Apprenticeship Certification Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which type of personal protective equipment is essential when
operating a hand shear?
a) Safety boots
b) Ear plugs
c) Safety glasses
d) Hard hat
Answer: c) Safety glasses
Rationale: Safety glasses protect eyes from flying metal shards, which
are common when using hand shears.
2. What is the primary purpose of a layout square in sheet metal work?
a) Cutting metal sheets
b) Joining metal parts
c) Measuring and marking accurate angles
d) Supporting metal during bending
Answer: c) Measuring and marking accurate angles
Rationale: A layout square ensures precision in marking 90° or 45°
angles on metal sheets.
,3. When installing ductwork, what is the recommended method to
prevent air leakage?
a) Using tape alone
b) Welding seams
c) Applying mastic or UL-181 approved sealant
d) Using screws only
Answer: c) Applying mastic or UL-181 approved sealant
Rationale: Sealants prevent air leakage at duct joints, ensuring HVAC
efficiency.
4. Which gauge sheet metal is thicker?
a) 20 gauge
b) 16 gauge
c) 24 gauge
d) 28 gauge
Answer: b) 16 gauge
Rationale: Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker metal; 16 gauge is
thicker than 20 gauge.
5. What is the primary hazard when grinding sheet metal?
a) Noise
b) Slipping
c) Flying sparks and metal fragments
d) Electrical shock
Answer: c) Flying sparks and metal fragments
Rationale: Grinding produces sparks that can cause eye injuries or
burns; protective gear is essential.
6. When using a finger brake, the term "bend allowance" refers to:
a) The extra metal needed for welds
b) The distance between two bends
c) The length of metal required to make a bend without altering
, dimensions
d) Maximum bending capacity
Answer: c) The length of metal required to make a bend without
altering dimensions
Rationale: Bend allowance accounts for the stretch of metal during
bending to maintain accurate final dimensions.
7. What is the safest method to lift a heavy metal sheet manually?
a) With one person at each end
b) Using proper lifting techniques with the sheet close to the body
c) Dragging it across the floor
d) Lifting with bent back and straight legs
Answer: b) Using proper lifting techniques with the sheet close to the
body
Rationale: Keeping the load close and bending knees reduces strain
and prevents back injuries.
8. Which welding process is most common for sheet metal HVAC ducts?
a) Stick welding (SMAW)
b) TIG welding (GTAW)
c) MIG welding (GMAW)
d) Oxy-acetylene welding
Answer: c) MIG welding (GMAW)
Rationale: MIG welding is fast, produces clean welds, and is well-suited
for thin sheet metal.
9. Which fastener is most commonly used for joining sheet metal ducts?
a) Nails
b) Bolts
c) Screws
d) Staples
Answer: c) Screws