NYC NYCHA MAINTENANCE WORKER
(CUNY) EXAMINATION COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR JUST
RELEASED
Exam Coverage
1. Building Maintenance Fundamentals – Preventive maintenance, repair
procedures, inspection methods, and work order completion.
2. Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Systems – Lockout/tagout awareness,
outlets, switches, breakers, lighting, and electrical hazards.
3. Plumbing Systems and Repairs – Faucets, valves, toilets, drains, leaks,
water supply, and basic plumbing troubleshooting.
4. Carpentry, Masonry, and Painting – Drywall repairs, doors, windows,
flooring, patching, painting, and finishing techniques.
5. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) – Basic heating systems,
ventilation principles, filters, thermostats, and seasonal maintenance.
6. Safety Practices and OSHA Principles – PPE, ladder safety, confined spaces,
hazardous materials awareness, and accident prevention.
7. Tools, Equipment, and Materials – Proper use, maintenance, selection,
storage, and safe operation of hand and power tools.
8. Customer Service and Communication – Professional interaction with
residents, documenting repairs, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
, 9. Cleaning, Sanitation, and Pest Prevention – Proper cleaning procedures,
waste handling, mold awareness, sanitation standards, and integrated pest
management.
10.Workplace Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, and Mechanical
Aptitude – Measurements, basic calculations, blueprint interpretation, and
problem-solving.
1.
A maintenance worker notices a loose handrail along a frequently used stairway
inside a residential building. What should be the worker's FIRST priority before
beginning any repair work?
A. Paint the handrail first
B. Report and secure the hazard to prevent injuries
C. Ignore it until another complaint is received
D. Replace nearby floor tiles
Answer: B
Rationale: Protecting residents from immediate hazards is always the first priority
before permanent repairs begin.
2.
When using a ladder to replace a ceiling light fixture inside a NYCHA apartment
building, what practice provides the greatest level of worker safety throughout
the entire task?
A. Stand on the ladder's top cap
B. Keep three points of contact whenever climbing
,C. Lean the ladder sideways for better reach
D. Ask someone to hold the ladder while overreaching
Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining three points of contact greatly reduces the likelihood of
slips and falls.
3.
Before repairing an electrical outlet that is not functioning correctly inside an
occupied apartment, what should the maintenance worker do FIRST to reduce the
possibility of electrical shock?
A. Spray the outlet with water
B. Shut off the correct electrical circuit and verify power is absent
C. Replace the outlet cover only
D. Remove wires while power remains on
Answer: B
Rationale: De-energizing and verifying the circuit is safe prevents accidental
electrical injuries.
4.
Which tool is generally considered the most appropriate choice for tightening a
loose hex-head bolt securing mechanical equipment within a building
maintenance room?
A. Adjustable wrench
B. Paint scraper
, C. Utility knife
D. Hammer
Answer: A
Rationale: An adjustable wrench is designed to grip various bolt sizes securely.
5.
A resident reports that a bathroom sink drains very slowly despite no visible
standing water. What should the maintenance worker inspect FIRST before
considering replacement of plumbing fixtures?
A. Decorative faucet finish
B. Possible clog within the drain trap or drain line
C. Bathroom mirror alignment
D. Toilet water level
Answer: B
Rationale: Most slow drains result from partial blockages rather than fixture
failure.
6.
What is the primary purpose of wearing appropriate personal protective
equipment while completing routine maintenance tasks throughout residential
buildings?
A. Improve employee appearance
B. Reduce exposure to workplace hazards
(CUNY) EXAMINATION COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR JUST
RELEASED
Exam Coverage
1. Building Maintenance Fundamentals – Preventive maintenance, repair
procedures, inspection methods, and work order completion.
2. Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Systems – Lockout/tagout awareness,
outlets, switches, breakers, lighting, and electrical hazards.
3. Plumbing Systems and Repairs – Faucets, valves, toilets, drains, leaks,
water supply, and basic plumbing troubleshooting.
4. Carpentry, Masonry, and Painting – Drywall repairs, doors, windows,
flooring, patching, painting, and finishing techniques.
5. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) – Basic heating systems,
ventilation principles, filters, thermostats, and seasonal maintenance.
6. Safety Practices and OSHA Principles – PPE, ladder safety, confined spaces,
hazardous materials awareness, and accident prevention.
7. Tools, Equipment, and Materials – Proper use, maintenance, selection,
storage, and safe operation of hand and power tools.
8. Customer Service and Communication – Professional interaction with
residents, documenting repairs, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
, 9. Cleaning, Sanitation, and Pest Prevention – Proper cleaning procedures,
waste handling, mold awareness, sanitation standards, and integrated pest
management.
10.Workplace Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, and Mechanical
Aptitude – Measurements, basic calculations, blueprint interpretation, and
problem-solving.
1.
A maintenance worker notices a loose handrail along a frequently used stairway
inside a residential building. What should be the worker's FIRST priority before
beginning any repair work?
A. Paint the handrail first
B. Report and secure the hazard to prevent injuries
C. Ignore it until another complaint is received
D. Replace nearby floor tiles
Answer: B
Rationale: Protecting residents from immediate hazards is always the first priority
before permanent repairs begin.
2.
When using a ladder to replace a ceiling light fixture inside a NYCHA apartment
building, what practice provides the greatest level of worker safety throughout
the entire task?
A. Stand on the ladder's top cap
B. Keep three points of contact whenever climbing
,C. Lean the ladder sideways for better reach
D. Ask someone to hold the ladder while overreaching
Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining three points of contact greatly reduces the likelihood of
slips and falls.
3.
Before repairing an electrical outlet that is not functioning correctly inside an
occupied apartment, what should the maintenance worker do FIRST to reduce the
possibility of electrical shock?
A. Spray the outlet with water
B. Shut off the correct electrical circuit and verify power is absent
C. Replace the outlet cover only
D. Remove wires while power remains on
Answer: B
Rationale: De-energizing and verifying the circuit is safe prevents accidental
electrical injuries.
4.
Which tool is generally considered the most appropriate choice for tightening a
loose hex-head bolt securing mechanical equipment within a building
maintenance room?
A. Adjustable wrench
B. Paint scraper
, C. Utility knife
D. Hammer
Answer: A
Rationale: An adjustable wrench is designed to grip various bolt sizes securely.
5.
A resident reports that a bathroom sink drains very slowly despite no visible
standing water. What should the maintenance worker inspect FIRST before
considering replacement of plumbing fixtures?
A. Decorative faucet finish
B. Possible clog within the drain trap or drain line
C. Bathroom mirror alignment
D. Toilet water level
Answer: B
Rationale: Most slow drains result from partial blockages rather than fixture
failure.
6.
What is the primary purpose of wearing appropriate personal protective
equipment while completing routine maintenance tasks throughout residential
buildings?
A. Improve employee appearance
B. Reduce exposure to workplace hazards
