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Carpentry

Overview

The Carpentry curriculum helps learners to build general carpentry skills, before moving into advanced topical coverage of framing and finish carpentry, as well as concrete and form carpentry.  

The unique three tier approach to Carpentry complies with the U.S. Department of Labor’s standards for apprenticeship programs, while also supporting shorter programs focused on specific carpentry career pathways.   

A 4-year apprenticeship program can use the entire curriculum to cover the full scope of Carpentry topics and meet required apprenticeship hours. Alternatively, a shorter training program can focus the Finish Carpenter or Form Carpenter paths for trainees.  

General Carpentry, 6th Edition

General Carpentry, Sixth Edition now features two distinct career paths rather than a four level structure. Trainees have an option to pursue a path in advanced building construction or concrete framework following completion of the introductory level. By completing both the construction and formwork training paths, NCCER’s General Carpentry, Sixth Edition can be used to satisfy a four-year registered apprenticeship.

Craft Snapshot

Journey Level
Assessment Available
Translation
Available
REVISED
6th Edition, 2022
NCCERconnect Deliver instruction using our pre-loaded content and course management tools, streamline training, and track results through the online gradebook. Students learn using the interactive eTextbook and Media Library with Active Figures that bring the material to life, anytime and anywhere they choose.
Available
LANGUAGES
English, Spanish

Curriculum Details

 

Total Recommended Hours
Competencies & Objectives Lists
6th Edition:

  • General Carpentry: 247.5, includes Core hours
6th Edition: Click here
5th Edition:

  • Levels 1-4: 770, includes Core hours
  • Levels 1-4: 790, includes Core hours and electives
5th Edition: Click here
Orientation to Carpentry
2.5 Hours

Module ID 27101: Reviews the carpentry profession, describes the apprentice program, identifies career opportunities for carpenters, and lists the skills, responsibilities, and characteristics a carpenter should possess. Emphasizes the importance of site-specific safety and occupational safety relevant to the craft.

Building Materials and Fasteners
20 Hours

Module ID 27102: Introduces building materials used in construction, including lumber, engineered wood products, concrete materials, steel framing, and a variety of fasteners and anchors. Also describes material handling and storage techniques, and basic calculations used to determine needed framing and concrete quantities.

Construction Plans and Documents
20 Hours

Module ID 27113: Describes construction plans and documents used by carpenters, including drawings found in commercial and residential plans. Focuses on information included in civil, architectural, and structural drawings. Also covers the importance of specifications, and reviews building codes used by carpenters.

Principles of Site and Building Layout
20 Hours

Module ID 27114: Explains how carpenters use specific construction drawings, as well as measuring tools and leveling instruments to perform basic site and building layout activities. Along with providing step-by-step instructions, this module describes the use of construction drawings and math to guarantee the accuracy of the building site.

Floor Systems
25 Hours

Module ID 27105: Introduces carpenters to drawings used to construct flooring systems. Defines framing basics and the procedures for laying out and constructing a wood floor using common lumber, as well as engineered building materials. Covers the installation of floor components including sill plates, beams, girders, joists, and subfloors.

Wall Systems
10 Hours

Module ID 27111: Describes basic wall systems and provides step-by-step instructions for laying out and framing both wood and steel components. Explains the process for laying out and framing walls. Includes instructions for assembling, erecting, and verifying plumb for wall systems.

Roof Framing
47.5 Hours

Module ID 27112: Describes the most common roof types and introduces basic roof framing components. Includes instructions for laying out rafters for gable roofs, hip roofs, and valley intersections. Covers stick-built and truss-built roofs, and includes the basics of roof sheathing installation.

Basic Stair Layout
12.5 Hours

Module ID 27110: Introduces stair types, basic stair system components, and common codes associated with stairway construction. Explains essential stairway construction techniques, including how to construct stringers, measure and calculate rise and run, and build concrete stairway forms.

