Walmart Maintenance Technician Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: When performing preventive maintenance on a hydraulic pallet jack, which component should be inspected for cracks or deformation first?

The hydraulic fluid reservoir cap
The pump handle
The wheel axle bolts
The forks and frame (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The forks and frame

The forks and frame are structural load-bearing components — cracks or bends directly affect safe operation and must be checked first.

Question 2: LED lighting is replacing fluorescent in many retail stores primarily because:

LEDs are brighter
Fluorescent lights are illegal
LEDs use less energy, last longer, and require less maintenance (Correct answer)
LEDs are cheaper to purchase

Correct answer: LEDs use less energy, last longer, and require less maintenance

LEDs offer significant advantages in energy efficiency (using 50-70% less energy), lifespan (50,000+ hours vs 20,000), and reduced maintenance costs.

Question 3: A shopping cart retriever vehicle suddenly stops moving forward while in retrieval mode. The first diagnostic step is:

Check battery charge and safety cut-off switches (Correct answer)
Refuel with diesel
Inspect the cart hitching hook only
Replace the operator seat

Correct answer: Check battery charge and safety cut-off switches

Battery state and safety cut-off switches are the most frequent causes of sudden drive loss on electric cart retrievers.

Question 4: A circuit breaker keeps tripping repeatedly. What should you investigate?

Tape the breaker in the ON position
Investigate the circuit for overloads, short circuits, or ground faults (Correct answer)
Ignore it if the lights work when reset
Replace the breaker with a larger one

Correct answer: Investigate the circuit for overloads, short circuits, or ground faults

Repeated tripping indicates a problem on the circuit. Investigating for overloads, shorts, or ground faults identifies the root cause rather than masking a potentially dangerous condition.

Question 5: What is the correct procedure when a fire alarm sounds during a maintenance task involving open equipment?

Finish the current step before evacuating
Call a supervisor before evacuating
Evacuate immediately, leaving equipment as-is if safe to do so (Correct answer)
Attempt to close or secure equipment then evacuate immediately

Correct answer: Evacuate immediately, leaving equipment as-is if safe to do so

On a fire alarm, immediate evacuation takes priority; if it can be done safely in seconds, secure obvious hazards, but personal safety outweighs equipment protection.

Question 6: What is the primary safety concern when working near energized electrical bus bars in a retail facility's electrical room?

Arc flash and electrical shock hazard (Correct answer)
Voltage fluctuations affecting nearby equipment
Thermal expansion causing structural damage
Electromagnetic interference with tools

Correct answer: Arc flash and electrical shock hazard

Energized bus bars present severe arc flash and electrical shock hazards that can cause fatal burns and injuries.

Question 7: A forklift's parking brake holds on level ground but slips on inclines. What is the correct action?

Reset the hour meter
Avoid inclined surfaces only
Increase tire pressure
Adjust or replace the parking brake mechanism (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Adjust or replace the parking brake mechanism

A parking brake that slips on inclines is worn or out of adjustment and must be repaired before the forklift is returned to service.

Question 8: When must a maintenance employee complete an incident report after a workplace injury?

As soon as possible, ideally the same day (Correct answer)
At the end of the current shift
Within 30 days
Within 72 hours

Correct answer: As soon as possible, ideally the same day

Incident reports should be completed as soon as possible after an injury while details are fresh, typically the same day the incident occurs.

Question 9: A manual hand truck has a bent axle causing one wheel to wobble during use. The safest action is:

Remove from service and tag out until the axle is replaced (Correct answer)
Bend the axle back with a pipe and continue use
Use the hand truck only for light loads
Duct-tape the wheel and report it at end of shift

Correct answer: Remove from service and tag out until the axle is replaced

A bent axle creates an unpredictable wheel failure risk; the hand truck must be tagged out and repaired before returning to service.

Question 10: What is a multimeter used for in maintenance troubleshooting?

