🚧 Under construction — VoTechWorks is being built. A free tech program — complimentary, as our commitment to get America working.
voTechWorksGrade 13 · a vocational technology learning center, by urbanicity
newSchoolWorks.com › VoTechWorks › Building & Construction › Roofing › Courses
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.

Roofing

9 courses · 600 clock hours · 3–4 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.

$5,965 COMPLIMENTARYprogram tuition
9courses
44lessons
600hours
31assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons44 of 44 lesson pages writtenPractice352 practice questionsResources107 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 44 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
BLD-ROOF12-01 Universal core

Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Roofers

148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY

This course builds the foundational knowledge every entry-level roofer must have before stepping onto a roof: OSHA 10-hour hazard recognition, first aid and CPR, trade math and measurement, blueprint and specification reading, digital jobsite tools, and professional workplace skills. Lessons are contextualized entirely to the roofing trade so that every calculation, document, and scenario reflects real roof work. Successful completion satisfies the NCCER Universal Core prerequisite and prepares students for OSHA 10-hour card eligibility.

Outcomes
Course text

This course builds the foundational knowledge every entry-level roofer must have before stepping onto a roof: OSHA 10-hour hazard recognition, first aid and CPR, trade math and measurement, blueprint and specification reading, digital jobsite tools, and professional workplace skills. Lessons are contextualized entirely to the roofing trade so that every calculation, document, and scenario reflects real roof work. Successful completion satisfies the NCCER Universal Core prerequisite and prepares students for OSHA 10-hour card eligibility.

How the course runs. 7 blocks: OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety for Roofers; First Aid, CPR, and Jobsite Emergency Response; Trade Math I: Fractions, Decimals, and Roof Area; Trade Math II: Slope, Pitch, Material Estimation, and Waste Factor; Blueprint Reading, Specifications, and Manufacturer Data Sheets; Digital Tools, Jobsite Communication, and Safety Reporting; Career Readiness: Professional Standards, Career Pathways, and Portfolio.

What competent looks like. Identify the OSHA General Industry and Construction standards most relevant to roofing, demonstrate proper PPE selection and inspection, and describe lockout/tagout procedures for rooftop mechanical equipment. Perform trade math calculations—including area, slope, pitch conversion, waste factor, and material estimation—accurately enough to order roofing materials for a given set of plans. Read and interpret roofing blueprints, detail drawings, and manufacturer specification sheets to extract dimensions, slope data, and installation requirements. Demonstrate adult CPR and first aid response steps (to current Red Cross or AHA lay-responder guidelines) and complete an OSHA 10-hour Construction training sequence. Use a smartphone or tablet with common construction apps and digital timekeeping/safety-reporting tools to document jobsite conditions and communicate professionally. Prepare a career portfolio containing a résumé, a completed job application, and a written career plan aligned with NCCER craft progression levels.

Lessons · 7 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety for Roofers30theoryStudents will complete the full OSHA 10-hour Construction Outreach curriculum and correctly identify the top hazards for roofers—falls, struck-by, electrical, and heat illness—along with the applicable OSHA standards that govern each.
  1. Work through each of the ten OSHA Outreach topic modules (Introduction to OSHA, Focus Four Hazards, Personal Protective Equipment, Health Hazards, and supporting topics) using the authorized trainer's slide decks and case-study handouts; record key code citations in a personal safety notebook.
  2. In groups of three, analyze photographs of real roofing jobsite conditions—ladders, hoists, open edges, skylights, power tools—and categorize each visible hazard by OSHA Focus Four category, then present findings to the class.
  3. Complete the official OSHA 10-hour student sign-in and participation record maintained by the authorized trainer so that each student is eligible to receive the OSHA 10-hour Construction card upon successful completion.
OSHA 10-hour Construction Outreach authorized trainer materials; OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts E, M, K reference handout; roofing jobsite hazard photo set; personal safety notebooks; pensAuthorized trainer confirms full attendance across all modules (OSHA Outreach requirement); students score 70% or higher on a 40-question multiple-choice module quiz covering Focus Four hazards and PPE selection.
2First Aid, CPR, and Jobsite Emergency Response16labStudents will demonstrate adult CPR with an AED and control-of-bleeding techniques to the performance standards of a recognized lay-responder certification course (American Heart Association Heartsaver or American Red Cross equivalent).
  1. Complete the full lay-responder CPR/AED course on manikins, rotating through chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED operation until each student achieves the required compression rate and depth as coached by the certified instructor.
  2. Practice wound packing and tourniquet application on trauma training arms, then role-play a roofing scenario in which a worker has fallen and is unresponsive while a second student calls 911 and relays jobsite address and GPS coordinates.
  3. Build a laminated jobsite emergency card listing local emergency numbers, the school's address, and a step-by-step responder sequence; this card becomes part of each student's career portfolio.
Adult CPR manikins with face shields; AED trainer units; tourniquet trainers; trauma wound packing pads; disposable gloves; AHA Heartsaver or ARC First Aid/CPR/AED course materials; course completion cardsCertified instructor signs off on each student's skills checklist per the certifying organization's performance criteria; students who do not meet CPR compression quality or AED steps repeat the skills station before the session ends.
3Trade Math I: Fractions, Decimals, and Roof Area24theoryStudents will convert between fractions and decimals, apply the Pythagorean theorem to find rafter length, and calculate the gross and net square footage of roofs with simple and complex geometries to within 2% of the instructor's reference answer.
  1. Complete a 20-problem warm-up worksheet converting roofing-relevant fractions (3/8 in., 5/16 in., etc.) to decimals and back, self-grading with an answer key, then identify and correct any errors with a partner.
  2. Given a packet of five roof plan sketches with labeled dimensions, calculate total roof area for each plan—hip, gable, shed, and L-shaped—using the instructor-provided area formulas; show all work and label every unit.
  3. Use a construction master or smartphone calculator app to verify hand calculations and practice entering feet-inch-fraction values directly, comparing results to confirm accuracy before moving to estimating waste factors.
Scientific calculator or Construction Master calculator app; ruled notebook paper; pencils; instructor-prepared roof-area worksheet packet; tape measure for classroom mock-up ridge and eave segments; NCCER Roofing Level 1 core math reference10-problem roof-area quiz; students must calculate gross and net area for two mixed-geometry roofs within 2% of the answer key to pass; students below 70% receive targeted re-teaching before Lesson 4.
4Trade Math II: Slope, Pitch, Material Estimation, and Waste Factor22labStudents will use slope expressed as rise-over-run, convert between slope ratio and degree, apply a waste factor, and produce a complete material take-off (shingles in squares, underlayment in rolls, ridge cap bundles, and nails by weight) for a given roof plan.
  1. Measure the slope of three full-scale roof mock-up panels in the shop using a rafter square and a slope finder app, record results in both X/12 and degree formats, then calculate the slope factor for each panel to adjust horizontal plan area to actual surface area.
  2. Working from a provided roof plan with dimensions and a specified shingle type, complete a full material take-off on a standard estimating form, applying manufacturer-stated waste factors and rounding to the next whole unit as is standard industry practice.
  3. Price the take-off using a current supplier price sheet provided by the instructor, calculate total material cost, and compare results across student teams to identify any quantity discrepancies and resolve them through peer review.
Rafter square (Speed Square); slope finder app; full-scale sloped roof mock-up panels; blank material take-off forms; sample manufacturer product data sheets; current supplier price list (instructor-sourced); calculatorsStudents submit a complete material take-off for an assigned roof plan; quantities must be within 5% of the instructor's key and waste factor application must be correct; pricing must be accurate to the provided rate sheet; 70% overall to pass.
5Blueprint Reading, Specifications, and Manufacturer Data Sheets24theoryStudents will locate roof plan dimensions, slope annotations, section details, and flashing call-outs on a standard residential construction drawing set and identify all installation requirements stated in the accompanying specification section and manufacturer installation guide.
  1. Work through a reduced-scale residential plan set page by page, labeling on a printed copy: north arrow, scale bar, roof plan, wall sections, and detail bubbles that reference roofing assemblies; instructors check labeling before students advance.
  2. Compare a written specification section for roofing (CSI format, Division 07) to the corresponding manufacturer installation manual for a three-tab shingle product, highlighting every point where the spec imposes a requirement stricter than the manufacturer minimum.
  3. In pairs, answer a 15-question scavenger hunt drawn entirely from the plan set and spec documents—questions require locating actual dimensions, underlayment type, and fastener pattern—reinforcing that documents, not memory, govern installation.
Reduced-scale residential construction drawing set (instructor-prepared or open-source set); CSI Division 07 specification excerpt; manufacturer three-tab shingle installation guide; highlighters; printed answer sheet; pencilsStudents complete the 15-question scavenger hunt without notes other than the provided documents; 12 of 15 correct (80%) to pass; incorrect answers are reviewed as a class before the next lesson.
6Digital Tools, Jobsite Communication, and Safety Reporting16demoStudents will use a construction industry app to log a simulated daily safety inspection, photograph and annotate a hazard, complete a digital near-miss report, and send a professional summary email or text to a supervisor.
  1. Download and navigate a construction field management or safety app (instructor selects a current free or widely used option such as iAuditor/SafetyCulture or a comparable platform) on a personal or loaner device; complete a guided tour of the inspection, photo, and report functions.
  2. Conduct a simulated safety walkthrough of the school shop using the app's inspection checklist, photograph three intentional mock hazards staged by the instructor (unguarded opening, unsecured ladder, missing PPE), annotate each photo with a caption, and submit the report digitally.
  3. Draft a professional near-miss summary message to a simulated site supervisor using correct grammar and trade-specific vocabulary, then exchange with a partner for peer review against a provided rubric before final submission to the instructor.
Smartphones or tablets (student-owned or school loaners); construction safety or field management app; Wi-Fi access; instructor-staged mock hazards; professional writing rubric; email or messaging platformInstructor reviews submitted digital inspection report for completeness (all three hazards photographed, annotated, and categorized) and reviews near-miss message against rubric; both submissions must meet 'proficient' on all rubric categories to pass.
7Career Readiness: Professional Standards, Career Pathways, and Portfolio16theoryStudents will construct a career portfolio containing a trade-specific résumé, a completed roofing job application, and a written two-year career plan that maps NCCER credential levels and identifies at least two potential employers.
  1. Review the NCCER Roofing credential pathway (Core through available Levels) using the NCCER website and registry information, then create a personal progression timeline on a one-page career plan template showing when each credential can be achieved relative to their current program completion date.
  2. Draft a résumé tailored to an entry-level roofing helper or apprentice position, incorporating skills and credentials gained in this program; peer-review using a trade employer checklist provided by the instructor, then revise and finalize.
  3. Complete a standard roofing contractor job application form (instructor-provided sample), practice a mock interview with a partner using five common trade employer questions, and receive written feedback on professional presentation, vocabulary, and response content.
NCCER credential pathway printed summary; résumé template and rubric; sample roofing job application form; mock interview question list; interview feedback form; word processing access (computer lab or personal device)Instructor evaluates completed portfolio against a three-item rubric (résumé, application, career plan); all three items must be rated 'complete and professional' on all criteria; incomplete items are revised within one week.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
OSHA 10 and Safety Knowledge ExamWritten exam25%70% correct (28 of 40 questions) and verified full attendance on the OSHA Outreach sign-in recordA 40-question multiple-choice exam covering OSHA Focus Four hazards, PPE selection and inspection, lockout/tagout principles, heat illness prevention, and first aid/emergency response as applied to roofing worksites. This exam maps directly to the NCCER Core safety competencies and confirms eligibility for OSHA 10-hour card issuance by the authorized trainer.
Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Trade Math and Blueprint Reading ExamWritten exam25%70% overall, with no individual section (math or blueprint) scoring below 60%A written exam of approximately 35 questions combining roof area calculations, slope and pitch conversion, material take-off quantities, waste factor application, and blueprint-reading questions requiring students to extract data from a provided partial plan set. Results are mapped to the NCCER Core math and measurement competency areas.
Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Career Portfolio ProjectProject25%All three portfolio components (résumé, job application, career plan) rated 'complete and professional' on every rubric criterion; any item rated 'needs revision' must be corrected and resubmitted within five business daysStudents submit a printed and digital career portfolio containing a trade-specific résumé, a fully completed roofing employer job application, and a written two-year career plan that references the NCCER credential pathway and names at least two local or regional roofing employers. The portfolio is evaluated by the instructor using a published rubric and serves as a practical career-readiness artifact.
Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
Safety and Career Readiness Oral DefenseOral / panel25%Student must respond correctly and completely to at least 4 of 5 oral questions; a response that contains a safety error (e.g., incorrect PPE for a given hazard) is automatically scored as incorrect regardless of other contentThe instructor conducts a five-question oral interview with each student covering any topic from the course: hazard identification, emergency response steps, material estimation reasoning, blueprint interpretation, or career planning decisions. This format mirrors the verbal competency checks used by NCCER registered instructors and assesses whether students can apply knowledge under conversational, real-world conditions.
Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism
BLD-ROOF12-02 Trade course

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

49 hr · $675 COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to install, repair, and inspect asphalt shingle roofing systems from deck preparation through ridge capping, following manufacturer specifications and applicable building codes. Instruction covers material selection, layout, fastening, and weatherproofing details that appear on the NCCER Roofing credential exam. Safe work practices on sloped surfaces are integrated throughout every lesson.

Outcomes
Course text

Students learn to install, repair, and inspect asphalt shingle roofing systems from deck preparation through ridge capping, following manufacturer specifications and applicable building codes. Instruction covers material selection, layout, fastening, and weatherproofing details that appear on the NCCER Roofing credential exam. Safe work practices on sloped surfaces are integrated throughout every lesson.

How the course runs. 5 blocks: Shingle Materials, Codes, and Deck Preparation; Underlayment and Drip Edge Installation; Shingle Layout, Field Installation, and Fastening; Valleys, Hips, Ridges, and Penetration Flashing Integration; Inspection, Defect Identification, and Repair.

What competent looks like. Identify and select appropriate asphalt shingle types, underlayments, and accessory materials based on slope, climate, and manufacturer requirements. Prepare a roof deck by inspecting for defects, installing drip edge, and applying underlayment correctly to NCCER and industry standards. Lay out and install a full asphalt shingle field using proper exposure, offset, and fastening patterns without exceeding manufacturer tolerances. Install valley, hip, and ridge details using open, closed-cut, or woven methods as required by the project specification. Identify common shingle installation defects — fishmouthing, improper exposure, and mis-nailed fasteners — and execute the correct repair. Demonstrate compliance with shingle-specific fall-protection requirements and personal protective equipment use on every sloped-roof task.

Lessons · 5 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1Shingle Materials, Codes, and Deck Preparation9theoryStudents will identify the properties of three-tab and architectural shingles, underlayment types, and drip edge profiles, and explain deck-preparation steps required before any shingle is installed.
  1. Material identification exercise: students sort a sample set of shingles, underlayments (felt and synthetic), ice-and-water shield, and drip edge profiles into labeled categories and record manufacturer specs from the packaging.
  2. Deck inspection simulation: using a pre-built 4×8 plywood mock deck panel with planted defects (soft spots, missing fasteners, gaps at sheathing joints), students probe, mark, and write a punch-list report.
  3. Code and specification reading: students read a manufacturer installation instruction sheet and answer a structured worksheet identifying minimum slope requirements, fastener type and count, and warranty-voiding conditions.
Sample shingles (three-tab and architectural), synthetic and felt underlayment rolls, ice-and-water shield, drip edge samples, defect mock deck panel, hammers, pry bars, NCCER Roofing Level 1 Trainee Guide, manufacturer installation instructionsWritten worksheet score of 75% or higher on material identification and code-reading questions; instructor verifies punch-list contains all planted defects before student moves on.
2Underlayment and Drip Edge Installation10labStudents will install drip edge, ice-and-water shield at eaves and valleys, and overlapping courses of underlayment on a sloped mock-roof section in the correct sequence and to manufacturer lap tolerances.
  1. Drip edge sequencing drill: students install eave drip edge under underlayment and rake drip edge over underlayment on a mock roof, then photograph and label each layer to demonstrate correct sequence.
  2. Underlayment layout and fastening: working in pairs, students snap horizontal chalk lines, roll out and fasten two courses of synthetic underlayment maintaining the required side and end laps, then self-check with a tape measure against manufacturer specs.
  3. Ice-and-water shield application: students cut and apply ice-and-water shield to the eave zone and a simulated valley on the mock section, pressing seams firmly and trimming edges flush with drip edge.
Sloped mock-roof sections (minimum 4:12 pitch, 8×12 ft), chalk lines, tape measures, utility knives, roofing staplers and caps, pneumatic nailers, drip edge (aluminum), synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield, NCCER Roofing Level 1 Trainee Guide, manufacturer instructions, PPE (hard hat, non-slip footwear, safety glasses, gloves)Instructor inspects finished mock section against a checklist: drip edge sequence correct, all lap dimensions within manufacturer tolerance (±½ in.), ice-and-water shield covers full required eave width, no fishmouths or open seams — student must pass all four criteria to advance.
3Shingle Layout, Field Installation, and Fastening14practiceStudents will strike a balanced layout, cut starter shingles, and install a minimum four-course field of architectural shingles with correct exposure, stagger, and fastener placement according to manufacturer specifications.
  1. Layout calculation exercise: given a mock roof width, students calculate balanced shingle layout from center, snap vertical and horizontal control lines, and document their math in a field log before touching any shingle.
  2. Starter course and first three courses: students cut and install a starter strip at the eave, then hand-nail the first three courses of architectural shingles, checking exposure with a gauge and verifying a minimum 6-in. horizontal offset between joints in adjacent courses.
  3. Pneumatic nailer field installation race-and-check: students use a pneumatic coil nailer to install courses four through the top of the mock section at production pace, then partner-inspect each other's work with a straight-edge and pull-test to confirm fasteners are flush, in the nailing zone, and not over-driven.
Sloped mock-roof sections prepared in Lesson 2, architectural shingles (minimum one square per student pair), shingle gauge, chalk lines, tape measures, pneumatic coil nailers, hand hammers, roofing nails (correct length for deck thickness), utility knives, tin snips, PPE as above, NCCER Roofing Level 1 Trainee GuideInstructor measures five random shingle exposures (pass: all within ±⅛ in. of specified exposure), checks horizontal joint offsets in five locations (pass: all ≥ 6 in.), and performs three random nail pull-tests (pass: nail flush, in zone, not through tab). All three criteria must pass; defective sections must be removed and reinstalled.
4Valleys, Hips, Ridges, and Penetration Flashing Integration10demoStudents will demonstrate open-valley, closed-cut-valley, and woven-valley methods on mock sections, and install hip and ridge cap shingles and a pre-formed boot flashing around a pipe penetration.
  1. Valley methods demonstration and replication: instructor demonstrates all three valley methods on adjacent mock valley sections; students then replicate each method, photograph their work, and label the chalk-line location and cut dimensions in their field log.
  2. Hip and ridge cap installation: students measure, cut, and install manufactured ridge cap shingles along a hip run, maintaining consistent exposure and correct nailing above the exposure line, then finish the ridge with the same product.
  3. Pipe boot installation: students cut a shingle field around a 4-in. ABS pipe stub-out, slide a pre-formed rubber boot over the pipe, nail the flange under the upslope shingles and over the downslope shingles, and seal the pipe collar with compatible sealant per manufacturer instructions.
Mock valley and hip/ridge sections, pre-installed field shingles, metal valley flashing (W-metal), chalk lines, snips, utility knives, tape measures, architectural and ridge-cap shingles, pre-formed rubber pipe boots (4-in.), compatible roofing sealant, caulk guns, pneumatic nailers, roofing nails, PPE as above, NCCER Roofing Level 1 Trainee GuideInstructor uses a go/no-go checklist: valley chalk lines straight and correct distance from centerline, cut edges clean and sealed per method, ridge cap exposure consistent within ±⅛ in., boot flange lapped correctly upslope and downslope, sealant fully covers pipe collar — student must meet all five items; deficiencies require correction before the skills demo assessment.
5Inspection, Defect Identification, and Repair6fieldStudents will conduct a systematic shingle roof inspection using a written protocol, identify at least five common defect types on a pre-set defect roof, and perform an acceptable repair on a designated defective section.
  1. Defect identification walk: working individually, students inspect an instructor-prepared mock roof containing planted defects (fishmouthed shingles, exposed nails, improper exposure, mis-offset joints, unsealed valley edge, lifted tabs) and complete a written defect log with location, defect type, and recommended corrective action for each item found.
  2. Repair practice: students select one defect from their log and execute the correct repair — removing damaged shingles without disturbing sound surrounding courses, preparing the substrate, and installing replacement shingles with correct nailing and sealing.
  3. Peer review and documentation: student pairs swap defect logs, re-inspect the roof against each other's reports, note any missed items, and discuss discrepancies; each student finalizes a typed inspection summary and repair record to file in their course portfolio.
Pre-built defect mock roof, pry bars, flat bars, hammer, pneumatic nailer, replacement shingles, roofing nails, roofing sealant, caulk gun, tape measure, inspection checklist form, portfolio folder, camera or smartphone, PPE as aboveStudent defect log must identify a minimum of five of the seven planted defects (71%); completed repair must pass instructor's four-point checklist (disturbed area re-nailed correctly, no exposed nail heads, tabs lying flat, no open joints). Missing fewer than two defects and a passing repair are both required to pass this lesson.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Shingle Systems Knowledge ExamWritten exam25%75% correct (38 of 50 questions)A 50-question written exam covering shingle types, underlayment systems, drip edge sequencing, exposure and offset calculations, valley methods, fastener specifications, and common defects, mapped to the NCCER Roofing exam task areas for shingle installation. Questions are drawn from NCCER Roofing Level 1 module objectives and manufacturer specification reading tasks practiced in Lessons 1 through 4.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Full Shingle Installation Skills DemonstrationSkills demonstration45%All mandatory items on the rubric marked Satisfactory; no Unsatisfactory items remaining after one permitted correction attemptOn a fresh, pre-prepared sloped mock-roof section, the student independently installs drip edge, underlayment, ice-and-water shield, a full shingle field with correct layout and fastening, a closed-cut valley, and ridge cap within a timed window. An instructor scores the completed installation against a standardized rubric aligned to NCCER Roofing performance profile criteria.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Installation Field Log and PortfolioLog15%Minimum score of 75% on a rubric assessing completeness, accuracy, and professional presentation across all five lesson entriesStudents submit a complete field log compiled across all five lessons containing: material identification notes, deck punch-list, layout calculations, installation photographs with annotations, valley method labels, inspection defect report, and the repair record. The log demonstrates the documentation habits required by roofing contractors and evaluated in NCCER performance profiles.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Shingle Work Safety CheckSafety audit15%Zero critical safety violations; all items rated Compliant before student may continue any roof-top workAn unannounced observation conducted by the instructor during Lesson 3 or 4 lab work, evaluating correct PPE use (non-slip footwear, safety glasses, hard hat where required), proper body positioning on slope, safe tool handling (nailer trigger discipline, utility knife blade direction), and correct housekeeping (no loose materials on deck). Any critical violation stops work immediately; the student reviews the relevant OSHA fall-protection and hand-tool safety procedures and is re-observed the following day.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
BLD-ROOF12-03 Trade course