Building Envelope Systems
12.5 Hours

Module ID 27109: Introduces the concepts of moisture and insulation control from the ground up. Describes types of building wrap, windows, skylights and doors, while providing instructions for installation.

Orientation to the Trade
2.5 Hours

Module ID 27101-13: Reviews the history of the trade, describes the apprentice program, identifies career opportunities for carpenters and construction workers, and lists the skills, responsibilities, and characteristics a worker should possess. Emphasizes the importance of safety in the construction industry.

Building Materials, Fasteners, and Adhesives
20 Hours

Module ID 27102-13: Introduces the building materials used in construction work, including lumber, sheet materials, engineered wood products, structural concrete, and structural steel. Also describes the fasteners and adhesives used in construction work. Discusses the methods of squaring a building.

Hand and Power Tools
10 Hours

Module ID 27103-13: Provides descriptions of hand tools and power tools used by carpenters. Emphasizes safe and proper operation, as well as care and maintenance.

Intro to Construction Drawings, Specifications, and Layout
22.5 Hours

Module ID 27104-13: Covers the techniques for reading and using construction drawings and specifications, with an emphasis on drawings and information relevant to the carpentry trade. Introduces quantity takeoffs.

Floor Systems
25 Hours

Module ID 27105-13: Covers framing basics and the procedures for laying out and constructing a wood floor using common lumber, as well as engineered building materials.

Wall Systems
10 Hours

Module ID 27111-13: Describes procedures for laying out and framing walls, including roughing-in door and window openings, constructing corners, partition Ts, and bracing walls. Includes the procedure to estimate the materials required to frame walls.

Ceiling Joist and Roof Framing
47.5 Hours

Module ID 27112-13: Describes types of roofs and provides instructions for laying out rafters for gable roofs, hip roofs, and valley intersections. Covers stick-built and truss-built roofs. Includes the basics of roof sheathing installation.

Introduction to Building Envelope Systems
12.5 Hours

Module ID 27109-13: Introduces the concept of the building envelope and explains its components. Describes types of windows, skylights, and exterior doors, and provides instructions for installation.

Basic Stair Layout
12.5 Hours

Module ID 27110-13: Introduces types of stairs and common building code requirements related to stairs. Focuses on techniques for measuring and calculating rise, run, and stairwell openings, laying out stringers, and fabricating basic stairways.

Commercial Drawings Elective for Residential Path
25 Hours

Module ID 27201-13: Describes how to read and interpret a set of commercial drawings and specifications.

Cold-Formed Steel Framing
15 Hours

Module ID 27205-13: Describes the types and grades of steel framing materials, and includes instructions for selecting and installing metal framing for interior and exterior walls, load-bearing and nonbearing walls, partitions, and other applications.

Exterior Finishing Elective for Commercial Path
35 Hours

Module ID 27204-13: Covers the various types of exterior finish materials and their installation procedures, including wood, metal, vinyl, and fiber-cement siding.

Thermal and Moisture Protection
7.5 Hours

Module ID 27203-13: Covers the selection and installation of various types of insulating materials in walls, floors, and attics. Also covers the uses and installation practices for vapor barriers and waterproofing materials.

Roofing Applications Elective for Commercial Path
25 Hours

Module ID 27202-13: Describes how to properly prepare the roof deck and install roofing for residential and commercial buildings.

Door and Door Hardware
20 Hours

Module ID 27208-13: Describes the installation of metal doors and related hardware in steel-framed, wood-framed, and masonry walls, along with their related hardware, such as locksets and door closers. Also discusses the installation of wood doors, folding doors, and pocket doors.

Drywall Installation
15 Hours

Module ID 27206-13: Describes the various types of gypsum drywall, their uses, and the fastening devices and methods used to install them. Contains detailed instructions for installing drywall on walls and ceilings using nails, drywall screws, and adhesives. Also discusses fire- and sound-rated walls.

Drywall Finishing
17.5 Hours

Module ID 27207-13: Describes the materials, tools, and methods used to finish and patch gypsum drywall. Also discussed automatic and manual taping and finishing tools.

