NEW MEXICO (NM) GS-24 STRUCTURAL STEEL ERECTION EXAM – QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES
| DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
1. Structural Steel Erection Plans and Specifications
2. Rigging, Hoisting, and Lifting Operations
3. Bolted and Welded Connection Procedures
4. Crane Safety and Load Charts
5. Fall Protection and Personnel Safety Systems
6. OSHA 1926 Subpart R – Steel Erection Regulations
7. Quality Control, Inspection, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
8. Site Layout, Shoring, and Bracing
9. Professional Ethics, Communication, and Leadership on Site
10. Environmental and Weather-Related Considerations
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the competency of
candidates seeking the New Mexico GS-24 Structural Steel Erection certification. It
evaluates both foundational theoretical knowledge and the practical, high-stakes
decision-making skills essential for safe and efficient steel erection. The exam is
structured with a series of multiple-choice questions and scenario-based inquiries
that test your understanding of load charts, OSHA regulations, connection
procedures, and critical safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on real-world
application, requiring candidates to analyze complex site conditions, interpret
engineering plans, and prioritize safety in every action. Successful completion
demonstrates mastery of the technical, regulatory, and ethical standards vital for
protecting personnel and ensuring structural integrity in the dynamic environment
of steel erection in New Mexico.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. A structural steel column is being hoisted. The rigging uses two slings
attached to the column at points that are 4 feet and 12 feet from the column's
top end. The column is 24 feet long. What is the primary reason for selecting
these specific attachment points?
A. To ensure the column is lifted perfectly horizontally.
B. To balance the load and prevent uncontrolled rotation.
C. To minimize the stress on the crane's boom.
D. To allow the column to be tilted for easier connection.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: The selection of attachment points is based on the center of
gravity to ensure a balanced lift. An unbalanced lift can cause sudden and
dangerous rotation of the load. Option A is a specific result of a balanced lift, but
the primary reason is load balance to control rotation, making B the more
comprehensive answer. Options C and D are secondary considerations.
2. According to OSHA 1926.753, what must be installed before a steel column is
erected, unless the column is a non-critical element?
A. A safety net below the work area.
B. A column anchor bolt template.
C. A pre-engineered fall protection system.
D. A temporary guys or braces.
🟢D
🔴 Explanation: OSHA 1926.753(c)(1) mandates that each structural steel member
must be secured with at least two bolts at each connection before the rigging is
released, and columns must be guyed or braced to prevent collapse. Option D is
,the correct regulatory requirement. Options A and C are fall protection measures
not specific to column stability before connection. Option B is a layout tool.
3. Which of the following is the MOST critical factor in selecting the
appropriate lifting sling for a steel beam with sharp edges?
A. The sling's color-coding for weight capacity.
B. The sling's material and the use of edge protection.
C. The sling's length to reach the crane hook.
D. The sling's manufacturer brand.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Sharp edges can cut and weaken a sling, leading to catastrophic
failure. It is critical to use slings made of materials resistant to cutting (like wire
rope with proper construction) or, more commonly, to use corner protectors or
padding to prevent the sling from contacting the sharp edge directly. Option B is
the correct safety-focused choice.
4. A steel beam has a specified camber. How should this be considered during
erection?
A. The beam should be installed with the camber facing downwards.
B. The camber must be oriented upwards to compensate for deflection under
load.
C. The camber has no impact on the erection process.
D. The beam should be placed flat to eliminate the camber.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Camber is a slight upward curvature designed into a beam to
counteract the deflection that will occur when the full design load is applied.
During erection, the camber must be oriented upwards (positive camber) to
, ensure the beam ends up level or with the proper profile under its final load.
Option A is incorrect; installing it downwards would exacerbate deflection.
5. What is the primary purpose of "scabbing" steel members together during
erection?
A. To create a temporary connection for stability.
B. To permanently weld two members together.
C. To improve the aesthetic appearance of the steel.
D. To reduce the weight of the steel for shipping.
🟢A
🔴 Explanation: Scabbing, or "spicing," using steel plates and bolts is a common
method to create a temporary connection that provides stability to a structure
during erection. This allows the structure to be self-supporting before permanent
connections are made, ensuring the safety of the crew and the integrity of the
structure during construction.
6. A 1-inch diameter A325 bolt is tightened with a calibrated torque wrench to
the required tension. What is the MOST important factor to verify after
tightening?
