Building & Construction · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a licensed professional engineer or master tradesperson or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Masonry
13 courses · 1,350 clock hours · 9 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
13courses
82lessons
1,350hours
47assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons82 of 82 lesson pages writtenPractice656 practice questionsResources109 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 82 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
BLD-MASO04-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Masonry
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course equips masonry students with the safety knowledge required for OSHA 10 certification, the trade math and measurement skills used daily on masonry jobsites, and the reading, digital, and career-readiness competencies that support success across all subsequent courses and the NCCER Masonry credential. Every lesson is anchored to real masonry tasks—calculating mortar volumes, reading construction drawings, writing jobsite hazard reports—so skills transfer directly to brick, block, stone, and flatwork courses. Successful completion of this course satisfies the OSHA 10 Outreach training requirement and establishes the NCCER Core curriculum baseline.
Outcomes- Demonstrate OSHA 10-level hazard recognition and control procedures specific to masonry operations, achieving a passing score on the OSHA 10 end-of-course assessment.
- Apply arithmetic, fractions, ratios, and basic geometry to calculate material quantities, mortar ratios, and layout dimensions accurate to within accepted trade tolerances.
- Read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and material schedules commonly used in masonry projects.
- Use basic digital tools—including tablets, construction calculator apps, and employer time-and-attendance systems—to locate trade information and communicate professionally on a jobsite.
- Perform adult-level first aid and hands-only CPR to American Red Cross or American Heart Association guidelines.
- Prepare a professional resume, complete a mock job application, and respond to common masonry employer interview questions.
Course text
This foundational course equips masonry students with the safety knowledge required for OSHA 10 certification, the trade math and measurement skills used daily on masonry jobsites, and the reading, digital, and career-readiness competencies that support success across all subsequent courses and the NCCER Masonry credential. Every lesson is anchored to real masonry tasks—calculating mortar volumes, reading construction drawings, writing jobsite hazard reports—so skills transfer directly to brick, block, stone, and flatwork courses. Successful completion of this course satisfies the OSHA 10 Outreach training requirement and establishes the NCCER Core curriculum baseline.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Masonry Jobsite Hazards and OSHA 10 Fundamentals; First Aid, CPR, and Masonry Emergency Response; Trade Math I: Whole Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, and Measurement; Trade Math II: Ratios, Proportions, Percentages, and Material Estimating; Reading Construction Drawings and Specifications; Digital Tools, Technical Communication, and Workplace Documents; Career Readiness: Masonry Industry, Employment, and Professional Conduct.
What competent looks like. Demonstrate OSHA 10-level hazard recognition and control procedures specific to masonry operations, achieving a passing score on the OSHA 10 end-of-course assessment. Apply arithmetic, fractions, ratios, and basic geometry to calculate material quantities, mortar ratios, and layout dimensions accurate to within accepted trade tolerances. Read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and material schedules commonly used in masonry projects. Use basic digital tools—including tablets, construction calculator apps, and employer time-and-attendance systems—to locate trade information and communicate professionally on a jobsite. Perform adult-level first aid and hands-only CPR to American Red Cross or American Heart Association guidelines. Prepare a professional resume, complete a mock job application, and respond to common masonry employer interview questions.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Masonry Jobsite Hazards and OSHA 10 Fundamentals | 32 | theory | Students identify the OSHA General Industry and Construction standards most relevant to masonry work—including fall protection, silica dust, scaffolding, struck-by, and caught-in/between hazards—and explain the employer and worker rights and responsibilities those standards establish. |
| OSHA 10 Construction Outreach authorized trainer materials, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 pocket guide, OSHA Silica in Construction fact sheet, PPE samples (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, N95 and P100 respirators, cut-resistant gloves, steel-toed boots), scaffold diagram poster, Job Hazard Analysis blank forms. | Students must pass the official OSHA 10 Outreach end-of-course knowledge assessment at the threshold set by the authorized trainer program (typically 70% or better) to receive the OSHA 10 card; instructor also collects completed JHA forms and checks that each identifies hazard type, applicable standard, and hierarchy-of-controls solution for all major hazards in the scenario. |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and Masonry Emergency Response | 8 | lab | Students perform hands-only CPR, control severe bleeding with direct pressure and improvised bandaging, and describe the correct emergency response sequence for the most common masonry site injuries including eye injuries from mortar splash, heat illness, and crush injuries. |
| CPR manikins (one per two students), AED trainer unit, first-aid kit (commercial), eye-wash station, sterile gauze, elastic bandages, disposable gloves, American Red Cross First Aid/CPR participant guide or equivalent, school shop floor plan. | Skills checklist completed by instructor for each student: CPR rate and depth within AHA-acceptable range, correct bleeding-control technique demonstrated, correct eye-wash procedure demonstrated; pass requires all three skills rated 'satisfactory' on the checklist. |
| 3 | Trade Math I: Whole Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, and Measurement | 24 | theory | Students accurately convert between fractions and decimals, read a folding rule and tape measure to the nearest 1/16 inch, and calculate perimeter, area, and volume for rectangular and L-shaped masonry surfaces. |
| 25-foot tape measures (one per student), folding rules, pencils, graph paper, construction calculator app (tablet or phone), NCCER Core Curriculum textbook (current edition) math chapters, instructor-created problem sets, answer keys. | Graded problem set of 25 items covering unit conversion, measurement reading, and area/volume calculation; pass = 80% or higher; instructor also spot-checks measurement readings on physical tape measure for any student scoring below 80%. |
| 4 | Trade Math II: Ratios, Proportions, Percentages, and Material Estimating | 20 | theory | Students apply ratios and proportions to calculate mortar mix proportions and brick/block counts for a specified wall, incorporating a standard waste allowance to produce a complete materials takeoff. |
| NCCER Core Curriculum textbook math chapters, instructor-created project sketches, calculators, tablets with construction calculator app, sample mortar mix specification sheets (Type S, Type N, Type M per ASTM standards), blank materials takeoff forms. | Graded materials takeoff for a moderately complex wall (one door, two windows); pass = brick count within ±5% of instructor answer key and correct mortar ratio proportions; instructor checks work shown for ratio and waste-factor steps. |
| 5 | Reading Construction Drawings and Specifications | 24 | theory | Students locate and interpret information from a masonry set of construction drawings—including plan views, elevations, sections, and details—and identify the applicable specification sections that govern materials and workmanship on a masonry project. |
| Full-size masonry project print set (or high-quality reproductions, minimum 24×36 in), architect's scale rulers, specification section excerpts (sample CSI-format masonry spec), drawing scavenger hunt worksheets, NCCER Core Curriculum chapter on blueprint reading, pencils. | Drawing interpretation quiz: 20 questions requiring students to extract specific data (dimensions, material callouts, section references) from the provided print set; pass = 80% or higher; instructor monitors scale-reading accuracy during exercise. |
| 6 | Digital Tools, Technical Communication, and Workplace Documents | 20 | demo | Students use a tablet or smartphone to access NCCER curriculum resources, complete a digital timesheet, send a professionally formatted work-related email, and locate a current Safety Data Sheet for a masonry product. |
| Tablets or laptops (one per student), school Wi-Fi access, NCCER student portal access, sample SDS binder with current SDS for Portland cement, mortar pigment, and masonry cleaner, email account access, instructor-created scenario cards, NCCER Core Curriculum chapter on communication. | Instructor evaluates each student's email for professional format and accuracy (rubric: subject line, greeting, clear message, correct closing, no spelling errors in key terms; pass = 4 of 5 rubric items met) and checks SDS worksheet for correct identification of hazard class, first-aid measure, and PPE for all three products. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Masonry Industry, Employment, and Professional Conduct | 20 | theory | Students produce a complete, accurate resume and cover letter tailored to an entry-level masonry helper or apprentice posting, and demonstrate professional interview responses to at least five common masonry employer questions during a mock interview. |
| Resume template (Word or Google Docs), cover letter template, mock job postings (two sample masonry helper/apprentice listings), peer feedback checklist, interview question bank (instructor-created, 15 questions), NCCER Core Curriculum career chapter, local union apprenticeship program contact information. | Resume evaluated on rubric: complete contact information, accurate credential listing (OSHA 10, CPR, NCCER Core), no factual errors, professional formatting; pass = all required sections present and no major formatting or factual errors; mock interview pass = student provides clear, relevant responses to at least 4 of 5 evaluated questions as rated by instructor observation rubric. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 End-of-Course Knowledge Assessment | Written exam | 25% | Score at or above the threshold established by the OSHA Outreach authorized trainer program (commonly 70% correct); students who do not pass on the first attempt receive targeted review and one retake opportunity within the lesson block. | The official OSHA 10 Construction Outreach knowledge assessment administered by the authorized trainer at the conclusion of the Lesson 1 block, covering all required OSHA 10 Construction topic areas including fall protection, scaffolding, struck-by, caught-in/between, electrical, and worker rights. Students who pass receive an OSHA 10 wallet card through the authorized trainer. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math and Blueprint Reading Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40 of 50 points); students scoring below 80% receive a targeted remediation session and one retake using an alternate form. | A 50-item written exam combining the math skills from Lessons 3 and 4 (measurement, area, volume, ratios, material estimating with waste factor) with blueprint reading tasks from Lesson 5 (dimension extraction from a printed masonry elevation and section, identification of mortar type from a specification excerpt). This exam maps to the NCCER Masonry Level 1 Core and introductory masonry module knowledge-check areas. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Materials Takeoff and Communication Portfolio | Project | 25% | Rubric score of 75% or higher across all four components (takeoff accuracy, SDS documentation, professional email, resume); any single component scored below 60% must be resubmitted within one week. | A project portfolio containing: (1) a complete materials takeoff for an instructor-provided masonry wall sketch with window and door openings, showing all calculations and waste-factor adjustments; (2) a completed SDS summary sheet for two masonry products; (3) a revised, final professional email addressing a jobsite scenario; and (4) a final resume and cover letter ready for submission to a masonry employer. The portfolio demonstrates integration of Lessons 4, 5, and 6 competencies. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career Readiness Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | Instructor rates student responses using a four-category rubric (industry knowledge, professional communication, safety awareness, self-presentation); pass = 'satisfactory' or above in all four categories; a single 'unsatisfactory' rating requires a second interview session within one week. | A 10-minute structured oral interview conducted by the instructor (and, where available, an invited masonry industry guest) in which the student responds to five questions drawn from the course interview question bank plus two spontaneous follow-up questions. The student must also verbally explain one entry on their resume and describe one OSHA standard relevant to masonry work, demonstrating integration of career readiness, communication, and safety knowledge from across all seven lessons. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
BLD-MASO04-02 Trade course
Brick Masonry: Materials, Bonds, and Coursed Wall Construction
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
This course introduces learners to the properties, grades, and sizes of fired clay and concrete brick; correct mortar joint profiles; and the hand skills needed to lay straight, plumb, and level coursed brick walls. Students practice the fundamental bonds—running, common, and stack—and build toward constructing a free-standing single-wythe practice wall meeting NCCER Masonry Level 1 competency benchmarks.
Outcomes- Identify and select brick by ASTM type, grade, and size for a specified application without error.
- Mix and apply Type S mortar to achieve full bed and head joints within the ±3/8-inch tolerance required by NCCER standards.
- Lay a minimum six-course single-wythe running-bond wall that is plumb within 1/4 inch and level within 1/8 inch per 4-foot run.
- Execute correct struck, concave, and weathered joint tooling profiles and explain each profile's weather-resistance performance.
- Apply PPE requirements and OSHA fall-protection and silica-dust exposure controls specific to brick masonry operations.
- Read and interpret a masonry working drawing to determine coursing height, bond pattern, and material takeoff quantities.
Course text
This course introduces learners to the properties, grades, and sizes of fired clay and concrete brick; correct mortar joint profiles; and the hand skills needed to lay straight, plumb, and level coursed brick walls. Students practice the fundamental bonds—running, common, and stack—and build toward constructing a free-standing single-wythe practice wall meeting NCCER Masonry Level 1 competency benchmarks.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Brick Classification, Properties, and Selection; Silica Dust Safety, PPE, and Brick-Cutting Hazard Controls; Mortar Mixing, Consistency, and Joint Profiles for Brick; Reading Masonry Working Drawings and Coursing Tables; Layout Tools and Establishing the First Course; Building Corner Leads and Running Bond Wall Courses; Cutting Brick and Finishing: Closures, Openings, and Cleanup.
