ITI/NCVT Painter General (AITT Theory) study guide
ITI/NCVT Painter General (AITT Theory) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ITI/NCVT Painter General All India Trade Test (AITT) is the theory examination sat by trainees completing the Painter General trade under the Craftsman Training Scheme. It tests trade theory - the knowledge behind surface preparation, paint composition, application, spray work, decorative finishes, fault diagnosis, colour matching, protective coatings and estimation - rather than workshop skill, which is assessed separately in practical and allied trade tests. The ITI/NCVT Painter General (AITT Theory) study guide has 18 sections and about 6,082 words.
01Safety, Health, Environment and First Aid
This domain tests how a painter recognises solvent, dust, fume and physical hazards, applies the right controls, and responds correctly to injury. Questions usually hinge on matching a product hazard to a specific control, not on generic slogans.
364 words, about 2 min02Trade Hand Tools
This domain checks whether you can name, select, use and maintain the hand tools of the painting trade. Exam questions often ask which tool is correct for a named task and what damage follows from using the wrong one.
386 words, about 2 min03Measuring Instruments and Workshop Practice
This domain tests measurement of length, level, moisture, viscosity and coating thickness, plus the workshop habits that keep measurements trustworthy. Expect questions on instrument choice, zero checks and unit conversion.
342 words, about 2 min04Surfaces, Substrates and Surface Preparation
This domain tests whether you can identify a substrate, judge its condition, and prepare it so the coating can bond. Most coating failures trace back to preparation, so exam questions reward specific preparation steps.
319 words, about 2 min05Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers and Thinners: Composition and Selection
This domain tests the four parts of a paint, the differences between major product families, and how thinners and hardeners are chosen. Selection questions usually give a service condition and ask for the suitable product.
332 words, about 2 min06Painting Application Methods and Equipment
This domain tests brush, roller, pad and conventional spray application, with emphasis on technique and equipment selection. Questions often describe a surface and ask which applicator or sequence is correct.
365 words, about 2 min07Spray Painting
This domain tests atomisation, gun setup, gun handling and defect avoidance in spray application. Expect questions on air pressure, fluid tip size, fan pattern and distance.
360 words, about 2 min08Compressors and Spray Booth Operations
This domain tests compressed-air supply, air quality and the safe operation of a spray booth. Questions often involve compressor sizing, water/oil contamination and booth airflow.
356 words, about 2 min09Decorative Finishes
This domain tests special-effect finishes: their materials, tools and sequence. Questions ask which technique produces a named effect and what controls open time and texture.
356 words, about 2 min10Graining, Stencilling and Sign Writing
This domain tests imitation wood graining, stencil work and hand lettering. Questions focus on tools, registration and layout rather than freehand artistry.
361 words, about 2 min11Defects, Faults and Their Remedies
This domain tests diagnosis: given a defect, identify the cause and the correct remedy. Marks are lost by naming a remedy without linking it to the cause.
345 words, about 2 min12Colour Theory
This domain tests hue, value and chroma, colour mixing, and the effect of light on a match. Exam questions often ask why a colour matches in one light and not another.
326 words, about 2 min13Pigments and Colour Matching
This domain tests pigment types and properties, and the practical steps of matching a colour. Questions often compare hiding power, tinting strength or lightfastness.
330 words, about 2 min14Industrial and Specialised Coatings
This domain tests high-performance systems: intumescent, epoxy, polyurethane, zinc-rich, powder, coil and chemical-resistant coatings. Questions focus on service conditions, film build and recoat windows.
315 words, about 2 min15Corrosion Protection
This domain tests how coatings prevent corrosion and how systems are specified. Expect questions on the corrosion cell, surface preparation, salt contamination and sacrificial versus barrier protection.
296 words, about 1 min16Estimation, Costing and Material Calculation
This domain tests area measurement, coverage calculation, film thickness conversion and costing. Questions are usually numerical, so show the steps.
300 words, about 2 min17Employability Skills
This domain tests workplace behaviour and trade employability: how a painter receives a job card, plans work, controls materials, works in a team and reports problems. Questions are practical and often ask for the best action in a site situation.
300 words, about 2 min18Communication and Basic Computer Awareness
This domain tests clear trade communication and basic computer use: job records, email, documents, spreadsheets and file safety. Questions ask for the correct file action, formula or message.
329 words, about 2 min