Metal Roofing: Materials, Fabrication, and Installation

49 hr · $675 COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to select, measure, cut, and install standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal roofing panels, including underlayment prep, trim fabrication, and weathertight seaming. Emphasis is placed on manufacturer specifications, thermal movement allowances, and OSHA fall-protection requirements on metal surfaces. Lessons map to NCCER Roofing Core and Level 1 knowledge areas covering metal roofing systems.

Outcomes
Course text

Students learn to select, measure, cut, and install standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal roofing panels, including underlayment prep, trim fabrication, and weathertight seaming. Emphasis is placed on manufacturer specifications, thermal movement allowances, and OSHA fall-protection requirements on metal surfaces. Lessons map to NCCER Roofing Core and Level 1 knowledge areas covering metal roofing systems.

How the course runs. 5 blocks: Metal Roofing Systems: Types, Materials, and Code Context; Roof Math: Layout, Coverage, and Quantity Takeoff for Metal Panels; Metal Panel Cutting, Bending, and Shop Fabrication; Standing-Seam Panel Installation: Substrate, Clips, Field Panels, and Seaming; Trim Flashings, Sealants, and Fall Protection on Metal Roofs.

What competent looks like. Identify and differentiate metal roofing system types—standing-seam, ribbed/exposed-fastener, and metal shingle—and select appropriate materials for a given application. Calculate panel layout, coverage, and linear trim quantities from a scaled roof plan using roofing math conventions. Safely cut, bend, and hem steel and aluminum panels using hand seamers, electric shears, and a portable brake, following manufacturer tolerances. Install a standing-seam panel field, clips, and seams that meet manufacturer installation instructions and pass a visual and water-infiltration check. Fabricate and install rake, eave, ridge, and valley trim flashings to manufacturer specifications with correct sealant and fastener patterns. Apply OSHA fall-protection measures—anchor points, personal fall-arrest systems, and slide-guard systems—appropriate to low-slope and steep-slope metal roofs.

Lessons · 5 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1Metal Roofing Systems: Types, Materials, and Code Context8theoryGiven a set of product samples and specification sheets, students correctly classify at least four metal roofing system types and state the key material properties—gauge, coating, thermal expansion rate—that drive installation decisions.
  1. Instructor-led gallery walk: students examine labeled samples of Galvalume steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc panels; they record alloy, gauge, and typical application on a comparison worksheet.
  2. Small-group analysis of two manufacturer installation manuals (standing-seam and exposed-fastener); groups identify required underlayment, fastener type, and thermal-gap requirements, then present findings to the class.
  3. Individual worksheet: students match five project scenarios (climate zone, roof pitch, building use) to the most appropriate metal system type and justify each choice in writing.
Assorted metal panel samples (G-90 galvanized, Galvalume, aluminum, copper), manufacturer installation manuals for at least two panel systems, SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual (current edition) as reference, comparison worksheet, whiteboardScored comparison worksheet and written scenario justifications; students must correctly classify all four system types and provide defensible justifications for at least four of five project scenarios to pass (80% or better).
2Roof Math: Layout, Coverage, and Quantity Takeoff for Metal Panels9theoryUsing a scaled residential roof plan, students calculate panel count, linear trim footage, and waste factor within ±5% of the instructor-verified answer.
  1. Direct instruction on metal-specific math: coverage width vs. panel width, exposure calculations for ribbed panels, thermal-gap spacing tables; students work three guided example problems on whiteboards.
  2. Pair exercise: students use a scaled hip-and-valley roof plan to determine panel layout direction, count full and cut panels per slope, and list all trim pieces (rake, eave, ridge, valley, hip cap) with quantities.
  3. Individual takeoff quiz: each student receives a unique scaled gable roof plan and completes a full materials list including panels, underlayment rolls, fasteners, sealant tubes, and trim; instructor checks against a key.
Scaled roof plan drawings (multiple versions), architectural scale rulers, calculators, graph paper, thermal expansion coefficient reference table from SMACNA, blank materials-list formsIndividual takeoff quiz graded against instructor key; panel count and each trim category must be within ±5% of correct value; students scoring below 80% receive targeted review and one retest opportunity.
3Metal Panel Cutting, Bending, and Shop Fabrication12labStudents safely cut and bend a specified trim profile from a flat-sheet blank using hand seamers, electric shears, and a portable brake, producing a finished piece within ±1/8 inch of the pattern dimensions.
  1. Instructor demonstration of electric shear, nibbler, snips, portable brake, and hand seamer; students complete a tool-identification and hazard checklist before handling any tool—cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses required throughout.
  2. Guided fabrication: each student follows a step-by-step shop drawing to cut a gable rake trim blank to length, mark and execute two hem folds on the brake, and verify dimensions at each step with a tape measure before proceeding.
  3. Independent fabrication: each student receives a new shop drawing for a simple eave drip-edge profile and fabricates the piece without guidance; finished pieces are checked against a go/no-go gauge and the shop drawing.
24-gauge Galvalume steel sheet stock, portable sheet-metal brake (min. 10-ft capacity), electric shears or nibblers, aviation snips (left/right/straight), hand seamers, tape measures, squares, marking scribes, cut-resistant gloves (ANSI A4 or higher), safety glasses, hearing protection, shop drawings, go/no-go dimensional gaugesFinished eave drip-edge piece measured at three points; all dimensions within ±1/8 inch of drawing; no burrs that would cause installer injury; PPE compliance observed throughout—any PPE violation requires stop, correction, and restart of that activity.
4Standing-Seam Panel Installation: Substrate, Clips, Field Panels, and Seaming12practiceWorking in pairs on a full-scale roof mock-up, students install a minimum six-panel standing-seam field with concealed clips and mechanically seam all panel edges so that no fasteners are exposed and panels are plumb within 1/8 inch over 10 feet.
  1. Instructor demonstration on mock-up: snap chalk line for first panel, install eave trim and starter clip, set first panel, fasten clip at correct spacing per manufacturer spec, engage second panel, and run electric seamer; students narrate each step to reinforce sequence.
  2. Pair practice: each pair installs three panels from scratch on their mock-up section, checking plumb with a level after each panel and documenting clip spacing and seam quality on an installation log sheet.
  3. Pairs switch mock-up sections, inspect the previous team's work against a punch-list checklist (plumb tolerance, clip count, seam continuity, no exposed fasteners, thermal gap at eave and ridge), document findings, and report discrepancies to the instructor.
Full-scale plywood roof mock-up sections (minimum 8 ft × 10 ft per pair), 16-inch coverage standing-seam panel stock, concealed clips, stainless or coated fasteners per manufacturer spec, underlayment (self-adhering membrane per manufacturer), electric seaming tool, chalk line, tape measure, torpedo level, installation log sheets, punch-list checklist, manufacturer installation manualInstructor inspects finished six-panel field using punch-list checklist; all criteria must be met (plumb within 1/8 inch over 10 ft, correct clip count per manufacturer spacing, seam fully engaged with no open joints, zero exposed fasteners in field) for a pass; any single failed criterion requires the relevant panels to be re-installed before the skills demonstration assessment.
5Trim Flashings, Sealants, and Fall Protection on Metal Roofs8demoStudents install ridge cap, rake trim, and valley flashing on the mock-up and demonstrate correct anchor-point selection and slide-guard positioning for a metal roof, meeting manufacturer specs and OSHA general industry fall-protection requirements.
  1. Instructor demonstrates ridge cap installation (butyl tape placement, cap engagement, end cap details) and rake trim installation (hem engagement, fastener pattern, sealant bead) on one mock-up; students follow along on a second mock-up section with verbal instructor coaching.
  2. Scenario-based fall-protection exercise: students examine three photographs of metal roof job sites and, using OSHA fall-protection guidance, identify anchor-point locations, specify whether a personal fall-arrest system or slide-guard system is appropriate for each pitch shown, and write a brief hazard-control justification.
  3. Field simulation: on the mock-up elevated to simulate a roof edge (or on a safely elevated platform with guardrails), each student dons a full harness, is inspected by the instructor for correct fit, attaches to a demonstration anchor, and installs one ridge cap section while the instructor observes body position, tool tethering, and PPE use.
Ridge cap and rake trim stock matching panel system used in Lesson 4, butyl sealant tape, compatible caulk/sealant, pop rivets or screws per manufacturer spec, caulk gun, full-body harnesses (one per student), lanyards, demonstration anchor point, slide-guard bracket (for demo), job-site photographs for scenario exercise, OSHA fall-protection reference materials, manufacturer installation manualInstructor evaluates ridge cap and rake trim against manufacturer checklist (tape/sealant placed, correct fastener pattern, ends capped, no gaps); harness inspection using OSHA-recognized donning checklist—all buckles, D-ring position, and lanyard connection must be correct before any elevated activity; scenario exercise graded with at least two of three sites correctly analyzed for a pass (minimum 80% overall on combined trim and safety check).
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Metal Roofing Knowledge ExamWritten exam25%70% correct (28 of 40 questions)A 40-question written exam covering metal roofing system types, material properties, thermal movement principles, fastener and sealant selection, underlayment requirements, and quantity takeoff math, aligned to NCCER Roofing module knowledge objectives. Students who do not pass on the first attempt receive targeted review and one retake opportunity within one week.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Panel Fabrication and Installation Skills DemonstrationSkills demonstration45%All critical criteria on the punch-list checklist must be met; no more than one minor non-critical deficiency allowedEach student independently fabricates a specified trim piece within ±1/8 inch of drawing dimensions and installs a four-panel standing-seam field section with correct clip spacing, fully engaged seams, and zero exposed field fasteners, evaluated by the instructor using the standardized punch-list checklist aligned to NCCER performance profile requirements.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Installation LogLog15%Log is complete for all five lessons with no missing entries; accuracy of recorded measurements verified against instructor records; at least 90% of entries correctStudents maintain a running lab log throughout the course recording panel layout calculations, clip spacing, seam inspection results, trim dimensions, and fall-protection decisions made during each hands-on activity; the completed log demonstrates documentation habits expected on professional job sites and supports NCCER portfolio evidence.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
PPE and Fall-Protection Safety CheckSafety audit15%100% pass required on all critical PPE and fall-protection items; any critical failure (e.g., incorrect harness fit, no eye protection while cutting) is an immediate stop-work and must be corrected and re-demonstrated before the student may continue course activitiesThe instructor conducts an observed safety check during Lesson 5's elevated simulation activity, verifying correct harness donning, D-ring position, lanyard connection to anchor, tool tethering, cut-resistant glove use, and awareness of slide hazards on metal surfaces, using a binary pass/fail checklist aligned to OSHA fall-protection and PPE requirements.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
BLD-ROOF12-04 Trade course