What competent looks like. Identify and select brick by ASTM type, grade, and size for a specified application without error. Mix and apply Type S mortar to achieve full bed and head joints within the ±3/8-inch tolerance required by NCCER standards. Lay a minimum six-course single-wythe running-bond wall that is plumb within 1/4 inch and level within 1/8 inch per 4-foot run. Execute correct struck, concave, and weathered joint tooling profiles and explain each profile's weather-resistance performance. Apply PPE requirements and OSHA fall-protection and silica-dust exposure controls specific to brick masonry operations. Read and interpret a masonry working drawing to determine coursing height, bond pattern, and material takeoff quantities.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brick Classification, Properties, and Selection | 10 | theory | Given a set of brick samples and a specification sheet, the learner will correctly classify each brick by ASTM type and grade and justify the selection for a described application. |
| Assorted brick samples (SW, MW, FBS, FBX), NCCER Masonry Level 1 participant module, ASTM C62 and C216 summary handouts, calculators, selection-and-takeoff worksheet | Scored worksheet and oral justification during group presentation; learner must correctly classify at least 8 of 10 sample bricks and achieve 80% or higher on the takeoff calculation worksheet. |
| 2 | Silica Dust Safety, PPE, and Brick-Cutting Hazard Controls | 8 | demo | The learner will don correct PPE, set up wet-cutting controls or local exhaust ventilation on a masonry saw, and recite the OSHA respirable crystalline silica Table 1 engineering controls applicable to masonry cutting. |
| Masonry wet saw, blade guards, water-delivery system, N95 and half-face respirators with OV/P100 cartridges, safety glasses, face shield, hearing protection, leather gloves, OSHA Silica Table 1 wallet card, PPE checklist, scenario quiz sheets | Instructor observes each learner don PPE without prompting and correctly configure the wet saw; all seven checklist items must be marked satisfactory (100% pass—no partial credit on safety steps). Scenario quiz scored 80% or higher. |
| 3 | Mortar Mixing, Consistency, and Joint Profiles for Brick | 12 | lab | The learner will batch and hand-mix a Type S mortar to correct proportions, assess workability by slump, and produce at least three specified joint profiles (concave, struck, weathered) on a cured sample panel. |
| Mechanical mortar mixer, Portland cement, masonry cement Type S, hydrated lime, masonry sand, water, measuring buckets, scale, brick samples (for panel), jointing iron, margin trowel, flat jointer, rubber mallet, level, NCCER Masonry Level 1 module, lab log booklets | Lab log entry checked for correct proportions and recorded observations; joint profiles evaluated by instructor against NCCER rubric—each of three profiles must show uniform depth and smooth finish with no voids; 80% of scored criteria must be met to pass. |
| 4 | Reading Masonry Working Drawings and Coursing Tables | 8 | theory | Given a set of masonry working drawings, the learner will extract bond pattern, coursing height, opening locations, and material quantities without instructor assistance. |
| Printed masonry working drawing set (plan, elevation, section), architectural scale rules, NCCER Masonry Level 1 module (drawing-reading chapter), coursing table reference card, calculators, blank takeoff forms | Individual drawing exercise scored by instructor; learner must correctly identify all five labeled features on the elevation and calculate materials within 5% of the answer key to pass at 80% or higher. |
| 5 | Layout Tools and Establishing the First Course | 12 | demo | The learner will use a story pole, mason's level, corner blocks, and line pins to dry-bond a full first course of brick to a chalk-line layout and confirm it is level and square before mortaring. |
| Mason's chalk line and chalk, 4-foot mason's level, 2-foot torpedo level, corner blocks, line pins, mason's string line, gauge rod, story poles (shop-made 1×2 lumber), tape measure, dry brick supply, marked concrete slab sections in lab | Instructor measures completed dry-bond first course for level (within 1/8 inch across the run) and equal head-joint spacing (within 1/4 inch of nominal); both criteria must be met before the learner advances to mortared coursing. |
| 6 | Building Corner Leads and Running Bond Wall Courses | 22 | practice | The learner will build a two-corner-lead, six-course running-bond practice wall section that is plumb within 1/4 inch, level within 1/8 inch per 4-foot run, and has full bed and head joints within the 3/8-inch tolerance. |
| Fired clay standard modular brick (sufficient for practice walls), pre-batched Type S mortar, trowels (brick and margin), jointing iron, 4-foot mason's level, torpedo level, line blocks, string line, story pole, rubber mallet, joint raker, brush, sponge, lab log booklets, tolerance checklist | Instructor measures each completed wall using a tolerance checklist: plumb ≤1/4 inch over six courses, level ≤1/8 inch per 4-foot run, all joints 3/8 inch ±1/8 inch, no voids visible when joint is raked; learner must meet all four criteria to pass the skills demonstration assessment. |
| 7 | Cutting Brick and Finishing: Closures, Openings, and Cleanup | 9 | lab | The learner will safely cut closure bricks to a marked dimension using a masonry wet saw and a brick hammer and bolster, install them into a pre-built wall opening without cracking adjacent courses, and clean the finished panel to a mortar-free surface. |
| Masonry wet saw with guard and water supply, brick hammer, cold chisel/bolster, combination square, pencil, PPE kit (N95 respirator, face shield, hearing protection, gloves), closure bricks, Type S mortar, trowel, jointing iron, buckets, sponges, clean water, NCCER Masonry Level 1 module (cleaning section) | Each cut closure brick is measured: dimension within 1/8 inch of marked length and face square within 3 degrees; installed closures must meet the same plumb/level/joint tolerance as Lesson 6; cleaned panel must show no mortar smear visible at arm's length. All criteria must pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick Masonry Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (32 of 40 questions) | A 40-question multiple-choice exam covering ASTM brick types and grades, mortar proportions and ASTM C270 Type S designation, bond pattern identification, coursing math, joint profile names and weather-resistance rankings, and reading masonry drawings. Questions are aligned to NCCER Masonry Level 1 module content areas so that results predict readiness for the NCCER written assessment. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Six-Course Running Bond Wall Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All four tolerance criteria met: plumb ≤1/4 inch, level ≤1/8 inch per 4-foot run, joints 3/8 inch ±1/8 inch, no voids; scored pass/fail per criterion—all four must be satisfied | Each learner independently lays a six-course, single-wythe running-bond wall section on a prepared base without instructor assistance, then tools all joints and cleans the panel. The instructor evaluates the finished wall against a four-criterion rubric mirroring NCCER Masonry Level 1 performance task standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | 75% of entries scored satisfactory (S) on the rubric; any entry receiving Unsatisfactory (U) on a safety item must be corrected and resubmitted | Learners maintain a bound lab log throughout the course capturing mortar batch records, tool setup checklists, self-assessment measurements, and reflective notes on errors and corrections from every hands-on lesson. The instructor reviews and scores each entry using a four-point rubric assessing completeness, accuracy of recorded measurements, and quality of written reflection. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety Practices Observation Checklist | Safety audit | 15% | 100% satisfactory on all seven safety behaviors; any single failure requires immediate remediation and re-observation before the learner continues hands-on work | The instructor completes a structured observation checklist at two unannounced points during the practice and lab lessons, verifying that the learner: correctly dons and wears all required PPE, activates wet-cutting controls before starting the saw, keeps non-participants outside the cutting zone, stores mortar materials safely, and follows tool-handling procedures. This checkpoint maps directly to the OSHA 10 Construction hazard-recognition competency. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-03 Trade course
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Block Construction
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skills required to lay concrete masonry units (CMU) for structural and non-structural walls, including proper mortar application, coursing, reinforcement, and quality control. Students learn to read block-wall drawings, set up story poles, maintain plumb and level across multiple courses, and comply with safety standards specific to block masonry operations. Lessons align with NCCER Masonry Level 1 and Level 2 core competencies for unit masonry and wall systems.
Outcomes- Identify CMU types, nominal dimensions, and ASTM classifications and select the correct unit for a given application.
- Mix and apply mortar to face shells and cross webs of CMU to achieve full bed joints and consistent head joints meeting specification tolerances.
- Lay a running-bond CMU wall of at least eight courses, maintaining plumb, level, and alignment within 1/8-inch tolerance per 10 feet.
- Set up and use a story pole, line blocks, and mason's line to control coursing height and horizontal alignment across an entire wall.
- Install horizontal joint reinforcement and describe the purpose and placement of vertical reinforcing bars and grout fills in reinforced CMU construction.
- Demonstrate safe material-handling practices for CMU, including proper lifting mechanics, scaffold inspection, and PPE use consistent with OSHA standards.
Course text
This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skills required to lay concrete masonry units (CMU) for structural and non-structural walls, including proper mortar application, coursing, reinforcement, and quality control. Students learn to read block-wall drawings, set up story poles, maintain plumb and level across multiple courses, and comply with safety standards specific to block masonry operations. Lessons align with NCCER Masonry Level 1 and Level 2 core competencies for unit masonry and wall systems.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: CMU Materials: Types, Sizes, and Specifications; Safety for Block Masonry: Material Handling, PPE, and Scaffold Basics; Mortar for CMU: Mix Design, Consistency, and Joint Application; Laying the First Course: Dry Bond, Layout, and Corner Setup; Building Up: Story Pole, Coursing, and Multi-Course Walls; Reinforced CMU: Joint Reinforcement, Rebar, and Grouting Fundamentals; Quality Control, Tolerances, and Inspection Readiness.
What competent looks like. Identify CMU types, nominal dimensions, and ASTM classifications and select the correct unit for a given application. Mix and apply mortar to face shells and cross webs of CMU to achieve full bed joints and consistent head joints meeting specification tolerances. Lay a running-bond CMU wall of at least eight courses, maintaining plumb, level, and alignment within 1/8-inch tolerance per 10 feet. Set up and use a story pole, line blocks, and mason's line to control coursing height and horizontal alignment across an entire wall. Install horizontal joint reinforcement and describe the purpose and placement of vertical reinforcing bars and grout fills in reinforced CMU construction. Demonstrate safe material-handling practices for CMU, including proper lifting mechanics, scaffold inspection, and PPE use consistent with OSHA standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CMU Materials: Types, Sizes, and Specifications | 9 | theory | Given a set of CMU samples and a project specification, students will correctly identify unit type, nominal versus actual dimensions, and applicable ASTM standard for each unit with 100% accuracy. |
| CMU sample set (six unit types), measuring tapes, calipers, ASTM C90 standard (classroom copy), NCCER Masonry Level 1 module on masonry units, whiteboard, projector | Scored identification worksheet: student must correctly name unit type, record actual dimensions within 1/16-inch, and cite the correct ASTM standard for all six samples; passing score is 80% (5 of 6 correct across all three criteria per unit). |
| 2 | Safety for Block Masonry: Material Handling, PPE, and Scaffold Basics | 10 | demo | Students will demonstrate proper manual lifting technique for CMU, correctly don required PPE, and complete a scaffold pre-use inspection checklist without any critical errors. |
| Full PPE sets per student (safety glasses, N95 or higher dust respirator, leather gloves, hard hat, steel-toed boots), tubular-frame scaffold with three planted deficiencies, OSHA scaffold inspection checklist, CMU blocks for lifting practice, NCCER Safety module reference cards | Instructor observes and signs off: student must don all five PPE items correctly, perform team lift without back-rounding, and identify all three scaffold deficiencies on the checklist; any missed deficiency or unsafe lift posture requires immediate remediation and recheck before student proceeds to hands-on block work. |
| 3 | Mortar for CMU: Mix Design, Consistency, and Joint Application | 12 | lab | Students will batch a Type S mortar mix by weight or volume to specification, achieve proper consistency verified by slump, and apply full face-shell bed joints and head joints on CMU meeting the 3/8-inch joint thickness standard. |
| Mortar mixer, portland cement or masonry cement, masonry sand, lime (if applicable), calibrated volume buckets, water supply, mortar boards, hawk and trowels (brick and margin), CMU stretcher blocks, 4-foot level, joint filler rod, lab log notebooks, NCCER Masonry Level 1 mortar module | Lab log entry reviewed by instructor: mortar proportions must match specified Type S ratio; joint thickness at all three measured locations must be 3/8 inch ± 1/8 inch; face shells must show full contact with no visible voids larger than 1/2 inch; passing standard requires all three criteria met. |
| 4 | Laying the First Course: Dry Bond, Layout, and Corner Setup | 14 | practice | Students will dry-bond a running-bond CMU wall segment on a prepared footing form, mark head-joint locations, and lay a fully mortared first course that is level across its length within 1/8 inch and square at the corners within 1/8 inch over a 10-foot run. |
| Prepared footing forms or slab surface, CMU stretcher and half blocks, story pole (instructor-prepared for this module), mason's line and line blocks, 4-foot level, 2-foot level, steel square, tape measure, pencil, chalk line, mortar boards, trowels, rubber mallet, NCCER Masonry Level 1 unit masonry module | Instructor measures completed first course: level tolerance ≤ 1/8 inch across full length, corner square within 1/8 inch (3-4-5 diagonal check), all head joints 3/8 inch ± 1/8 inch; any measurement outside tolerance requires student to reset the deficient section before advancing. |
| 5 | Building Up: Story Pole, Coursing, and Multi-Course Walls | 16 | practice | Using a story pole graduated for CMU coursing, students will build a running-bond CMU wall to eight courses high, maintaining plumb within 1/8 inch per 4 feet and matching the story-pole course marks at every course. |
| CMU stretcher, half, and corner blocks, story poles (student-fabricated), mason's line, line blocks, 4-foot level, 2-foot level, plumb bob or digital level, trowels, jointing tool (5/8-inch convex), mortar boards, mortar mixer, lab log notebooks, NCCER Masonry Level 1 unit masonry module | Instructor checks completed 8-course wall using story pole and level: plumb on both faces ≤ 1/8 inch per 4 feet, coursing height at every course within 1/8 inch of story-pole mark, joints tooled to a concave profile with no cracks or voids; student must meet all three criteria to pass; deficient sections are documented and corrected. |
| 6 | Reinforced CMU: Joint Reinforcement, Rebar, and Grouting Fundamentals | 12 | demo | Students will correctly install ladder-type horizontal joint reinforcement at specified intervals in a CMU wall and describe the placement sequence for vertical rebar and grout fills as required by a given structural detail. |
| CMU stretcher, corner, and bond-beam blocks, ladder-type joint reinforcement (galvanized), vertical rebar (size as specified on detail), mortar boards, trowels, tape measure, ruler, wall section drawings, worksheet, NCCER Masonry Level 2 module on reinforced masonry, whiteboard | Instructor inspects installed joint reinforcement: embedment in mortar bed correct, lap splice length meets detail, reinforcement continuous with no gaps; worksheet scored — student must answer 4 of 5 questions correctly; both criteria must be met to pass. |
| 7 | Quality Control, Tolerances, and Inspection Readiness | 8 | lab | Students will conduct a systematic quality-control inspection of a completed CMU wall panel using standard masonry tolerances, document findings on an inspection form, and identify corrective actions for any out-of-tolerance conditions. |
| 4-foot level, 8-foot straightedge, story pole, tape measure, feeler gauge, completed CMU wall panels from Lessons 5 and 6, QC inspection form (instructor-prepared), NCCER Masonry Level 1 and Level 2 reference modules, pencils, lab log notebooks | Completed inspection form reviewed by instructor: student must record all eight required measurements with correct units, correctly classify each as pass or fail against the stated tolerance, and write a plausible corrective action for each failure; passing standard is 80% of entries accurate (measurement, classification, and corrective action all correct for that entry). |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMU Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (30 of 40 items correct) | A 40-item written exam covering CMU unit types and ASTM classification, mortar types and mix proportions for block work, coursing mathematics and story-pole layout, reinforced masonry terminology and placement sequences, and standard quality-control tolerances. Questions are multiple-choice and short-answer formatted to mirror NCCER Masonry Level 1 and Level 2 module assessments. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| CMU Wall Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All four criteria rated Satisfactory (S); any Unsatisfactory (U) rating requires remediation and one re-demonstration | The student builds an eight-course running-bond CMU wall segment including a corner lead, horizontal joint reinforcement at the specified course, and tooled concave joints; an instructor evaluator scores four criteria on a rubric: mortar application (full face-shell bedding, correct joint thickness), dimensional accuracy (plumb ≤ 1/8 inch per 4 feet, coursing matches story pole), joint reinforcement installation (correct placement and lap), and joint finishing (tooled to thumbprint hardness, consistent profile). This skills demonstration maps directly to NCCER Masonry Level 1 performance profile tasks for unit masonry. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | Entries complete and accurate for all seven lessons; minimum score of 80% on the instructor rubric across all entries | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course documenting mortar batch records (proportions and slump results), dry-bond layout sketches and photographs, story-pole markings and course-height measurements, reinforcement installation notes, and QC inspection forms. The portfolio is evaluated at the end of the course using a rubric assessing completeness, measurement accuracy, and the quality of corrective-action notes. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Block Work Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical errors; any critical error results in immediate remediation and mandatory recheck before the student continues hands-on work | A live, unannounced observation conducted by the instructor during Lesson 5 or 6 in which the evaluator uses a 12-item checklist to confirm the student is wearing all required PPE, using correct lifting mechanics for CMU, setting up and working from scaffold without prohibited behaviors (such as overreaching or standing on the guardrail), and maintaining a clear work area free of trip hazards. Critical items include PPE compliance, scaffold safety, and lift technique; all must be rated Satisfactory. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-04 Trade course
Stone Masonry: Selection, Layout, and Construction
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to identify, select, and lay natural and manufactured stone using proper mortar, layout, and jointing techniques for both structural and veneer applications. The course covers stone types, coursing patterns, cutting and shaping methods, drainage considerations, and NCCER Masonry Level 1–2 stone-related competencies. Emphasis is placed on safe tool use, accurate layout, and producing plumb, level, and aesthetically consistent stonework.
