NCMA CCCM study plan
NCMA CCCM · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Concrete Masonry
Map the Concrete Masonry domain outline into a one-page checklist of every subtopic you must master
Define and write out the key properties of concrete masonry units: absorption, compressive strength, density, and dimensional tolerance
Build a terminology glossary of at least 40 masonry terms with your own one-line definitions
Set up a spaced-repetition deck and load the first 25 masonry flashcards
Your checkpoint
A one-page masonry domain checklist with every subtopic marked as known, shaky, or unknown, plus a 40-term glossary
Concrete Masonry
Explain the differences among ASTM unit types and where each is specified
Describe mortar types, their proportions, and which applications call for each
Outline grout requirements including slump, aggregate, and placement conditions
Summarize reinforcement and anchoring requirements for masonry walls
Complete 30 practice questions on materials and score at least 75 percent
Your checkpoint
A materials comparison table covering unit types, mortar types, grout, and reinforcement, with a logged 30-question practice score
Concrete Masonry
Describe the standard masonry construction sequence from layout through curing
Explain flashing, weep holes, and water-resistive barrier detailing for moisture control
Identify common masonry defects and state the cause and corrective action for each
Walk a real or photographed masonry wall and annotate five details you can name
Your checkpoint
A one-page annotated detail sheet showing flashing, weep holes, and reinforcement placement with labeled callouts
Concrete Masonry
Summarize inspection and testing requirements for masonry construction
Explain field quality-control checks for mortar, grout, and unit placement
Rehearse explaining masonry moisture control aloud in under three minutes
Complete a 40-question timed masonry practice set and review every miss
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-question masonry practice score of at least 75 percent, plus a written correction note for every missed question
Hardscapes
Map the Hardscapes domain outline into a checklist of every subtopic you must master
Define key hardscape terms including base, subbase, bedding course, and edge restraint
Explain compaction requirements and how density is verified in the field
Outline segmental retaining wall design concepts including geogrid and batter
Your checkpoint
A one-page hardscape domain checklist with every subtopic marked as known, shaky, or unknown, plus a 30-term hardscape glossary
Hardscapes
Describe paver installation sequence from excavation through joint sand
Explain drainage design for hardscapes including slope, runoff, and permeable systems
Identify hardscape failure modes such as settlement, rutting, and efflorescence
Complete 30 practice questions on hardscape installation and score at least 75 percent
Your checkpoint
An installation-sequence diagram from excavation to final compaction with a logged 30-question practice score
Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes
Compare how concrete masonry and hardscape systems handle water and structural loads
Resolve your remaining shaky and unknown items from both domain checklists
Complete a 50-question mixed timed practice set and analyze your error pattern by subtopic
Your checkpoint
A mixed 50-question timed practice score of at least 80 percent, with an error-pattern summary by subtopic
Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes
Take two full-length timed practice exams under realistic conditions
Review every missed question and write the underlying rule for each
Recite the top 20 facts per domain from memory without notes
Finalize a one-page formula and reference sheet for exam day
Your checkpoint
Two full-length timed practice exams with scores logged, plus a one-page exam-day reference sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 75 percent on the 30-question masonry materials practice set and explain mortar and grout selection without notes
Week 4: Score at least 75 percent on a timed 40-question masonry set and correctly describe moisture-control detailing from memory
Week 6: Score at least 75 percent on the 30-question hardscape installation set and draw the full paver installation sequence from memory
Week 8: Score at least 80 percent on two full-length timed practice exams with no domain below 75 percent