct answer: Miter saw
A miter saw (chop saw) is specifically designed to make accurate angled crosscuts in trim and molding.
Question 5: When driving screws into drywall anchors, what is the correct sequence?
- Drive anchor, drill pilot hole, insert screw
- Drill pilot hole, insert anchor, drive screw (Correct answer)
- Insert screw first, then push anchor over it
- Drill through the drywall and into the stud only
Correct answer: Drill pilot hole, insert anchor, drive screw
You must drill a pilot hole first to accept the anchor, then insert the anchor, then drive the screw to expand the anchor in the wall cavity.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a vapor barrier in crawl space construction?
- To prevent insects from entering
- To reduce moisture migration from soil into the structure (Correct answer)
- To improve sound insulation
- To increase fire resistance
Correct answer: To reduce moisture migration from soil into the structure
A vapor barrier (typically 6-mil polyethylene sheeting) blocks ground moisture from evaporating upward into the floor framing.
Question 7: When installing a new electrical outlet, which wire connects to the silver (neutral) terminal?
- Black wire
- White wire (Correct answer)
- Green or bare copper wire
- Red wire
Correct answer: White wire
In standard US residential wiring, the white (neutral) wire connects to the silver-colored terminal on the outlet.
NCCER Core Construction Skills 2
When using a circular saw to rip a long board, which accessory provides the safest and most accurate cut?