Outcomes- Identify and classify common natural and manufactured stone by type, origin, and structural properties, selecting appropriate units for a given application.
- Lay out and execute running, random rubble, ashlar, and coursed ashlar patterns within specified tolerances for plumb, level, and alignment.
- Mix and apply mortar compatible with stone type and application, achieving correct joint width, depth, and finish.
- Use angle grinders, wet saws, chisels, and hand hammers to cut and shape stone safely, wearing required PPE and following established lockout/tagout procedures.
- Read and interpret masonry drawings and project specifications to select stone, determine coursing, and plan drainage details for stone walls and veneer.
- Document completed stonework with a written inspection checklist that meets project specifications and employer quality-control standards.
Course text
Students learn to identify, select, and lay natural and manufactured stone using proper mortar, layout, and jointing techniques for both structural and veneer applications. The course covers stone types, coursing patterns, cutting and shaping methods, drainage considerations, and NCCER Masonry Level 1–2 stone-related competencies. Emphasis is placed on safe tool use, accurate layout, and producing plumb, level, and aesthetically consistent stonework.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Stone Types, Properties, and Selection; Safety for Stone Work: PPE, Tool Hazards, and Silica Control; Stone Layout: Reading Drawings, Coursing, and Dry-Stack Planning; Mortar for Stone: Mix Design, Consistency, and Bedding Technique; Cutting and Shaping Stone: Hand Tools and Power Equipment; Building a Stone Wall Panel: Coursed Ashlar and Random Rubble Applications; Jointing, Cleaning, and Finishing Stone Surfaces.
What competent looks like. Identify and classify common natural and manufactured stone by type, origin, and structural properties, selecting appropriate units for a given application. Lay out and execute running, random rubble, ashlar, and coursed ashlar patterns within specified tolerances for plumb, level, and alignment. Mix and apply mortar compatible with stone type and application, achieving correct joint width, depth, and finish. Use angle grinders, wet saws, chisels, and hand hammers to cut and shape stone safely, wearing required PPE and following established lockout/tagout procedures. Read and interpret masonry drawings and project specifications to select stone, determine coursing, and plan drainage details for stone walls and veneer. Document completed stonework with a written inspection checklist that meets project specifications and employer quality-control standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stone Types, Properties, and Selection | 10 | theory | Students will classify at least six common natural stone types and three manufactured stone products by origin, physical properties, and appropriate construction application with no more than one error on a written identification quiz. |
| Stone specimen library (minimum 12 samples), manufacturer spec sheets, NCCER Masonry Level 1 Core and Level 2 Stone modules, student notebooks, classification worksheets | Written identification quiz: correctly classify 10 of 12 stone samples by type and appropriate use (83% pass mark). |
| 2 | Safety for Stone Work: PPE, Tool Hazards, and Silica Control | 8 | theory | Students will identify the personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and work practices required to reduce silica dust exposure and power-tool injury risks when cutting and laying stone to OSHA standards. |
| OSHA silica standard fact sheet for masonry, PPE inventory (respirators, safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, gloves, boots), LOTO lockout kit, wet saw and angle grinder (de-energized for demo), PPE donning checklist, LOTO log | PPE donning checklist: student correctly selects and wears all required PPE for stone cutting in one attempt with zero omissions; LOTO steps completed in correct sequence with zero procedural errors before being cleared to use power tools. |
| 3 | Stone Layout: Reading Drawings, Coursing, and Dry-Stack Planning | 10 | demo | Students will read a simple masonry drawing for a stone wall, calculate coursing heights and unit quantities, and produce a dry-stack layout of an assigned pattern that is plumb within 1/8 inch and level within 1/8 inch over a 4-foot run. |
| Stone masonry working drawings (program-produced), scale rules, story pole, chalk line, 4-foot level, plumb bob, tape measure, layout log forms, dry stone units (ashlar blocks or manufactured stone) | Layout log reviewed by instructor: dry-stack wall plumb within 1/8 inch and level within 1/8 inch at all four check points before student advances to mortar work. |
| 4 | Mortar for Stone: Mix Design, Consistency, and Bedding Technique | 10 | lab | Students will select a mortar type appropriate for a given stone application, batch and mix mortar to the correct consistency, and bed three courses of stone with full head and bed joints showing no voids larger than 3/4 inch. |
| Masonry cement (Type S), masonry sand, water, mixing trough, margin trowel, brick trowel, rubber mallet, straightedge, 4-foot level, mortar log forms, NCCER Masonry Level 2 Stone module, safety glasses, gloves | Mortar log and instructor observation: correct mortar type selected with written justification; mix passes drop-test consistency check; bedded stone shows no voids larger than 3/4 inch on any joint when checked with a straightedge (instructor verification required before moving to next course). |
| 5 | Cutting and Shaping Stone: Hand Tools and Power Equipment | 15 | practice | Students will safely cut stone to a marked dimension using both hand tools (chisel and hammer) and a wet saw, producing a finished face within 1/4 inch of the target dimension and a clean, safe cut edge. |
| Sandstone and limestone slabs, wet saw with diamond blade, angle grinder with diamond cup wheel, chisel set, 2-pound mason's hammer, pitching chisel, rubber mallet, soapstone pencils, tape measure, rubbing stone, LOTO lockout kit, face shields, P100 respirators, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, cut log forms | Cut log reviewed by instructor: two cuts within 1/4 inch of target dimension; no chipping beyond the cut line greater than 1/2 inch; LOTO procedure and PPE donning observed and signed off by instructor before any power tool is energized. |
| 6 | Building a Stone Wall Panel: Coursed Ashlar and Random Rubble Applications | 18 | lab | Students will build a freestanding single-wythe stone wall panel at least 3 feet long and 4 courses high, selecting units, cutting as needed, setting in mortar, and finishing joints to produce a wall plumb within 1/4 inch, level within 1/8 inch per 4-foot run, and free of open joints. |
| Assorted natural and manufactured stone units, Type S mortar materials, mixing trough, brick and margin trowels, rubber mallet, wet saw, chisel set, mason's hammer, 4-foot level, plumb bob, line blocks and line, convex jointer, sponge, quality-control checklist, student layout sketch paper | Instructor inspection with quality-control checklist: wall plumb within 1/4 inch over full height, level within 1/8 inch per 4-foot run, no open joints, bond stones present at specified intervals, joints tooled uniformly—student must pass all five checklist categories to receive credit for the lab. |
| 7 | Jointing, Cleaning, and Finishing Stone Surfaces | 10 | practice | Students will tool, point, and clean a completed stone wall panel, selecting the correct joint profile for the stone type and producing a uniform finish free of mortar staining that meets the project specification. |
| Convex jointer, raking tool, margin trowel, mortar hawk, soft-bristle brush, water and buckets, clean rags, work lights for raking inspection, final inspection form, student notebooks, NCCER Masonry Level 2 Stone module | Final inspection form reviewed by instructor: all joints tooled to the specified profile, no open joints visible, no mortar staining on face stone larger than 1 square inch per linear foot—75% or more of inspection criteria met to pass; deficiencies listed must be corrected before the skills demonstration assessment. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Masonry Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (30 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question written exam covering stone classification, mortar type selection, coursing patterns, joint profiles, silica hazard controls, and NCCER Masonry Level 1–2 stone module vocabulary. Questions are multiple-choice and short-answer, mapped to NCCER Masonry Level 1 Core and Level 2 Stone competency areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Stone Wall Construction Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Pass all five rated categories on the instructor evaluation rubric with no category rated below 'acceptable' | The student independently builds a specified 3-course stone panel (minimum 3 feet long) using assigned stone type and mortar, cutting at least one unit to fit, tooling joints, and cleaning the face—evaluated by the instructor on unit selection, mortar application, plumb/level tolerance, joint profile consistency, and face cleanliness. This performance maps to NCCER Masonry Level 2 Stone hands-on task requirements. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All seven lesson lab logs submitted; average score of 75% or higher across scored entries | Students submit a compiled log of all in-class activities including the mortar decision chart, cut log, quality-control checklist, final inspection form, and self-assessment rubrics from each lesson; the portfolio demonstrates progressive skill development and is reviewed for completeness, accuracy of recorded measurements, and quality of written self-evaluations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety and Hazard-Control Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical errors; all items on the safety checklist marked 'satisfactory' in a single observed session | Before any graded skills work, the instructor observes each student perform: full PPE selection and donning for stone cutting, the wet saw LOTO procedure, and verbal identification of at least three silica-dust engineering controls; a single critical error (e.g., missing respirator, skipping energy isolation) results in immediate stop and required remediation before re-attempt. This check maps to OSHA 10 Outreach training objectives for construction hazard recognition. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-05 Trade course
Mortar: Composition, Mixing, and Application
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skill to select, proportion, mix, and apply mortars correctly for brick, block, stone, and veneer masonry in accordance with industry standards. Students learn how mortar type affects structural performance, workability, and durability, and they practice mixing by volume and with mechanical mixers to produce consistent, code-compliant batches. Lessons connect directly to NCCER Masonry Level 1 and Level 2 core competencies in materials and layout.
Outcomes- Identify ASTM mortar types (M, S, N, O, K) and select the correct type for a given structural or exposure condition
- Calculate water-to-cement ratios and batch quantities by volume using trade math to produce mortar within specified proportions
- Operate a portable drum mixer safely, clean equipment after use, and dispose of wash water in compliance with environmental rules
- Demonstrate hand-mixing and mechanical mixing techniques that achieve proper consistency, workability, and set time for each mortar type
- Apply mortar to bed and head joints at specified thickness using a trowel, achieving full coverage and consistent joint width verified by gauge rod
- Diagnose and correct common mortar defects—including cracking, efflorescence, poor bond, and premature stiffening—using industry troubleshooting methods
Course text
This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skill to select, proportion, mix, and apply mortars correctly for brick, block, stone, and veneer masonry in accordance with industry standards. Students learn how mortar type affects structural performance, workability, and durability, and they practice mixing by volume and with mechanical mixers to produce consistent, code-compliant batches. Lessons connect directly to NCCER Masonry Level 1 and Level 2 core competencies in materials and layout.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Mortar Fundamentals: Ingredients, Chemistry, and ASTM Types; Mortar Safety: Hazard Recognition, PPE, and Environmental Rules; Aggregates and Water: Quality Standards and Proportioning Math; Hand Mixing and Mechanical Mixing: Technique and Equipment Operation; Mortar Application: Trowel Technique, Joint Width, and Bed Coverage; Mortar Defects, Repointing, and Quality Control; Mortar Mix Design Review, Troubleshooting Scenarios, and Lab Portfolio Completion.
