NYC NYCHA MAINTENANCE WORKER EXAM – EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
CORE DOMAINS*
• Building Maintenance Fundamentals*
• Plumbing Systems and Repairs*
• Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Work*
• Carpentry and Masonry Maintenance*
• Heating, Ventilation, and Mechanical Systems*
• Workplace Safety and OSHA Principles*
• Tools, Equipment, and Materials Handling*
• Customer Service and Tenant Relations*
• Regulatory Compliance and Housing Standards*
, • Problem-Solving and Maintenance Operations*
INTRODUCTION*
The NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam is designed to evaluate the
knowledge, skills, and judgment required to perform maintenance duties in
residential housing environments. Candidates are assessed on building systems,
safety procedures, repair techniques, equipment usage, customer service, and
regulatory compliance. The examination includes multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions that measure both technical understanding and practical
decision-making abilities. Emphasis is placed on real-world maintenance
situations, workplace safety, efficient problem resolution, and professional
conduct. Success on this exam demonstrates readiness to maintain safe,
functional, and compliant housing facilities while providing quality service to
residents.
SECTION ONE (QUESTIONS 1–50)
1. Which tool is most commonly used to tighten or loosen hexagonal nuts
and bolts?
A. Putty knife
B. Adjustable wrench
C. Paint scraper
D. Utility knife
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Adjustable wrench
🔴 Explanation: An adjustable wrench is specifically designed to grip and turn
nuts and bolts of various sizes.
, 2. Before beginning any repair involving electrical wiring, a maintenance
worker should first:
A. Notify residents afterward
B. Turn off the water supply
C. Disconnect power at the source
D. Remove wall coverings
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Disconnect power at the source
🔴 Explanation: Disconnecting electrical power reduces the risk of shock and
injury.
3. A clogged sink drain is most often cleared initially with:
A. Crowbar
B. Chisel
C. Pipe cutter
D. Plunger
🟢 Correct Answer: D. Plunger
🔴 Explanation: A plunger is the standard first tool used to clear common drain
blockages.
4. What does PPE stand for?
A. Public Property Evaluation
B. Personal Protective Equipment
C. Preventive Plumbing Examination
D. Professional Property Engineering
, 🟢 Correct Answer: B. Personal Protective Equipment
🔴 Explanation: PPE includes safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and hard
hats used to protect workers.
5. A tenant reports a loose stair handrail. What should be the maintenance
worker's priority?
A. Repaint the railing
B. Inspect nearby walls only
C. Repair or secure the handrail immediately
D. Remove the railing permanently
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Repair or secure the handrail immediately
🔴 Explanation: A loose handrail presents a fall hazard and requires prompt
correction.
6. Which material is commonly used to seal small gaps around windows?
A. Concrete
B. Mortar
C. Caulk
D. Sandpaper
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Caulk
🔴 Explanation: Caulk helps prevent drafts, moisture intrusion, and energy loss.
7. When lifting a heavy object, the safest method is to:
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
CORE DOMAINS*
• Building Maintenance Fundamentals*
• Plumbing Systems and Repairs*
• Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Work*
• Carpentry and Masonry Maintenance*
• Heating, Ventilation, and Mechanical Systems*
• Workplace Safety and OSHA Principles*
• Tools, Equipment, and Materials Handling*
• Customer Service and Tenant Relations*
• Regulatory Compliance and Housing Standards*
, • Problem-Solving and Maintenance Operations*
INTRODUCTION*
The NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam is designed to evaluate the
knowledge, skills, and judgment required to perform maintenance duties in
residential housing environments. Candidates are assessed on building systems,
safety procedures, repair techniques, equipment usage, customer service, and
regulatory compliance. The examination includes multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions that measure both technical understanding and practical
decision-making abilities. Emphasis is placed on real-world maintenance
situations, workplace safety, efficient problem resolution, and professional
conduct. Success on this exam demonstrates readiness to maintain safe,
functional, and compliant housing facilities while providing quality service to
residents.
SECTION ONE (QUESTIONS 1–50)
1. Which tool is most commonly used to tighten or loosen hexagonal nuts
and bolts?
A. Putty knife
B. Adjustable wrench
C. Paint scraper
D. Utility knife
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Adjustable wrench
🔴 Explanation: An adjustable wrench is specifically designed to grip and turn
nuts and bolts of various sizes.
, 2. Before beginning any repair involving electrical wiring, a maintenance
worker should first:
A. Notify residents afterward
B. Turn off the water supply
C. Disconnect power at the source
D. Remove wall coverings
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Disconnect power at the source
🔴 Explanation: Disconnecting electrical power reduces the risk of shock and
injury.
3. A clogged sink drain is most often cleared initially with:
A. Crowbar
B. Chisel
C. Pipe cutter
D. Plunger
🟢 Correct Answer: D. Plunger
🔴 Explanation: A plunger is the standard first tool used to clear common drain
blockages.
4. What does PPE stand for?
A. Public Property Evaluation
B. Personal Protective Equipment
C. Preventive Plumbing Examination
D. Professional Property Engineering
, 🟢 Correct Answer: B. Personal Protective Equipment
🔴 Explanation: PPE includes safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and hard
hats used to protect workers.
5. A tenant reports a loose stair handrail. What should be the maintenance
worker's priority?
A. Repaint the railing
B. Inspect nearby walls only
C. Repair or secure the handrail immediately
D. Remove the railing permanently
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Repair or secure the handrail immediately
🔴 Explanation: A loose handrail presents a fall hazard and requires prompt
correction.
6. Which material is commonly used to seal small gaps around windows?
A. Concrete
B. Mortar
C. Caulk
D. Sandpaper
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Caulk
🔴 Explanation: Caulk helps prevent drafts, moisture intrusion, and energy loss.
7. When lifting a heavy object, the safest method is to:
