Certified Tool and Die Maker
Journeyman certification Exam
Questions And Answers Plus Rationales | Qs
& Ans 2026 | Instant Pdf Download
This exam covers advanced benchwork, machining (manual & CNC), heat
treatment, inspection, tool design, die set assembly, stamping die
operation, mold making, and problem-solving. Each question includes a
verified rationale.
Questions 1–50
1. The primary function of a “die shoe” in a stamping die is:
A) To cut the part
B) To provide a base plate for mounting die components
C) To form the part
D) To strip the part from the punch
Answer: B
Rationale: Die shoe is the bottom plate that supports the die assembly
and mounts to the press.
,2. “Clearance” between a punch and die (in sheet metal stamping) is
typically a percentage of the material thickness. For mild steel, the
recommended clearance per side is:
A) 1–2% of thickness
B) 5–10% of thickness
C) 20–25% of thickness
D) 50% of thickness
Answer: B
Rationale: 5–10% per side (10–20% total) is common for mild steel; soft
materials may need less.
3. A “compound die” performs which operation(s)?
A) Blanking and piercing in one stroke (part is ejected upward)
B) Bending only
C) Drawing only
D) Trimming only
Answer: A
Rationale: Compound die blanks and pierces simultaneously; the part is
pushed back through the die.
,4. A “progressive die” is used to:
A) Perform multiple operations at one station
B) Perform operations at several stations along a strip as the material
advances
C) Cut a single shape
D) Bend only
Answer: B
Rationale: Progressive dies index the strip through multiple stations.
5. The “stripper plate” in a stamping die is used to:
A) Push the material off the punch after cutting
B) Guide the material
C) Hold the die in place
D) Lubricate the strip
Answer: A
Rationale: Stripper plate forces the stock material off the punch on the
return stroke.
6. “Pilot pins” in a progressive die are used to:
A) Precisely locate the strip before each station
B) Cut holes
, C) Form the part
D) Eject the part
Answer: A
Rationale: Pilot pins enter previously pierced holes to align the strip.
7. “Hardening” of tool steel is performed to increase:
A) Ductility
B) Wear resistance and hardness
C) Corrosion resistance
D) Weldability
Answer: B
Rationale: Hardening increases strength and wear resistance.
8. “Tempering” after hardening is performed to:
A) Increase hardness
B) Reduce brittleness and relieve internal stress
C) Improve machinability
D) Add corrosion resistance
Journeyman certification Exam
Questions And Answers Plus Rationales | Qs
& Ans 2026 | Instant Pdf Download
This exam covers advanced benchwork, machining (manual & CNC), heat
treatment, inspection, tool design, die set assembly, stamping die
operation, mold making, and problem-solving. Each question includes a
verified rationale.
Questions 1–50
1. The primary function of a “die shoe” in a stamping die is:
A) To cut the part
B) To provide a base plate for mounting die components
C) To form the part
D) To strip the part from the punch
Answer: B
Rationale: Die shoe is the bottom plate that supports the die assembly
and mounts to the press.
,2. “Clearance” between a punch and die (in sheet metal stamping) is
typically a percentage of the material thickness. For mild steel, the
recommended clearance per side is:
A) 1–2% of thickness
B) 5–10% of thickness
C) 20–25% of thickness
D) 50% of thickness
Answer: B
Rationale: 5–10% per side (10–20% total) is common for mild steel; soft
materials may need less.
3. A “compound die” performs which operation(s)?
A) Blanking and piercing in one stroke (part is ejected upward)
B) Bending only
C) Drawing only
D) Trimming only
Answer: A
Rationale: Compound die blanks and pierces simultaneously; the part is
pushed back through the die.
,4. A “progressive die” is used to:
A) Perform multiple operations at one station
B) Perform operations at several stations along a strip as the material
advances
C) Cut a single shape
D) Bend only
Answer: B
Rationale: Progressive dies index the strip through multiple stations.
5. The “stripper plate” in a stamping die is used to:
A) Push the material off the punch after cutting
B) Guide the material
C) Hold the die in place
D) Lubricate the strip
Answer: A
Rationale: Stripper plate forces the stock material off the punch on the
return stroke.
6. “Pilot pins” in a progressive die are used to:
A) Precisely locate the strip before each station
B) Cut holes
, C) Form the part
D) Eject the part
Answer: A
Rationale: Pilot pins enter previously pierced holes to align the strip.
7. “Hardening” of tool steel is performed to increase:
A) Ductility
B) Wear resistance and hardness
C) Corrosion resistance
D) Weldability
Answer: B
Rationale: Hardening increases strength and wear resistance.
8. “Tempering” after hardening is performed to:
A) Increase hardness
B) Reduce brittleness and relieve internal stress
C) Improve machinability
D) Add corrosion resistance