What competent looks like. Identify ASTM mortar types (M, S, N, O, K) and select the correct type for a given structural or exposure condition. Calculate water-to-cement ratios and batch quantities by volume using trade math to produce mortar within specified proportions. Operate a portable drum mixer safely, clean equipment after use, and dispose of wash water in compliance with environmental rules. Demonstrate hand-mixing and mechanical mixing techniques that achieve proper consistency, workability, and set time for each mortar type. Apply mortar to bed and head joints at specified thickness using a trowel, achieving full coverage and consistent joint width verified by gauge rod. Diagnose and correct common mortar defects—including cracking, efflorescence, poor bond, and premature stiffening—using industry troubleshooting methods.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mortar Fundamentals: Ingredients, Chemistry, and ASTM Types | 10 | theory | Students will classify Portland cement, masonry cement, hydrated lime, sand, and water by function and identify the five ASTM C270 mortar types and their proportions from memory |
| ASTM C270 standard (instructor copy for reference), NCCER Masonry Level 1 Core Curriculum module on masonry materials, sample bags of Type I/II Portland cement, masonry cement, hydrated lime, and masonry sand, whiteboard, scenario card set | Exit quiz of 15 multiple-choice questions covering ingredient roles, type proportions, and selection criteria; passing score 75%; students who score below 75% complete targeted re-read and retake before next lesson |
| 2 | Mortar Safety: Hazard Recognition, PPE, and Environmental Rules | 8 | theory | Students will identify the specific chemical hazards of Portland cement and lime (alkalinity, silica dust), select and inspect correct PPE for mixing operations, and state proper wash-water disposal procedures before handling any materials |
| SDS documents for Portland cement, masonry cement, and hydrated lime (manufacturer-current); full PPE kit for each student; OSHA Respirable Crystalline Silica standard for Construction (29 CFR 1926.1153) summary sheet; OSHA 10 Construction reference booklet | Instructor observes PPE don-and-inspect drill and marks checklist (gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, footwear all correctly selected and worn); 100% of checklist items correct required to proceed to mixing labs; students with any missed item repeat drill same day |
| 3 | Aggregates and Water: Quality Standards and Proportioning Math | 10 | theory | Students will evaluate sand gradation requirements per ASTM C144, calculate batch quantities by volume using the proportion specification, and adjust batch size for a given output using trade math |
| ASTM C144 standard summary, ASTM C270 proportion table (laminated student copies), set of ASTM wire-mesh sieves (No. 4, 8, 16, 30, 50, 100, 200), balance scale, masonry sand sample, graph paper templates, calculators | Scored proportion math worksheet: students must correctly solve at least five of six problems (83%) with all unit labels shown; instructor reviews each paper and provides written feedback before lab sessions begin |
| 4 | Hand Mixing and Mechanical Mixing: Technique and Equipment Operation | 14 | demo | Students will demonstrate safe start-up, loading sequence, mixing duration, and shut-down of a portable drum mixer, and produce a hand-mixed mortar batch that meets specified consistency using the slump or penetration test |
| Portable drum mixer (6 or 9 cubic foot electric), mortar boards (one per pair), masonry hoes, buckets, graduated mixing tubs, Type I/II Portland cement, hydrated lime, masonry sand, clean water supply, penetration test equipment or slump cone, PPE kit per student, procedure card handout | Instructor 10-point technique checklist: students must score 8 of 10 (80%); any item scored zero on safety (e.g., PPE not worn, wash water dumped in drain) is an automatic retest; pairs who score below 8 repeat under direct supervision before solo practice |
| 5 | Mortar Application: Trowel Technique, Joint Width, and Bed Coverage | 18 | lab | Students will apply mortar bed and head joints to achieve a specified thickness of 3/8 inch with full coverage across the unit face, verified by pulling a unit and measuring coverage area |
| Brick units (used practice brick acceptable), pre-mixed Type S mortar, pointing trowels (various sizes), margin trowels, gauge rods, story poles, levels, mason's line and line blocks, grid overlay transparency, PPE kit per student, mortar boards, mixing equipment | Instructor measures three joints per student with a joint gauge: all three must fall within 3/8 inch ± 1/16 inch; pull-test coverage must meet 80% minimum (above-grade benchmark); students who miss either criterion rebuild the deficient courses and retest that session |
| 6 | Mortar Defects, Repointing, and Quality Control | 12 | practice | Students will diagnose at least four mortar defects from physical samples and written descriptions, state the root cause of each, and demonstrate the correct repointing procedure on a prepared sample wall |
| Defect sample panels (prepared by instructor), diagnostic worksheets, angle grinder with tuckpointing blade, vacuum shroud and HEPA vacuum (silica controls), raking chisels, hawk, pointing trowels, pre-mixed repointing mortar (Type N or as appropriate to demo brick), feeler gauges, lab log booklets, PPE including P100 half-mask respirator | Diagnostic worksheet scored by instructor: 6 of 8 defects correctly identified with cause and prevention (75%); repointing joint depth checked with feeler gauge—minimum 3/4-inch rake depth required on all three measured joints; lab log entry complete and accurate; any failure on the silica-control PPE check is an automatic retest |
| 7 | Mortar Mix Design Review, Troubleshooting Scenarios, and Lab Portfolio Completion | 9 | practice | Students will apply cumulative course knowledge to resolve three complex mortar-selection and troubleshooting scenarios in writing, and submit a completed lab log that documents all mixing batches, test results, and application exercises from the course |
| Scenario packets (instructor-prepared), ASTM C270 proportion table (student reference copy), completed lab log booklets, peer-review rubric, blank concept-map template, NCCER Masonry Level 1 and Level 2 curriculum modules on mortar and materials | Instructor scores scenario responses using a 12-point rubric (4 points per scenario): minimum score 9 of 12 (75%); lab log reviewed for completeness—all seven lesson entries present, test data recorded, and at least four reflective notes written by the student; incomplete logs returned for same-week revision |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mortar Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct (38 of 50 questions) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering ASTM C270 mortar types and proportions, ingredient functions, sand gradation requirements, mixing procedures, defect identification, and safety requirements including SDS interpretation and silica hazard controls. Questions are mapped to NCCER Masonry Level 1 core and Level 2 mortar competency areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Mortar Mixing and Application Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | 80% on instructor checklist (24 of 30 points); zero score on any safety item requires immediate retest | The student independently mixes a specified batch of Type S mortar using the drum mixer following correct loading sequence, then builds a six-course running-bond panel applying bed and head joints at 3/8-inch thickness; the instructor evaluates PPE compliance, mixing technique, joint consistency, unit alignment within 1/8 inch per 4 feet, and cleanup. This demonstration directly addresses NCCER Masonry Level 1 performance profile tasks for mortar preparation and application. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All seven lesson entries present, batch data and test results recorded for every lab session, and a minimum of four student-written reflective observations; any missing session entry reduces the score and requires revision before a passing grade is issued | The cumulative lab log collects the student's handwritten records of every mortar batch mixed (ingredients, proportions, water added, consistency test result), every joint measured, and every pull-test coverage result across the course, plus the completed scenario responses and concept map from Lesson 7. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety and Hazard-Control Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance on all observed items; any missed item is corrected immediately and rescored before the student continues work | At an unannounced point during a lab session, the instructor uses a 10-item safety checklist to verify that the student is wearing the correct PPE for the materials in use (gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection), has the SDS accessible, is using engineering controls (vacuum/shroud) during any grinding operation, and is directing wash water to a proper containment area rather than a floor drain. This check aligns with OSHA 10 Construction outreach content on chemical hazards and silica. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-06 Trade course
Footings: Layout, Excavation, and Masonry Foundation Construction
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to plan, lay out, and construct masonry footings that transfer structural loads safely to bearing soil, covering soil assessment, footing geometry, formwork, reinforcement placement, concrete placement, and inspection procedures. Lessons integrate reading structural drawings, applying building code concepts, and performing quality checks at each stage. This course directly supports NCCER Masonry Level 2 competencies related to foundations and OSHA 10 safe excavation practices.
Outcomes- Read and interpret footing details on structural drawings, extracting dimensions, reinforcement schedules, and bearing elevations without error.
- Lay out a rectangular footing using the 3-4-5 method and a builder's level, achieving square within 1/8 inch over a 20-foot diagonal.
- Identify soil types and describe how bearing capacity affects footing width and depth decisions, referencing local frost-depth requirements.
- Assemble, brace, and strip footing formwork to dimensional tolerances and apply OSHA excavation safety rules including sloping, shoring, and daily competent-person inspections.
- Place and tie steel reinforcement to drawing specifications and concrete to the correct consolidation standard, then execute a written footing inspection checklist.
- Demonstrate all excavation and concrete-placement PPE requirements and correctly apply lockout/tagout procedures before operating or adjusting powered compaction or mixing equipment.
Course text
Students learn to plan, lay out, and construct masonry footings that transfer structural loads safely to bearing soil, covering soil assessment, footing geometry, formwork, reinforcement placement, concrete placement, and inspection procedures. Lessons integrate reading structural drawings, applying building code concepts, and performing quality checks at each stage. This course directly supports NCCER Masonry Level 2 competencies related to foundations and OSHA 10 safe excavation practices.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Footing Fundamentals: Function, Types, and Drawing Interpretation; Soil Bearing, Frost Depth, and Site Preparation; Excavation Safety and OSHA Competent-Person Requirements; Layout: Batter Boards, Squaring, and Elevation Control; Formwork Assembly, Reinforcement Placement, and Concrete Readiness; Concrete Placement, Consolidation, and Curing; Footing Inspection, Stripping, and Quality Documentation.
What competent looks like. Read and interpret footing details on structural drawings, extracting dimensions, reinforcement schedules, and bearing elevations without error. Lay out a rectangular footing using the 3-4-5 method and a builder's level, achieving square within 1/8 inch over a 20-foot diagonal. Identify soil types and describe how bearing capacity affects footing width and depth decisions, referencing local frost-depth requirements. Assemble, brace, and strip footing formwork to dimensional tolerances and apply OSHA excavation safety rules including sloping, shoring, and daily competent-person inspections. Place and tie steel reinforcement to drawing specifications and concrete to the correct consolidation standard, then execute a written footing inspection checklist. Demonstrate all excavation and concrete-placement PPE requirements and correctly apply lockout/tagout procedures before operating or adjusting powered compaction or mixing equipment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Footing Fundamentals: Function, Types, and Drawing Interpretation | 10 | theory | Students will correctly identify the purpose and load path of continuous wall, isolated column, and stepped footings, and extract all required dimensions and notes from a structural footing detail drawing. |
| NCCER Masonry Level 2 Core Curriculum textbook; sample residential and light-commercial structural drawing sets (printed and PDF on tablets); footing cross-section sketch cards; blank data-extraction table worksheets; pencils and highlighters | Completed data-extraction table graded against answer key; student must correctly identify at least 90% of all listed values to pass this lesson check. |
| 2 | Soil Bearing, Frost Depth, and Site Preparation | 10 | theory | Students will classify a given soil sample using visual-manual methods, describe how bearing capacity and local frost penetration depth affect minimum footing dimensions, and list site-preparation steps required before excavation begins. |
| Labeled soil sample bags (clay, sandy loam, coarse gravel); ASTM visual-manual classification reference card; local and regional frost-depth data printouts; site sketch handouts; NCCER textbook Chapter on Foundations; safety data on utility strikes | Field classification card and depth calculation worksheet reviewed by instructor; student must correctly classify all three soil samples and produce footing depth calculations within 10% of answer-key values to pass. |
| 3 | Excavation Safety and OSHA Competent-Person Requirements | 11 | demo | Students will apply OSHA excavation regulations by conducting a simulated competent-person daily inspection of a mock trench, identifying all hazards, and demonstrating required PPE selection for excavation work. |
| Mock trench structure in training yard; OSHA Excavation standard reference card (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P summary); competent-person daily inspection checklists; four-gas monitor (instructor-operated demonstration unit); full excavation PPE sets; high-visibility vests; safety glasses; hard hats; steel-toed boots; gloves | Completed OSHA inspection checklist reviewed against planted hazard answer key; student must identify all four planted hazards and select correct PPE for each scenario to pass; any missed life-safety hazard requires immediate remediation and recheck. |
| 4 | Layout: Batter Boards, Squaring, and Elevation Control | 15 | lab | Students will establish footing layout lines for a rectangular structure using batter boards and string lines, confirm square using the 3-4-5 pythagorean method, and set grade stakes to the design bearing elevation using an optical level. |
| Lumber for batter boards (1×6 and 2×4 stakes); string line and line level; 100-foot tape measure; builder's optical level and rod; marking paint; chalk-line; hammer; nails; layout sheets with design dimensions; NCCER Masonry Level 2 Chapter on Layout | Instructor measures both diagonals and at least two grade stakes; layout is considered competent when diagonals match within 1/4 inch and all grade stakes are within 1/8 inch of target elevation — both criteria must be met. |
| 5 | Formwork Assembly, Reinforcement Placement, and Concrete Readiness | 15 | practice | Students will build, brace, and align footing forms to specified dimensions, then place and tie steel reinforcement bars at correct cover and spacing as shown on a provided rebar schedule. |
| 2×6 dimensional lumber; wood stakes; duplex nails; #4 rebar cut to length; plastic bar chairs; tie wire; rebar tying pliers; bolt cutters; tape measure; printed rebar schedule; pre-pour inspection checklists; carpenter's square; level | Instructor pre-pour inspection using the same checklist; all form dimensions must be within 1/4 inch of specified, rebar spacing within 1 inch, and minimum cover maintained at all points — any structural deficiency must be corrected before lesson is marked complete. |
| 6 | Concrete Placement, Consolidation, and Curing | 12 | lab | Students will place, consolidate, screed, and initiate curing of a poured footing section, demonstrating correct chute or bucket techniques, vibrator operation, and selection of an appropriate curing method for the ambient conditions. |
| Ready-mix concrete or site-mixed concrete; concrete buggy or chute; internal vibrator (pencil-head); ASTM slump cone and tamping rod; screed board; wet burlap; polyethylene sheeting; curing compound (one can, demonstration); thermometer; PPE including rubber boots, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hat | Instructor observes slump test execution for procedural correctness and evaluates final screeded surface with a 4-foot straightedge — surface must not deviate more than 3/8 inch; curing method selection written response must be logically correct for all three scenarios to pass. |
| 7 | Footing Inspection, Stripping, and Quality Documentation | 8 | field | Students will strip cured footing forms, perform a dimensional and visual quality inspection of the finished footing, identify any defects with their likely cause, and complete a written quality-control inspection record. |
| Cured footing sections from Lesson 6; pry bars (wedge type only); lumber stacking area; tape measure; digital level; tablet or camera for documentation; inspection record forms; ACI field reference card on concrete defects; personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves) | Completed inspection record reviewed by instructor; all three measurement points must be recorded, deviations from design flagged correctly, and both seeded defects correctly identified with cause and remedy to pass — missing a rebar-exposure defect requires immediate remediation review. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footing Systems Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher on all sections; any question involving an excavation life-safety rule must be answered correctly or the student retakes that section. | A 50-question written exam covering footing types and load paths, soil classification and bearing concepts, frost-depth principles, drawing interpretation, OSHA excavation requirements, concrete mix acceptance, and curing methods — mapped to NCCER Masonry Level 2 core knowledge areas for foundations. Questions are multiple-choice and short-answer; students have 90 minutes. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Footing Layout and Construction Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical dimensions within stated tolerances and all safety behaviors demonstrated correctly; one critical miss (e.g., missing rebar cover) results in a remediation task and one retest opportunity. | Each student independently lays out a small rectangular footing (dimensions assigned day-of), sets grade stakes, assembles formwork, places rebar per a provided schedule, and completes a pre-pour inspection checklist while the instructor evaluates against a standardized rubric aligned to NCCER Masonry Level 2 performance profiles. The evaluator records compliance on each rubric line item; the student must achieve a passing rating on every structural and safety item. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log: Footing Build Portfolio | Log | 15% | All seven lesson lab-log entries present and complete; at least five of seven earn instructor sign-off as meeting data quality and reflection standards; any missing safety observation entry must be completed before the portfolio is accepted. | Throughout the course, students maintain a running lab log capturing measurements, slump test results, inspection checklist findings, defect photographs with annotations, and a one-paragraph reflection after each lab or field lesson. The portfolio demonstrates progressive skill and reinforces the documentation habits required on real construction sites and for NCCER craft credentialing. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Excavation and PPE Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all life-safety items; any single life-safety failure (unidentified cave-in hazard, incorrect atmospheric-hazard response, or improper PPE selection) is an automatic fail requiring full remediation and recheck before the student may continue in the program. | A practical safety evaluation conducted in the training-yard mock trench: the student is given the role of competent person, performs the daily excavation inspection using the OSHA checklist form, selects and dons correct PPE for a stated atmospheric condition, and responds verbally to three instructor-posed hazard scenarios. This check is scored on a binary pass/fail rubric for each safety item, directly reinforcing OSHA 10 outreach training content. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-07 Trade course
Veneer Masonry: Brick, Stone, and Thin-Set Systems
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to plan, lay out, and install full-thickness brick veneer, adhered and anchored stone veneer, and thin-set manufactured veneer on residential and light-commercial substrates. Emphasis is placed on weather-resistive barrier integration, anchor systems, mortar compatibility, tie spacing per building code intent, and finished-surface quality. Lessons align with NCCER Masonry Level 2 and Level 3 performance tasks covering veneer installation and related safety practices required for OSHA 10 competency.
Outcomes- Read and interpret veneer layout drawings and specifications to select correct materials, anchor types, and mortar mix before work begins.
- Install a weather-resistive barrier and flashing assembly on a wood-frame substrate correctly, incorporating weep openings at the base of the cavity.
- Lay and plumb a minimum 32-square-foot section of full-thickness brick veneer with proper cavity width, metal tie spacing, and head-joint alignment within accepted tolerances.
- Apply adhered manufactured stone veneer to a scratch-coated substrate using correct mortar coverage, joint treatment, and surface finish to manufacturer specifications.
- Identify and correct common veneer defects—including missing weeps, efflorescence sources, tie corrosion risk, and out-of-plumb faces—using appropriate diagnostic and remediation techniques.
- Demonstrate all veneer-phase PPE requirements, fall-protection awareness, scaffold safety, and silica-dust control practices consistent with OSHA standards.
