NYC NYCHA MAINTENANCE WORKER (CUNY) EXAM PRACTICE TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
* Building Systems Maintenance
* Plumbing and Pipe Repair
* Electrical Troubleshooting and Safety
* Painting and Surface Preparation
* Carpentry and Lock Repair
* Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA)
* Work Order Management
* Tenant Relations and Professional Ethics
* Tools and Equipment Operation
* Emergency Response Procedures
INTRODUCTION
*This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates for the Maintenance Worker position within th
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Which tool is primarily used to clear minor blockages in a kitchen sink drain?
A. Pipe wrench
B. Plunger
,C. Basin wrench
D. Hacksaw
🟢 B. Plunger
🔴 RATIONALE: A plunger uses air pressure and suction to dislodge minor clogs in sink drains,
making it the primary tool for this task.
When working on electrical outlets, what is the most important safety step to take before beginning
repairs?
A. Wearing rubber gloves
B. Notifying the supervisor
C. De-energizing the circuit at the breaker panel
D. Using a wooden ladder
🟢 C. De-energizing the circuit at the breaker panel
🔴 RATIONALE: De-energizing the circuit is the only way to ensure the safety of the worker by
preventing accidental electrical shock during repairs.
Which of the following is the standard color coding for a ground wire in residential electrical wiring?
A. White
B. Black
C. Red
D. Green or bare copper
🟢 D. Green or bare copper
🔴 RATIONALE: Under safety standards, ground wires are required to be green or bare to
differentiate them from hot and neutral wires.
A resident reports a leak under the bathroom vanity. What should be your first action?
A. Replace the entire vanity
B. Inspect the P-trap and supply lines to identify the source
,C. Call a master plumber immediately
D. Turn off the main building water supply
🟢 B. Inspect the P-trap and supply lines to identify the source
🔴 RATIONALE: Diagnostic inspection is necessary to pinpoint the exact location of a leak before
deciding on the appropriate repair method.
What is the primary purpose of a GFCI outlet?
A. To increase power capacity
B. To prevent electrical fires in low-voltage circuits
C. To protect users from electrical shock in areas near water
D. To regulate voltage fluctuations
🟢 C. To protect users from electrical shock in areas near water
🔴 RATIONALE: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) detect ground faults and shut off power
instantly to prevent electrocution near water sources.
When preparing a wall for painting, what is the most important step for long-term finish durability?
A. Applying the thickest coat possible
B. Cleaning and sanding the surface
C. Using only the most expensive paint
D. Painting over existing imperfections
🟢 B. Cleaning and sanding the surface
🔴 RATIONALE: Proper surface preparation, including cleaning and sanding, ensures that the new
paint adheres correctly and lasts longer.
Which type of fire extinguisher is best suited for small electrical fires?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
, D. Class D
🟢 C. Class C
🔴 RATIONALE: Class C fire extinguishers are specifically rated for use on energized electrical
equipment.
When using a drill, what should you do if the bit gets stuck in the material?
A. Force it forward with more power
B. Switch to reverse and back the bit out carefully
C. Remove the battery while the bit is inside
D. Hammer the drill until it breaks loose
🟢 B. Switch to reverse and back the bit out carefully
🔴 RATIONALE: Reversing the drill allows the bit to release from the material safely without
damaging the tool or the surface.
You arrive at a resident’s apartment for a repair, but they are not home. What is the standard
protocol?
A. Leave the door unlocked for them
B. Enter and complete the work regardless
C. Follow agency policy regarding access and leave a notice of attempted entry
D. Leave your tools inside and come back later
🟢 C. Follow agency policy regarding access and leave a notice of attempted entry
🔴 RATIONALE: Official procedures protect both the worker and the tenant by documenting entry
and respecting privacy when a resident is absent.
What is the purpose of a P-trap in a plumbing system?
A. To increase water pressure
B. To provide a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the home
C. To act as a shut-off valve
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
* Building Systems Maintenance
* Plumbing and Pipe Repair
* Electrical Troubleshooting and Safety
* Painting and Surface Preparation
* Carpentry and Lock Repair
* Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA)
* Work Order Management
* Tenant Relations and Professional Ethics
* Tools and Equipment Operation
* Emergency Response Procedures
INTRODUCTION
*This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates for the Maintenance Worker position within th
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Which tool is primarily used to clear minor blockages in a kitchen sink drain?
A. Pipe wrench
B. Plunger
,C. Basin wrench
D. Hacksaw
🟢 B. Plunger
🔴 RATIONALE: A plunger uses air pressure and suction to dislodge minor clogs in sink drains,
making it the primary tool for this task.
When working on electrical outlets, what is the most important safety step to take before beginning
repairs?
A. Wearing rubber gloves
B. Notifying the supervisor
C. De-energizing the circuit at the breaker panel
D. Using a wooden ladder
🟢 C. De-energizing the circuit at the breaker panel
🔴 RATIONALE: De-energizing the circuit is the only way to ensure the safety of the worker by
preventing accidental electrical shock during repairs.
Which of the following is the standard color coding for a ground wire in residential electrical wiring?
A. White
B. Black
C. Red
D. Green or bare copper
🟢 D. Green or bare copper
🔴 RATIONALE: Under safety standards, ground wires are required to be green or bare to
differentiate them from hot and neutral wires.
A resident reports a leak under the bathroom vanity. What should be your first action?
A. Replace the entire vanity
B. Inspect the P-trap and supply lines to identify the source
,C. Call a master plumber immediately
D. Turn off the main building water supply
🟢 B. Inspect the P-trap and supply lines to identify the source
🔴 RATIONALE: Diagnostic inspection is necessary to pinpoint the exact location of a leak before
deciding on the appropriate repair method.
What is the primary purpose of a GFCI outlet?
A. To increase power capacity
B. To prevent electrical fires in low-voltage circuits
C. To protect users from electrical shock in areas near water
D. To regulate voltage fluctuations
🟢 C. To protect users from electrical shock in areas near water
🔴 RATIONALE: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) detect ground faults and shut off power
instantly to prevent electrocution near water sources.
When preparing a wall for painting, what is the most important step for long-term finish durability?
A. Applying the thickest coat possible
B. Cleaning and sanding the surface
C. Using only the most expensive paint
D. Painting over existing imperfections
🟢 B. Cleaning and sanding the surface
🔴 RATIONALE: Proper surface preparation, including cleaning and sanding, ensures that the new
paint adheres correctly and lasts longer.
Which type of fire extinguisher is best suited for small electrical fires?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
, D. Class D
🟢 C. Class C
🔴 RATIONALE: Class C fire extinguishers are specifically rated for use on energized electrical
equipment.
When using a drill, what should you do if the bit gets stuck in the material?
A. Force it forward with more power
B. Switch to reverse and back the bit out carefully
C. Remove the battery while the bit is inside
D. Hammer the drill until it breaks loose
🟢 B. Switch to reverse and back the bit out carefully
🔴 RATIONALE: Reversing the drill allows the bit to release from the material safely without
damaging the tool or the surface.
You arrive at a resident’s apartment for a repair, but they are not home. What is the standard
protocol?
A. Leave the door unlocked for them
B. Enter and complete the work regardless
C. Follow agency policy regarding access and leave a notice of attempted entry
D. Leave your tools inside and come back later
🟢 C. Follow agency policy regarding access and leave a notice of attempted entry
🔴 RATIONALE: Official procedures protect both the worker and the tenant by documenting entry
and respecting privacy when a resident is absent.
What is the purpose of a P-trap in a plumbing system?
A. To increase water pressure
B. To provide a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the home
C. To act as a shut-off valve
