NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam 2026/2027 – Complete 150
Question Bank with Verified Answers, Rationales, and Full
Coverage of Tools, Plumbing, Electrical, Safety, Carpentry, and
NYCHA Procedures | PDF
Intro Coverage
This complete exam prep guide covers all 10 content domains tested on the NYC NYCHA
Maintenance Worker Exam. Topics include tool identification and usage (screwdrivers, pipe
wrenches, multimeters, levels), safety procedures and PPE (lockout/tagout, asbestos
handling, ladder safety, GFCI requirements), plumbing systems (P-traps, check valves,
water hammer, pressure relief valves), electrical systems (circuit breakers, three-way
switches, voltage testers, thermocouples), preventive maintenance (HVAC filters, IPM, roof
inspections), carpentry and building repairs (sticking doors, baseboard calculations, fire
blocking, window repair), emergency response (gas leaks, water shut-off, frozen pipes),
tenant relations (complaint handling, apartment entry protocols), NYCHA administrative
procedures (TSAP, TTLS, rent grievances, DEO), and heating/cooling systems (thermostat
troubleshooting, refrigerant leaks). Each question includes a bold italic correct answer and
an italic rationale explaining the underlying maintenance concept.
SECTION 1: TOOL IDENTIFICATION & USAGE (15 Questions)
Q1. Which tool is most appropriate for tightening a standard household screw?
A. Hammer
B. Screwdriver
C. Wrench
D. Pliers
Rationale: A screwdriver is specifically designed to tighten or loosen screws by applying
rotational force. Hammers are for driving nails, wrenches for nuts/bolts, and pliers for
gripping .
,Q2. What is the primary purpose of a plumber’s pipe wrench?
A. Cutting pipes
B. Bending pipe
C. Gripping and turning pipes
D. Sealing threaded joints
Rationale: Pipe wrenches have serrated jaws designed to grip and turn round pipe,
conduit, and fittings. The teeth bite into the pipe surface as torque is applied .
Q3. Which tool is used to remove internal burrs after cutting pipe?
A. Hacksaw
B. Reamer
C. Adjustable wrench
D. Pipe vice
Rationale: A reamer smooths the inside edges after pipe cutting, removing sharp burrs
that could impede flow or damage seals .
Q4. Which type of wrench is adjustable for different bolt sizes?
A. Box-end wrench
B. Socket wrench
C. Crescent wrench
D. Torque wrench
Rationale: Crescent wrenches have adjustable jaws that can be widened or narrowed to
fit multiple bolt or nut sizes, making them versatile for general maintenance .
Q5. Which tool is used to measure the length of pipes or boards?
A. Caliper
B. Level
C. Tape measure
D. Square
,Rationale: A tape measure provides accurate linear measurements for construction and
repair tasks, essential for cutting pipes, lumber, and other materials to correct length .
Q6. Which tool is used to level surfaces?
A. Tape measure
B. Spirit (bubble) level
C. Wrench
D. Screwdriver
Rationale: A spirit level contains liquid-filled vials with air bubbles that indicate when a
surface is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb) .
Q7. What is the name of the tool used to create an indentation in metal before
drilling?
A. Screwdriver
B. Center punch
C. Hammer
D. Drill bit
Rationale: A center punch creates a small dimple in metal that guides the drill bit,
preventing it from wandering when starting the hole .
Q8. A basin wrench is best used for:
A. Cutting PVC
B. Reaching nuts under a sink
C. Soldering joints
D. Measuring pipe length
Rationale: Basin wrenches have a long handle and swiveling spring-loaded jaw that
reaches tight spaces behind sinks to loosen or tighten mounting nuts .
Q9. Which electrical device measures voltage in a circuit?
A. Ammeter
, B. Ohmmeter
C. Voltmeter
D. Wattmeter
Rationale: A voltmeter measures the voltage difference across two points in a circuit.
Ammeters measure current, ohmmeters measure resistance .
Q10. What is the purpose of plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)?
A. To decorate pipes
B. To seal threaded connections
C. To insulate wires
D. To clamp hoses
Rationale: Teflon tape is wrapped around pipe threads before assembly to lubricate and
fill gaps, preventing leaks at threaded joints .
Q11. Which tool is most appropriate for cutting a straight line across a large sheet of
plywood?
A. Jigsaw
B. Handsaw
C. Circular saw with straightedge guide
D. Coping saw
Rationale: A circular saw is designed for long straight cuts through sheet goods. Using a
straightedge guide ensures accuracy on large panels .
Q12. What is the function of a multimeter?
