NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker (CUNY) Exam | Actual
Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest Update
2026
1. If a maintenance technician accidentally used water to clean tools with oil-
based paint, what would be the likely outcome?
The tools would be enhanced in performance.
The paint would dissolve completely.
The paint would not be removed effectively, potentially damaging
the tools.
The tools would be cleaned perfectly.
2. Freezing water will scrape the lining from the insides of the pipes.
Blocked water behind the frozen ice will build up pressure and will
burst the pipes
The ice will promote serious erosion of the pipe material
Water expands more than the pipe material, which will fracture the
pipes if water in them freezes
3. If a maintenance technician notices that a newly poured concrete sidewalk is
cracking, what preventative measure could have been taken during the
curing process?
Applying a sealant immediately after pouring.
Covering it with straw to retain moisture.
Using a fan to dry it faster.
Leaving it uncovered to air dry.
4. The purpose of the neutral conductor in a 3 wire system is to carry:
, between the load and the neutral
to the center of the load
to the second half of the circuit
the unbalanced current in the other direction
5. Describe the importance of accurately cutting the hinge depth when
installing a door.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth only affects the aesthetic of the
door.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth is only necessary for exterior
doors.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth ensures the door hangs
properly and functions smoothly.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth is not important for door
installation.
6. When using a shower, the hot water turns lukewarm after a short period of
time. The owner has an electric water heater. The most probable cause is__?
Bad lower element
Broken or bad dip tube
Poor electrical connection
Lower thermostat defective
7. What is the primary function of a three-way wall switch?
To control a light fixture from two different locations.
To provide a ground connection for electrical devices.
, To regulate the voltage in a circuit.
To connect multiple light fixtures in series.
8. Why is it important to seal a dark water stain with a primer before painting?
Sealing the stain prevents it from bleeding through the new paint.
Sealing the stain eliminates the need for multiple coats.
Sealing the stain makes the paint dry faster.
Sealing the stain enhances the color of the new paint.
9. What is a common issue that can cause a gas furnace blower to cycle on and
off frequently?
A gas leak.
A clogged air filter.
A broken blower motor.
A faulty thermostat.
10. What is the recommended frequency for checking the vent or stack on a gas
heater?
Only when there is a problem.
Every month.
Every five years.
Regularly, at least once a year.
11. Describe the role of asphalt in the composition of roll roofing material.
Asphalt serves as a waterproofing agent in roll roofing material.
, Asphalt provides structural support to the roofing material.
Asphalt enhances the aesthetic appeal of the roofing material.
Asphalt acts as an insulator in the roofing material.
12. Describe the role of the neutral wire in a 100-220 volt three wire circuit.
The neutral wire carries the live current to the load.
The neutral wire is used for grounding the circuit.
The neutral wire increases the voltage in the circuit.
The neutral wire provides a return path for current and is essential
for completing the electrical circuit.
13. What are the three key reasons for the importance of emergency
maintenance service?
To protect the safety of residents, To protect the property from
damage, To preserve the property owner's physical investment.
To enhance energy efficiency, To comply with building codes, To
increase property value.
To ensure regular maintenance schedules, To reduce operational
costs, To improve aesthetic appeal.
To provide tenant satisfaction, To minimize repair times, To facilitate
communication with residents.
14. What is the primary purpose of using galvanized nails in construction?
To prevent rust and corrosion
To increase tensile strength
To improve electrical conductivity
Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest Update
2026
1. If a maintenance technician accidentally used water to clean tools with oil-
based paint, what would be the likely outcome?
The tools would be enhanced in performance.
The paint would dissolve completely.
The paint would not be removed effectively, potentially damaging
the tools.
The tools would be cleaned perfectly.
2. Freezing water will scrape the lining from the insides of the pipes.
Blocked water behind the frozen ice will build up pressure and will
burst the pipes
The ice will promote serious erosion of the pipe material
Water expands more than the pipe material, which will fracture the
pipes if water in them freezes
3. If a maintenance technician notices that a newly poured concrete sidewalk is
cracking, what preventative measure could have been taken during the
curing process?
Applying a sealant immediately after pouring.
Covering it with straw to retain moisture.
Using a fan to dry it faster.
Leaving it uncovered to air dry.
4. The purpose of the neutral conductor in a 3 wire system is to carry:
, between the load and the neutral
to the center of the load
to the second half of the circuit
the unbalanced current in the other direction
5. Describe the importance of accurately cutting the hinge depth when
installing a door.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth only affects the aesthetic of the
door.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth is only necessary for exterior
doors.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth ensures the door hangs
properly and functions smoothly.
Accurate cutting of the hinge depth is not important for door
installation.
6. When using a shower, the hot water turns lukewarm after a short period of
time. The owner has an electric water heater. The most probable cause is__?
Bad lower element
Broken or bad dip tube
Poor electrical connection
Lower thermostat defective
7. What is the primary function of a three-way wall switch?
To control a light fixture from two different locations.
To provide a ground connection for electrical devices.
, To regulate the voltage in a circuit.
To connect multiple light fixtures in series.
8. Why is it important to seal a dark water stain with a primer before painting?
Sealing the stain prevents it from bleeding through the new paint.
Sealing the stain eliminates the need for multiple coats.
Sealing the stain makes the paint dry faster.
Sealing the stain enhances the color of the new paint.
9. What is a common issue that can cause a gas furnace blower to cycle on and
off frequently?
A gas leak.
A clogged air filter.
A broken blower motor.
A faulty thermostat.
10. What is the recommended frequency for checking the vent or stack on a gas
heater?
Only when there is a problem.
Every month.
Every five years.
Regularly, at least once a year.
11. Describe the role of asphalt in the composition of roll roofing material.
Asphalt serves as a waterproofing agent in roll roofing material.
, Asphalt provides structural support to the roofing material.
Asphalt enhances the aesthetic appeal of the roofing material.
Asphalt acts as an insulator in the roofing material.
12. Describe the role of the neutral wire in a 100-220 volt three wire circuit.
The neutral wire carries the live current to the load.
The neutral wire is used for grounding the circuit.
The neutral wire increases the voltage in the circuit.
The neutral wire provides a return path for current and is essential
for completing the electrical circuit.
13. What are the three key reasons for the importance of emergency
maintenance service?
To protect the safety of residents, To protect the property from
damage, To preserve the property owner's physical investment.
To enhance energy efficiency, To comply with building codes, To
increase property value.
To ensure regular maintenance schedules, To reduce operational
costs, To improve aesthetic appeal.
To provide tenant satisfaction, To minimize repair times, To facilitate
communication with residents.
14. What is the primary purpose of using galvanized nails in construction?
To prevent rust and corrosion
To increase tensile strength
To improve electrical conductivity
