NCCER Core Final Exam Study Guide
(2026/2027) Practice Questions & Verified
Answers with Detailed Rationales
Exam Overview
The NCCER Core Curriculum is the foundational
module for all construction trades. The final exam
tests knowledge across seven main modules:
- Basic Safety (OSHA 10) : Fall protection, electrical
safety, PPE, hazard communication, LOTO
- Introduction to Construction Math: Fractions,
decimals, measurement calculations, area/volume
- Hand Tools: Identification and safe use of
wrenches, saws, levels, chisels, pliers
- Power Tools: Safe operation, maintenance, and
troubleshooting of power tools
- Construction Drawings: Blueprint reading, scales,
symbols, and elevations
1
,- Rigging: Lifting equipment, slings, hand signals,
load limits
- Communication and Employability Skills: On-the-
job communication, workplace behaviors, trade
awareness
MODULE 1: BASIC SAFETY (OSHA 10 Focus)
Question 1
What is the leading cause of death on construction
sites annually?
- A) Electrocution
- B) Caught-in/between accidents
- C) Falls
2
,- D) Struck-by accidents
Answer: C
Rationale: Falls from elevation (ladders, scaffolds,
roofs) consistently account for the highest
percentage of fatalities in the construction industry,
often termed the "Fatal Four" along with
electrocution, caught-in, and struck-by .
Question 2
What is the minimum distance from an unguarded
edge at which fall protection is required for
construction workers according to OSHA?
- A) 3 feet
- B) 6 feet
- C) 10 feet
3
, - D) 15 feet
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1926.501
requires fall protection at 6 feet in the construction
industry (distinct from general industry, which is
usually 4 feet) .
Question 3
A "struck-by hazard" is best described by which
scenario?
- A) A worker falling off a poorly maintained ladder
- B) A nail gun discharging and hitting a coworker
- C) A trench collapsing on a worker
- D) Contact with exposed electrical wiring
4
(2026/2027) Practice Questions & Verified
Answers with Detailed Rationales
Exam Overview
The NCCER Core Curriculum is the foundational
module for all construction trades. The final exam
tests knowledge across seven main modules:
- Basic Safety (OSHA 10) : Fall protection, electrical
safety, PPE, hazard communication, LOTO
- Introduction to Construction Math: Fractions,
decimals, measurement calculations, area/volume
- Hand Tools: Identification and safe use of
wrenches, saws, levels, chisels, pliers
- Power Tools: Safe operation, maintenance, and
troubleshooting of power tools
- Construction Drawings: Blueprint reading, scales,
symbols, and elevations
1
,- Rigging: Lifting equipment, slings, hand signals,
load limits
- Communication and Employability Skills: On-the-
job communication, workplace behaviors, trade
awareness
MODULE 1: BASIC SAFETY (OSHA 10 Focus)
Question 1
What is the leading cause of death on construction
sites annually?
- A) Electrocution
- B) Caught-in/between accidents
- C) Falls
2
,- D) Struck-by accidents
Answer: C
Rationale: Falls from elevation (ladders, scaffolds,
roofs) consistently account for the highest
percentage of fatalities in the construction industry,
often termed the "Fatal Four" along with
electrocution, caught-in, and struck-by .
Question 2
What is the minimum distance from an unguarded
edge at which fall protection is required for
construction workers according to OSHA?
- A) 3 feet
- B) 6 feet
- C) 10 feet
3
, - D) 15 feet
Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1926.501
requires fall protection at 6 feet in the construction
industry (distinct from general industry, which is
usually 4 feet) .
Question 3
A "struck-by hazard" is best described by which
scenario?
- A) A worker falling off a poorly maintained ladder
- B) A nail gun discharging and hitting a coworker
- C) A trench collapsing on a worker
- D) Contact with exposed electrical wiring
4