Flat and Membrane Roofing Systems

48 hr · $660 COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to select, install, and inspect low-slope and flat roofing membrane systems including built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, and single-ply membranes such as EPDM, TPO, and PVC. Emphasis is placed on substrate preparation, seaming techniques, drain and edge detailing, and quality control in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry standards. Lessons map directly to NCCER Roofing credential competencies covering low-slope roofing materials, application methods, and inspection procedures.

Outcomes
Course text

Students learn to select, install, and inspect low-slope and flat roofing membrane systems including built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, and single-ply membranes such as EPDM, TPO, and PVC. Emphasis is placed on substrate preparation, seaming techniques, drain and edge detailing, and quality control in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry standards. Lessons map directly to NCCER Roofing credential competencies covering low-slope roofing materials, application methods, and inspection procedures.

How the course runs. 5 blocks: Low-Slope Systems Overview: Materials, Properties, and Hazard Awareness; Substrate Preparation and Insulation Installation; Single-Ply Membrane Installation: EPDM, TPO, and PVC; Modified Bitumen Application and Built-Up Roofing Concepts; Flashings, Terminations, Drains, and Post-Installation Inspection.

What competent looks like. Identify and distinguish BUR, modified bitumen, EPDM, TPO, and PVC membrane systems by material properties, appropriate application, and manufacturer requirements. Prepare a low-slope substrate correctly, including inspection, cleaning, priming, and installation of insulation board to achieve a smooth, secure base for membrane application. Install a single-ply membrane system using heat-welding, solvent welding, or adhesive methods with seams and laps meeting manufacturer-specified minimum widths and bond strength. Apply modified bitumen membrane using torch-down or cold-adhesive methods, correctly lapping seams and integrating field sheet terminations at edges and penetrations. Flash and terminate membrane systems at drains, curbs, walls, and edges using manufacturer-approved methods, verifying watertight continuity through water-test or visual inspection. Perform a systematic post-installation inspection, document deficiencies on a field inspection report, and describe the corrective action required for each deficiency found.