Course text
Students learn to plan, lay out, and install full-thickness brick veneer, adhered and anchored stone veneer, and thin-set manufactured veneer on residential and light-commercial substrates. Emphasis is placed on weather-resistive barrier integration, anchor systems, mortar compatibility, tie spacing per building code intent, and finished-surface quality. Lessons align with NCCER Masonry Level 2 and Level 3 performance tasks covering veneer installation and related safety practices required for OSHA 10 competency.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Veneer Systems: Types, Code Intent, and Material Selection; Weather-Resistive Barriers, Flashings, and Weep Systems; Anchor and Tie Systems for Full-Thickness Brick Veneer; Full-Thickness Brick Veneer: Layout, Coursing, and Installation; Adhered Manufactured Stone Veneer: Substrate Prep and Installation; Veneer Defects, Troubleshooting, and Remediation; Veneer-Phase Safety: Silica Control, Scaffold, and Fall Protection.
What competent looks like. Read and interpret veneer layout drawings and specifications to select correct materials, anchor types, and mortar mix before work begins. Install a weather-resistive barrier and flashing assembly on a wood-frame substrate correctly, incorporating weep openings at the base of the cavity. Lay and plumb a minimum 32-square-foot section of full-thickness brick veneer with proper cavity width, metal tie spacing, and head-joint alignment within accepted tolerances. Apply adhered manufactured stone veneer to a scratch-coated substrate using correct mortar coverage, joint treatment, and surface finish to manufacturer specifications. Identify and correct common veneer defects—including missing weeps, efflorescence sources, tie corrosion risk, and out-of-plumb faces—using appropriate diagnostic and remediation techniques. Demonstrate all veneer-phase PPE requirements, fall-protection awareness, scaffold safety, and silica-dust control practices consistent with OSHA standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Veneer Systems: Types, Code Intent, and Material Selection | 9 | theory | Students will correctly classify full-thickness anchored veneer, adhered veneer, and thin-set stone systems and select appropriate materials for a given substrate and exposure condition. |
| Brick, CMU, manufactured stone, and thin veneer samples; mortar type reference chart; manufacturer installation guides for at least two adhered-veneer product lines; NCCER Masonry Level 2 trainee guide (veneer module); whiteboard; classification worksheets. | Completed classification worksheet scored 80% or higher; instructor observation that students can name the three system types and state one critical installation difference for each without prompting. |
| 2 | Weather-Resistive Barriers, Flashings, and Weep Systems | 12 | demo | Students will demonstrate correct installation of a house-wrap WRB, through-wall flashing, and functional weep openings on a wood-frame mock-up panel following a sequenced, step-by-step procedure. |
| Pre-framed 4×8 OSB/stud panels (one per pair); house-wrap WRB roll; flashing material (flexible self-adhering membrane cut to width); sheet-metal end dams; stainless or hot-dipped galvanized drip edge; rope wicks; squeeze bottle and food-coloring solution; stapler; utility knife; tape measure; NCCER Masonry Level 2 trainee guide. | Instructor uses a flashing-installation checklist (overlap correct, end dams present, flashing laps over drip edge, weeps clear and functional); all items must be marked satisfactory—colored-water test must show water exiting every weep with no pooling behind flashing. |
| 3 | Anchor and Tie Systems for Full-Thickness Brick Veneer | 10 | theory | Students will calculate required tie spacing for a given wall area, select the correct corrosion-resistant tie type, and explain the function of each component in the veneer cavity system. |
| Assorted metal tie samples (corrugated strip, adjustable two-piece, veneer anchors, intentionally rusted or inadequate samples); tie-spacing reference table from NCCER trainee guide; wall-section diagram handouts; calculators; pencils; answer key. | Tie-spacing calculation drill scored 80% or higher; tie-identification station judged correct by instructor with written justification accepted for all eight samples—any misidentified tie must be retested verbally before moving on. |
| 4 | Full-Thickness Brick Veneer: Layout, Coursing, and Installation | 18 | lab | Students will lay a minimum 32-square-foot section of full-thickness brick veneer—including proper cavity dimension, embedded tie installation, and consistent joint width—plumb and level within standard mason's tolerances. |
| Full-size modular brick (wire-cut face); Type S mortar premixed in lab batches; corrugated ties and nails appropriate to substrate; framed substrate panels with WRB and flashing already installed (from Lesson 2 or pre-prepared); story pole; 4-foot level; line blocks and line; brick tongs; jointing tools; margin trowel; brush; measuring tape; NCCER Masonry Level 2 trainee guide; lab-log booklet. | Instructor measures face plane (maximum allowable variation per trade standard), checks plumb with 4-foot level, verifies cavity clear of mortar bridging, and confirms ties are embedded with mortar and at correct spacing—student must meet all tolerance criteria to pass; a single failed criterion requires correction and re-check before the unit is accepted. |
| 5 | Adhered Manufactured Stone Veneer: Substrate Prep and Installation | 14 | lab | Students will prepare a substrate with metal lath and scratch coat, then install adhered manufactured stone veneer units with full mortar coverage and finished joints meeting manufacturer specifications. |
| Pre-framed OSB panels with WRB; self-furred galvanized metal lath; tin snips; staples/screws; polymer-modified mortar (scratch-coat and setting mortar per manufacturer); manufactured stone veneer corner and field units (same product line); grout bag; margin trowel; steel float; jointing tool; stiff brush; measuring tape; chalk line; manufacturer installation guide; lab-log booklet. | Instructor checks mortar transfer on the back of three randomly selected installed units (minimum 80% coverage required per manufacturer standard); face plane checked for lippage; joints at specified depth; no mortar smears on face after brushing—all four criteria must be met or the student remediates the deficient section. |
| 6 | Veneer Defects, Troubleshooting, and Remediation | 10 | demo | Students will diagnose at least four common veneer defects from physical specimens and written scenarios and describe or perform the correct remediation procedure for each. |
| Pre-built defect panels (instructor-prepared); efflorescence cleaner and neutralizer (used per SDS); cold chisel; hand hammer; margin trowel; jointing tools; replacement brick units; premixed mortar; PPE (safety glasses, nitrile gloves, dust mask); defect report forms; NCCER Masonry Level 2 and Level 3 trainee guides. | Defect report form scored by instructor: student must correctly identify cause and remediation for at least four of five scenarios (80%); unit replacement assessed as 'acceptable' on three criteria—unit flush with adjacent face, joint width consistent, and tooled profile matching surroundings. |
| 7 | Veneer-Phase Safety: Silica Control, Scaffold, and Fall Protection | 8 | field | Students will correctly set up a supported scaffold for veneer work, identify required fall protection triggers, and demonstrate silica-dust control measures (wet methods, HEPA vacuum, respirator selection) in accordance with OSHA standards. |
| Tubular-frame scaffold components with planks, base plates, cross braces, and guardrail system; scaffold erection sequence sheet (manufacturer); masonry wet saw with water delivery and HEPA-vacuum attachment; half-face respirators with appropriate cartridges; safety glasses; hard hats; gloves; scaffold safety checklist; PPE and hazard-identification checklist; OSHA Outreach materials on silica and scaffold safety. | Scaffold checklist must have all items marked satisfactory before anyone is permitted on the platform—any missed item stops work until corrected; respirator user-seal check must be demonstrated correctly (positive and negative pressure checks) with no leaks; written hazard checklist must identify at least six hazards correctly (minimum 80% of listed items) to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veneer Systems Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (28 of 40 items correct) | A 40-item written exam covering veneer system classification, material and mortar selection, anchor and tie types, WRB and flashing sequencing, cavity requirements, defect identification, and silica-control regulations—aligned to NCCER Masonry Level 2 and Level 3 module objectives for veneer. Students who score below 70% receive targeted remediation and one retake opportunity. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Full-Thickness Brick Veneer Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All five rubric criteria rated Satisfactory; any Unsatisfactory rating requires correction and re-evaluation before passing | Each student builds an independent 32-square-foot full-thickness brick veneer panel on a prepared substrate from scratch-coat to tooled joints; the instructor evaluates the finished panel using a five-criterion rubric: plumb and level within trade tolerance, consistent joint width, clear cavity free of mortar bridging, correct tie placement and embedment, and neatly tooled joints. This task directly mirrors NCCER Masonry Level 2 performance-verified tasks for veneer installation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Veneer Lab Log | Log | 15% | Entries present and satisfactory for all seven lessons; overall score 80% or higher on the rubric | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course recording material quantities, mortar batch ratios, tie-spacing calculations, defect diagnoses, installation measurements, self-assessment notes, and corrective actions for every hands-on session. The instructor evaluates completeness, accuracy of recorded measurements, and quality of reflection entries using a rubric at course end. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Veneer-Phase Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/Fail—all critical items must be marked Pass; any Fail item is an automatic hold until remediated and re-checked | A practical safety observation conducted during Lesson 7 and spot-checked during lab sessions: the instructor verifies that each student correctly dons required PPE, performs a respirator user-seal check, completes the scaffold erection checklist, demonstrates the wet-cutting silica-control method, and can state the OSHA general-industry scaffold and silica-control requirements relevant to veneer work—consistent with competencies addressed by the OSHA 10-hour Outreach training. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-08 Trade course
Arches: Layout, Construction, and Structural Principles
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the geometry, terminology, and structural mechanics of masonry arches, then apply that knowledge to lay out, form, and build semicircular, segmental, and jack arches in brick and block. Emphasis is placed on accurate skewback cuts, proper centering construction, voussoir placement, keystone setting, and safe stripping procedures in compliance with OSHA standards.
Outcomes- Identify and define the structural components of at least five arch types and explain how compressive forces are transferred through the voussoirs to the abutments
- Calculate rise, span, radius, skewback angle, and joint taper for semicircular and segmental arches using trade geometry and a construction calculator
- Construct and install a reusable wooden centering form accurate to within 1/8 inch of the specified radius
- Cut and lay voussoirs or soldier bricks with uniform, tapered mortar joints that meet the specified joint width tolerance
- Set a keystone to plumb and level, strike joints consistently, and demonstrate safe centering removal without disturbing the finished arch
- Apply OSHA scaffold and overhead-work requirements and correct PPE selection throughout all arch construction tasks
Course text
Students learn the geometry, terminology, and structural mechanics of masonry arches, then apply that knowledge to lay out, form, and build semicircular, segmental, and jack arches in brick and block. Emphasis is placed on accurate skewback cuts, proper centering construction, voussoir placement, keystone setting, and safe stripping procedures in compliance with OSHA standards.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Arch Terminology, Types, and Structural Mechanics; Arch Math: Layout Geometry and Joint Calculations; Centering: Design, Construction, and Installation; Voussoir Cutting and Skewback Preparation; Mortar Application and Voussoir Laying; Keystone Setting, Striking Joints, and Centering Removal; OSHA Requirements, Scaffold Safety, and Arch Hazard Review.
What competent looks like. Identify and define the structural components of at least five arch types and explain how compressive forces are transferred through the voussoirs to the abutments. Calculate rise, span, radius, skewback angle, and joint taper for semicircular and segmental arches using trade geometry and a construction calculator. Construct and install a reusable wooden centering form accurate to within 1/8 inch of the specified radius. Cut and lay voussoirs or soldier bricks with uniform, tapered mortar joints that meet the specified joint width tolerance. Set a keystone to plumb and level, strike joints consistently, and demonstrate safe centering removal without disturbing the finished arch. Apply OSHA scaffold and overhead-work requirements and correct PPE selection throughout all arch construction tasks.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arch Terminology, Types, and Structural Mechanics | 10 | theory | Students will correctly identify and define the components and force-transfer path of at least five masonry arch types on a labeled diagram with no errors |
| NCCER Masonry Level 2 textbook and module, large whiteboard, printed cross-section diagrams, arch-type card-sort sets, student notebooks | 10-question labeled-diagram quiz; students must score 80% or higher to proceed; instructor reviews errors individually before next lesson |
| 2 | Arch Math: Layout Geometry and Joint Calculations | 12 | theory | Students will calculate rise, span, radius, skewback angle, number of voussoirs, and minimum-to-maximum joint width for a given semicircular or segmental arch, with all computed values within accepted rounding tolerance |
| NCCER Masonry Level 2 textbook, graph paper, architect's scale, framing square, Calculated Industries Construction Master calculator (or equivalent), printed problem sets, pencils | Graded problem set of six arch calculation scenarios; students must solve at least five of six correctly, with all critical dimensions within 1/16-inch rounding tolerance, to pass |
| 3 | Centering: Design, Construction, and Installation | 12 | demo | Students will build a reusable wooden centering form for an assigned arch span and rise, accurate to within 1/8 inch of the computed radius at all measured points |
| 3/4-inch plywood, lagging boards (1x4 lumber), jigsaw, circular saw, hammer, nails, trammel bar or beam compass, flexible steel tape, 4-foot level, story pole, temporary adjustable shores or wood wedges, safety glasses, hearing protection | Instructor measures radius at five evenly spaced points on the completed form; all five measurements must be within 1/8 inch of the specified radius, and the form must sit level in the opening within 1/8 inch end-to-end; any out-of-tolerance form is corrected before the student may proceed to brick laying |
| 4 | Voussoir Cutting and Skewback Preparation | 12 | lab | Students will cut skewback bricks and voussoirs to the calculated angle and taper using a masonry saw, producing units with smooth, square cut faces and angular deviation no greater than one degree from the specified skewback angle |
| Masonry wet saw with diamond blade, safety glasses, face shield, hearing protection, nitrile gloves, dust mask (N95 minimum when saw area is not fully wet), standard modular brick, lumber crayon, taper gauge, flexible tape, protractor or digital angle finder | Instructor measures the skewback angle on each student's cut units with a digital angle finder; deviation must be one degree or less; joints in the dry layout must taper smoothly with no single joint exceeding published maximum joint width for the mortar type; students with out-of-tolerance units re-cut before the mortar lesson |
| 5 | Mortar Application and Voussoir Laying | 15 | practice | Students will lay a full semicircular or segmental arch in brick over a centering form, placing voussoirs symmetrically from both springings toward the crown, with all mortar joints within the specified taper tolerance and the arch plumb and true to the centering profile |
| Pre-mixed Type S mortar or site-batched equivalent, mortar board, margin trowel, brick trowel, jointing tool, joint-width gauge, 4-foot level, plumb bob, rubber mallet, sponge and bucket, completed centering form, cut voussoir set, safety glasses, work gloves | Instructor evaluates completed arch on four criteria: (1) arch is plumb within 1/8 inch over its height, (2) all voussoir faces are flush with the centering profile within 1/4 inch, (3) joint widths fall within the calculated taper tolerance at every measured point, (4) no visible voids in joints; all four criteria must be met to pass this lesson |
| 6 | Keystone Setting, Striking Joints, and Centering Removal | 12 | practice | Students will set the keystone, finish and strike all exposed joints to a consistent profile, and safely remove the centering after the required cure period without cracking or displacing the arch |
| Keystone brick (cut to calculated dimensions), mortar and trowel, rubber mallet, 4-foot level, jointing tool, sponge, bucket, raking light source (flashlight or worklight), lab log forms, PPE as in prior lessons | Instructor inspects keystone for plumb within 1/8 inch and flush alignment with adjacent voussoirs; all struck joints must be consistently profiled with no voids, cracks, or smeared mortar on the face; lab log entry for centering removal must include recorded observations of arch condition immediately after striking; all three criteria must be satisfactory to pass |
| 7 | OSHA Requirements, Scaffold Safety, and Arch Hazard Review | 8 | theory | Students will correctly identify the applicable OSHA regulations for overhead masonry work and scaffold use, select the required PPE for each arch construction phase, and describe the emergency response for two common arch-related incidents |
| OSHA 10 Construction course materials, OSHA silica Table 1 reference card, printed scenario photographs, student notebooks, first aid reference card from Unit 1 Universal Core | 10-question written quiz on OSHA scaffold requirements, silica controls, PPE selection, and emergency response; students must score 80% or higher; any student scoring below 80% completes a remediation review with the instructor before the unit assessment |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arch Theory and Calculations Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher (40 of 50 points) | A 50-question written exam covering arch terminology and types, structural force transfer, rise/span/radius relationships, voussoir and joint calculations, OSHA scaffold and silica requirements, and centering design; questions are drawn from NCCER Masonry Level 2 module content and align with the NCCER written assessment format for that credential level. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Arch Construction Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All four rated criteria scored Satisfactory; any Unsatisfactory rating requires one remediation attempt | The student builds a brick semicircular or segmental arch over a self-constructed centering from layout through centering removal; an instructor evaluates using the NCCER performance profile rubric, rating (1) centering accuracy, (2) voussoir placement and joint taper, (3) keystone setting and joint finishing, and (4) correct PPE and safe work practices throughout. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | Six of seven lesson log entries complete and accurate; all required measurements recorded | Students maintain a running lab log across all seven lessons, recording calculations, measured dimensions, deviations from tolerance, mortar mix data, cure times, and centering removal observations; the completed portfolio is submitted at the end of the course and reviewed for completeness, accuracy of recorded values, and reflective notes on corrective actions taken. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety Compliance Checklist Observation | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical safety violations observed; all PPE items present and worn correctly throughout the observation period | During the voussoir cutting and mortar laying lessons, the instructor or a designated safety observer completes a structured safety checklist confirming: correct wet saw guard position, N95 or higher respiratory protection during dry cutting operations, face shield for overhead work, gloves appropriate to the task, and scaffold or elevated-work guardrails in place where applicable; a single critical violation halts work immediately and requires documented corrective action before the student may resume. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-09 Trade course
Concrete Flatwork
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to plan, form, place, finish, and cure concrete slabs for flatwork applications including sidewalks, driveways, patios, and floor slabs. Emphasis is placed on site preparation, subbase compaction, control-joint layout, hand and power finishing techniques, and proper curing methods that meet industry standards. Lessons map to NCCER Masonry Level 2 core content on concrete and OSHA 10 hazard recognition for concrete operations.
