SOLAS Carpentry study plan
SOLAS Carpentry · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Carpentry
Inventory the full Carpentry domain topic list and rank subtopics by likely exam weight and personal weakness
Define and write down the safe-use rules for hand tools (saws, chisels, planes, hammers) and power tools (circular saw, router, drill) in your own words
Practice identifying the correct tool for ten described carpentry tasks without consulting notes
Set up a personal reference sheet template for measurements, conversions, and material properties
Your checkpoint
A one-page ranked subtopic map plus a blank reference-sheet template covering tools and safety rules
Carpentry
Memorize standard lumber dimensions, nominal versus actual sizing, and common sheet-good thicknesses
Convert between metric and imperial measurements across 20 practice values with no errors
Explain wood movement, grain direction, and moisture content effects on joints and finishes
Label the parts of common joints (dado, rabbet, mortise-and-tenon, dovetail, lap) from written descriptions
Your checkpoint
A completed measurement and materials cheat sheet, self-quizzed to at least 90 percent accuracy
Carpentry
Sequence the steps of layout and marking for a frame or cabinet build from start to finish
Calculate board feet and material quantities for three sample projects
Describe the correct order of operations for cutting, fitting, and assembling a jointed assembly
Identify common layout errors and state the corrective action for each
Your checkpoint
Three solved material takeoff and layout problems with written step sequences
Carpentry
Review weeks 1 to 3 and close every gap flagged on your reference sheet
Explain framing basics: stud spacing, headers, blocking, and load paths in plain language
Describe subfloor, underlayment, and finish floor layering and their fastening requirements
Practice 25 mixed recall questions under a 30-minute timer
Your checkpoint
A timed 25-question self-test scored and fully corrected, with weak areas annotated
Carpentry
Summarize stair layout: rise, run, stringer calculation, and code-relevant limits
Describe roof framing terms and basic rafter layout steps
Explain door and window rough opening sizing and shimming/leveling procedure
List trim and finish carpentry sequence from casing to final touch-up
Your checkpoint
A written stair and roof framing procedure sheet with worked rise/run and rafter examples
Carpentry
State safety requirements for fall protection, PPE, dust control, and tool guarding in carpentry work
Describe inspection and maintenance checks for hand and power tools before use
Explain how to handle hazardous materials and waste on a carpentry site
Identify the correct response to five described site hazard scenarios
Your checkpoint
A safety scenario worksheet with written responses to five hazards, checked against your reference sheet
Carpentry
Complete a full-length timed practice set across all Carpentry subtopics
Categorize every missed question by subtopic and root cause (knowledge gap, misread, calculation)
Re-study the three weakest subtopics using targeted notes and re-quiz them
Rehearse explaining two complex procedures aloud as if teaching them
Your checkpoint
A scored full-length practice set with an error-analysis log and re-quiz results for the three weakest areas
Carpentry
Condense all notes into a final one-page review sheet of high-risk facts
Run two timed mini-sets of 20 questions each and target 85 percent or better
Recite measurement conversions, joint definitions, and safety rules from memory
Plan exam-day logistics and set a final review schedule for the last 48 hours
Your checkpoint
A final one-page high-risk review sheet plus two timed mini-set scores at or above 85 percent
Milestones
Week 2: Measurement and materials cheat sheet completed and self-quizzed to at least 90 percent accuracy
Week 4: Timed 25-question mixed self-test completed and fully corrected with weak areas logged
Week 6: Safety scenario worksheet finished and all five responses verified against reference notes
Week 8: Two timed 20-question mini-sets scored at 85 percent or higher, with final review sheet complete