Measuring water flow
Measuring voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits (Correct answer)
Measuring air pressure
Measuring room dimensions

Correct answer: Measuring voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits

A multimeter is an essential diagnostic tool that measures electrical properties including voltage, current, and resistance, helping identify electrical problems.

Question 11: What is the purpose of preventive maintenance on rooftop HVAC units?

To extend equipment life, maintain efficiency, and prevent costly breakdowns (Correct answer)
To keep the roof clean
To satisfy insurance requirements only
To void the warranty

Correct answer: To extend equipment life, maintain efficiency, and prevent costly breakdowns

Regular preventive maintenance keeps HVAC units running efficiently, extends their lifespan, prevents unexpected breakdowns during extreme weather, and reduces energy costs.

Question 12: A maintenance tech notices a wooden door frame has swollen and the door no longer closes properly. What is the most likely cause?

The door was installed with incorrect clearance
The floor has settled unevenly
Moisture absorption causing wood expansion (Correct answer)
The door hinges are too loose

Correct answer: Moisture absorption causing wood expansion

Wood naturally absorbs moisture and expands, which is the most common cause of door frames swelling and doors sticking.

Question 13: Which color is OSHA-compliant for marking physical hazards such as stumbling and tripping hazards on the floor?

Blue
Green
Red
Yellow (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yellow

Yellow is the OSHA-standard color for marking caution and physical hazards including trip hazards, aisle edges, and equipment boundaries.

Question 14: Which pipe material is most commonly used for Walmart store drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems installed in recent construction?

Copper
Galvanized steel
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) (Correct answer)
Cast iron

Correct answer: PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

PVC is the dominant material for modern DWV systems due to its low cost, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation.

Question 15: What should maintenance check during a regular restroom inspection?

Only the mirrors
Fixtures for leaks, flushing mechanisms, supplies, cleanliness, and ventilation fan operation (Correct answer)
Only the soap dispensers
Only the toilet paper supply

Correct answer: Fixtures for leaks, flushing mechanisms, supplies, cleanliness, and ventilation fan operation

A thorough restroom inspection covers all plumbing fixtures, supply levels, cleanliness, ventilation, and functionality to maintain hygiene standards and prevent maintenance issues.

Question 16: What is the correct sequence for applying joint compound when finishing a drywall seam in a Walmart retail area?

Tape coat → finish coat → topping coat (Correct answer)
Finish coat → tape coat → sanding only
Topping coat → tape coat → finish coat
Tape coat → topping coat → sanding without additional coats

Correct answer: Tape coat → finish coat → topping coat

The proper sequence is tape coat (embedding tape), followed by finish coat (feathering the edges), then topping coat (ultra-thin final layer) for a smooth, paintable surface.

Question 17: What is the purpose of a P-trap under a sink?

To hold water that creates a seal preventing sewer gases from entering the building (Correct answer)
To catch lost items
To filter particles from wastewater
To regulate water pressure

Correct answer: To hold water that creates a seal preventing sewer gases from entering the building

The P-trap's water seal blocks sewer gases from traveling up through the drain into the building, maintaining indoor air quality and preventing health hazards.

Question 18: What is the purpose of maintaining an equipment asset registry?

To count the number of assets for tax purposes only
To impress corporate visitors
To track all equipment including location, model, serial number, warranty, and maintenance history (Correct answer)
To satisfy fire department requirements

Correct answer: To track all equipment including location, model, serial number, warranty, and maintenance history

An asset registry provides essential information for maintenance planning, warranty tracking, replacement budgeting, and emergency response when equipment identification is needed.

Question 19: A floor drain in a Walmart produce section is draining slowly. What is the most likely cause?

A faulty pressure-reducing valve
Low water pressure from the main supply
A cracked drain pipe underground
Grease and organic debris accumulation in the trap (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Grease and organic debris accumulation in the trap

Slow floor drains in food areas are most commonly caused by grease and organic debris clogging the drain trap or strainer.

Question 20: A maintenance team discovers a chemical spill of an unknown substance. What is the FIRST step?

