NEW MEXICO JSM JOURNEYMAN SHEET METAL EXAM
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED
RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE
TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. Which OSHA regulation establishes the minimum requirements for personal protective
equipment (PPE) in general industry settings, including sheet metal fabrication shops?
A) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132
B) OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451
C) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147
D) OSHA 29 CFR 1926.100
Correct Answer: A) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132
Rationale: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 is the primary regulation that mandates the provision and use of
PPE in general industry workplaces. It requires employers to assess workplace hazards and select
appropriate protective equipment for employees. Options B, C, and D address scaffolding,
lockout/tagout, and construction-specific fall protection, respectively, and are not the primary
standard for general PPE.
2. What is the primary goal of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure when performing
maintenance on sheet metal fabrication equipment?
A) To prevent the accidental startup or energization of machinery
B) To ensure the equipment is properly lubricated
C) To increase the overall speed of the maintenance process
D) To provide a record of all maintenance activities performed
Correct Answer: A) To prevent the accidental startup or energization of machinery
Rationale: The core purpose of lockout/tagout is to control hazardous energy and prevent unexpected
machine startup or the release of stored energy, which could cause serious injury during servicing.
While maintenance may involve lubrication or record-keeping, these are not the primary safety goal
of LOTO. The process is intended to protect workers, not to improve maintenance speed.
3. A sheet metal worker is required to grind metal to smooth a sharp edge. What is the most
critical PPE to protect against the primary hazard of this task?
A) Hearing protection
B) A respirator
C) Safety goggles or a face shield
D) Steel-toed boots
Correct Answer: C) Safety goggles or a face shield
Rationale: The primary hazard of grinding metal is airborne sparks and flying debris that can cause
severe eye injuries. Safety goggles or a face shield provide a physical barrier against these projectiles.
,While hearing protection, a respirator, and steel-toed boots may be part of a full PPE ensemble, eye
protection is the most critical for this specific hazard.
4. What is the primary function of a sheet metal brake?
A) Cutting intricate curves in sheet metal
B) Making precise bends and angles
C) Punching holes in the metal surface
D) Accurately measuring metal thickness
Correct Answer: B) Making precise bends and angles
Rationale: A sheet metal brake is a fundamental fabrication tool specifically designed to create
straight, accurate bends in sheet metal. This is essential for forming ductwork, flashing, and other
components. While cutting, punching, and measuring are necessary operations, they are performed
by different tools like shears, punches, and micrometers.
5. According to the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (Section 60-13-38), how
many years of experience in the trade are generally required to be eligible to take the
Journeyman Sheet Metal examination?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: B) 2 years
Rationale: The New Mexico statute, NMSA 1978 § 60-13-38(G), explicitly states that a person is not
eligible for the examination unless they have had two years' experience in the trade or the equivalent
thereof as determined by the commission. This is a foundational eligibility requirement for
journeyman certification in the state.
6. What is the standard minimum passing score required for the New Mexico JSM Journeyman
Sheet Metal written exam?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Correct Answer: C) 75%
Rationale: A passing score of 75% is a standard requirement for the New Mexico JSM written
certification exam . This benchmark is common for trade certification exams to ensure a consistent,
high level of competency among license holders. Achieving this score is mandatory to obtain the
journeyman certificate.
7. What is the typical time limit allocated to complete the New Mexico JSM Journeyman Sheet
Metal written exam?
A) 120 minutes (2 hours)
B) 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
C) 185 minutes (3 hours, 5 minutes)
D) 240 minutes (4 hours)
Correct Answer: C) 185 minutes (3 hours, 5 minutes)
Rationale: The PSI-administered written exam has a published time limit of 185 minutes for the 70
, multiple-choice questions . This duration is designed to provide candidates sufficient time to consult
allowed references and carefully consider each question.