Lessons · 5 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1Low-Slope Systems Overview: Materials, Properties, and Hazard Awareness8theoryStudents will identify each major low-slope membrane type by material composition, performance characteristics, and applicable safety and handling requirements.
  1. Instructor-led slide presentation with physical material samples of BUR felt, modified bitumen (APP and SBS), EPDM, TPO, and PVC sheets — students label sample cards with material type, bonding method, and one key property.
  2. Small-group comparison chart exercise: groups fill in a matrix (material / weight per square / seam method / typical slope range / primary hazard) using manufacturer technical data sheets and NCCER Roofing Level 1 module text, then present findings to class.
  3. Safety scenario discussion: students review the SDS for a hot-applied bitumen product and a solvent-based lap cement, identify flash points and required PPE, then write a one-paragraph job-hazard note for each product as if completing a pre-task plan.
Physical membrane samples (BUR felt, APP mod-bit, SBS mod-bit, EPDM, TPO, PVC), manufacturer technical data sheets and SDS sheets for each product, NCCER Roofing Level 1 core modules, blank comparison matrix worksheets, whiteboard.5-question oral or written exit quiz covering material identification, correct seam method per type, and one key hazard per product; students must score 80% or higher to proceed.
2Substrate Preparation and Insulation Installation10labStudents will inspect a mock low-slope deck, repair surface defects, install tapered polyisocyanurate insulation board in the correct fastening pattern, and apply primer where required by the membrane system being installed.
  1. Instructor demo on a 10 × 10 ft mock-up deck: identifying deck deflection, ponding-water slope requirements, and surface contamination, followed by students performing their own deck inspection using a written checklist and marking defects with chalk.
  2. Hands-on insulation layout exercise: students measure and cut polyiso board to fit the mock deck, stagger joints, and mechanically fasten boards using a fastening pattern from the manufacturer's FM/UL-compliant fastening schedule; instructor verifies pull-test on random fasteners.
  3. Primer application practice: students apply a solvent-based or water-based primer to the prepared substrate with a roller, maintaining uniform coverage rate per manufacturer instructions, wearing required PPE (nitrile gloves, safety glasses, organic-vapor respirator where required by SDS).
Mock-up flat deck (plywood or concrete board on sawhorses), polyisocyanurate insulation boards, screw fasteners and plates, low-speed drill/driver, tape measure, chalk line, utility knife, straightedge, membrane primer (appropriate to membrane type), rollers, PPE (gloves, glasses, respirator), manufacturer fastening schedule, deck inspection checklist.Instructor evaluates completed deck using a 10-point rubric: correct slope direction, no rocking boards, joints properly staggered, fastener spacing within tolerance, uniform primer coverage with no holidays; students must achieve 8/10 to pass the lab.
3Single-Ply Membrane Installation: EPDM, TPO, and PVC14practiceStudents will roll out, position, and seam a single-ply membrane sheet using the bonding method appropriate to the material (fully adhered EPDM with bonding adhesive, heat-welded TPO or PVC), producing seams that meet minimum lap width and pass a probe test.
  1. Instructor demonstration of EPDM fully adhered installation on a 4 × 8 ft panel: rolling membrane out, folding half back, applying bonding adhesive to substrate and membrane underside, allowing flash-off time, laying membrane into adhesive, and hand-rolling to eliminate air pockets; students replicate the process on their own 4 × 8 panel.
  2. Heat-welding station rotation: students take turns operating a hot-air welder on TPO seam samples (pre-cut strips), dialing in correct travel speed and temperature to achieve a consistent weld bead, then probing every seam with a screwdriver tip; instructor records pass/fail for each student's seam before they advance to the full panel.
  3. Full-panel TPO installation team exercise: two-student teams install a full-width TPO sheet on the mock deck, maintaining 6-inch side laps and 6-inch end laps (or per current manufacturer specification), heat-welding all seams, then completing a seam probe inspection log documenting any voids corrected.
EPDM membrane sheet (45-mil), TPO membrane sheet (60-mil), PVC membrane sample strips, bonding adhesive, solvent weld primer and cement (for PVC demo), automatic hot-air welder, hand welder for detail work, seam probe (screwdriver), hand roller, chalk line, tape measure, scissors/membrane knife, PPE (gloves, eye protection, heat-resistant gloves at welder), manufacturer installation manuals.Each student's panel is evaluated by the instructor: seam width within specification, zero open voids on probe test, no wrinkles or bridging over laps; students must pass the probe test on 100% of their seams (re-weld permitted once) and score 80% on a 10-item written seam-quality checklist.
4Modified Bitumen Application and Built-Up Roofing Concepts10demoStudents will apply a two-ply modified bitumen (SBS torch-applied or cold-adhesive APP) membrane system on a mock panel, correctly lapping each ply and reading the bleed-out indicator to confirm adequate heat, while demonstrating propane torch safety procedures.
  1. Instructor-led torch safety briefing and demonstration: proper cylinder handling, hose inspection, lighting and extinguishing sequence, fire watch responsibilities, and having a charged fire extinguisher within reach; students complete a torch-safety quiz before any torch contact.
  2. Base-ply application practice: students install a modified bitumen base sheet using cold adhesive on a 4 × 8 panel, rolling out, cutting to fit, applying adhesive, embedding sheet, and rolling to ensure full contact — instructor checks for voids by pressing firmly across the sheet surface.
  3. Torch-applied cap-sheet application (instructor controls torch, students guide and press sheet under close supervision on a non-combustible masonry or steel mock surface per SMACNA/NRCA safe torch guidance): students observe bleed-out bead at lap edge as the indicator of sufficient heat, then take turns on a supervised torch pass on pre-staged scrap sheet strips until competent; instructor signs off each student before unsupervised practice.
SBS modified bitumen base sheet and cap sheet rolls, cold-process adhesive, propane torch kit (torch head, regulator, hose, propane cylinder), fire extinguisher (Type ABC), non-combustible mock panel surface, steel hand roller, chalk line, utility knife, hook blades, PPE (leather gloves, face shield, leather boots, long sleeves), NRCA Roofing Manual (low-slope reference), manufacturer application guide.Instructor uses a 3-item safety gate before any student uses a torch (correct lighting sequence, fire extinguisher reachable, fire watch assigned); final panel is inspected for continuous bleed-out line along full lap length and no fish-mouths or un-bonded edges — both criteria must be met to pass.
5Flashings, Terminations, Drains, and Post-Installation Inspection6fieldStudents will detail and flash membrane terminations at a wall curb, roof drain, and gravel stop/edge, then conduct a structured post-installation inspection and produce a written deficiency report with corrective actions.
  1. Flashing installation stations: the mock deck includes a simulated wall curb, a roof drain bowl, and a metal drip edge — students rotate through all three stations installing compatible membrane flashing (EPDM cover strip, TPO flashing sheet, or mod-bit stripping ply as appropriate to the base system), using specified adhesives, fasteners, and clamp bars, then sealing all terminations with lap sealant.
  2. Instructor-staged defect inspection: instructor pre-installs five deliberate defects on a demonstration panel (open seam, bridging flashing at curb corner, improperly set drain dome, unsealed fastener, and fish-mouth) — students individually walk the panel, record each defect on a standardized field inspection form, and write the corrective action for each.
  3. Corrective repair exercise: each student selects one assigned defect from the inspection exercise and performs the specified repair (patch, re-weld, or re-termination), then presents the repair to the class explaining what caused the defect and how the repair restores watertight integrity.
Mock deck with wall curb, roof drain assembly with dome strainer, drip-edge/gravel stop, compatible membrane flashing material, lap sealant, clamp bar and fasteners, seam tape, hand roller, utility knife, standardized field inspection form (NRCA-style), tape measure, marker, camera or phone for photo documentation, PPE (gloves, eye protection, knee pads).Students must correctly identify all 5 staged defects on the inspection form (100% identification required, partial credit for incomplete corrective action description); flashing stations are graded on a 6-point rubric (2 points each station: watertight termination, correct lap, and fastener/sealant placement) — minimum 5/6 required to pass.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Membrane Systems Knowledge ExamWritten exam25%70% correct (35 of 50 questions)A 50-question written exam covering membrane type identification, material properties, substrate preparation requirements, seam methods, flashing principles, and inspection criteria, mapped to NCCER Roofing credential task areas for low-slope and flat roofing. Questions draw from NCCER module content and manufacturer technical data concepts presented throughout the course.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Single-Ply Membrane Installation Skills DemonstrationSkills demonstration45%Achieve 80% on the performance rubric with zero critical safety failuresEach student independently installs a 4 × 8 ft single-ply membrane panel (TPO or EPDM as assigned), including insulation board fastening, membrane lay-out, seaming, and a perimeter edge termination, within a 60-minute window. The instructor evaluates using a scored rubric aligned to NCCER performance profile task requirements; any torch-safety or fall-hazard violation results in an automatic task failure requiring reassessment.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log and Field Inspection Report PortfolioLog15%All required entries present and 80% of entries rated Meets Standard or higher on the 3-point rubricStudents submit a portfolio of completed lab worksheets, seam probe logs, and one full post-installation inspection report (with photos and corrective actions) produced during Lesson 5. Each entry is rated on a 3-point rubric (Exceeds / Meets / Does Not Meet Standard) for accuracy, completeness, and professional formatting, reflecting the documentation habits required on commercial low-slope roofing projects.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Hazard Recognition and Safe Work Practices CheckSafety audit15%100% on all critical-item safety behaviors; no unsatisfactory ratings permittedThe instructor conducts a structured behavioral observation during the modified bitumen and single-ply practice lessons, rating each student against a checklist of critical safety behaviors: correct PPE selection and use, SDS consultation before product use, torch safety protocol adherence (where applicable), proper material handling to prevent slips and cuts, and fire extinguisher awareness. Any critical item rated unsatisfactory requires remediation and re-observation before the student may continue lab work.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
BLD-ROOF12-05 Trade course

Flashing: Waterproofing Transitions and Penetrations

48 hr · $660 COMPLIMENTARY

Students learn to select, fabricate, and install metal and flexible flashing systems at all common roof transitions, penetrations, and terminations to create watertight seals that meet manufacturer specifications and adopted building codes. Emphasis is placed on reading architectural details, sequencing flashing with adjacent roofing materials, and troubleshooting failure points. Work integrates skills from shingle, metal, and flat/membrane courses and directly supports NCCER Roofing credential competencies in material installation and workmanship.

Outcomes
Course text

Students learn to select, fabricate, and install metal and flexible flashing systems at all common roof transitions, penetrations, and terminations to create watertight seals that meet manufacturer specifications and adopted building codes. Emphasis is placed on reading architectural details, sequencing flashing with adjacent roofing materials, and troubleshooting failure points. Work integrates skills from shingle, metal, and flat/membrane courses and directly supports NCCER Roofing credential competencies in material installation and workmanship.

How the course runs. 5 blocks: Flashing Fundamentals: Materials, Anatomy, and Reading Architectural Details; Fabrication: Layout, Cutting, and Bending Sheet-Metal Flashing; Steep-Slope Flashing Installation: Drip-Edge, Valley, Step, and Counter; Penetration and Transition Flashing: Pipes, Skylights, Parapets, and Expansion Joints; Flashing Inspection, Troubleshooting, and Documentation.

What competent looks like. Select the correct flashing type and material gauge for valley, step, counter, drip-edge, pipe boot, skylight, parapet, and expansion-joint conditions. Measure, mark, and hand-fabricate flashing components using a sheet-metal brake, snips, and a tape measure to within 1/8-inch tolerance. Install base, step, counter, and cap flashing in the correct sequence so that each layer sheds water to the surface below, verified by a water-test simulation. Seal and terminate flashing at masonry, wood, and metal substrates using appropriate sealants and fasteners without over-driving or bridging joints. Identify at least five common flashing failure modes from photographic samples and document a corrective action for each. Follow all OSHA fall-protection requirements and PPE standards during every hands-on activity, demonstrated with zero safety violations on instructor observation checklists.

