NYC NYCHA MAINTENANCE WORKER (CUNY) EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE TEST Verified
Questions With Detailed Rationales | 2026 Edition New
York City Housing Authority | CUNY Exam Preparation
CORE DOMAINS COVERED:
• Tools & Equipment Identification - Hand tools, power tools, measuring
instruments, diagnostic equipment, proper usage and maintenance
• Plumbing Systems - Pipe materials and fittings, valve types, water pressure
regulation, fixture repair, leak detection, backflow prevention
• Electrical Systems - Basic electrical theory, circuit testing, wiring methods, safety
procedures, GFCI requirements, motor controls
• Carpentry & Masonry - Wood types, fasteners, framing, drywall repair, concrete
mixing, bricklaying, caulking and sealing
• Painting & Finishing - Paint types, surface preparation, application methods, primer
selection, outdoor vs. indoor finishes, corrosion protection
• HVAC Systems - Basic heating and cooling principles, filter replacement, thermostat
operation, preventive maintenance, system troubleshooting
• Safety & OSHA Compliance - Lockout/tagout procedures, ladder safety,
scaffolding, personal protective equipment (PPE), confined space entry
• Fire Safety & Prevention - Fire extinguisher types and use, smoke detectors,
emergency egress, fire suppression systems, inspection schedules
• Building Systems & Maintenance - Elevators, boilers, water heaters, sump pumps,
waste disposal systems, preventive maintenance schedules
• NYCHA Policies & Procedures - Work order systems, reporting requirements,
tenant relations, emergency response procedures, documentation
• General Maintenance Skills - Fastening methods, waterproofing, weatherization,
door and window repair, flooring and tiling
, • Math & Measurements - Basic calculations, unit conversions, area and volume,
mixing ratios, pipe sizing, load calculations
SECTION A: TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
1. Which tool is best suited for tightening a hexagonal bolt?
A. Flathead screwdriver
B. Phillips screwdriver
C. Wrench
D. Pliers
Answer: C. Wrench
Rationale: A wrench is designed to fit hexagonal bolts for tightening or loosening.
Pliers can damage bolt heads, and screwdrivers are not designed for bolts.
2. What is the proper tool for cutting PVC pipe?
A. Hacksaw
B. PVC cutter
C. Reciprocating saw
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: A PVC cutter provides a clean, square cut; a hacksaw or reciprocating saw
can also be used, though they may leave burrs that need to be deburred.
3. What is the purpose of a plumb line?
A. Measure angles
B. Check vertical alignment
C. Cut materials
D. Level surfaces
Answer: B. Check vertical alignment
, Rationale: A plumb line uses gravity to establish a true vertical line for construction or
maintenance work, ensuring walls, door frames, and other structures are perfectly upright.
4. Which tool is used to check if a circuit is live?
A. Wire stripper
B. Voltage tester
C. Hammer
D. Screwdriver
Answer: B. Voltage tester
Rationale: A voltage tester indicates whether electricity is present in a circuit, ensuring
safety before performing electrical work. It is a critical safety tool.
5. What is the primary advantage of using a cordless drill over a corded drill?
A. More power
B. Portability and convenience
C. Lower cost
D. Faster charging
Answer: B. Portability and convenience
Rationale: Cordless drills offer the advantage of portability and convenience, allowing
work in areas without access to electrical outlets. However, they may have less power than
corded models.
6. The tool used to measure resistance in an electrical circuit is called a(n):
A. Voltmeter
B. Ammeter
C. Ohmmeter
D. Multimeter
Answer: D. Multimeter
, Rationale: A multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance. An ohmmeter
specifically measures resistance, but a multimeter combines multiple functions.
7. A level is used to determine:
A. Vertical alignment
B. Horizontal alignment
C. Both horizontal and vertical alignment
D. Angle measurement
Answer: C. Both horizontal and vertical alignment
Rationale: A spirit level contains bubble vials that indicate both horizontal (plumb) and
vertical (level) alignment, ensuring surfaces are properly oriented.
8. Which of the following is NOT a type of pliers?
A. Slip-joint pliers
B. Needle-nose pliers
C. Lineman's pliers
D. Claw pliers
Answer: D. Claw pliers
Rationale: Claw pliers are not a standard type of pliers. Common types include slip-
joint, needle-nose, locking (Vise-Grip), and lineman's pliers.
9. A pipe wrench is designed to:
A. Tighten hexagonal bolts
B. Grip and turn pipes
C. Cut pipes
D. Measure pipe diameter
Answer: B. Grip and turn pipes
Rationale: A pipe wrench has serrated jaws that grip the surface of pipes for tightening
or loosening. It is an essential tool for plumbing work.
