NCCER Masonry Level 2 Certification
Practice Exam 100 Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of mortar in masonry construction?
A. To increase the weight of the wall
B. To bond masonry units together and transfer loads
C. To eliminate the need for reinforcement
D. To prevent all moisture from entering the wall
B. To bond masonry units together and transfer loads
Mortar bonds masonry units, accommodates minor dimensional variations,
and transfers compressive and shear forces between units.
2. Which mortar type generally provides the highest compressive strength?
A. Type O
B. Type N
C. Type S
D. Type M
D. Type M
Type M mortar has the highest compressive strength among the commonly
specified ASTM mortar types and is typically used where high compressive
strength is required.
3. What is the standard nominal size of a modular brick in the United States?
,A. 7 5/8 × 3 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches
B. 8 × 4 × 2 1/2 inches
C. 8 × 3 × 2 1/4 inches
D. 7 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 2 inches
A. 7 5/8 × 3 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches
Modular bricks have a nominal size of 7 5/8 × 3 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches. The extra
3/8 inch allows for a standard 3/8-inch mortar joint, giving an overall
dimension of 8 × 4 × 2 2/3 inches.
4. What does the term "wythe" refer to in masonry?
A. The vertical joint between bricks
B. A single vertical layer of masonry units
C. The foundation wall
D. The horizontal joint between bricks
B. A single vertical layer of masonry units
A wythe is a vertical layer of masonry units one unit thick. Multiple wythes
can be bonded together to form a solid wall.
5. What is the primary purpose of tooling a mortar joint?
A. To remove all mortar from the joint
B. To improve the appearance and compact the mortar at the surface
C. To make the wall heavier
D. To increase the size of the masonry units
B. To improve the appearance and compact the mortar at the surface
Proper joint tooling compresses the mortar surface and helps create a more
weather-resistant joint while producing the desired appearance.
6. Which joint profile generally provides the best resistance to water
penetration?
A. Raked
B. Flush
C. Concave
D. Struck
, C. Concave
A properly tooled concave joint compresses the mortar and sheds water
effectively, making it one of the preferred profiles for exterior masonry.
7. What is the primary function of masonry reinforcement?
A. To replace mortar
B. To improve resistance to tensile and lateral forces
C. To reduce wall height
D. To eliminate control joints
B. To improve resistance to tensile and lateral forces
Masonry is strong in compression but relatively weak in tension.
Reinforcement improves its ability to resist tensile, bending, and lateral
stresses.
8. What is a bond beam?
A. A temporary wooden support
B. A reinforced horizontal masonry member
C. A decorative mortar joint
D. A type of masonry saw
B. A reinforced horizontal masonry member
Bond beams are typically reinforced and grouted to provide horizontal
structural continuity and distribute loads through masonry walls.
9. What is the purpose of grout in reinforced masonry?
A. To lubricate masonry units
B. To surround reinforcement and bond it to the masonry assembly
C. To replace all mortar joints
D. To waterproof the face of the wall
B. To surround reinforcement and bond it to the masonry assembly
Grout fills reinforced cells and other designated spaces, embedding
reinforcement and helping transfer stresses between the reinforcement and
masonry.
Practice Exam 100 Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of mortar in masonry construction?
A. To increase the weight of the wall
B. To bond masonry units together and transfer loads
C. To eliminate the need for reinforcement
D. To prevent all moisture from entering the wall
B. To bond masonry units together and transfer loads
Mortar bonds masonry units, accommodates minor dimensional variations,
and transfers compressive and shear forces between units.
2. Which mortar type generally provides the highest compressive strength?
A. Type O
B. Type N
C. Type S
D. Type M
D. Type M
Type M mortar has the highest compressive strength among the commonly
specified ASTM mortar types and is typically used where high compressive
strength is required.
3. What is the standard nominal size of a modular brick in the United States?
,A. 7 5/8 × 3 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches
B. 8 × 4 × 2 1/2 inches
C. 8 × 3 × 2 1/4 inches
D. 7 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 2 inches
A. 7 5/8 × 3 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches
Modular bricks have a nominal size of 7 5/8 × 3 5/8 × 2 1/4 inches. The extra
3/8 inch allows for a standard 3/8-inch mortar joint, giving an overall
dimension of 8 × 4 × 2 2/3 inches.
4. What does the term "wythe" refer to in masonry?
A. The vertical joint between bricks
B. A single vertical layer of masonry units
C. The foundation wall
D. The horizontal joint between bricks
B. A single vertical layer of masonry units
A wythe is a vertical layer of masonry units one unit thick. Multiple wythes
can be bonded together to form a solid wall.
5. What is the primary purpose of tooling a mortar joint?
A. To remove all mortar from the joint
B. To improve the appearance and compact the mortar at the surface
C. To make the wall heavier
D. To increase the size of the masonry units
B. To improve the appearance and compact the mortar at the surface
Proper joint tooling compresses the mortar surface and helps create a more
weather-resistant joint while producing the desired appearance.
6. Which joint profile generally provides the best resistance to water
penetration?
A. Raked
B. Flush
C. Concave
D. Struck
, C. Concave
A properly tooled concave joint compresses the mortar and sheds water
effectively, making it one of the preferred profiles for exterior masonry.
7. What is the primary function of masonry reinforcement?
A. To replace mortar
B. To improve resistance to tensile and lateral forces
C. To reduce wall height
D. To eliminate control joints
B. To improve resistance to tensile and lateral forces
Masonry is strong in compression but relatively weak in tension.
Reinforcement improves its ability to resist tensile, bending, and lateral
stresses.
8. What is a bond beam?
A. A temporary wooden support
B. A reinforced horizontal masonry member
C. A decorative mortar joint
D. A type of masonry saw
B. A reinforced horizontal masonry member
Bond beams are typically reinforced and grouted to provide horizontal
structural continuity and distribute loads through masonry walls.
9. What is the purpose of grout in reinforced masonry?
A. To lubricate masonry units
B. To surround reinforcement and bond it to the masonry assembly
C. To replace all mortar joints
D. To waterproof the face of the wall
B. To surround reinforcement and bond it to the masonry assembly
Grout fills reinforced cells and other designated spaces, embedding
reinforcement and helping transfer stresses between the reinforcement and
masonry.
