NCCER Sheet Metal Worker study plan

Identify the primary sheet metal hand tools (aviation snips, hand seamers, notchers, stakes) and state the safe cutting direction and material thickness limit for each

Demonstrate the setup and safe operation sequence for the foot shear, squaring shear, and box-and-pan brake, listing the guard and clearance checks performed before each cut or bend

Calculate bend allowance and setback for a 90-degree bend in 24-gauge galvanized steel and lay out a simple channel using those numbers

Explain the difference between a Pittsburg lock, a drive slip, and a standing seam, and select the correct lock for a given duct joint description

Read a mechanical plan set and locate the duct size, elevation, and material callouts on plan, elevation, and section views

Convert architectural feet-inches-fractions dimensions to decimal inches and back for ten layout problems without error

Lay out and fabricate a rectangular transition (square-to-round or rectangular reducer) using triangulation, then verify the developed pattern against the calculated dimensions

Describe the sequence for building a rectangular duct run: layout, shear, notch, form, lock, seam, and stiffen

Compute duct cross-sectional area, velocity, and airflow using Q = V x A for at least eight practice problems in both imperial units

Apply the equal-friction method to size a simple branch duct and explain how friction rate, equivalent length, and fittings affect total static pressure

Identify the components of a duct system (plenum, trunk, branch, takeoff, damper, register) on a schematic and state the function of each

Fabricate and assemble a short rectangular duct run with a takeoff and volume damper, checking squareness and seam tightness

Explain how static pressure, velocity pressure, and total pressure relate, and describe where to place a pitot tube and manometer to measure each

List the accepted methods of duct sealing and the classes of leakage, and state when sealant, gasketing, or mastic is required at a joint

Identify confined-space, fall-protection, and lockout/tagout hazards on a typical mechanical room job and describe the control for each

Select and inspect personal protective equipment for cutting, bending, welding-adjacent, and overhead installation tasks

Interpret HVAC symbol legends, abbreviations, and drawing notes well enough to build a material takeoff from a single-zone plan

Establish reference lines and bench marks, and describe how to transfer an elevation from a floor mark to a hanger location

Lay out hanger spacing for rectangular and round duct per common practice and select the correct hanger, strap, and insert for each substrate

Describe the installation sequence for a duct run from rough-in through insulation, balancing dampers, and register trim

Explain how thermal expansion and contraction affect long duct runs and gutter runs, and describe the joint and fastener details used to accommodate movement

Describe the correct flashing sequence for a roof penetration, including curb, base flashing, counterflashing, and cap

Identify common architectural sheet metal components (standing seam roof, fascia, soffit, downspout, coping) and the material and gauge typically used for each

Describe soldering, riveting, and sealant techniques used in architectural work and state where each is and is not acceptable

Locate the code sections that govern duct construction, clearance to combustibles, and smoke-and-fire damper requirements and summarize what each requires

Distinguish the roles of the model codes, referenced standards, and the project specifications, and explain which governs when they conflict

Describe the inspection and testing steps a duct system may face before acceptance, including leakage testing and damper verification

Explain the ethical and documentation responsibilities of a tradesperson who finds noncompliant or unsafe work, including the reporting chain

Complete a timed 60-question mixed practice exam and score at least 80 percent overall with no domain below 70 percent

Re-teach the three weakest topics identified by the practice exam, producing a corrected worked example for each

Rehearse layout and calculation problems under time pressure until each is completed within the target time

Build a final one-page formula and reference card covering bend allowance, area and velocity, pressure, and common lock dimensions