Suspended Ceilings Elective for Residential Path
15 Hours

Module ID 27209-13: Describes the materials, layout, and installation procedures for many types of suspended ceilings used in commercial construction, as well as ceiling tiles, drywall suspension systems, and pan-type ceilings.

Window, Door, Floor, and Ceiling Trim
25 Hours

Module ID 27210-13: Describes the different types of trim used in finish work and focuses on the proper methods for selecting, cutting, and fastening trim to achieve a professional finished appearance.

Cabinet Installation
10 Hours

Module ID 27211-13: Provides detailed instructions for the selection and installation of base and wall cabinets and countertops.

Properties of Concrete
10 Hours

Module ID 27303-14: Describes the properties, characteristics, and uses of cement, aggregates, and other materials used in different types of concrete. Covers procedures for estimating concrete volume and testing freshly mixed concrete, as well as methods and materials for curing concrete.

Rigging Equipment
10 Hours

Module ID 38101-11; from Basic Rigger, Second Edition: Describes the use and inspection of basic equipment and hardware used in rigging, including slings, wire rope, and chains. Discusses attaching hardware such as shackles, eyebolts, and hooks, as well as rigging knots. Explains sling angles. Covers tuggers, jacks, hoists, and ratchet-lever hoists.

Rigging Practices
15 Hours

Module ID 38102-11; from Basic Rigger, Second Edition: Describes basic rigging and crane hazards as well as safety practices related to general rigging activities, working around power lines, and emergency response. Covers procedures for using slings and rigging pipes and valves.

Trenching and Excavating
15 Hours

Module ID 27306-14: Provides an introduction to working in and around excavations, particularly in preparing building foundations. Describes types and bearing capacities of soils; procedures used in shoring, shielding, and sloping trenches and excavations; trenching safety requirements, including recognition of unsafe conditions; and mitigation of groundwater and rock when excavating foundations.

Reinforcing Concrete
15 Hours

Module ID 27304-14: Explains the selection and uses of different types of reinforcing materials. Describes requirements for bending, cutting, splicing, and tying reinforcing steel and the placement of steel in footings and foundations, walls, columns, and beams and girders.

Foundations and Slabs-On-Grade
20 Hours

Module ID 27307-14: Covers basic site layout safety, tools, and methods; layout and construction of deep and shallow foundations; types of foundation forms; layout and formation of slabs-on-grade; and forms used for curbing and paving.

Vertical Formwork
22.5 Hours

Module ID 27308-14: Covers the applications and construction methods for types of forming and form hardware systems for walls, columns, and stairs, as well as slip and climbing forms. Provides an overview of the assembly, erection, and stripping of gang forms.

Horizontal Formwork
15 Hours

Module ID 27309-14: Describes elevated decks and formwork systems and methods used in their construction. Covers joist, pan, beam and slab, flat slab, composite slab, and specialty form systems and provides instructions for the use of flying decks, as well as shoring and reshoring systems.

Handling and Placing Concrete
20 Hours

Module ID 27305-14: Covers tools, equipment, and procedures for safely handling, placing, and finishing concrete. Describes joints made in concrete structures and the use of joint sealants.

Tilt-Up Wall Systems
17.5 Hours

Module ID 27310-14: Describes how tilt-up concrete construction is used and how tilt-up panels are formed, erected, and braced. Covers the installation of rebar and types of embedments used to lift and brace the panels. Also covers methods used to create architectural and decorative treatments.

Site Layout One: Differential Leveling
20 Hours

Module ID 27401-14: Covers the principles, equipment, and methods used to perform differential leveling. Also covers the layout responsibilities of surveyors, field engineers, and carpenters; interpretation and use of site/plot plan drawings; use of laser instruments; and methods used for on-site communication.