Identify the substance using the SDS before taking any action
Dilute the spill with water immediately
Evacuate the area and call hazmat or a qualified responder (Correct answer)
Begin cleanup using available rags

Correct answer: Evacuate the area and call hazmat or a qualified responder

An unknown chemical spill requires immediate area evacuation and notification of a qualified hazmat responder before any cleanup attempt.

Question 21: What is the correct action when a preventive maintenance task reveals a minor oil leak on a piece of equipment?

Wipe the leak and note it in the log for next PM
Tag the equipment out of service and report to the supervisor (Correct answer)
Add more oil to compensate and finish the PM
Continue use and monitor the leak weekly

Correct answer: Tag the equipment out of service and report to the supervisor

Any confirmed leak requires the equipment to be taken out of service and reported so a repair work order can be generated before further use.

Question 22: A refrigerated display case is not maintaining temperature but the compressor is running. What should be inspected first?

Store ambient temperature
Condenser coils for dirt or ice blockage (Correct answer)
Fan motor color
Display lighting wattage

Correct answer: Condenser coils for dirt or ice blockage

Dirty or iced-over condenser coils restrict airflow and reduce heat transfer, causing a running compressor to fail to cool adequately.

Question 23: What color is the grounding conductor in standard US electrical wiring?

Red
Green or bare copper (Correct answer)
Black
White

Correct answer: Green or bare copper

The grounding conductor in US wiring is green or bare copper, distinguishing it from neutral (white) and hot (black/red) conductors.

Question 24: What is the purpose of an expansion tank in a closed-loop hydronic heating system?

Store extra water for emergencies
Absorb pressure increases as water expands when heated (Correct answer)
Filter debris from the loop
Increase system water temperature

Correct answer: Absorb pressure increases as water expands when heated

An expansion tank accommodates the increased volume of water as it heats up, preventing dangerous pressure spikes in a closed system.

Question 25: When checking a motor's insulation resistance with a megohmmeter, what reading generally indicates acceptable insulation?

Less than 1 megohm
At least 1 megohm (Correct answer)
Between 100 and 500 ohms
Exactly 0 ohms

Correct answer: At least 1 megohm

Acceptable motor insulation resistance is typically at least 1 megohm, with higher values indicating better insulation condition.

Question 26: What is the purpose of emergency lighting in a retail store?

To highlight sale items during power outages
To keep freezers visible during outages
To provide security lighting
To illuminate exit paths for safe evacuation during power failures (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To illuminate exit paths for safe evacuation during power failures

Emergency lighting activates during power failures to illuminate exit routes and emergency exits, enabling safe evacuation of customers and employees.

Question 27: A photoelectric sensor on an automatic door fails to trigger. The FIRST diagnostic step should be:

Inspect the door frame for physical damage
Check the power supply voltage to the sensor (Correct answer)
Replace the sensor immediately
Adjust the door closing speed

Correct answer: Check the power supply voltage to the sensor

Verifying the power supply voltage is the first step, as no power is the most common and easiest-to-diagnose cause of sensor failure.

Question 28: What tool is used to verify that a circuit is de-energized before working on it?

A screwdriver
A circuit breaker finder
A flashlight
A voltage tester or multimeter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A voltage tester or multimeter

A voltage tester or multimeter measures voltage to confirm zero energy before work begins. Always test the tester on a known live circuit first to verify it is working.

Question 29: What is the EPA Section 608 certification required for?

Operating a forklift
Installing electrical panels
Purchasing and handling refrigerants in stationary systems (Correct answer)
Selling HVAC equipment

Correct answer: Purchasing and handling refrigerants in stationary systems

EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law for anyone who purchases, handles, or recovers refrigerants in stationary HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Question 30: When a Walmart maintenance technician needs to cut an opening in existing drywall for a new electrical box, which tool provides the most precise and controlled cut?