Outcomes- Prepare a subbase, set and stake wood or metal forms to grade, and verify level and alignment using a builder's level or laser level within 1/8-inch tolerance over 10 feet.
- Calculate concrete volume in cubic yards for a given slab dimensions, order materials correctly, and batch or receive ready-mix concrete at the proper slump for the application.
- Place, consolidate, screed, and bull-float a concrete slab following ACI finishing sequence without overworking the surface or introducing bleed-water defects.
- Cut or tool control joints and construction joints at correct spacing and depth ratios per standard industry practice to control cracking.
- Apply at least two curing methods — wet curing and a curing compound — and explain how each prevents premature moisture loss and achieves design strength.
- Identify and mitigate concrete flatwork hazards including concrete dermatitis, silica dust, struck-by risks from concrete trucks, and heat/cold weather placement conditions in compliance with OSHA standards.
Course text
Students learn to plan, form, place, finish, and cure concrete slabs for flatwork applications including sidewalks, driveways, patios, and floor slabs. Emphasis is placed on site preparation, subbase compaction, control-joint layout, hand and power finishing techniques, and proper curing methods that meet industry standards. Lessons map to NCCER Masonry Level 2 core content on concrete and OSHA 10 hazard recognition for concrete operations.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Site Preparation, Subbase, and Formwork Layout; Concrete Materials, Mix Design, and Volume Calculation; Concrete Safety: Hazard Recognition and PPE for Flatwork; Placing and Consolidating Concrete; Finishing Sequence: Bull Float, Edging, Jointing, and Troweling; Curing Methods and Cold/Hot Weather Placement; Integrated Flatwork Project: Plan, Pour, Finish, and Inspect.
What competent looks like. Prepare a subbase, set and stake wood or metal forms to grade, and verify level and alignment using a builder's level or laser level within 1/8-inch tolerance over 10 feet. Calculate concrete volume in cubic yards for a given slab dimensions, order materials correctly, and batch or receive ready-mix concrete at the proper slump for the application. Place, consolidate, screed, and bull-float a concrete slab following ACI finishing sequence without overworking the surface or introducing bleed-water defects. Cut or tool control joints and construction joints at correct spacing and depth ratios per standard industry practice to control cracking. Apply at least two curing methods — wet curing and a curing compound — and explain how each prevents premature moisture loss and achieves design strength. Identify and mitigate concrete flatwork hazards including concrete dermatitis, silica dust, struck-by risks from concrete trucks, and heat/cold weather placement conditions in compliance with OSHA standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Site Preparation, Subbase, and Formwork Layout | 10 | lab | Students will excavate or verify a prepared subbase, compact granular fill, and set wood or metal forms to a specified grade and alignment within 1/8-inch tolerance over 10 feet. |
| 2×4 and 2×6 dimensional lumber, duplex nails, form stakes, sledgehammer, claw hammer, builder's level, grade rod, 4-foot level, tape measure, string line, line level, plate compactor, crushed stone subbase material, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots; NCCER Masonry Level 2 module on concrete flatwork; ACI 302.1R Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction | Instructor measures form alignment and grade at six points; all readings must fall within 1/8 inch of target elevation and forms must be square within 1/4 inch on diagonal — both criteria met to pass. |
| 2 | Concrete Materials, Mix Design, and Volume Calculation | 10 | theory | Students will calculate the concrete volume in cubic yards for three different slab configurations and identify key mix-design variables — water-cement ratio, slump, and air entrainment — appropriate to exterior flatwork. |
| Calculators, volume calculation worksheet, slump cone and tamping rod, sample concrete batches (pre-mixed in buckets for demo), sample ready-mix delivery ticket handouts, whiteboard, NCCER Masonry Level 2 textbook, ACI 318 Building Code (reference only for design strength concepts), safety glasses | Written volume calculation quiz — three problems; students must achieve 80% or higher (at least 3 of 4 answers, including units and waste factor, correct) to pass. |
| 3 | Concrete Safety: Hazard Recognition and PPE for Flatwork | 8 | theory | Students will identify concrete flatwork hazards — including skin/eye chemical burns, silica dust inhalation, struck-by and caught-under risks during delivery, and heat/cold weather risks — and select the correct PPE and OSHA controls for each. |
| OSHA 10 Construction outreach materials, OSHA Silica standard table-1 reference card (concrete tasks), JHA blank forms, PPE kit (nitrile gloves, rubber gloves, safety glasses, face shield, N95 and half-face APF-10 respirator, knee pads, rubber boots), whiteboard, role-play prop tools | JHA graded with a rubric: must identify at least 6 of 8 planted hazards with a correct control for each; scored pass/fail — 6 correct pairings required to pass. |
| 4 | Placing and Consolidating Concrete | 12 | demo | Students will demonstrate correct concrete placement sequence — depositing near final position, using a come-along rake (not a vibrator) to spread, and using an internal vibrator at correct insertion spacing and duration to consolidate without segregation. |
| Formed 4×8-foot practice panels (plywood and 2×4 frames), fresh concrete batch (pre-mixed on site), come-along rake, internal pencil vibrator (1.5-inch head) with power source, 2×4 screed board, shovels, rubber gloves, rubber boots, face shield, NCCER Masonry Level 2 module, ACI 309R Guide for Consolidation of Concrete (reference) | Instructor checklist during practice: screed surface must be flat within 3/8 inch under a 10-foot straightedge and vibrator technique must show correct spacing and withdrawal speed — both items must be marked satisfactory by instructor to pass. |
| 5 | Finishing Sequence: Bull Float, Edging, Jointing, and Troweling | 15 | practice | Students will execute the full ACI finishing sequence on a freshly placed slab — bull floating, edging, jointing, and final steel-trowel finishing — without overworking bleed water and producing a surface with no surface defects visible to the instructor. |
| Bull float with extension handles, edging tool, jointing/groover tool, steel finishing trowels (14-inch and 16-inch), knee boards, straightedge (10-foot aluminum), ruler for joint depth, rubber gloves, knee pads, safety glasses, lab log forms, NCCER Masonry Level 2 textbook, ACI 302.1R (reference) | Instructor evaluates finished slab surface: no variation greater than 3/8 inch under a 10-foot straightedge; control joints at correct spacing and depth (at least one-quarter of slab thickness); no visible blistering or crazing — all three criteria must be met to pass. |
| 6 | Curing Methods and Cold/Hot Weather Placement | 14 | lab | Students will apply two curing methods — a liquid curing compound and wet burlap-and-plastic curing — to finished concrete panels, document the process, and explain how temperature extremes require mix adjustments and protective measures. |
| Liquid curing compound (membrane-forming, ASTM C309 compliant), hand-pump garden sprayer, burlap rolls, polyethylene sheeting (6 mil), tape measure, raking light source, insulating blankets (demo sample), lab log forms, ACI 308 Curing Concrete guide summary, ACI 305R and 306R scenario summary sheets, NCCER Masonry Level 2 textbook, rubber gloves, safety glasses | Lab log graded by instructor: must include photographs of compound application with no holidays noted (or documented re-application), correct burlap-and-plastic setup, and completed scenario worksheet with at least four correct protective measures identified across both weather scenarios — all three sections must be complete and accurate to pass. |
| 7 | Integrated Flatwork Project: Plan, Pour, Finish, and Inspect | 12 | field | Students will independently plan and execute a complete flatwork sequence — formwork layout, concrete placement, finishing, jointing, and curing — for a 6×10-foot practice slab and pass a structured post-pour inspection using industry criteria. |
| 2×4 and 2×6 form lumber, stakes, screws and nails, plate compactor, crushed stone, fresh concrete batch, come-along rake, internal vibrator, screed board, bull float, edging tool, groover, steel trowels, knee boards, liquid curing compound, sprayer, burlap, polyethylene sheeting, 10-foot straightedge, ruler, lab log and inspection checklist forms, PPE (rubber gloves, boots, face shield, safety glasses, knee pads), NCCER Masonry Level 2 textbook | Instructor scores the inspection report and verbal defense using a rubric: slab must meet flatness tolerance (3/8 inch under 10-foot straightedge), joint depth at least one-quarter of slab thickness, curing method correctly applied and documented, and student must correctly answer three of four verbal questions on process decisions — all rubric sections must reach satisfactory to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Flatwork Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (30 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering concrete materials, mix design, volume calculation, ACI finishing sequence, joint types and spacing rationale, curing methods, and cold/hot weather requirements, mapped to NCCER Masonry Level 2 core knowledge areas for concrete flatwork. Students must answer all calculation questions showing work; unanswered calculation questions are scored zero. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Finishing Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All five checklist items rated Satisfactory by the evaluating instructor | Each student independently demonstrates the full finishing sequence on a freshly placed practice slab — screeding, bull floating, edging, grooving a control joint to correct depth, and steel-trowel finishing — evaluated against a five-item NCCER-aligned performance checklist. A single Unsatisfactory rating requires a documented remediation and one reassessment opportunity within the same course term. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | 80% of entries complete and accurate as scored by instructor rubric | Students submit a compiled lab log containing field notes, photographs, calculations, JHA forms, inspection checklists, and the pre-pour planning document from all seven lessons; each entry is graded for completeness, accuracy of measurements recorded, and correct identification of any defects or corrections made. The lab log also serves as documentation practice aligned with NCCER's emphasis on craft documentation skills. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Concrete Flatwork Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical errors; 90% of all checklist items correct | A structured safety observation conducted during Lesson 7's integrated pour: the instructor uses a standardized checklist to evaluate each student's PPE selection and use, JHA compliance, correct identification and response to a planted hazard (a deliberately missing eye protection item on a co-worker), and proper silica-dust control during any dry sweeping or cutting task. Any single critical error — such as working without chemical-resistant gloves during concrete contact — results in an automatic stop-work and a required remediation before course completion is granted. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-10 Trade course
Layout & Leveling
81 hr · $1,120 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to establish accurate building lines, grades, and control points using hand tools, optical levels, and laser instruments before and during masonry construction. The course covers story poles, batter boards, plumb and level checks, and tolerances required by industry standards. Lessons connect directly to NCCER Masonry Level 2 core skills in layout and to the safe use of surveying and leveling equipment on active construction sites.
Outcomes- Set up and tear down batter boards and mason's lines to establish building corners accurate to within 1/8 inch over 20 feet.
- Operate a builder's level and a rotating laser level to establish and transfer grades, reading rod elevations to the nearest 1/8 inch.
- Construct and use a calibrated story pole to control course heights for brick, block, and stone work to published NCCER tolerances.
- Apply the 3-4-5 and Pythagorean methods to verify square corners and diagonal checks on foundation and wall layouts.
- Identify and correct common layout errors—including out-of-plumb, out-of-level, and off-square conditions—using appropriate instruments.
- Follow OSHA fall-protection, struck-by, and PPE requirements when working around batter boards, trenches, and power-assisted layout instruments.
Course text
Students learn to establish accurate building lines, grades, and control points using hand tools, optical levels, and laser instruments before and during masonry construction. The course covers story poles, batter boards, plumb and level checks, and tolerances required by industry standards. Lessons connect directly to NCCER Masonry Level 2 core skills in layout and to the safe use of surveying and leveling equipment on active construction sites.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Layout Fundamentals: Datums, Benchmarks, and Site Plans; Batter Boards, Mason's Lines, and Corner Layout; The 3-4-5 Rule and Pythagorean Layout; Optical Builder's Level: Setup, Sighting, and Rod Readings; Rotating Laser Levels and Grade Lasers; Story Poles, Course Layout, and Plumb Control; Integrated Layout Project: Full Foundation Line and Grade Setup.
