NCCER–OSHA SCAFFOLD SG EXAM STUDY GUIDE
2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS || 100% GUARANTEED PASS
<RECENT VERSION>
Section 1: General Safety & Regulations
1. What is the primary federal regulation that governs scaffold safety in construction?
A. 29 CFR 1910
B. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L
C. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M
D. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E
Answer: B. OSHA's standards for scaffolds used in the construction industry are specifically
detailed in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart L.
2. Scaffolds must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least their own weight plus:
A. 2 times the maximum intended load.
B. 3 times the maximum intended load.
C. 4 times the maximum intended load.
D. 5 times the maximum intended load.
Answer: C. This safety factor is required to ensure the scaffold can handle unexpected loads,
impacts, or material variations.
3. Who is responsible for providing scaffold erectors and dismantlers with fall protection?
A. The scaffold competent person
B. The project manager
C. The employer
D. The employees themselves
Answer: C. OSHA places the ultimate responsibility for providing a safe workplace, including
required PPE and fall protection, on the employer.
4. The minimum width of a scaffold platform must be:
A. 16 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 20 inches
D. 24 inches
,Answer: B. Except for specific types like ladder jack, top plate bracket, roof bracket, and pump
jack scaffolds, the minimum platform width is 18 inches.
5. A system used to protect employees from falling through holes in the scaffold platform is
called:
A. Fall arrest system
B. Guardrail system
C. Personal fall arrest system
D. Falling object protection system
Answer: B. While C is for stopping a fall, the guardrail system is the primary method to prevent
falls from the platform edge. For holes, a cover may be used, but the overall system to protect
from the edge is the guardrail.
6. Before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity,
scaffolds must be:
A. Reinforced.
B. Dismantled.
C. Inspected by a competent person.
D. Painted.
Answer: C. The competent person is qualified to identify hazards and has the authority to take
corrective measures.
7. Materials like bricks, blocks, and pipes are best stored on a scaffold:
A. On the platform edge for easy access.
B. On the guardrails.
C. Near the access point.
D. As near to the scaffold center as practical.
Answer: D. Storing materials near the center helps maintain a stable center of gravity and
prevents tipping.
8. The term "competent person" in scaffold safety refers to someone who:
A. Has been employed the longest.
B. Is capable of identifying hazards and has authority to eliminate them.
C. Is a licensed professional engineer.
D. Is the foreman on the job.
Answer: B. This is the OSHA definition, emphasizing both knowledge and authority.
9. What is the maximum permissible gap between scaffold planks or platform units?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
, C. 2 inches
D. 3 inches
Answer: B. A gap larger than 1 inch can create a trip hazard or allow tools to fall through.
10. Unstable objects like barrels, boxes, or loose bricks may NOT be used to support scaffolds
or planks.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. Scaffolds must be supported on firm, level foundations using base plates, mud sills,
or other adequate means.
Section 2: Supported Scaffolds (Frame, Tube & Coupler, System)
11. What must be installed on supported scaffolds with a height more than 4 times the
smallest base dimension?
A. Additional mid-rails
B. Guys, ties, or braces
C. Extra toe boards
D. Outrigger beams
Answer: B. This is to prevent tipping of tall, narrow scaffolds.
12. The vertical spacing of tie-ins for a supported scaffold should not exceed:
A. 20 feet
B. 26 feet
C. 30 feet
D. 40 feet
Answer: B. For taller scaffolds, tie-ins are crucial for stability.
13. What component is placed under the base plate to distribute the scaffold load to the
ground?
A. Screw jack
B. Mud sill
C. Coupler
D. Runner
Answer: B. Mud sills (or base plates) prevent the scaffold from sinking into soft ground.
14. Cross-bracing on frame scaffolds can be used as a means of access and egress.
A. True
B. False
2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS || 100% GUARANTEED PASS
<RECENT VERSION>
Section 1: General Safety & Regulations
1. What is the primary federal regulation that governs scaffold safety in construction?
A. 29 CFR 1910
B. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L
C. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M
D. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E
Answer: B. OSHA's standards for scaffolds used in the construction industry are specifically
detailed in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart L.
2. Scaffolds must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least their own weight plus:
A. 2 times the maximum intended load.
B. 3 times the maximum intended load.
C. 4 times the maximum intended load.
D. 5 times the maximum intended load.
Answer: C. This safety factor is required to ensure the scaffold can handle unexpected loads,
impacts, or material variations.
3. Who is responsible for providing scaffold erectors and dismantlers with fall protection?
A. The scaffold competent person
B. The project manager
C. The employer
D. The employees themselves
Answer: C. OSHA places the ultimate responsibility for providing a safe workplace, including
required PPE and fall protection, on the employer.
4. The minimum width of a scaffold platform must be:
A. 16 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 20 inches
D. 24 inches
,Answer: B. Except for specific types like ladder jack, top plate bracket, roof bracket, and pump
jack scaffolds, the minimum platform width is 18 inches.
5. A system used to protect employees from falling through holes in the scaffold platform is
called:
A. Fall arrest system
B. Guardrail system
C. Personal fall arrest system
D. Falling object protection system
Answer: B. While C is for stopping a fall, the guardrail system is the primary method to prevent
falls from the platform edge. For holes, a cover may be used, but the overall system to protect
from the edge is the guardrail.
6. Before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity,
scaffolds must be:
A. Reinforced.
B. Dismantled.
C. Inspected by a competent person.
D. Painted.
Answer: C. The competent person is qualified to identify hazards and has the authority to take
corrective measures.
7. Materials like bricks, blocks, and pipes are best stored on a scaffold:
A. On the platform edge for easy access.
B. On the guardrails.
C. Near the access point.
D. As near to the scaffold center as practical.
Answer: D. Storing materials near the center helps maintain a stable center of gravity and
prevents tipping.
8. The term "competent person" in scaffold safety refers to someone who:
A. Has been employed the longest.
B. Is capable of identifying hazards and has authority to eliminate them.
C. Is a licensed professional engineer.
D. Is the foreman on the job.
Answer: B. This is the OSHA definition, emphasizing both knowledge and authority.
9. What is the maximum permissible gap between scaffold planks or platform units?
A. 1/2 inch
B. 1 inch
, C. 2 inches
D. 3 inches
Answer: B. A gap larger than 1 inch can create a trip hazard or allow tools to fall through.
10. Unstable objects like barrels, boxes, or loose bricks may NOT be used to support scaffolds
or planks.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. Scaffolds must be supported on firm, level foundations using base plates, mud sills,
or other adequate means.
Section 2: Supported Scaffolds (Frame, Tube & Coupler, System)
11. What must be installed on supported scaffolds with a height more than 4 times the
smallest base dimension?
A. Additional mid-rails
B. Guys, ties, or braces
C. Extra toe boards
D. Outrigger beams
Answer: B. This is to prevent tipping of tall, narrow scaffolds.
12. The vertical spacing of tie-ins for a supported scaffold should not exceed:
A. 20 feet
B. 26 feet
C. 30 feet
D. 40 feet
Answer: B. For taller scaffolds, tie-ins are crucial for stability.
13. What component is placed under the base plate to distribute the scaffold load to the
ground?
A. Screw jack
B. Mud sill
C. Coupler
D. Runner
Answer: B. Mud sills (or base plates) prevent the scaffold from sinking into soft ground.
14. Cross-bracing on frame scaffolds can be used as a means of access and egress.
A. True
B. False