8. What is the primary purpose of a fire damper in a commercial duct system?
A) To regulate the volume of airflow in a branch
B) To automatically close and prevent the spread of fire through fire-rated barriers
C) To filter airborne particles from the airstream
D) To reduce the transmission of noise from the air handling unit
Correct Answer: B) To automatically close and prevent the spread of fire through fire-rated barriers
Rationale: Fire dampers are critical passive safety devices installed where ducts penetrate fire-rated
walls or floors. They are designed to close automatically upon detection of heat, maintaining the
integrity of the fire barrier and slowing the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building .
9. Which of the following materials is most commonly used for ductwork when superior
corrosion resistance is required for an industrial environment?
A) Galvanized steel
B) Mild steel
C) Aluminum
D) Stainless steel
Correct Answer: D) Stainless steel
Rationale: Stainless steel contains chromium and nickel, providing a passive layer that offers excellent
resistance to corrosion from chemicals, moisture, and harsh industrial processes . While galvanized
steel is coated for protection, it is less durable than stainless steel in highly corrosive environments.
10. What is the minimum clearance required by the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) for a
single-wall metal vent pipe from combustible materials?
A) 1 inch
B) 3 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 12 inches
Correct Answer: C) 6 inches
Rationale: The UMC establishes a minimum 6-inch clearance between single-wall metal vent pipes
and combustible materials to mitigate fire hazards from high surface temperatures . This safety
distance is a critical code requirement to prevent heat transfer and potential ignition of nearby
combustible structural components.
11. What is a "Pittsburgh lock" primarily used for in sheet metal fabrication?
A) Connecting two pieces of duct end-to-end
B) Forming the longitudinal seam on rectangular ductwork
C) Sealing the corner of a duct fitting
D) Attaching a duct to a hanger system
Correct Answer: B) Forming the longitudinal seam on rectangular ductwork
Rationale: The Pittsburgh lock is the industry-standard method for creating a strong, airtight seam
along the length of rectangular duct sections . It involves interlocking the edges of a single piece of
metal to form a sturdy, continuous joint that resists pressure and leakage.
12. According to the UMC, metal ducts when installed in or under a concrete slab must be
encased in at least how many inches of concrete?
COMPLETE EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS |
2026–2027 LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS | DETAILED
RATIONALES | FULL STUDY GUIDE | EXAM PREP | PRACTICE
TEST | CERTIFICATION PREPARATION
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. Which OSHA regulation establishes the minimum requirements for personal protective
equipment (PPE) in general industry settings, including sheet metal fabrication shops?
A) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132
B) OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451
C) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147
D) OSHA 29 CFR 1926.100
Correct Answer: A) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132
Rationale: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 is the primary regulation that mandates the provision and use of
PPE in general industry workplaces. It requires employers to assess workplace hazards and select
appropriate protective equipment for employees. Options B, C, and D address scaffolding,
lockout/tagout, and construction-specific fall protection, respectively, and are not the primary
standard for general PPE.
2. What is the primary goal of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure when performing
maintenance on sheet metal fabrication equipment?
A) To prevent the accidental startup or energization of machinery
B) To ensure the equipment is properly lubricated
C) To increase the overall speed of the maintenance process
D) To provide a record of all maintenance activities performed
Correct Answer: A) To prevent the accidental startup or energization of machinery
Rationale: The core purpose of lockout/tagout is to control hazardous energy and prevent unexpected
machine startup or the release of stored energy, which could cause serious injury during servicing.
While maintenance may involve lubrication or record-keeping, these are not the primary safety goal
of LOTO. The process is intended to protect workers, not to improve maintenance speed.
3. A sheet metal worker is required to grind metal to smooth a sharp edge. What is the most
critical PPE to protect against the primary hazard of this task?
A) Hearing protection
B) A respirator
C) Safety goggles or a face shield
D) Steel-toed boots
Correct Answer: C) Safety goggles or a face shield
Rationale: The primary hazard of grinding metal is airborne sparks and flying debris that can cause
severe eye injuries. Safety goggles or a face shield provide a physical barrier against these projectiles.
,While hearing protection, a respirator, and steel-toed boots may be part of a full PPE ensemble, eye
protection is the most critical for this specific hazard.