What competent looks like. Set up and tear down batter boards and mason's lines to establish building corners accurate to within 1/8 inch over 20 feet. Operate a builder's level and a rotating laser level to establish and transfer grades, reading rod elevations to the nearest 1/8 inch. Construct and use a calibrated story pole to control course heights for brick, block, and stone work to published NCCER tolerances. Apply the 3-4-5 and Pythagorean methods to verify square corners and diagonal checks on foundation and wall layouts. Identify and correct common layout errors—including out-of-plumb, out-of-level, and off-square conditions—using appropriate instruments. Follow OSHA fall-protection, struck-by, and PPE requirements when working around batter boards, trenches, and power-assisted layout instruments.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Layout Fundamentals: Datums, Benchmarks, and Site Plans | 9 | theory | Students will interpret a basic site plan, identify the benchmark and datum, and explain how horizontal control lines and vertical grades are derived from those references. |
| Sample site plans (residential and light commercial), architect's scale, highlighters, pencils; NCCER Masonry Level 2 module on Layout; tape measure; safety glasses | Students correctly identify all required layout data on a new sample site plan and calculate two grade differences; 80% accuracy required on a 10-question written check. |
| 2 | Batter Boards, Mason's Lines, and Corner Layout | 14 | lab | Students will erect a set of batter boards and stretch mason's lines to define a rectangular building footprint, verifying square using the diagonal method to within 1/4 inch. |
| 2×4 lumber for batter boards, 2-lb sledge, wood stakes, 100-ft fiberglass tape, mason's line, line level, chalk line, pencils, layout log sheets, hard hats, safety glasses, work gloves; NCCER Masonry Level 2 Layout module | Completed rectangle layout with both diagonals recorded; difference ≤ 1/4 inch and all batter boards level to within 1/8 inch per 4-ft board; instructor signs layout log. Pass = both tolerances met. |
| 3 | The 3-4-5 Rule and Pythagorean Layout | 9 | demo | Students will apply the 3-4-5 (and scaled multiples) and full Pythagorean theorem to establish and verify 90-degree corners on layouts of varying size. |
| 100-ft fiberglass tape, calculator, pencils, graph paper, dry-erase markers, whiteboard, outdoor layout pad; NCCER Masonry Level 2 Layout module; safety glasses, work gloves | Four Pythagorean worksheet problems with ≥ 80% correct; timed field corner within 3/16 inch of true 90° confirmed by instructor measurement. |
| 4 | Optical Builder's Level: Setup, Sighting, and Rod Readings | 12 | demo | Students will set up and level an optical builder's level, sight to a Philadelphia rod, and record differential elevations accurate to the nearest 1/8 inch. |
| Optical builder's level with tripod, Philadelphia leveling rod, field book, pencils, calculator; PPE: safety glasses, hard hat; NCCER Masonry Level 2 Layout module; manufacturer's operating manual for the level | Closed level loop misclosure ≤ 0.05 ft (within 5/8 inch) for a circuit of at least five shots; field book entries legible and complete; instructor initials each group's field book. Pass = misclosure within tolerance and complete field notes. |
| 5 | Rotating Laser Levels and Grade Lasers | 10 | lab | Students will set up a self-leveling rotating laser, establish a reference elevation, and use a laser detector and grade rod to transfer that elevation to six control points within ±1/8 inch. |
| Self-leveling rotating laser level with tripod, laser detector, grade rod, wood stakes, hammer, pencil, measuring tape; spare batteries; manufacturer's operating manual; PPE: safety glasses rated for the laser class in use (do not stare into beam), hard hat, work gloves; NCCER Masonry Level 2 Layout module | All six stake marks within ±1/8 inch of the reference elevation as verified by instructor with optical level; troubleshooting station responses 100% correct. Pass = elevation tolerance met on at least five of six stakes and all three troubleshooting answers correct. |
| 6 | Story Poles, Course Layout, and Plumb Control | 14 | practice | Students will fabricate a story pole scaled to actual brick or block coursing dimensions and use it with a plumb bob and level to lay out and verify course heights and plumb on a practice wall section. |
| 1×2 wood strips, pencils, tape measure, combination square, 4-ft mason's level, torpedo level, plumb bob, chalk line, sample brick or CMU units, layout log sheets, smartphone or camera; NCCER Masonry Level 2 Layout module; safety glasses, work gloves | Story pole dimensioned correctly to ≤ 1/16 inch per mark; dry-stack wall plumb to within 1/8 inch over 4 ft and course heights within 1/8 inch of story pole marks; instructor measures and initials layout log. Pass = all three tolerances met. |
| 7 | Integrated Layout Project: Full Foundation Line and Grade Setup | 13 | field | Students will independently execute a complete layout sequence—batter boards, square corners, mason's lines, laser-transferred grades, and a story pole—for a simulated 16 × 24 ft building footprint, producing a signed layout record. |
| 2×4 lumber, wood stakes, sledge, 100-ft tape, mason's line, line level, plumb bob, 4-ft mason's level, rotating laser level with detector, grade rod, story pole (student-fabricated), field book, pencils, camera; full PPE: hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, work gloves, steel-toed boots; NCCER Masonry Level 2 Layout module | All four corners square to within 1/4 inch diagonal difference; all four grades within ±1/8 inch of target; story pole plumb to 1/8 inch over full height; written layout plan submitted before work begins; field book complete and co-signed by peer. Pass = all tolerances met and documentation complete. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layout & Leveling Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% (28 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering benchmark and datum interpretation, Pythagorean calculations, differential leveling math, laser level operation, story pole coursing dimensions, and OSHA struck-by and fall-protection requirements around layout equipment. Questions are aligned to NCCER Masonry Level 2 layout and leveling task areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Layout Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical tolerance items met; overall rubric score ≥ 80% | The student sets up a batter board layout for a given rectangular footprint, squares it with the Pythagorean method, transfers a benchmark elevation with a rotating laser, and demonstrates a rod reading on the optical builder's level—all observed and scored by the instructor on a task-based rubric with defined pass/fail tolerances (corner square ≤ 1/4 inch, grade ≤ ±1/8 inch, rod reading ≤ 1/8 inch error). Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Layout Field Book and Lab Log | Log | 15% | All seven lesson log entries present and signed; ≥ 80% of data entries within stated tolerances | Students maintain a cumulative layout field book throughout the course, recording measurements, calculations, instrument setups, and error analyses for every lab and practice session; the completed book is reviewed for accuracy, legibility, correct units, and complete signatures by instructor and peer reviewer. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Layout Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all critical safety items; zero unresolved violations | Instructor uses a binary (pass/fail per item) safety checklist to evaluate the student during the integrated layout project: correct PPE worn throughout, safe tripod placement away from traffic paths, laser class warning communicated to bystanders, proper tool storage, and correct response if the rotating laser alarm signals out-of-level—any critical item failure requires immediate correction and recheck before the student may continue. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BLD-MASO04-11 Capstone
Masonry Capstone: Integrated Build Project
162 hr · $1,620 COMPLIMENTARY
Students plan, document, and construct a multi-material masonry structure incorporating brick, block, stone, mortar, veneer, an arch, and a footing, demonstrating competency across all prior coursework. Documentation, workmanship, and a formal oral defense are evaluated against industry standards and NCCER Masonry Level 1–3 performance criteria. This course is the summative measure of program readiness before externship and credentialing.
Outcomes- Plan a multi-material masonry structure by producing a scaled drawing, a materials takeoff, and a written safety plan before breaking ground.
- Construct a capstone wall assembly that integrates a poured footing, concrete block backup, brick or stone veneer facing, and a rowlock or jack arch to NCCER plumb, level, and joint tolerances.
- Mix and apply mortar to specified Type S or Type N proportions, documenting batch weights, water-cement ratio, and workability adjustments in a field log.
- Apply all required PPE, hazard-control measures, and scaffold safety rules throughout construction, citing the applicable OSHA standard by topic area.
- Compile a project portfolio containing plans, material lists, daily field logs, photo documentation, and a self-assessment of deviations and corrections.
- Defend design decisions, construction sequence, and problem-solving actions in a structured oral examination judged by at least one industry-credentialed evaluator.
Course text
Students plan, document, and construct a multi-material masonry structure incorporating brick, block, stone, mortar, veneer, an arch, and a footing, demonstrating competency across all prior coursework. Documentation, workmanship, and a formal oral defense are evaluated against industry standards and NCCER Masonry Level 1–3 performance criteria. This course is the summative measure of program readiness before externship and credentialing.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Planning, Design, and Safety Documentation; Site Preparation and Footing Construction; Masonry Wall Construction: Block Backup, Veneer, and Arch; Project Closeout, Portfolio Compilation, and Oral Defense.
What competent looks like. Plan a multi-material masonry structure by producing a scaled drawing, a materials takeoff, and a written safety plan before breaking ground. Construct a capstone wall assembly that integrates a poured footing, concrete block backup, brick or stone veneer facing, and a rowlock or jack arch to NCCER plumb, level, and joint tolerances. Mix and apply mortar to specified Type S or Type N proportions, documenting batch weights, water-cement ratio, and workability adjustments in a field log. Apply all required PPE, hazard-control measures, and scaffold safety rules throughout construction, citing the applicable OSHA standard by topic area. Compile a project portfolio containing plans, material lists, daily field logs, photo documentation, and a self-assessment of deviations and corrections. Defend design decisions, construction sequence, and problem-solving actions in a structured oral examination judged by at least one industry-credentialed evaluator.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Planning, Design, and Safety Documentation | 30 | theory | Students produce a complete project packet—scaled elevation and plan drawings, material takeoff, mortar specification, and a written job-site safety plan—before any physical work begins. |
| Masonry grid paper, architectural scale, pencil, calculator, NCCER Masonry L1–3 trainee guides, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Q (masonry) reference handout, supplier price sheet, material takeoff form template, project packet rubric | Instructor grades the complete project packet against a 25-point rubric: drawing legibility and dimensional accuracy (8 pts), takeoff within ±5 % of instructor calculation (9 pts), safety plan covering all identified hazards with correct controls (8 pts). Minimum passing score: 20/25 (80 %). |
| 2 | Site Preparation and Footing Construction | 36 | lab | Students lay out the structure with batter boards and string lines, excavate to frost-depth equivalent in the training yard, form, place, and finish a continuous concrete footing to specified dimensions and grade. |
| Batter boards, mason's line, line level, builder's level or laser level, measuring tape, stakes, form boards, form-release agent, rebar (size per project design), rebar chairs, spud vibrator, ready-mix or site-mixed concrete, screed board, magnesium float, field log notebook, camera or smartphone, PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, hearing protection when vibrating) | Instructor measures footing top surface with a level and tape: must be level within 1/4 in. over the full length and within specified width ±1/2 in. Field log entry must include pour date, weather, water-cement ratio or mix design, and photo evidence. Pass requires all dimensional tolerances met and complete log entry. |
| 3 | Masonry Wall Construction: Block Backup, Veneer, and Arch | 72 | practice | Students lay the concrete masonry unit backup wythe, apply metal ties, set brick or stone veneer facing, and form and lay a rowlock or jack arch to NCCER plumb, level, and alignment tolerances while maintaining a complete daily field log. |
| Concrete masonry units (8x8x16 standard), modular brick or stone units, Type S mortar (bagged or site-batched), mortar box or electric mixer, trowels (brick and margin), story pole, 4-ft and 2-ft levels, plumb bob, line blocks and mason's line, joint raker and jointer, corrugated metal wall ties, plywood for arch centering, arch form template, hammer, bolster chisel, angle grinder with diamond blade (wet-cut or with dust collection), GFCI-protected extension cord, PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, N95 or half-face respirator for silica dust, gloves, steel-toed boots, hearing protection for cutting), field log, camera | Instructor uses a straightedge and level to verify: wall plumb within 1/4 in. per 10 ft of height; coursing height within 1/8 in. of story pole marks across full width; head and bed joints 3/8 in. ± 1/8 in.; arch soffit flush within 1/4 in. across span. Field log must have a dated entry for every work session with mortar batch data and photo numbers. All tolerances must be met and log complete to pass this lesson. |
| 4 | Project Closeout, Portfolio Compilation, and Oral Defense | 24 | field | Students complete all finishing and cleanup tasks, assemble the full project portfolio, and deliver a structured oral defense of their design decisions, construction sequence, and problem-solving to an evaluation panel. |
| Completed masonry structure, self-inspection checklist, masonry cleaner (pH-appropriate for unit type), soft-bristle brush, three-ring binder, tab dividers, photo prints or laptop for photo display, project drawings, field logs, NCCER Masonry L1–3 trainee guides for reference during prep, oral defense scoring rubric, panel question bank drawn from NCCER Masonry L1–3 exam content areas | Panel scores the oral defense on a 20-point rubric: accuracy of sequence explanation (5 pts), quality of decision justification citing trade standards (5 pts), correctness of answers to panel questions (6 pts), professionalism and clarity (4 pts). Portfolio is scored on a separate 20-point rubric: completeness of all six sections (10 pts), quality and accuracy of self-assessment (6 pts), photo documentation coverage (4 pts). Pass requires ≥16/20 on both rubrics (80 %) and a complete, signed inspection checklist. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capstone Constructed Structure Evaluation | Project | 60% | All NCCER plumb, level, joint, and coursing tolerances met as measured by instructor during Lesson 3 inspection; arch seated and standing after centering removal; footing within dimensional spec from Lesson 2; no exposed metal ties or uncleaned mortar smears on the finished face. | The completed multi-material wall assembly is inspected by the instructor using a standardized NCCER-aligned measurement checklist covering footing grade, CMU plumb and coursing, veneer alignment, joint uniformity, arch soffit alignment, and surface cleanliness. Each item is marked pass or fail; every item must be marked pass for the project assessment to be passed, with one re-work opportunity per deficient item before a final re-inspection. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Project Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | Minimum 16/20 (80 %) on the portfolio rubric; all six required sections present, signed inspection checklist included, and self-assessment narrative at minimum one page addressing at least two documented deviations. | The three-ring binder portfolio is reviewed by the instructor for completeness, accuracy, and reflective quality across six tabbed sections: project drawings, material takeoff and safety plan, daily field logs, annotated photo log, self-assessment narrative, and mortar batch or materials data. The portfolio demonstrates that the student can document professional work to industry record-keeping standards required for NCCER credentialing and employer compliance. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 20% | Minimum 16/20 (80 %) on the oral defense rubric scored by the full panel; student must correctly answer at least four of five panel questions drawn from NCCER Masonry L1–3 content areas. | The student presents the completed project to a panel including at least one NCCER-credentialed industry evaluator and defends construction decisions, sequence, and problem-solving in a ten-minute presentation followed by panel questioning. The defense confirms that the student can communicate trade knowledge verbally at the level expected during NCCER performance testing and in workplace interactions with supervisors and inspectors. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
BLD-MASO04-12 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement
243 hr · $970 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 243 supervised hours at an approved masonry employer, applying brick, block, stone, mortar, veneer, arch, and flatwork skills in live commercial or residential construction environments. A licensed journeyman or foreperson mentor evaluates performance against NCCER craft competencies and OSHA 10 safety standards throughout the placement. The externship bridges classroom training and entry-level employment by developing professional habits, jobsite communication, and production-pace masonry under real working conditions.
