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MASSACHUSETTS SHEET METAL
WORKER JOURNEYMAN EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
COMPLETE RATIONALES
**1. Which type of metal is most commonly used for HVAC
ductwork?**
A. Copper
B. Galvanized steel
C. Aluminum
D. Stainless steel
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Galvanized steel is preferred for HVAC ductwork
due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and cost-
effectiveness. Copper is typically used for piping, not ductwork .
**2. When installing a duct system, the primary purpose of a
plenum is to:**
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A. Reduce sound transmission
B. Distribute air evenly
C. Filter contaminants
D. Increase air velocity
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** A plenum serves as a central distribution point
that evenly delivers conditioned air to the duct branches .
**3. Which of the following is a common method for joining
sheet metal ducts?**
A. Welding only
B. Lockseam or Pittsburgh seam
C. Glue and nails
D. Mortar
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Lockseam and Pittsburgh seams provide strong,
airtight connections commonly used in sheet metal ductwork .
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**4. What is the standard gauge range for commercial
galvanized steel ductwork?**
A. 14-16 gauge
B. 18-24 gauge
C. 26-28 gauge
D. 8-10 gauge
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Most commercial ductwork uses 18-24 gauge
steel, balancing strength and ease of fabrication .
**5. Which tool is primarily used for cutting sheet metal?**
A. Hacksaw
B. Drill press
C. Snips
D. Chisel
**Correct answer:** C
MASSACHUSETTS SHEET METAL
WORKER JOURNEYMAN EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
COMPLETE RATIONALES
**1. Which type of metal is most commonly used for HVAC
ductwork?**
A. Copper
B. Galvanized steel
C. Aluminum
D. Stainless steel
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Galvanized steel is preferred for HVAC ductwork
due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and cost-
effectiveness. Copper is typically used for piping, not ductwork .
**2. When installing a duct system, the primary purpose of a
plenum is to:**
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A. Reduce sound transmission
B. Distribute air evenly
C. Filter contaminants
D. Increase air velocity
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** A plenum serves as a central distribution point
that evenly delivers conditioned air to the duct branches .
**3. Which of the following is a common method for joining
sheet metal ducts?**
A. Welding only
B. Lockseam or Pittsburgh seam
C. Glue and nails
D. Mortar
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Lockseam and Pittsburgh seams provide strong,
airtight connections commonly used in sheet metal ductwork .
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**4. What is the standard gauge range for commercial
galvanized steel ductwork?**
A. 14-16 gauge
B. 18-24 gauge
C. 26-28 gauge
D. 8-10 gauge
**Correct answer:** B
**Rationale:** Most commercial ductwork uses 18-24 gauge
steel, balancing strength and ease of fabrication .
**5. Which tool is primarily used for cutting sheet metal?**
A. Hacksaw
B. Drill press
C. Snips
D. Chisel
**Correct answer:** C