Lessons · 5 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1Flashing Fundamentals: Materials, Anatomy, and Reading Architectural Details8theoryStudents will identify all major flashing types, explain the water-shedding principle that governs installation sequencing, and correctly interpret a standard architectural flashing detail drawing.
  1. Instructor-led presentation on flashing categories (drip-edge, valley, step/counter, base, cap, pipe boot, skylight curb, parapet/coping, expansion joint) using physical samples and cross-section diagrams; students label a blank anatomy worksheet and compare galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, lead, and self-adhering membrane flashings.
  2. Small-group analysis of three sets of manufacturer installation drawings (one shingle steep-slope, one standing-seam metal, one TPO flat); each group identifies all flashing locations called out, the material specified, and the fastener type, then presents findings to the class.
  3. Individual failure-mode card sort: students match 20 photo cards of failed flashings (open laps, improper sequence, incompatible metals, missing sealant, improper end-dam) to a list of failure descriptions and write one corrective action per card; instructor reviews answers whole-group.
Physical flashing sample kit (galvanized, aluminum, copper, EPDM boot, rubberized-asphalt membrane strip), manufacturer installation manuals (at least two brands), architectural detail print set, failure-mode photo card set, blank anatomy worksheets, markersExit quiz of 20 multiple-choice and matching questions covering flashing types, material compatibility, sequencing principle, and reading details; pass = 75% or higher.
2Fabrication: Layout, Cutting, and Bending Sheet-Metal Flashing10labStudents will measure, lay out, cut, and brake-form a drip-edge, a step-flashing piece, and a counter-flashing piece from flat galvanized sheet stock to dimensions within 1/8-inch of a given specification.
  1. Instructor demonstrates full fabrication sequence at the brake: measuring and scribing with a scratch awl, cutting straight and angled lines with aviation snips (straight, left, right), making relief cuts at inside corners, setting brake depth stops, and executing single and double bends; students observe and take notes on a provided sequence card.
  2. Guided practice round: each student fabricates one drip-edge section (4-inch face, 1-inch top flange, hemmed bottom edge) to a given length specification following the instructor's step-by-step verbal cues; instructor checks each piece against a go/no-go template before student moves on.
  3. Independent fabrication challenge: each student receives a dimensioned drawing for a step-flashing unit and a counter-flashing unit; student lays out, cuts, and brakes both pieces without instructor cues, records measurements and any corrections in a fabrication log, and self-checks with a steel rule and framing square before instructor inspection.
26-gauge galvanized steel sheet stock, sheet-metal hand brake, aviation snips (three types), scratch awl, steel rule, framing square, deburring tool, safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves (ANSI A4 or higher), go/no-go templates, fabrication log formsInstructor measures all three finished pieces with a steel rule; each dimension must be within 1/8 inch of the specification and all bends must be clean with no cracking; hem must close fully; pass = all three pieces accepted. Any piece outside tolerance is re-fabricated once; second failure requires remediation before advancing.
3Steep-Slope Flashing Installation: Drip-Edge, Valley, Step, and Counter14practiceStudents will install drip-edge, open and closed valley flashing, step flashing integrated with shingles, and counter flashing into a simulated masonry chase on a pitched roof mock-up, in the correct sequence and with fasteners and laps meeting manufacturer specifications.
  1. Instructor demonstration on a 4:12 framed roof mock-up: install eave drip-edge under underlayment and rake drip-edge over underlayment, explaining the reason for each sequence; then install a W-valley metal unit with correct centering, end-dams, and clip fastening; then step-flash a simulated sidewall chase by alternating shingle and step-flashing units up the rake; then set and seal a two-piece counter flashing into a saw-cut reglet in a concrete-block chase simulator.
  2. Partner practice: in pairs, students re-install all four flashing types on the same or an identical mock-up using only the manufacturer detail sheet as a guide; one student installs while the other reads dimensions aloud and records steps in a lab log; partners then switch roles for a second panel.
  3. Peer inspection drill: each pair inspects another pair's finished mock-up using a written inspection checklist (drip-edge lap direction, valley centering, step-flashing exposure, counter-flashing embed depth, sealant continuity, fastener pattern); each discrepancy is written up as a deficiency notice with a sketch of the corrective action required.
Framed 4:12 roof mock-ups (one per pair, minimum), concrete-block chase simulator, 26-gauge galvanized W-valley, aluminum drip-edge, step flashing units, two-piece counter flashing, roofing nails and screws, pneumatic nailer, hammer, chalk line, tape measure, urethane roofing sealant, caulk gun, underlayment, three-tab shingles, inspection checklists, lab log forms, NCCER Roofing Level 1 Core Curriculum and applicable moduleInstructor uses the same inspection checklist to independently evaluate each pair's mock-up; all critical items (sequence, laps meeting minimum specification, no exposed fasteners in watershedding field, sealant continuity at counter-flashing) must be met; pass = zero critical deficiencies and no more than two minor deficiencies. Students correct deficiencies before the lesson is marked complete.
4Penetration and Transition Flashing: Pipes, Skylights, Parapets, and Expansion Joints10demoStudents will install a lead or EPDM pipe boot, a curb-mounted skylight flashing kit, a parapet cap with through-wall scupper, and an expansion-joint cover on the appropriate substrate mock-ups, meeting manufacturer installation requirements.
  1. Instructor rotates through four flashing stations (pipe penetration, skylight curb, parapet/coping, expansion joint) performing a complete installation at each while narrating critical decisions: boot sizing to pipe diameter, clamping ring torque, curb height above finished roof surface, coping lap direction for drainage, and expansion-joint cover attachment method; students follow along on a station note card and ask questions at each station.
  2. Station rotation practice: students work in groups of three, each group spending approximately 20 minutes at each of the four stations to install the flashing type assigned using manufacturer instructions; instructor circulates and provides corrective feedback in real time; groups document each installation with a dated photo and a brief written note on what they found most difficult.
  3. Whole-class water test: instructor uses a low-pressure garden hose to simulate wind-driven rain on each finished installation while the class observes; any leak location is marked with tape, the group that installed that section diagnoses the failure cause and describes the repair, and the class evaluates whether the diagnosis is correct.
Pipe boot station: various diameter lead and EPDM boots, clamping rings, screwdriver, silicone sealant. Skylight station: manufacturer curb-mount skylight flashing kit, flat roof mock-up, step bits. Parapet station: coping cap sections, through-wall scupper, sealant. Expansion-joint station: prefabricated expansion-joint cover, adhesive and fasteners. All stations: tape measure, chalk line, safety glasses, gloves, low-pressure garden hose, marking tape, manufacturer installation instructions, station note cardsWater test is the primary check; a passing installation shows zero leaks during a minimum two-minute continuous water-flow test at each penetration or transition. Students who have a leak must identify and repair the failure point and retest; pass requires a clean retest.
5Flashing Inspection, Troubleshooting, and Documentation6fieldStudents will conduct a systematic visual inspection of an unfamiliar installed roof section, document all flashing conditions found, classify each as acceptable, maintenance-needed, or immediate-repair, and produce a written inspection report with supporting sketches or photos.
  1. Instructor leads a pre-inspection safety briefing covering fall-protection requirements for the inspection site (low-slope training roof or steep-slope mock-up at building edge), required PPE, and the buddy system; students don harnesses, attach to anchor points, and conduct a PPE check on their partner before stepping onto the roof surface.
  2. Paired inspection walk: each pair works through a roof section they did not install, using a provided inspection form to evaluate drip-edge, valleys, step and counter flashings, pipe boots, and any transitions present; they photograph or sketch every flashing location, note condition, measure any open laps or voids, and assign a condition code (A = acceptable, M = maintenance, R = immediate repair).
  3. Individual report write-up: each student independently writes a one-to-two page inspection report summarizing findings, listing each deficiency by location and condition code, and recommending a specific repair method for every item rated M or R; report is submitted before leaving class and discussed as a group debrief.
Installed roof section or fully detailed mock-up with intentional planted deficiencies, full fall-protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, anchor points per OSHA standards), hard hats, safety glasses, non-slip footwear, inspection forms, tape measure, digital camera or smartphone, graph paper for sketches, pensInstructor compares each student's inspection report against the planted-deficiency master list; pass = student correctly identifies at least 80% of planted deficiencies, assigns correct condition codes to at least 80% of identified items, and provides a plausible repair method for every item rated M or R. Reports with fewer than 80% identification or missing repair methods require revision and resubmission.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Flashing Knowledge ExamWritten exam25%75% or higher (30 of 40 questions correct)A 40-question written exam covering flashing material identification, water-shedding sequencing principles, manufacturer specification reading, material compatibility, failure-mode recognition, and fastener and sealant selection; questions are aligned to NCCER Roofing credential content areas for roofing materials and installation practices. Students who score below 75% complete a targeted review and retake an alternate form once.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Fabrication and Installation Skills DemonstrationSkills demonstration45%All critical items met; no more than two minor items deficient on the instructor's standardized rubricEach student individually fabricates a specified step-flashing unit and counter-flashing unit from sheet stock to within 1/8-inch tolerance, then installs both pieces plus a pipe boot on the designated mock-up in the correct sequence without instructor prompting; the instructor evaluates using a rubric that separates critical items (sequence, lap minimums, fastener pattern, sealant continuity) from minor items (cosmetic alignment, label placement). This demonstration directly maps to NCCER Roofing performance verification in flashing installation.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Log PortfolioLog15%Complete entries for all five lessons with accurate data, dated photos or sketches, and written reflections earning an average of 80% on the lab log rubricStudents maintain a cumulative lab log throughout the course recording measurements, fabrication notes, installation sequences, water-test results, inspection findings, and a brief reflection on what went wrong and how it was corrected for each hands-on activity; the portfolio is submitted at course end and scored on completeness, accuracy of recorded data, quality of corrective-action notes, and professional presentation.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
On-Roof Safety Observation CheckSafety audit15%Zero critical safety violations; all PPE donned correctly before stepping onto roof surfaceDuring the Lesson 5 field inspection and at one unannounced point during Lessons 3 or 4, the instructor completes a safety observation checklist evaluating harness fit, lanyard connection to a rated anchor, tool-tethering practice, three-point contact on ladders, and correct footwear; any critical violation (unattached lanyard, missing hard hat at eave, improper harness buckle) results in the student being removed from the roof surface, completing a safety conference with the instructor, and demonstrating correct practice before returning. A clean observation on return is required to pass this assessment.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
BLD-ROOF12-06 Trade course

Fall Protection for Roofers

48 hr · $660 COMPLIMENTARY

This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skills roofers need to recognize, plan, and implement fall protection systems on residential and commercial roofing sites in compliance with OSHA standards. Students select, inspect, install, and use personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, safety nets, and covers, and they practice emergency rescue and incident documentation. Lesson content maps directly to OSHA Fall Protection Outreach credential competencies and the NCCER Roofing module on safety systems.

Outcomes
Course text

This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skills roofers need to recognize, plan, and implement fall protection systems on residential and commercial roofing sites in compliance with OSHA standards. Students select, inspect, install, and use personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, safety nets, and covers, and they practice emergency rescue and incident documentation. Lesson content maps directly to OSHA Fall Protection Outreach credential competencies and the NCCER Roofing module on safety systems.

How the course runs. 5 blocks: Fall Hazard Recognition and the Hierarchy of Controls; Personal Fall Arrest Systems: Selection, Inspection, and Fit; Anchor Systems, Guardrails, and Covers; Rescue Planning and Suspended-Worker Response; Integrated Fall Protection Scenario: Planning, Implementation, and Documentation.

