ITI/NCVT Mason Building Constructor (AITT Theory) study plan

Distinguish English, Flemish, stretcher, header and rat-trap bonds by sketching the elevation of a one-brick wall in each and labelling every brick type.

Calculate the number of bricks and the mortar volume needed for a 3 m × 3 m half-brick wall in stretcher bond, allowing 10 mm joints and 5% wastage.

Identify and state the correct use of at least ten masonry hand tools and five masonry equipment items, matching each to the task it performs.

Explain how brick dimensions, frog position, compressive strength class and water absorption affect the choice of bond and mortar.

Lay out and describe the sequence for constructing a one-brick corner in English bond, including queen closer placement and line-and-level checks.

Compare 1:3, 1:4 and 1:6 cement-sand mortar mixes and justify which to use for load-bearing brickwork, plastering and pointing.

Compute the dry-material requirement for 1 m³ of 1:6 cement mortar, including the bulking allowance for sand.

Describe the correct procedure for mixing mortar by machine and by hand, and state the working life of a cement mortar mix.

Explain blockwork practice: block dimensions, hollow versus solid units, mortar joint thickness and the need for movement joints.

Convert a simple plan and section drawing into setting-out lines for a rectangular room, stating the 3-4-5 method for a right angle.

Describe how to transfer a datum level using a water level and a dumpy level, and record readings in a level book.

Distinguish shallow and deep foundations and state the soil and load conditions that decide between them.

Explain the purpose and construction of a damp-proof course, damp-proof membrane and a plinth in a load-bearing wall.

Identify the causes of settlement cracks versus structural cracks in masonry walls from their pattern and location.

List the personal protective equipment required for mixing, cutting, scaffolding and demolition work, and state the hazard each item controls.

Explain safe erection, inspection and use of a mason's scaffold, including guard rails, toe boards and the maximum working platform loading.

Describe first-aid and emergency response steps for silica dust exposure, cement burns, eye injury and a fall from height.

Diagnose five common building defects - rising damp, efflorescence, plaster debonding, cracked render and leaking roof flashing - and specify a repair method for each.

Describe the correct application of a waterproofing treatment to a wet area, including surface preparation, coat sequence and curing.

Specify concrete grades for a foundation, a slab and a lintel, and state the water-cement ratio and slump appropriate to each.

Describe batching, placing, compacting, curing and formwork removal for a small concrete slab, including curing duration.

Explain plastering sequence for an internal wall: preparation, mortar choice, thickness, dubbing out, floating and finishing.

Compare ceramic, vitrified and natural stone tiles and state the adhesive and bedding appropriate to each surface.

Describe laying a cement concrete floor and a tile floor, including screed level, joint width, grouting and checking for hollow spots.

Classify arches by shape and material, and label the voussoir, keystone, springing line, skewback and abutment on a sketch.

Explain how centering is erected, struck and reused for a semicircular brick arch, and state the minimum striking time.

Describe the construction of a reinforced concrete lintel and a brick lintel, including bearing length and when each is chosen.

Calculate riser and tread for a straight flight given the floor-to-floor height, applying the 2R + T rule.

Describe a simple pitched roof in brick masonry construction: wall plate, purlin, rafter, ridge and gable coping.

Take off quantities from a simple plan for brickwork, plaster, concrete and tiling, and present them in a measurement sheet.

Prepare a rate analysis for 1 m³ of brickwork in cement mortar, including labour, material and wastage.

Explain the difference between centre-line, long-wall-and-short-wall and crossing methods of estimation and choose the right one for a given plan.

Describe workplace communication, reporting and record-keeping duties of a mason on a site, including tool-box talks and material indents.

Explain teamwork, punctuality, safe housekeeping and the reporting chain for a hazard or near miss.

Complete a timed mixed-topic question set covering bonds, mortar and estimation, and score at least 70%.

Re-derive the weakest three calculations from earlier weeks without notes to confirm retention.

Summarise each of the eleven domains in five bullet points of the facts most likely to be tested.

Review every flagged error from weeks 1–7 and restate the correct method in one sentence each.