Rotary cut-out tool (RotoZip) (Correct answer)
Reciprocating saw
Utility knife only
Oscillating multi-tool

Correct answer: Rotary cut-out tool (RotoZip)

A rotary cut-out tool (RotoZip) is designed specifically for cutting precise box openings in drywall quickly and accurately without cutting too deep into the wall cavity.

Question 31: A PM task requires checking the air filter on a compressor. The filter appears gray and slightly clogged but is not yet at the replacement interval. What should the technician do?

Replace it immediately regardless of interval
Leave it unchanged and note nothing
Spray compressed air from the inside outward to clean it
Clean it per manufacturer instructions and document the condition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clean it per manufacturer instructions and document the condition

A filter that is dirty but not at replacement interval should be cleaned per the manufacturer's method and the condition documented to track degradation.

Question 32: What color wire indicates a ground conductor in US electrical systems?

White
Black
Red
Green or bare copper (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Green or bare copper

In US electrical wiring, green insulation or bare copper wire indicates the equipment grounding conductor, which provides a safe path for fault currents.

Question 33: Which of the following is an example of a leading indicator in a preventive maintenance program?

Number of equipment breakdowns last quarter
Number of emergency work orders generated
Percentage of PM tasks completed on time (Correct answer)
Total repair cost for the past year

Correct answer: Percentage of PM tasks completed on time

PM completion rate is a leading indicator because it predicts future reliability — high completion rates prevent breakdowns before they occur.

Question 34: What does the acronym PPE stand for in a maintenance safety context?

Preventive Protection Equipment
Professional Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
Personal Protection Equipment

Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which includes gloves, goggles, hard hats, and other gear that protects workers from hazards.

Question 35: What is the typical lifecycle of a commercial rooftop HVAC unit?

15-20 years (Correct answer)
5 years
10-15 years
30+ years

Correct answer: 15-20 years

Commercial rooftop HVAC units typically last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Units approaching this age should be evaluated for replacement planning.

Question 36: When caulking around a door or window frame in a Walmart store, which caulk type provides the best adhesion to both wood and metal while remaining paintable?

Polyurethane foam sealant
Pure silicone caulk
Butyl rubber caulk
Latex-based paintable caulk (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Latex-based paintable caulk

Latex-based paintable caulk adheres to wood and metal, is easy to apply, cleans up with water, and can be painted to match surrounding surfaces.

Question 37: What is the primary function of a P-trap in a Walmart restroom fixture?

Filtering sediment from the water supply
Controlling the flow rate of wastewater
Regulating water pressure to the fixture
Preventing sewer gases from entering the building (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Preventing sewer gases from entering the building

A P-trap holds a water seal that blocks sewer gases from traveling back up through the drain and into the building.

Question 38: Walmart's maintenance compliance requires that refrigerant handling comply with which federal regulation?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119
EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (Correct answer)
NFPA 72
DOT 49 CFR Part 173

Correct answer: EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act

EPA Section 608 prohibits venting refrigerants and requires certified technicians to recover, recycle, or reclaim refrigerants during service or disposal.

Question 39: In a 3-phase electrical system used in large retail facilities, what is the phase angle between each phase?

90 degrees
120 degrees (Correct answer)
180 degrees
60 degrees

Correct answer: 120 degrees

In a 3-phase system, each phase is separated by 120 degrees, providing balanced power distribution.

Question 40: During a Walmart restroom inspection, you find a toilet that continuously runs after flushing. Which component should you check first?

The flushometer diaphragm or flapper (Correct answer)
The drain vent stack
The wax ring seal
The supply shut-off valve

Correct answer: The flushometer diaphragm or flapper

A continuously running toilet is most often caused by a worn or damaged flapper or flushometer diaphragm that fails to create a proper seal.

Question 41: What is the correct procedure for patching a hole larger than 6 inches in diameter in drywall?

Apply fiberglass mesh tape directly over the hole
Fill entirely with joint compound and sand smooth
Use a California patch with backing board support (Correct answer)
Cover with a peel-and-stick patch kit only

Correct answer: Use a California patch with backing board support

Holes larger than 6 inches require a backing board or California patch method to provide structural support for the repair.