What competent looks like. Identify fall hazards on low-slope and steep-slope roofs and select the correct OSHA-compliant control from the hierarchy of controls. Inspect, don, and adjust a full-body harness and self-retracting lifeline to manufacturer and OSHA specifications, achieving a passing score on a standardized equipment-inspection checklist. Install and load-test a temporary roof anchor to the appropriate structural member following manufacturer instructions and OSHA anchorage requirements. Erect a compliant guardrail system and install hole/skylight covers that meet OSHA construction-industry fall protection requirements. Execute a written rescue plan and perform a simulated suspended-worker rescue using a descent-control device without injury to the subject. Complete OSHA fall protection incident documentation, including a near-miss report and a job hazard analysis (JHA), using forms accepted by the construction industry.

Lessons · 5 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1Fall Hazard Recognition and the Hierarchy of Controls8theoryGiven a set of roofing site photographs and a written scenario, students correctly classify every fall hazard by type and select the appropriate control from the hierarchy, scoring at least 80% on a written exercise.
  1. Instructor-led lecture on OSHA construction-industry fall protection requirements for residential and commercial roofing, covering unprotected edges, holes, skylights, leading edges, and low-slope vs. steep-slope thresholds; students annotate a site-plan handout as each hazard type is introduced.
  2. Small-group photo analysis: each group receives a packet of ten job-site photographs and must identify every visible fall hazard, assign a hazard category, and rank controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE) on a provided worksheet, then present findings to the class for peer critique.
  3. Individual written exercise: students complete a job hazard analysis (JHA) form for a fictional two-story residential re-roof, identifying at least six distinct hazards and matching each to a specific control measure; instructor scores forms and returns with written feedback before the next lesson.
OSHA construction fall protection standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M) — printed summary cards; NCCER Roofing Level 1 module on safety; site-plan handout; job-site photograph packet (20 images); blank JHA forms; whiteboard and markersScored JHA worksheet — student must correctly identify at least 80% of listed hazards and select a compliant control for each to pass; instructor reviews every form and returns marked copies within one class session.
2Personal Fall Arrest Systems: Selection, Inspection, and Fit10demoStudents inspect a full-body harness, shock-absorbing lanyard, and self-retracting lifeline using the manufacturer's inspection criteria and OSHA requirements, correctly removing any tagged-out component, and don and adjust a harness to a passing score on a standardized fit checklist.
  1. Instructor demonstration: using a mannequin and a wall-mounted display, the instructor walks through every component of a complete personal fall arrest system (PFAS) — harness webbing, D-rings, buckles, shock pack, SRL housing, snap hooks, and connectors — explaining each OSHA discard criterion (cuts, burns, chemical damage, deformation, missing labels) while students follow along on their own units at workstations.
  2. Paired inspection drill: each student receives one intentionally deficient harness (pre-tagged by instructor with planted defects such as frayed webbing, a heat-distorted snap hook, and a missing back D-ring label) and one serviceable harness; partners take turns performing the full manufacturer inspection sequence, completing a written inspection log, and placing a red tag on any removed-from-service item — roles switch so each person inspects both units.
  3. Harness donning and fit station: students don the serviceable full-body harness without assistance, adjust all straps, and then submit to a peer check using a 12-point fit checklist (leg loops snug, chest strap at sternum, dorsal D-ring between shoulder blades, no twisted webbing, all tongue buckles fully engaged); instructor circulates and signs off only when all 12 points are correct.
Full-body harnesses (one per student plus deficient demo units); shock-absorbing lanyards; self-retracting lifelines; manufacturer inspection guides; OSHA PFAS fact sheet; 12-point fit checklists; red out-of-service tags; inspection log forms; mannequin or adjustable training torso12-point fit checklist — all 12 points must be marked correct by the instructor for a pass; inspection log must correctly flag every planted defect (100% identification required on the deficient unit) and clear the serviceable unit.
3Anchor Systems, Guardrails, and Covers12labOn a mock roof-deck structure, students install a reusable roof anchor to a structural rafter, erect a compliant temporary guardrail system on an open edge, and fabricate and label a skylight cover that satisfies OSHA strength and marking requirements, passing instructor verification on all three installations.
  1. Anchor installation station: using a provided structural layout drawing, each student identifies the correct rafter location, selects the appropriate fastener for the deck material (OSB over dimensional lumber), installs a reusable roof anchor per manufacturer torque and fastener specifications, connects a PFAS, and completes an anchor installation log noting location, fastener type, count, and torque value; instructor performs a pull-test simulation check and approves or rejects each installation.
  2. Guardrail erection exercise: working in pairs on the mock structure's open leading edge, students install stanchions, top rail, mid-rail, and toeboard to meet OSHA height and strength requirements for construction guardrail systems; the pair then uses a calibrated force gauge to apply a simulated outward and downward load at the top rail, records the result, and corrects any failures before re-testing.
  3. Skylight/hole cover fabrication: each student cuts a plywood cover to overlap a marked 24-in × 24-in roof opening by the required margin, secures it so it cannot be accidentally displaced, and stencils it with the required warning text in letters legible from standing height; checklist verification confirms correct overlap, secure fastening, and legible labeling.
Mock roof-deck training structure (pitched section and flat section with pre-cut openings); reusable roof anchors with manufacturer spec sheets; structural fasteners and cordless drill/driver with torque setting; guardrail stanchions, top-rail, mid-rail, and toeboard stock; calibrated force gauge; plywood sheet stock; circular saw; tape measure; chalk line; spray paint and stencil kit; anchor installation log forms; guardrail inspection checklist; OSHA Subpart M summary reference cardsInstructor verification checklist covering anchor installation (correct location, fastener count, torque), guardrail geometry (top rail height, mid-rail height, toeboard height) within OSHA-specified tolerances, and cover labeling and secure fastening — all three sections must pass; any failed section is corrected and re-inspected before the student advances.
4Rescue Planning and Suspended-Worker Response10practiceStudents develop a written prompt-rescue plan for an assigned roofing scenario and perform a timed simulated rescue of a suspended mannequin using a descent-control device and a pre-rigged retrieval line, completing the rescue within the time threshold specified in the scenario before suspension trauma risk increases.
  1. Lecture and discussion on suspension trauma (orthostatic intolerance): instructor explains the physiological mechanism, reviews OSHA's requirement that employers provide a prompt rescue capability before any worker is exposed to a fall arrest hazard, and presents case studies of delayed-rescue incidents; students complete a guided note-taking sheet that becomes the framework for their written rescue plan.
  2. Written rescue plan development: each student is assigned one of three roofing scenarios (steep-slope residential, low-slope commercial, multi-story metal panel) and drafts a rescue plan that identifies the designated rescuers, rescue equipment staged on site, communication chain, and step-by-step descent-control or ladder-assisted retrieval procedure; plans are peer-reviewed against a provided rubric and revised before the practical drill.
  3. Simulated rescue drill: working in three-person teams (rescuer, tender, safety observer), students rig a descent-control device to the existing anchor, attach the retrieval line to a suspended weighted mannequin representing a fallen worker, and lower or retrieve the mannequin to a safe platform while the safety observer records elapsed time and any procedural errors on a drill evaluation form; teams rotate roles so every student serves as lead rescuer.
Weighted rescue mannequin (or equivalent load); descent-control device with manufacturer instructions; pre-rigged retrieval line and hardware; stopwatch; drill evaluation forms; rescue plan template; suspension trauma reference handout; three-person team role-card cards; existing anchor and PFAS from Lesson 3 structureWritten rescue plan scored against rubric (must address all five required elements — personnel, equipment, communication, procedure, suspension trauma response — earning at least 80%); simulated rescue drill completed with correct rigging sequence verified by instructor and mannequin retrieved before the scenario time threshold with zero critical errors (dropped load, anchor failure, uncontrolled descent).
5Integrated Fall Protection Scenario: Planning, Implementation, and Documentation8fieldGiven a complete roofing work order for a mixed steep-slope and low-slope structure, students independently produce a fall protection plan, stage and install all required systems, perform a pre-work inspection, and complete all documentation, earning a passing score on the full safety-check assessment.
  1. Pre-task planning session: each student receives a work order packet describing a combined residential steep-slope and low-slope commercial section on the training structure; the student produces a written fall protection plan that specifies system type for each work zone, anchor locations, PFAS configuration, guardrail placement, and hole cover locations, and submits it to the instructor for review before any equipment is staged.
  2. System installation and inspection: using their approved plan, students stage all selected equipment, install anchors and PFAS on the steep-slope section, erect guardrails on the low-slope open edge, and place labeled covers on all openings; each student then conducts a formal pre-use inspection of every installed component using the manufacturer checklists from Lesson 2 and records findings on an inspection log.
  3. Documentation and debrief: students complete a near-miss report for an instructor-narrated scenario (a simulated near-fall during the staged installation), update the JHA from Lesson 1 to reflect actual site conditions encountered during installation, and participate in a facilitated class debrief where each student verbally defends one decision made in their fall protection plan, explaining the applicable OSHA requirement.
Full training structure with steep and low-slope sections and pre-cut openings; complete PFAS sets; reusable anchors; guardrail components; plywood cover stock; all hand and power tools from previous lessons; work order packet; fall protection plan template; near-miss report form; updated JHA form; manufacturer inspection checklists; OSHA Subpart M reference cardsInstructor-scored fall protection plan (must specify compliant system for every identified zone, 80% minimum); physical installation verified against OSHA requirements on a 20-point site safety-check form (must pass 18 of 20 points with no critical failures — a critical failure is any unguarded open edge or uncovered hole at completion); near-miss report complete and factually accurate; verbal defense satisfactory per instructor judgment.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Fall Protection Written Knowledge ExamWritten exam25%75% correct (30 of 40 questions)A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering OSHA fall hazard classifications, system selection criteria, inspection standards, rescue requirements, and documentation obligations; content is mapped to OSHA Fall Protection Outreach credential competency areas and NCCER Roofing safety module objectives. Students who score below 75% receive targeted remediation and one retake opportunity.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Personal Fall Arrest System Skills DemonstrationSkills demonstration45%All critical steps performed correctly; no critical errors; minimum 80% on scored checklistEach student independently selects a serviceable harness from a mixed serviceable/deficient rack, performs the full inspection sequence, dons and adjusts the harness, connects a lanyard to a designated anchor, and states aloud the rescue plan for the mock scenario; the evaluator scores performance on a standardized checklist that flags critical errors (failure to identify a planted defect, inverted harness, unsecured snap hook) as automatic failures requiring immediate retake.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Lab Installation Log PortfolioLog15%All five required log entries submitted; each entry complete and accurate; average score of 80% across rubric dimensionsStudents compile the installation logs, inspection records, JHAs, rescue plan, and near-miss report generated across all five lessons into a single organized portfolio; each document is scored on completeness, accuracy of technical data, correct use of OSHA terminology, and legibility, providing evidence of sustained safe-work documentation practice consistent with employer expectations on real job sites.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
Integrated Site Safety CheckSafety audit15%18 of 20 points; zero critical failures (unguarded edge or uncovered hole at final inspection)At the conclusion of Lesson 5's integrated scenario, the instructor conducts an unannounced final walk of the student's installed systems using the 20-point site safety-check form; any unguarded open edge, uncovered skylight or hole, or unsecured anchor constitutes a critical failure that requires the student to remediate and pass a follow-up inspection before receiving credit for the course.
Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation
BLD-ROOF12-07 Capstone