Outcomes- Perform mortar mixing, layout, coursing, and unit placement at a production pace that meets employer quality and schedule expectations on an active jobsite.
- Demonstrate consistent compliance with OSHA general industry and construction safety standards, including PPE selection, fall protection, scaffold safety, and hazard reporting, with zero recordable violations during the placement.
- Follow written and verbal instructions from a journeyman mentor, interpret project drawings and specifications, and communicate progress or problems clearly to supervisory staff.
- Execute at least two distinct masonry assemblies (e.g., brick veneer and CMU block wall) from layout through tooling and cleanup, meeting plumb, level, and alignment tolerances acceptable to the site supervisor.
- Complete all required daily log entries, weekly employer evaluation forms, and a final reflective portfolio documenting skills applied, challenges encountered, and professional growth.
- Identify site-specific hazards, complete a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for at least one assigned task, and respond correctly to a simulated or actual emergency situation in accordance with the site safety plan.
Course text
Students complete 243 supervised hours at an approved masonry employer, applying brick, block, stone, mortar, veneer, arch, and flatwork skills in live commercial or residential construction environments. A licensed journeyman or foreperson mentor evaluates performance against NCCER craft competencies and OSHA 10 safety standards throughout the placement. The externship bridges classroom training and entry-level employment by developing professional habits, jobsite communication, and production-pace masonry under real working conditions.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Jobsite Orientation and Safety Integration; Supervised Production Masonry — Unit Masonry and Mortar Work; Professional Practices and Jobsite Communication; Final Portfolio Compilation and Externship Defense.
What competent looks like. Perform mortar mixing, layout, coursing, and unit placement at a production pace that meets employer quality and schedule expectations on an active jobsite. Demonstrate consistent compliance with OSHA general industry and construction safety standards, including PPE selection, fall protection, scaffold safety, and hazard reporting, with zero recordable violations during the placement. Follow written and verbal instructions from a journeyman mentor, interpret project drawings and specifications, and communicate progress or problems clearly to supervisory staff. Execute at least two distinct masonry assemblies (e.g., brick veneer and CMU block wall) from layout through tooling and cleanup, meeting plumb, level, and alignment tolerances acceptable to the site supervisor. Complete all required daily log entries, weekly employer evaluation forms, and a final reflective portfolio documenting skills applied, challenges encountered, and professional growth. Identify site-specific hazards, complete a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for at least one assigned task, and respond correctly to a simulated or actual emergency situation in accordance with the site safety plan.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jobsite Orientation and Safety Integration | 30 | field | Given an active masonry worksite, the student will complete the employer's site-specific safety orientation, identify all relevant hazards, and demonstrate correct PPE donning and emergency procedures before performing any productive work. |
| Hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, work gloves, steel-toed boots, hi-vis vest, dust mask or respirator as required; employer site safety orientation packet; JHA blank forms; OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Q (masonry) reference card; externship daily log booklet | Mentor signs off that student completed orientation, wore correct PPE throughout the shift, and submitted a complete JHA with no blank fields; any PPE violation or incomplete JHA requires a corrective review before the student progresses. Pass = mentor sign-off with no unresolved safety deficiencies. |
| 2 | Supervised Production Masonry — Unit Masonry and Mortar Work | 120 | field | Working alongside a journeyman mentor on live project tasks, the student will place brick, concrete masonry units, and/or stone to correct course height, plumb, level, and alignment tolerances while maintaining production pace and safe work practices for a minimum of 120 cumulative hours. |
| Brick, CMU, stone units (per project scope); Type S or N mortar as specified; trowels, jointers, margin trowel, brick hammer, bolster chisel; mason's line, line blocks, corner poles; 4-ft and 2-ft levels, plumb bob, tape measure, story pole; scaffold (employer-provided and OSHA-compliant); full PPE kit; externship daily log booklet | Weekly employer evaluation rubric scored by the journeyman mentor on five dimensions: quality of work, pace, safe behavior, teamwork, and initiative; each dimension scored 1–4 (1=unsatisfactory, 4=exceeds expectations). Pass = average score of 2.5 or higher each week with no dimension below 2 for two consecutive weeks. |
| 3 | Professional Practices and Jobsite Communication | 48 | field | Over the course of the externship, the student will demonstrate professional workplace behaviors—punctuality, appropriate communication, drawing interpretation, and conflict resolution—and complete all required administrative documentation without instructor prompting. |
| Project drawings and specifications (employer-provided, handled per site confidentiality rules); externship daily log booklet; weekly employer evaluation forms; pencil, red pen for drawing markups; smartphone or camera for documentation photos (per employer policy) | Program coordinator reviews all daily logs and weekly summaries at the midpoint (week 6) and end-of-placement (week 15) check-in; logs must have no more than two missing entries and must demonstrate accurate, specific content. Pass = fewer than three missing entries total, no fabricated or vague entries, and coordinator sign-off at both check-ins. |
| 4 | Final Portfolio Compilation and Externship Defense | 45 | field | The student will compile a complete externship portfolio containing all logs, photos, employer evaluation forms, the JHA, and a written reflective narrative, then present and defend their documented work experience to the program coordinator and mentor in a structured debrief. |
| Completed daily log booklet; all employer evaluation forms; JHA form; annotated project drawings; portfolio folder or binder; digital photos printed or displayed on a device; reflective narrative (typed, 12-point font, double-spaced); externship final verification form; program portfolio rubric | Portfolio is scored on the program's externship portfolio rubric (five criteria: completeness, accuracy of logs, quality of photo documentation with captions, reflective narrative depth, and oral presentation clarity), each scored 1–4. Pass = total score of 30 out of 40 or higher, with no criterion below 2, AND a signed final verification form confirming the student completed the required hours with a satisfactory employer evaluation overall rating. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Skills Demonstration Evaluation | Skills demonstration | 70% | Cumulative average of 2.5 or higher (out of 4.0) across all weekly employer evaluation rubrics, with no single dimension averaging below 2.0 across the full placement, and zero unresolved safety violations documented by the mentor. | The journeyman mentor or foreperson completes a standardized weekly evaluation rubric rating the student on work quality, production pace, safety compliance, teamwork, and professional initiative; ratings are collected each week and averaged by the program coordinator at the conclusion of the externship. This skills demonstration assessment directly maps to NCCER Masonry Level 1–3 performance indicators for unit masonry, mortar application, and safe work practices, confirming the student has met entry-level craft competency under real jobsite conditions. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Externship Field Log and Portfolio | Log | 30% | Portfolio rubric total score of 30 out of 40 or higher with no criterion below 2, all required documents present and signed, and a completed oral defense approved by both the program coordinator and the employer mentor. | The student submits a complete portfolio containing all daily logs, weekly evaluations, the JHA, annotated drawings, captioned assembly photos, and a two-page reflective narrative, then defends the portfolio in a structured 15-minute oral presentation. This lab log assessment provides a permanent, verifiable record of supervised hours and competencies aligned with NCCER Registry documentation requirements and supports the student's professional record for future employment and credentialing. Complete · Verified |
BLD-MASO04-13 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: NCCER Masonry L1–3 & OSHA 10
68 hr · $680 COMPLIMENTARY
This course systematically reviews every knowledge and performance domain covered by the NCCER Masonry Level 1, 2, and 3 credentialing assessments and the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Outreach content, using spaced repetition, targeted drill, and full-length mock exams. Students identify personal knowledge gaps from prior coursework, practice test-taking strategies under timed conditions, and enter their credentialing sessions with documented readiness. All review is anchored to the NCCER Masonry curriculum modules and OSHA 10 Construction topic areas as published by those organizations.
Outcomes- Correctly answer NCCER Masonry L1 written module-test items covering safety, tools, materials, mortar, and basic bricklaying at or above the NCCER passing threshold.
- Correctly answer NCCER Masonry L2 and L3 written items covering veneer, arches, stone, block construction, layout, leveling, and project supervision at or above the NCCER passing threshold.
- Demonstrate performance task readiness by executing a timed hands-on skill demonstration—including layout, coursing, plumb and level checks, and mortar consistency—that meets NCCER performance profile criteria.
- Identify the major OSHA 10 Construction topic areas—fall protection, struck-by, caught-in/between, electrical hazards, scaffolding, PPE, and hazard communication—and answer scenario-based questions accurately.
- Apply a systematic test-taking strategy (read, eliminate, flag, return) to reduce errors on selected-response items under timed conditions.
- Produce a personal remediation log that documents each weak domain, the review action taken, and the post-remediation practice score.
Course text
This course systematically reviews every knowledge and performance domain covered by the NCCER Masonry Level 1, 2, and 3 credentialing assessments and the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Outreach content, using spaced repetition, targeted drill, and full-length mock exams. Students identify personal knowledge gaps from prior coursework, practice test-taking strategies under timed conditions, and enter their credentialing sessions with documented readiness. All review is anchored to the NCCER Masonry curriculum modules and OSHA 10 Construction topic areas as published by those organizations.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Diagnostic Assessment & Gap Analysis; Domain-by-Domain Written Review & Drill; Performance Skill Rehearsal & Hands-On Timed Trials; Full Mock Certification Exams & Final Remediation.
What competent looks like. Correctly answer NCCER Masonry L1 written module-test items covering safety, tools, materials, mortar, and basic bricklaying at or above the NCCER passing threshold. Correctly answer NCCER Masonry L2 and L3 written items covering veneer, arches, stone, block construction, layout, leveling, and project supervision at or above the NCCER passing threshold. Demonstrate performance task readiness by executing a timed hands-on skill demonstration—including layout, coursing, plumb and level checks, and mortar consistency—that meets NCCER performance profile criteria. Identify the major OSHA 10 Construction topic areas—fall protection, struck-by, caught-in/between, electrical hazards, scaffolding, PPE, and hazard communication—and answer scenario-based questions accurately. Apply a systematic test-taking strategy (read, eliminate, flag, return) to reduce errors on selected-response items under timed conditions. Produce a personal remediation log that documents each weak domain, the review action taken, and the post-remediation practice score.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic Assessment & Gap Analysis | 10 | theory | Students complete a full-length diagnostic covering all NCCER Masonry L1–3 module topics and OSHA 10 Construction content areas, score their results by domain, and produce a written gap-analysis plan that prioritizes the domains where they scored below passing. |
| Diagnostic exam packet (instructor-authored items aligned to published NCCER Masonry module objectives for L1–3 and OSHA 10 Construction topic outline); domain-scoring rubric; gap-analysis template; NCCER Masonry L1, L2, and L3 trainee guide sets; OSHA 10 Construction student reference card; pencils, highlighters. | Gap-analysis plan is complete, every domain is scored, and at least one targeted action is listed for any domain below passing; instructor initials plan as approved. No numeric pass mark on the diagnostic itself—it is formative only. |
| 2 | Domain-by-Domain Written Review & Drill | 28 | theory | Students review content in each NCCER Masonry L1–3 module area and each OSHA 10 Construction topic area through instructor-led explanation, peer discussion, and timed drill sets, and demonstrate improved performance on end-of-domain quizzes. |
| NCCER Masonry L1, L2, and L3 trainee guide sets; OSHA 10 Construction student reference card; instructor-authored review slide decks (one per domain cluster); 8 domain quiz packets (15 items each); challenge card drill sets; 20-item targeted drill exam packets; remediation log sheets; answer keys; whiteboard and markers. | Student scores 70% or higher on each 15-item domain quiz by end of the block; if below 70%, instructor assigns a specific trainee-guide re-read and a second-attempt 10-item quiz before the next block begins. Remediation log updated and current at instructor midpoint check. |
| 3 | Performance Skill Rehearsal & Hands-On Timed Trials | 18 | lab | Students execute NCCER-style hands-on performance tasks under timed, observed conditions—including mortar mixing, layout and leveling, brick and block coursing, and joint finishing—and receive criterion-referenced feedback that maps directly to NCCER performance profile checkpoints. |
| Mortar mixer or mixing board; Type S mortar materials (masonry cement, sand, water); standard modular brick; 8-inch concrete block; story poles; mason's levels (4-foot and 2-foot); line pins and mason's line; trowels (brick and margin); jointers; tape measures; chalk line; speed square; NCCER Masonry performance profile checklists (L1–L3); stopwatch; safety glasses, gloves, dust mask (N95 minimum), steel-toed boots; first-aid kit on station. | Student meets all go/no-go criteria on the NCCER performance profile for every station: mortar within specified slump range, courses plumb and level within published tolerance, joints finished uniformly, and task completed within time limit. Any no-go item requires a documented second attempt; two failed attempts triggers a mandatory remediation plan before the final mock exam. |
| 4 | Full Mock Certification Exams & Final Remediation | 12 | lab | Students sit a full-length mock written exam replicating NCCER Masonry L1–3 module-test conditions and an OSHA 10 scenario-based written exam under timed, closed-book conditions, score at or above the NCCER passing threshold on the written mock, and complete a final remediation log entry documenting readiness. |
| 120-item NCCER Masonry mock written exam packet (instructor-authored, aligned to published L1–L3 module objectives); 50-item OSHA 10 Construction scenario mock packet; answer sheets; answer keys with domain-breakdown scoring guide; NCCER Masonry trainee guides (closed during exam, available for post-exam review); remediation log summary sheet; pens and pencils; quiet exam room with individual seating. | Student scores at or above the NCCER published passing threshold on the full 120-item written mock overall and demonstrates passing-level performance in each major domain cluster; OSHA 10 mock score is reviewed and any topic scoring below 70% is flagged for self-study before the actual OSHA 10 session. Completion of a signed, instructor-approved remediation log is required to be cleared for exam registration. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Mock Certification Exam (Written + Performance) | Mock certification exam | 100% | Written mock: score at or above the NCCER published passing threshold on the 120-item exam overall, with no single domain cluster below 70%; OSHA 10 mock: 70% or higher overall. Performance mock: all NCCER performance profile checkpoints rated pass (no unresolved no-go items) on solo timed trials. | A single integrated mock-certification event replicating actual NCCER Masonry L1–3 module-test and OSHA 10 Construction exam conditions: students complete the closed-book timed written mock and the performance skill trials in the same course week, receive domain-level score reports, and must meet all passing standards—or complete documented remediation and a retake drill—before the instructor signs their exam-registration clearance. This assessment serves as the summative readiness gate for the entire program. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: NCCER Masonry L1-3; OSHA 10
Students sit the NCCER Masonry Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 written knowledge tests and hands-on performance verifications administered through an NCCER-accredited training sponsor, and complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training delivered by an OSHA-authorized trainer. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to Masonry · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