4. What is the primary function of a sheet metal brake?
A) Cutting intricate curves in sheet metal
B) Making precise bends and angles
C) Punching holes in the metal surface
D) Accurately measuring metal thickness
Correct Answer: B) Making precise bends and angles
Rationale: A sheet metal brake is a fundamental fabrication tool specifically designed to create
straight, accurate bends in sheet metal. This is essential for forming ductwork, flashing, and other
components. While cutting, punching, and measuring are necessary operations, they are performed
by different tools like shears, punches, and micrometers.
5. According to the New Mexico Construction Industries Licensing Act (Section 60-13-38), how
many years of experience in the trade are generally required to be eligible to take the
Journeyman Sheet Metal examination?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: B) 2 years
Rationale: The New Mexico statute, NMSA 1978 § 60-13-38(G), explicitly states that a person is not
eligible for the examination unless they have had two years' experience in the trade or the equivalent
thereof as determined by the commission. This is a foundational eligibility requirement for
journeyman certification in the state.
6. What is the standard minimum passing score required for the New Mexico JSM Journeyman
Sheet Metal written exam?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Correct Answer: C) 75%
Rationale: A passing score of 75% is a standard requirement for the New Mexico JSM written
certification exam . This benchmark is common for trade certification exams to ensure a consistent,
high level of competency among license holders. Achieving this score is mandatory to obtain the
journeyman certificate.
7. What is the typical time limit allocated to complete the New Mexico JSM Journeyman Sheet
Metal written exam?
A) 120 minutes (2 hours)
B) 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
C) 185 minutes (3 hours, 5 minutes)
D) 240 minutes (4 hours)
Correct Answer: C) 185 minutes (3 hours, 5 minutes)
Rationale: The PSI-administered written exam has a published time limit of 185 minutes for the 70
, multiple-choice questions . This duration is designed to provide candidates sufficient time to consult
allowed references and carefully consider each question.
8. What is the primary purpose of a fire damper in a commercial duct system?
A) To regulate the volume of airflow in a branch
B) To automatically close and prevent the spread of fire through fire-rated barriers
C) To filter airborne particles from the airstream
D) To reduce the transmission of noise from the air handling unit
Correct Answer: B) To automatically close and prevent the spread of fire through fire-rated barriers
Rationale: Fire dampers are critical passive safety devices installed where ducts penetrate fire-rated
walls or floors. They are designed to close automatically upon detection of heat, maintaining the
integrity of the fire barrier and slowing the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building .
9. Which of the following materials is most commonly used for ductwork when superior
corrosion resistance is required for an industrial environment?
A) Galvanized steel
B) Mild steel
C) Aluminum
D) Stainless steel
Correct Answer: D) Stainless steel
Rationale: Stainless steel contains chromium and nickel, providing a passive layer that offers excellent
resistance to corrosion from chemicals, moisture, and harsh industrial processes . While galvanized
steel is coated for protection, it is less durable than stainless steel in highly corrosive environments.
10. What is the minimum clearance required by the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) for a
single-wall metal vent pipe from combustible materials?
A) 1 inch
B) 3 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 12 inches
Correct Answer: C) 6 inches
Rationale: The UMC establishes a minimum 6-inch clearance between single-wall metal vent pipes
and combustible materials to mitigate fire hazards from high surface temperatures . This safety
distance is a critical code requirement to prevent heat transfer and potential ignition of nearby
combustible structural components.
11. What is a "Pittsburgh lock" primarily used for in sheet metal fabrication?
A) Connecting two pieces of duct end-to-end
B) Forming the longitudinal seam on rectangular ductwork
C) Sealing the corner of a duct fitting
D) Attaching a duct to a hanger system
Correct Answer: B) Forming the longitudinal seam on rectangular ductwork
Rationale: The Pittsburgh lock is the industry-standard method for creating a strong, airtight seam
along the length of rectangular duct sections . It involves interlocking the edges of a single piece of
metal to form a sturdy, continuous joint that resists pressure and leakage.
12. According to the UMC, metal ducts when installed in or under a concrete slab must be
encased in at least how many inches of concrete?