Site Layout Two: Angular and Distance Measurement
37.5 Hours

Module ID 27402-14: Covers the principles, equipment, and methods used to perform site layout tasks that require angular and distance measurements. Tasks include laying out building lines and determining elevations by trigonometric leveling. Covers the use of transits, theodolites, electronic distance measurement, and total stations. Reviews trade mathematics needed to perform calculations related to angular measurements.

Advanced Roof Systems
20 Hours

Module ID 27403-14: Covers commercial roofing materials and structures and describes the procedures for installing commercial roofing such as lap seam, standing seam, and built-up roofs.

Advanced Wall Systems
25 Hours

Module ID 27404-14: Covers installation of a variety of finishing materials, including concrete masonry units and brick. Also covers installation of curtain walls and fire-rated commercial construction.

Advanced Stair Systems
25 Hours

Module ID 27405-14: Provides extensive coverage of the materials and techniques used in finishing wooden staircases. Also covers a variety of stair systems used in commercial construction.

Introduction to Construction Equipment
7.5 Hours

Module ID 27406-14: Introduces construction equipment, including the aerial lift, skid steer loader, electric power generator, compressor, compactor, and forklift. An overview of general safety, operation, and maintenance procedures is provided.

Introduction to Oxyfuel Cutting and Arc Welding
20 Elective Hours

Module 27407-14: Introduces the equipment, procedures, and safety practices used in cutting steel with oxyfuel equipment, as well as shielded metal arc welding, gas-tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding. Labs include practice in cutting and welding techniques.

Site Preparation
7.5 Hours

Module ID 27409-14: Covers the planning process that precedes the start of work on a construction site, including environmental considerations, personnel issues, access roads, traffic control, permits, site safety, utilities, and crane-related concerns.

Fundamentals of Crew Leadership
20 Hours

Module 46101-11, Second Edition: Covers basic leadership skills and explains different leadership styles, communication, delegating, and problem solving. Jobsite safety and the crew leader’s role in safety are discussed, as well as project planning, scheduling, and estimating. Includes performance tasks to assist the learning process.

Contributing Subject Matter Experts

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s Curriculum development process. SMEs are construction and maintenance professionals who have journey-level experience and have experience teaching their trades to others.

View Subject Matter Experts
Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Below is a list of subject matter experts for this craft:
B

Bob Makela, Suwannee-Hamilton Technical Center

C

Curtis Haskins, Bowden Contracting Co., Inc.

D

Dave Severn, Arizona Builders Alliance

Don Slavens, PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc.

E

Eric Torres Ruiz, TIC – The Industrial Company

H

Harold (Hal) Heintz

J

Jeff Henry, PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc.

John Ambrosia, West Georgia Electric

Jon Jones, Pittsburg State University

K

Kendall Purvis, ABC Northern California Chapter

Kevin Kelley, The Robins & Morton Group

M

Mark Knudson, JRabbott Construction Inc.

Mark Robinson, Crossland Construction Company, Inc.

R

Rob Underwood, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Roger Lara, TIC – The Industrial Company

T

Thomas Murphy, Alfred State College/CTC of New York State

Timothy Mosley, The Haskell Company

NCCERconnect

Optimize your classroom time, while accelerating knowledge for learners. NCCERconnect works to provide learners with always-available access to online training materials, including videos, interactives, a rich eText, practice quizzes and other engaging content.

  • Mobile access to the eText also allows for learning on-the-go.
  • Instructors can get started quickly with pre-built assignments, use the robust course tools for class management, and track student participation and results through the online gradebook.
  • Designed to help learner engagement in any classroom, whether a blended, virtual or traditional classroom environment.

Instructor Resources

Instructor Toolbox

NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.

Academic Pre- and Post-Tests

Academic pre- and post-tests are created for secondary career and technical education. These tests are designed to be used as a diagnostic tool to gauge the trainee’s knowledge gained during the course of academic instruction.

Successful completion of these tests will not result in an NCCER credential.

Assessments

NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Click the assessment title below to open its specifications.

Carpintería Industrial