NOCTI Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. When performing a compression test and one cylinder shows significantly lower compression than the others, which component is most likely worn? → Piston rings or cylinder wall
2. What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills? → Hard skills are technical and measurable; soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral
3. What is the decimal equivalent of the binary number 1011? → 11
4. What is the area of a circle with a radius of 7 inches? (Use pi approximately equal to 3.14) → 153.86 square inches
5. What is whistleblowing in a business context? → Reporting unethical or illegal activities within an organization
6. What is the difference between RAM and ROM in a computer system? → RAM is volatile and loses data when powered off; ROM retains data permanently
7. A drawing is created with a scale of 2:1. A feature on the drawing measures 50mm. What is the actual size of the feature on the manufactured part? → 25mm
8. Which of the following utilities verifies that there is a connection on a network between two hosts? → Ping
9. What is constructive feedback and how should you respond to it? → Specific, actionable input meant to improve performance, which should be received openly
10. What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning? → Deductive moves from general to specific; inductive moves from specific to general
11. Which type of conduit is most suitable for direct burial applications without concrete encasement? → PVC Schedule 80
12. What does the term 'R-value' indicate in building construction? → The thermal resistance of insulation material
13. High-fidelity music CDs use how many bits in their sample size? → 16
14. While driving, the battery warning light illuminates on the dashboard. What is the MOST likely cause? → Alternator is not charging the battery
15. In a series circuit with three resistors of 10 ohms, 20 ohms, and 30 ohms, what is the total resistance? → 60 ohms
16. What is time management and why is it an important employability skill? → The ability to plan, prioritize, and use time efficiently to meet deadlines and goals
17. What is the normal resting adult heart rate range in beats per minute? → 60–100 bpm
18. What is an elevation drawing? → A straight-on view of a building face or wall as seen from the outside or inside
19. Which of the following best describes corporate social responsibility (CSR)? → A company's commitment to operating in an ethical and socially beneficial manner
20. What is the purpose of a compiler in computer programming? → To translate source code into machine code
21. Which of the following is a required element of an OSHA-compliant Emergency Action Plan (EAP)? → Procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation.
22. What is the first thing you should do if you discover a workplace fire? → Sound the fire alarm and alert others in the area
23. What does 'workplace etiquette' encompass? → The unwritten rules and expected behaviors for professional conduct in the workplace
24. Which of the following is the correct blood pressure reading considered normal for adults? → 120/80 mmHg
25. In masonry, what is the primary function of mortar? → To bond masonry units together and distribute loads evenly
26. What is the purpose of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in a vehicle? → Prevent wheel lockup during hard braking to maintain steering control
27. A cylindrical tank has a radius of 3 feet and a height of 8 feet. What is the volume of the tank in cubic feet? (Use V = πr²h and π ≈ 3.14) → 226.08 cu ft
28. What does a dashed line typically represent on a blueprint? → A hidden or concealed feature behind the viewed surface
29. What does the abbreviation O.C. mean on construction blueprints? → On center, the distance between the centers of regularly spaced elements
30. How many bits are in the SIMMs data path? → 32