Question 42: What does OSHA stand for?

Office of Safety and Health Administration
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Correct answer)
Organization for Store Hazard Assessment
Operational Safety and Hygiene Agency

Correct answer: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.

Question 43: What is the purpose of a neutral conductor in an electrical circuit?

Protect against overvoltage
Carry fault current to ground
Limit current flow in the circuit
Provide the return path for current (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Provide the return path for current

The neutral conductor provides the return path for current back to the source, completing the circuit.

Question 44: During PM on a refrigeration unit, a technician finds the condenser coils heavily coated with dust and debris. What is the immediate risk if this is not corrected?

The electrical panel will trip a breaker
The refrigerant will leak out faster
The evaporator coils will freeze over immediately
The compressor will overheat due to reduced heat dissipation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The compressor will overheat due to reduced heat dissipation

Dirty condenser coils cannot release heat efficiently, causing the compressor to run hotter and longer, risking overheating and early compressor failure.

Question 45: When repairing a sagging ceiling tile in a retail environment, what is the FIRST step before starting work?

Cordon off the area below and notify a supervisor (Correct answer)
Replace the tile immediately to prevent hazard
Wait until the store closes to begin repairs
Apply adhesive from a ladder without barricading

Correct answer: Cordon off the area below and notify a supervisor

Cordoning off the area and notifying a supervisor protects customers and staff while following proper safety protocol.

Question 46: In electrical systems, what does 'grounding' a circuit primarily protect against?

Overloading the neutral wire
Voltage fluctuations
Power surges from lightning only
Electric shock and equipment damage from fault currents (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Electric shock and equipment damage from fault currents

Grounding provides a safe path for fault current to flow, tripping the breaker and protecting people and equipment from dangerous voltages.

Question 47: What does 'GPF' stand for in the context of Walmart restroom fixtures, and why is it important?

Grade Point Factor — it rates fixture durability
Gas Pressure Flow — it measures gas line capacity
General Plumbing Fixture — it classifies fixture types
Gallons Per Flush — it determines water usage efficiency of toilets and urinals (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Gallons Per Flush — it determines water usage efficiency of toilets and urinals

GPF (Gallons Per Flush) is the water consumption rating for toilets and urinals, directly affecting water costs and code compliance.

Question 48: A forklift has a rated capacity of 4,000 lbs. The load center is at 30 inches. If you move the load center to 36 inches, the actual capacity will:

Double
Remain the same
Increase proportionally
Decrease (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Decrease

As load center distance increases, the effective lifting capacity decreases because the lever arm extends, reducing the forklift's stability and rated capacity.

Question 49: What is the purpose of an incident investigation?

To document for insurance only
To identify root causes of incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence (Correct answer)
To assign blame to employees
To determine disciplinary actions

Correct answer: To identify root causes of incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence

Incident investigations focus on identifying systemic root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions, not on assigning blame.

Question 50: What type of fastener is BEST suited for attaching a heavy wall-mounted display bracket to a concrete block wall in a Walmart store?

Drywall toggle bolts
Masonry anchors (sleeve or wedge anchors) (Correct answer)
Standard lag bolts driven directly into concrete
Wood screws with plastic anchors

Correct answer: Masonry anchors (sleeve or wedge anchors)

Masonry sleeve or wedge anchors are specifically designed to provide secure hold in concrete block walls under heavy loads.

Question 51: A cross-connection in a Walmart plumbing system is dangerous because it can cause:

Contamination of the potable water supply (Correct answer)
Excessive water pressure buildup
Rapid corrosion of copper pipes
Reduced flow to high-demand fixtures

Correct answer: Contamination of the potable water supply

A cross-connection links potable water with a non-potable source, risking backflow of contaminants into the drinking water supply.

Question 52: After completing a preventive maintenance task on a piece of equipment, what is the final required step before returning the equipment to service?