A. That the bolt head is not stripped.
B. That the bolt has the correct grade mark.
C. That the nut has been turned a specific number of rotations.
D. That the joint has been inspected with a turn-of-nut method.
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: For critical connections, the turn-of-nut method (rotating the nut
a specific number of turns after the snug-tight condition) is required to ensure
proper tension, as torque alone can be unreliable due to variations in friction and
lubrication. While A, B, and D are good practices, verifying the number of turns is
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES
| DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
1. Structural Steel Erection Plans and Specifications
2. Rigging, Hoisting, and Lifting Operations
3. Bolted and Welded Connection Procedures
4. Crane Safety and Load Charts
5. Fall Protection and Personnel Safety Systems
6. OSHA 1926 Subpart R – Steel Erection Regulations
7. Quality Control, Inspection, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
8. Site Layout, Shoring, and Bracing
9. Professional Ethics, Communication, and Leadership on Site
10. Environmental and Weather-Related Considerations
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the competency of
candidates seeking the New Mexico GS-24 Structural Steel Erection certification. It
evaluates both foundational theoretical knowledge and the practical, high-stakes
decision-making skills essential for safe and efficient steel erection. The exam is
structured with a series of multiple-choice questions and scenario-based inquiries
that test your understanding of load charts, OSHA regulations, connection
procedures, and critical safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on real-world
application, requiring candidates to analyze complex site conditions, interpret
engineering plans, and prioritize safety in every action. Successful completion
demonstrates mastery of the technical, regulatory, and ethical standards vital for
protecting personnel and ensuring structural integrity in the dynamic environment
of steel erection in New Mexico.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. A structural steel column is being hoisted. The rigging uses two slings
attached to the column at points that are 4 feet and 12 feet from the column's
top end. The column is 24 feet long. What is the primary reason for selecting
these specific attachment points?
A. To ensure the column is lifted perfectly horizontally.
B. To balance the load and prevent uncontrolled rotation.
C. To minimize the stress on the crane's boom.
D. To allow the column to be tilted for easier connection.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: The selection of attachment points is based on the center of
gravity to ensure a balanced lift. An unbalanced lift can cause sudden and
dangerous rotation of the load. Option A is a specific result of a balanced lift, but
the primary reason is load balance to control rotation, making B the more
comprehensive answer. Options C and D are secondary considerations.
2. According to OSHA 1926.753, what must be installed before a steel column is
erected, unless the column is a non-critical element?
A. A safety net below the work area.
B. A column anchor bolt template.
C. A pre-engineered fall protection system.
D. A temporary guys or braces.
🟢D
🔴 Explanation: OSHA 1926.753(c)(1) mandates that each structural steel member
must be secured with at least two bolts at each connection before the rigging is
released, and columns must be guyed or braced to prevent collapse. Option D is
,the correct regulatory requirement. Options A and C are fall protection measures
not specific to column stability before connection. Option B is a layout tool.
3. Which of the following is the MOST critical factor in selecting the
appropriate lifting sling for a steel beam with sharp edges?
A. The sling's color-coding for weight capacity.
B. The sling's material and the use of edge protection.
C. The sling's length to reach the crane hook.
D. The sling's manufacturer brand.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Sharp edges can cut and weaken a sling, leading to catastrophic
failure. It is critical to use slings made of materials resistant to cutting (like wire
rope with proper construction) or, more commonly, to use corner protectors or
padding to prevent the sling from contacting the sharp edge directly. Option B is
the correct safety-focused choice.
4. A steel beam has a specified camber. How should this be considered during
erection?
A. The beam should be installed with the camber facing downwards.
B. The camber must be oriented upwards to compensate for deflection under
load.
C. The camber has no impact on the erection process.
D. The beam should be placed flat to eliminate the camber.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: Camber is a slight upward curvature designed into a beam to
counteract the deflection that will occur when the full design load is applied.
During erection, the camber must be oriented upwards (positive camber) to
, ensure the beam ends up level or with the proper profile under its final load.
Option A is incorrect; installing it downwards would exacerbate deflection.
5. What is the primary purpose of "scabbing" steel members together during
erection?
A. To create a temporary connection for stability.
B. To permanently weld two members together.
C. To improve the aesthetic appearance of the steel.
D. To reduce the weight of the steel for shipping.
🟢A
🔴 Explanation: Scabbing, or "spicing," using steel plates and bolts is a common
method to create a temporary connection that provides stability to a structure
during erection. This allows the structure to be self-supporting before permanent
connections are made, ensuring the safety of the crew and the integrity of the
structure during construction.
6. A 1-inch diameter A325 bolt is tightened with a calibrated torque wrench to
the required tension. What is the MOST important factor to verify after
tightening?
A. That the bolt head is not stripped.
B. That the bolt has the correct grade mark.
C. That the nut has been turned a specific number of rotations.
D. That the joint has been inspected with a turn-of-nut method.
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: For critical connections, the turn-of-nut method (rotating the nut
a specific number of turns after the snug-tight condition) is required to ensure
proper tension, as torque alone can be unreliable due to variations in friction and
lubrication. While A, B, and D are good practices, verifying the number of turns is
