Free NCCER Scaffold Builder Assessment Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the NCCER Scaffold Builder Assessment practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1At a construction site, a builder must identify a portable work platform mounted on casters. Which scaffold type matches that arrangement?

   1. A. Mobile scaffold
   2. B. Outrigger scaffold
   3. C. Pump jack scaffold
   4. D. Ladder jack scaffold

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA defines a mobile scaffold as "a powered or unpowered, portable, caster or wheel-mounted supported scaffold." The casters identify the platform as mobile.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.450 — Scope, application and definitions — 1926.450(b), Mobile scaffold

2. 2A builder is reviewing fall protection for a worker on a scaffold above a lower level. Above what height does the general scaffold fall-protection trigger apply?

   1. A. More than 2 feet
   2. B. More than 6 feet
   3. C. More than 10 feet
   4. D. More than 14 feet

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The rule says, "Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level." The trigger is more than 10 feet; specific scaffold types determine the protection.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 — General requirements for scaffolds — 1926.451(g)(1)

3. 3A pneumatic tool uses a hose. Above what inside-diameter boundary must its supply or branch line have a device to reduce pressure if the hose fails?

   1. A. 0.25 inch
   2. B. 0.375 inch
   3. C. 0.5 inch
   4. D. 0.75 inch

   Answer: C

   Explanation: OSHA requires the safety device for "All hoses exceeding 1⁄2-inch inside diameter." The threshold is greater than one-half inch, with the device at the supply or branch line.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.302 — Power-operated hand tools — 1926.302(b)(7)

4. 4A scaffold component will carry a maximum intended load of 300 pounds in addition to its own weight. Under the general 4-times rule, what load beyond its own weight must it support without failure?

   1. A. 600 pounds
   2. B. 900 pounds
   3. C. 1,200 pounds
   4. D. 1,500 pounds

   Answer: C

   Explanation: OSHA requires support of "its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it." Four times 300 pounds is 1,200 pounds beyond the component's own weight.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 — General requirements for scaffolds — 1926.451(a)(1)

5. 5A pole scaffold crew will raise its platform to a new level. Which preparation must be completed before the existing platform is disturbed?

   1. A. Set and brace the new bearers
   2. B. Set the new runners on the poles
   3. C. Install the next set of pole ties
   4. D. Position the new platform planks

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA says the existing platform shall be left undisturbed "until the new bearers have been set in place and braced, prior to receiving the new platforms." The new bearer support and bracing must precede moving the working platform.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.452 — Additional requirements for specific scaffold types — 1926.452(a)(1)

6. 6A mobile scaffold has eight casters. Five have positive wheel locks engaged, and three remain unlocked. Before the scaffold is used in place, how many more casters must be locked?

   1. A. 3 casters
   2. B. 0 casters
   3. C. 5 casters
   4. D. 8 casters

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA states, "Scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked with positive wheel and/or wheel and swivel locks, or equivalent means, to prevent movement of the scaffold while the scaffold is used in a stationary manner." All eight must be locked; eight minus five is three more.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.452 — Additional requirements for specific scaffold types — 1926.452(w)(2)

7. 7A suspension scaffold support surface would carry 500 pounds with the hoist at rated load and 1,200 pounds with the hoist at stall capacity. What minimum surface capacity satisfies OSHA's greater-of-two-factors rule?

   1. A. 2,000 pounds
   2. B. 1,800 pounds
   3. C. 1,700 pounds
   4. D. 4,800 pounds

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA requires a support surface capable of "at least 4 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold operating at the rated load of the hoist (or at least 1.5 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold at the stall capacity of the hoist, whichever is greater)." Here 4 × 500 = 2,000 pounds and 1.5 × 1,200 = 1,800 pounds, so the controlling minimum is 2,000 pounds.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 — General requirements for scaffolds — 1926.451(d)(1)

8. 8A builder labels the transverse member that carries a scaffold platform and joins its uprights. Which component is shown?

   1. A. Runner
   2. B. Bearer
   3. C. Brace
   4. D. Coupler

   Answer: B

   Explanation: OSHA calls the bearer "a horizontal transverse scaffold member" on which the platform rests and which joins uprights. The member on the drawing is the bearer.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.450 — Scope, application and definitions — 1926.450(b), Bearer (putlog)

9. 9Before using a scaffold, a builder finds its platform more than a certain vertical distance from the access point. Above what distance must one of the specified access methods be used?

   1. A. More than 20 feet
   2. B. More than 2 feet
   3. C. More than 12 feet
   4. D. More than 5 feet

   Answer: B

   Explanation: OSHA states, "When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 m) above or below a point of access" one of the listed access methods must be used. The builder should use the 2-foot trigger.

   Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 — General requirements for scaffolds — 1926.451(e)(1)

10. 10A builder adjusts the guard on an abrasive wheel used to prepare scaffold fittings. As the wheel wears down, what is the maximum gap between the wheel periphery and the guard's adjustable tongue?

    1. A. 1/4 inch
    2. B. 1/8 inch
    3. C. 3/8 inch
    4. D. 1/2 inch

    Answer: A

    Explanation: OSHA states that "the distance between the wheel periphery and the adjustable tongue or the end of the peripheral member at the top shall never exceed ¼ inch (0.635 cm)." The builder must keep that gap at or below one quarter inch as the wheel diameter decreases.

    Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.300 — General requirements for hand and power tools — 1926.300(b)(7)