A. Measure length only
B. Measure voltage, current, and resistance
C. Cut metal pipes
D. Tighten nuts and bolts
Question Bank with Verified Answers, Rationales, and Full
Coverage of Tools, Plumbing, Electrical, Safety, Carpentry, and
NYCHA Procedures | PDF
Intro Coverage
This complete exam prep guide covers all 10 content domains tested on the NYC NYCHA
Maintenance Worker Exam. Topics include tool identification and usage (screwdrivers, pipe
wrenches, multimeters, levels), safety procedures and PPE (lockout/tagout, asbestos
handling, ladder safety, GFCI requirements), plumbing systems (P-traps, check valves,
water hammer, pressure relief valves), electrical systems (circuit breakers, three-way
switches, voltage testers, thermocouples), preventive maintenance (HVAC filters, IPM, roof
inspections), carpentry and building repairs (sticking doors, baseboard calculations, fire
blocking, window repair), emergency response (gas leaks, water shut-off, frozen pipes),
tenant relations (complaint handling, apartment entry protocols), NYCHA administrative
procedures (TSAP, TTLS, rent grievances, DEO), and heating/cooling systems (thermostat
troubleshooting, refrigerant leaks). Each question includes a bold italic correct answer and
an italic rationale explaining the underlying maintenance concept.
SECTION 1: TOOL IDENTIFICATION & USAGE (15 Questions)
Q1. Which tool is most appropriate for tightening a standard household screw?
A. Hammer
B. Screwdriver
C. Wrench
D. Pliers
Rationale: A screwdriver is specifically designed to tighten or loosen screws by applying
rotational force. Hammers are for driving nails, wrenches for nuts/bolts, and pliers for
gripping .
,Q2. What is the primary purpose of a plumber’s pipe wrench?
A. Cutting pipes
B. Bending pipe
C. Gripping and turning pipes
D. Sealing threaded joints
Rationale: Pipe wrenches have serrated jaws designed to grip and turn round pipe,
conduit, and fittings. The teeth bite into the pipe surface as torque is applied .
Q3. Which tool is used to remove internal burrs after cutting pipe?
A. Hacksaw
B. Reamer
C. Adjustable wrench
D. Pipe vice
Rationale: A reamer smooths the inside edges after pipe cutting, removing sharp burrs
that could impede flow or damage seals .
Q4. Which type of wrench is adjustable for different bolt sizes?
A. Box-end wrench
B. Socket wrench
C. Crescent wrench
D. Torque wrench
Rationale: Crescent wrenches have adjustable jaws that can be widened or narrowed to
fit multiple bolt or nut sizes, making them versatile for general maintenance .
Q5. Which tool is used to measure the length of pipes or boards?
A. Caliper
B. Level
C. Tape measure
D. Square
,Rationale: A tape measure provides accurate linear measurements for construction and
repair tasks, essential for cutting pipes, lumber, and other materials to correct length .
Q6. Which tool is used to level surfaces?
A. Tape measure
B. Spirit (bubble) level
C. Wrench
D. Screwdriver
Rationale: A spirit level contains liquid-filled vials with air bubbles that indicate when a
surface is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb) .
Q7. What is the name of the tool used to create an indentation in metal before
drilling?
A. Screwdriver
B. Center punch
C. Hammer
D. Drill bit
Rationale: A center punch creates a small dimple in metal that guides the drill bit,
preventing it from wandering when starting the hole .
Q8. A basin wrench is best used for:
A. Cutting PVC
B. Reaching nuts under a sink
C. Soldering joints
D. Measuring pipe length
Rationale: Basin wrenches have a long handle and swiveling spring-loaded jaw that
reaches tight spaces behind sinks to loosen or tighten mounting nuts .
Q9. Which electrical device measures voltage in a circuit?
A. Ammeter
, B. Ohmmeter
C. Voltmeter
D. Wattmeter
Rationale: A voltmeter measures the voltage difference across two points in a circuit.
Ammeters measure current, ohmmeters measure resistance .
Q10. What is the purpose of plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)?
A. To decorate pipes
B. To seal threaded connections
C. To insulate wires
D. To clamp hoses
Rationale: Teflon tape is wrapped around pipe threads before assembly to lubricate and
fill gaps, preventing leaks at threaded joints .
Q11. Which tool is most appropriate for cutting a straight line across a large sheet of
plywood?
A. Jigsaw
B. Handsaw
C. Circular saw with straightedge guide
D. Coping saw
Rationale: A circular saw is designed for long straight cuts through sheet goods. Using a
straightedge guide ensures accuracy on large panels .
Q12. What is the function of a multimeter?
A. Measure length only
B. Measure voltage, current, and resistance
C. Cut metal pipes
D. Tighten nuts and bolts
