NCCER Interior Finishing & Drywall 3

Question 1

When repairing a small hole less than 1 inch in diameter in drywall, what is the most appropriate repair method?

Accepted Answer

Fill and smooth directly with spackle or lightweight joint compound

Answer

Holes under 1 inch can be filled directly with spackle or lightweight compound without any backing material because the opening is too small to require structural support.

Question 2

What is a 'California patch' (also called a patch without backing) used for in drywall repair?

Accepted Answer

Patching medium-sized holes using the drywall face paper as self-backing

Answer

The California patch technique uses the paper face of a slightly oversized drywall piece as a self-adhering backer, eliminating the need for wood or metal backing in the wall cavity.

Question 3

According to the NEC, what is the maximum allowable gap between an electrical box and the surrounding drywall edge?

Accepted Answer

1/8 inch

Answer

The NEC requires that gaps around electrical boxes in combustible wall materials not exceed 1/8 inch to limit the potential for fire to spread through the opening.

Question 4

What type of primer should be applied to new drywall before the finish paint coat?

Accepted Answer

PVA drywall primer-sealer

Answer

PVA (polyvinyl acetate) drywall primer seals the highly porous paper surface and dried joint compound uniformly, preventing uneven paint sheen.

Question 5

When using setting-type joint compound (hot mud), what do the numbers on the bag (such as 20, 45, or 90) indicate?

Accepted Answer

The approximate working time in minutes before the compound sets

Answer

The number on setting-type compound bags indicates the approximate working time in minutes—for example, 'Durabond 45' sets in roughly 45 minutes.

(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 Interior Finishing & Drywall 3