SOLAS Bricklaying study plan

SOLAS Bricklaying · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Bricklaying

Map the full SOLAS Bricklaying syllabus into a personal checklist of every assessed topic, marking each as known, shaky, or unknown
Define the key terminology used in bricklaying theory - mortar, bedding, jointing, bonding, gauge, coursing - and write a one-line definition for each in your own words
Identify the main brick types, their nominal dimensions, and the standard mortar mixes used with each
Set up a study log and a formula sheet that you will update every week

A one-page syllabus checklist with all topics rated, plus a glossary of at least 20 bricklaying terms written in your own words

Week 2

Explain the purpose and correct sequence of setting out a rectangular building, including squaring with the 3-4-5 method
Describe how to establish datum and gauge lines and why they matter for course heights
Compare English, Flemish, stretcher, and header bonds in terms of appearance, strength, and typical use
Sketch the plan view of each bond for a one-brick wall and label the bricks correctly

A set of four hand-drawn bond plans (English, Flemish, stretcher, header) with labels and a half-page written comparison

Week 3

Describe the correct mixing procedure and consistency for mortar, and explain the effect of over-wetting or dry mixes on bond strength
List the tools used for spreading, jointing, and finishing mortar and state the purpose of each
Explain how weather (heat, wind, frost) affects mortar curing and what precautions are required
Practice jointing and pointing techniques on a small sample panel or a written step-by-step procedure

A written method statement for mixing and applying mortar, plus a labelled tool list of at least 10 items with their uses

Week 4

Explain the purpose and installation of wall ties, damp-proof courses, and lintels in a cavity wall
Describe the sequence for building a corner and returning a course accurately to gauge
Identify common defects - efflorescence, cracking, poor bond, uneven courses - and state their likely causes and remedies
Complete a timed 20-question self-test on setting out, bonds, and mortar without notes

A defect-cause-remedy table covering at least 8 common bricklaying defects, plus a scored self-test result with a list of missed topics

Week 5

Describe the requirements for openings, arches, and lintels, including bearing lengths and expansion gaps
Explain how to build to a line, plumb a corner, and check level and gauge at each course
Outline the safety controls for working at height, manual handling of bricks, and silica dust when cutting
Review and correct every wrong answer from the week 4 self-test

A one-page site-procedure sheet covering corner building, line work, and opening preparation, cross-checked against your corrected self-test notes

Week 6

Explain the purpose of movement joints and how they are formed in brickwork
Describe decorative and functional features such as soldier courses, cills, and copings
Summarize the inspection and handover checks a bricklayer should perform before signing off a wall
Work through at least 30 mixed practice questions across all topics and log the error patterns

An error-pattern log from 30 practice questions, listing the three weakest topics and a plan to revisit them

Week 7

Revisit the three weakest topics from the week 6 log and rewrite your notes into concise revision cards
Complete a full-length timed mock exam under exam conditions
Mark the mock exam against the syllabus checklist and identify any remaining gaps
Practice explaining two construction sequences aloud as if answering an oral or written question

A completed timed mock exam with a marked score and a gap list of no more than five remaining weak areas

Week 8

Close every gap on the week 7 list with targeted review and short self-quizzes
Re-read the glossary and formula sheet and confirm each entry is accurate and memorable
Complete a second timed mock exam and compare the score with week 7
Prepare a final one-page summary sheet you can review on exam day

A second marked mock exam showing improvement, plus a final one-page exam-day summary sheet

Week 2: You can sketch and label the four main bonds from memory and explain when each is used

Week 4: You score at least 70% on the timed 20-question self-test on setting out, bonds, and mortar

Week 6: Your practice-question error log shows no more than three recurring weak topics

Week 8: Your second mock exam score is higher than the first and every syllabus checklist item is marked known