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE TEST Verified
Questions With Detailed Rationales | 2026 Edition New
York City Housing Authority | CUNY Exam Preparation
CORE DOMAINS COVERED:
• Tools & Equipment Identification - Hand tools, power tools, measuring
instruments, diagnostic equipment, proper usage and maintenance
• Plumbing Systems - Pipe materials and fittings, valve types, water pressure
regulation, fixture repair, leak detection, backflow prevention
• Electrical Systems - Basic electrical theory, circuit testing, wiring methods, safety
procedures, GFCI requirements, motor controls
• Carpentry & Masonry - Wood types, fasteners, framing, drywall repair, concrete
mixing, bricklaying, caulking and sealing
• Painting & Finishing - Paint types, surface preparation, application methods, primer
selection, outdoor vs. indoor finishes, corrosion protection
• HVAC Systems - Basic heating and cooling principles, filter replacement, thermostat
operation, preventive maintenance, system troubleshooting
• Safety & OSHA Compliance - Lockout/tagout procedures, ladder safety,
scaffolding, personal protective equipment (PPE), confined space entry
• Fire Safety & Prevention - Fire extinguisher types and use, smoke detectors,
emergency egress, fire suppression systems, inspection schedules
• Building Systems & Maintenance - Elevators, boilers, water heaters, sump pumps,
waste disposal systems, preventive maintenance schedules
• NYCHA Policies & Procedures - Work order systems, reporting requirements,
tenant relations, emergency response procedures, documentation
• General Maintenance Skills - Fastening methods, waterproofing, weatherization,
door and window repair, flooring and tiling
, • Math & Measurements - Basic calculations, unit conversions, area and volume,
mixing ratios, pipe sizing, load calculations
SECTION A: TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
1. Which tool is best suited for tightening a hexagonal bolt?
A. Flathead screwdriver
B. Phillips screwdriver
C. Wrench
D. Pliers
Answer: C. Wrench
Rationale: A wrench is designed to fit hexagonal bolts for tightening or loosening.
Pliers can damage bolt heads, and screwdrivers are not designed for bolts.
2. What is the proper tool for cutting PVC pipe?
A. Hacksaw
B. PVC cutter
C. Reciprocating saw
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: A PVC cutter provides a clean, square cut; a hacksaw or reciprocating saw
can also be used, though they may leave burrs that need to be deburred.
3. What is the purpose of a plumb line?
A. Measure angles
B. Check vertical alignment
C. Cut materials
D. Level surfaces
Answer: B. Check vertical alignment
, Rationale: A plumb line uses gravity to establish a true vertical line for construction or
maintenance work, ensuring walls, door frames, and other structures are perfectly upright.
4. Which tool is used to check if a circuit is live?
A. Wire stripper
B. Voltage tester
C. Hammer
D. Screwdriver
Answer: B. Voltage tester
Rationale: A voltage tester indicates whether electricity is present in a circuit, ensuring
safety before performing electrical work. It is a critical safety tool.
5. What is the primary advantage of using a cordless drill over a corded drill?
A. More power
B. Portability and convenience
C. Lower cost
D. Faster charging
Answer: B. Portability and convenience
Rationale: Cordless drills offer the advantage of portability and convenience, allowing
work in areas without access to electrical outlets. However, they may have less power than
corded models.
6. The tool used to measure resistance in an electrical circuit is called a(n):
A. Voltmeter
B. Ammeter
C. Ohmmeter
D. Multimeter
Answer: D. Multimeter
, Rationale: A multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance. An ohmmeter
specifically measures resistance, but a multimeter combines multiple functions.
7. A level is used to determine:
A. Vertical alignment
B. Horizontal alignment
C. Both horizontal and vertical alignment
D. Angle measurement
Answer: C. Both horizontal and vertical alignment
Rationale: A spirit level contains bubble vials that indicate both horizontal (plumb) and
vertical (level) alignment, ensuring surfaces are properly oriented.
8. Which of the following is NOT a type of pliers?
A. Slip-joint pliers
B. Needle-nose pliers
C. Lineman's pliers
D. Claw pliers
Answer: D. Claw pliers
Rationale: Claw pliers are not a standard type of pliers. Common types include slip-
joint, needle-nose, locking (Vise-Grip), and lineman's pliers.
9. A pipe wrench is designed to:
A. Tighten hexagonal bolts
B. Grip and turn pipes
C. Cut pipes
D. Measure pipe diameter
Answer: B. Grip and turn pipes
Rationale: A pipe wrench has serrated jaws that grip the surface of pipes for tightening
or loosening. It is an essential tool for plumbing work.