Leave a note on the equipment stating PM was performed
Submit a work order for the next scheduled PM
Notify the store manager immediately
Remove all LOTO devices, test the equipment for proper operation, and complete the PM record (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remove all LOTO devices, test the equipment for proper operation, and complete the PM record

The technician must remove all lockout devices, verify proper operation through a functional test, and complete the PM documentation before returning the equipment to service.

Question 53: An electric floor scrubber leaves streaks of dirty water behind instead of a clean floor. What should you check first?

Battery charge level
Water tank fill level
Brush motor speed setting
Squeegee blade condition and adjustment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Squeegee blade condition and adjustment

A worn, damaged, or improperly adjusted squeegee blade prevents water from being picked up cleanly, leaving streaks.

Question 54: What is the correct procedure when shutting off water to a Walmart restroom for repairs during store hours?

Post an 'Out of Service' sign and notify store management before shutting off water (Correct answer)
Only work during overnight hours without any notification required
Shut off the main building supply immediately and begin work
Use a temporary bypass hose and proceed without notification

Correct answer: Post an 'Out of Service' sign and notify store management before shutting off water

Before shutting off water to active areas, maintenance must notify management and post appropriate signage to minimize customer and staff impact.

Question 55: What is the purpose of a P-trap in a plumbing drain system?

Filter solids from wastewater
Prevent pipe corrosion
Maintain a water seal to block sewer gases (Correct answer)
Regulate drain flow rate

Correct answer: Maintain a water seal to block sewer gases

The P-trap holds a small amount of water that creates a seal preventing sewer gases and odors from entering the building.

Question 56: What is the most common refrigerant currently used in commercial refrigeration systems?

Carbon dioxide
Ammonia
R-404A or R-407A (Correct answer)
R-22 (Freon)

Correct answer: R-404A or R-407A

R-404A and R-407A are the most common HFC refrigerants in commercial use, as R-22 was phased out due to ozone depletion concerns under the Montreal Protocol.

Question 57: What is the recommended practice for maintaining roof drains?

Ignore them unless there is a leak
Cover them to prevent debris entry
Inspect and clear debris from roof drains regularly, especially before rain season (Correct answer)
Replace them every year

Correct answer: Inspect and clear debris from roof drains regularly, especially before rain season

Regular inspection and clearing of roof drains prevents water ponding on the roof, which can cause structural damage, leaks, and premature roof deterioration.

Question 58: What is the correct technique for driving a nail flush with a wood surface without leaving hammer marks?

Use a nail set to drive the nail the final 1/8 inch below the surface (Correct answer)
Use a rubber mallet for the final strokes
Apply masking tape over the nail head before striking
Pre-drill a pilot hole and drive the nail by hand

Correct answer: Use a nail set to drive the nail the final 1/8 inch below the surface

A nail set is a small punch tool placed on the nail head that allows a technician to drive the nail slightly below the wood surface without damaging surrounding material.

Question 59: When replacing a circuit breaker, what must be verified FIRST after installation?

The breaker manufacturer matches the panel brand
The breaker amperage rating matches the circuit load
All of the above must be verified (Correct answer)
The breaker is the correct amperage for the wire gauge

Correct answer: All of the above must be verified

All three factors must be verified: wire gauge rating, load requirements, and panel compatibility are all critical for safe installation.

Question 60: Why is proper airflow important in a walk-in cooler?

To ensure even temperature distribution and prevent hot spots that could cause food spoilage (Correct answer)
To prevent ice buildup on the floor only
To keep employees comfortable
To reduce noise levels

Correct answer: To ensure even temperature distribution and prevent hot spots that could cause food spoilage

Proper airflow ensures uniform temperature throughout the cooler. Hot spots from blocked airflow can cause food to spoil even if the thermostat reads the correct temperature.

Walmart Maintenance Technician Assessment

The Walmart Maintenance Technician Assessment covers electrical systems, HVAC and refrigeration, plumbing and facilities, safety and compliance, preventive maintenance programs, equipment troubleshooting, and building systems management for retail facility technicians.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds