NCCER Masonry exam-day guide
NCCER Masonry · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID you used for registration (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email or ticket showing your name, test site, date, and time. Some sites require it at check-in; confirm with the provider.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
For the performance portion, bring safety glasses, work gloves, and sturdy work boots. Some sites supply PPE; confirm with the provider what you must bring yourself.
Hand tools for the performance test
Bring the trowel, jointer, levels, and masonry hammer you are used to. Confirm with the provider whether tools are supplied or you must bring your own, and whether power tools are permitted.
Calculator (if permitted)
A basic calculator may help with layout math. Confirm with the provider whether calculators are allowed and whether phones are prohibited.
Knowledge of the test format
Know in advance whether your exam has a written (knowledge) portion, a hands-on (performance) portion, or both, and how each is scored. Confirm the format and passing score with the provider.
Arrival plan and timing
Plan to arrive early enough to park, check in, and store personal items. Ask the provider how early to arrive and what happens if you are late.
Site safety orientation
Be ready to follow the site's safety rules, including eye protection, hearing protection, and housekeeping. Confirm any site-specific orientation or waiver requirements with the provider.
Knowledge of retake and scoring policy
Ask before test day how scoring works, what score is passing, and whether retakes are allowed. Do not assume a policy; confirm with the provider.
Personal items plan
Know where you will store your phone, wallet, and keys during the test. Many sites restrict phones in the testing area; confirm with the provider.
Hydration and snacks
Bring water and a light snack if the provider allows them outside the testing room. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are permitted.
Review of core masonry knowledge
Be able to explain mortar mixing ratios, brick and block bond patterns, wall layout, and basic estimating. Review your course materials rather than relying on memory alone.
Plan the day
Confirm your test date, time, and location with the provider. Re-read the candidate handbook or confirmation email for rules on ID, tools, PPE, and prohibited items. Gather your ID, PPE, and hand tools and check that they are in good condition. Review core topics: mortar types and mixing, masonry units, bond patterns, layout, and safety. Get normal sleep and avoid cramming.
Pack your bag with ID, confirmation, PPE, tools, water, and snacks. Lay out work clothes and boots. Confirm your travel route and parking. Do a light review of formulas and terms, then stop studying early. Set two alarms and go to bed on time.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the site early enough to check in and store personal items. Put your phone away or leave it in your vehicle as the provider directs. Listen carefully to the proctor's instructions and ask questions only about logistics, not content.
For the written portion, read each question fully, answer the easy ones first, and return to harder ones. For the performance portion, work safely, keep your work area clean, and follow the specified dimensions and tolerances. Manage your time so you finish all required tasks. If you are unsure about a rule, ask the proctor before proceeding.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID used at registration. Confirm with the provider which IDs are accepted and whether a second form is required.
Follow all site safety rules, including eye protection, hearing protection, and safe tool handling. Failure to follow safety rules may end your test; confirm the specific policy with the provider.
Do not use phones, smart watches, or other electronic devices in the testing area unless the provider explicitly permits them. Confirm where devices must be stored.
Ask the proctor before leaving the room for breaks, water, or restroom use. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are timed or count against your test time.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not share or copy test content. Confirm the provider's academic-integrity and misconduct policy in advance.
If you do not understand a logistical instruction, ask the proctor. Do not ask the proctor for help with technical content or answers.
Scoring and passing requirements vary by provider and test version. Confirm the passing score, scoring method, and retake policy with the provider before test day.
If you arrive late or lack required ID or PPE, you may be turned away. Confirm the provider's late-arrival and missing-item policy beforehand.