Capstone Project: Full-Scope Roof System Build and Defense

72 hr · $720 COMPLIMENTARY

Students design, install, and document a complete residential roof system on a full-scale mock structure, integrating shingle, metal, flat/membrane, flashing, and fall-protection skills acquired throughout the program. The capstone culminates in a professional portfolio and an oral defense judged against NCCER Roofing task-list standards and OSHA fall-protection requirements. Successful completion demonstrates job-site readiness and prepares students for credentialed employment.

Outcomes
Course text

Students design, install, and document a complete residential roof system on a full-scale mock structure, integrating shingle, metal, flat/membrane, flashing, and fall-protection skills acquired throughout the program. The capstone culminates in a professional portfolio and an oral defense judged against NCCER Roofing task-list standards and OSHA fall-protection requirements. Successful completion demonstrates job-site readiness and prepares students for credentialed employment.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Planning, Takeoff, and Safety Baseline; Integrated Roof System Installation—Phase 1: Deck, Underlayment, and Flashing; Integrated Roof System Installation—Phase 2: Shingles, Metal Panels, and Membrane, Including Planted-Defect Identification; Portfolio Completion and Oral Defense Preparation.

What competent looks like. Plan a complete roof replacement project by producing a scaled layout drawing, material takeoff, and sequenced work schedule accurate to within 5% of instructor-calculated quantities. Install a code-compliant, weather-tight roof assembly—including underlayment, asphalt shingles, standing-seam metal panels, TPO membrane, and all flashing—on a mock structure that passes a visual and water-test inspection with zero critical deficiencies. Establish and maintain an OSHA-compliant fall-protection system for every phase of the mock build, including anchor selection, guardrail setup, and personal fall-arrest system inspection, with no uncorrected safety violations observed during instructor walk-throughs. Produce a project portfolio containing annotated photographs, daily safety checklists, material waste logs, and a written project narrative that meets the documentation standard scored at 80% or higher on the portfolio rubric. Communicate trade decisions, code references, and problem-solving steps clearly during a 15-minute oral defense, earning a passing score from a two-person panel that includes at least one industry evaluator. Identify and correct at least three intentional installation defects planted by the instructor during the mock build, citing the applicable NCCER Roofing task-list standard or manufacturer specification for each.

Lessons · 4 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1Project Planning, Takeoff, and Safety Baseline16theoryGiven a set of mock-structure roof drawings, the student will produce a complete material takeoff, sequenced work plan, and written fall-protection plan that are accurate to within 5% of instructor calculations and contain every required OSHA element before any tools are picked up.
  1. Students receive a packet of scaled roof drawings for the mock structure; working individually, they calculate total square footage, roof slope, number of roofing squares, linear footage of ridge, hip, valley, and eave, and produce a written material takeoff using the same format used on NCCER module exercises—instructor then reveals the answer key and students self-correct, annotating every error for later portfolio inclusion.
  2. Each student writes a site-specific fall-protection plan for the mock build that identifies every leading edge, roof-to-ground drop height, anchor-point locations, PFAS equipment needed, rescue procedure, and daily inspection protocol; a peer reviews the plan using the OSHA fall-protection planning checklist from Course 6, and both students sign the review sheet.
  3. Using a dry-erase sequencing board, the class collaboratively builds a phased work schedule—decking inspection, underlayment, flashing, shingles/metal/membrane zones, final inspection—and each student transcribes the agreed schedule into their project folder as their binding work plan for Lessons 2 and 3.
Scaled mock-structure roof drawings (instructor-produced), graph paper and architectural scale rulers, calculators, NCCER Roofing Level 1 module reference pages, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M summary handout, fall-protection planning worksheet from Course 6, dry-erase sequencing board, project foldersInstructor grades each student's material takeoff and fall-protection plan against the answer key and OSHA checklist; both documents must score 80% or higher (all critical safety items must be present with no exceptions) to proceed to Lesson 2—students who score below 80% on either document revise and resubmit within the same lesson block before the class advances.
2Integrated Roof System Installation—Phase 1: Deck, Underlayment, and Flashing20labWorking in teams of two or three and following their approved work plan and fall-protection plan, students will install a structurally sound roof deck inspection, full synthetic underlayment, drip edge, step flashing, valley flashing, and all penetration flashings on the mock structure with zero critical installation deficiencies as defined by the NCCER Roofing task-list checklist.
  1. Before climbing, each team conducts a documented pre-task safety check: inspects the roof-bracket scaffold or guardrail system, checks each PFAS harness and lanyard for damage, confirms anchor-point load rating, and logs findings on the daily safety checklist sheet that will become a portfolio artifact—instructor observes and initials when the system is verified compliant.
  2. Teams install synthetic underlayment in correct shingle-fashion overlap sequence from eave to ridge, then cut and nail drip edge at eave and rake edges in the code-required order; the instructor pauses work mid-installation and asks each team to explain why the drip edge sequence differs at eave versus rake, requiring a verbal answer citing the installation standard before work resumes.
  3. Teams fabricate and install all required flashing components—step flashing at a simulated wall tie-in, a W-valley liner, and a pipe-boot penetration flashing—using pre-cut metal stock; each flashing is photographed by the student immediately after installation with a tape measure in frame showing the required overlap dimension, and the photo is labeled and filed in the project portfolio the same day.
Mock roof structure (plywood deck on wood framing, minimum 4:12 pitch, two slopes), synthetic underlayment rolls, galvanized drip edge stock, pre-cut step-flashing blanks, valley metal, pipe-boot flashings, roofing nails and pneumatic nailers, tape measures, chalk lines, tin snips, pry bars, fall-arrest harnesses and lanyards, roof-bracket scaffold or temporary guardrail system, daily safety checklist forms, cameras or smartphones for documentation, NCCER Roofing task-list checklistInstructor conducts a mid-phase walk-through using the NCCER Roofing task-list checklist; any critical deficiency (improper overlap, missing flashing, unprotected leading edge) stops work and must be corrected before the team advances—all items must be rated 'acceptable' with no critical deficiencies to proceed to Lesson 3; a second walk-through documents the corrected installation.
3Integrated Roof System Installation—Phase 2: Shingles, Metal Panels, and Membrane, Including Planted-Defect Identification22labStudents will complete the roof covering installation—asphalt shingles on one slope, standing-seam metal panels on a second slope, and a TPO membrane section on a low-slope area—and will identify and document at least three intentional defects planted by the instructor, citing the applicable standard for each, before the final inspection.
  1. Teams install asphalt shingles from starter course through ridge cap, maintaining correct exposure, nail pattern, and stagger; midway through, the instructor covertly installs two planted defects (for example, a short nail penetration and a misaligned course) and students must find both during their own team quality-walk before calling for the instructor inspection—findings are written up on a defect report form citing the NCCER task standard violated.
  2. On the designated metal slope, each student installs at least two full standing-seam panels using the hand seamer or mechanical seamer, correctly engaging clips, maintaining panel alignment, and installing ridge and eave trim; a peer observes and records whether each seam is fully engaged using the seam-inspection card from Course 3, signing the card as a portfolio artifact.
  3. On the low-slope area, teams install TPO membrane with heat-welded seams at the lap joint; the instructor performs a probe-pull seam test on one weld per team and records the result—teams also apply EPDM or TPO termination bar and sealant at the perimeter, then photograph the completed membrane section with measurement tape showing termination-bar height above the deck.
Asphalt shingles (three-tab and/or architectural), pneumatic coil nailer, roofing nails sized per manufacturer spec, starter-strip shingles, ridge-cap shingles, standing-seam metal panels and clips, hand seamer and mechanical seamer, TPO membrane roll, hot-air welding gun, seam probe, termination bar, EPDM/TPO lap sealant, chalk lines, tape measures, tin snips, fall-arrest equipment, seam-inspection cards, defect report forms, cameras for documentation, NCCER Roofing task-list checklistFinal instructor inspection using the full NCCER Roofing task-list checklist covering all roof types; pass standard is zero critical deficiencies across the entire assembly and correct written identification (with standard citation) of all planted defects—teams with one or more uncorrected critical deficiency repair the deficiency on the same day and are re-inspected before lesson hours close; failure to pass re-inspection requires a documented remediation plan approved by the instructor.
4Portfolio Completion and Oral Defense Preparation14practiceEach student will finalize a complete project portfolio meeting all rubric criteria and will deliver a rehearsed 15-minute oral defense of their installation decisions, safety choices, and problem-solving, earning a passing score from the panel before the end of the capstone course.
  1. Students organize their project folders into the required portfolio sequence—cover page, material takeoff with self-correction notes, fall-protection plan with peer review sheet, daily safety checklists, annotated installation photographs (minimum 20 photographs with captions citing the relevant standard or dimension), defect-identification report, and a 1–2 page written project narrative describing what went well, what required correction, and what the student would do differently—then submit the portfolio draft for instructor review and incorporate written feedback within 24 hours.
  2. Each student participates in a mock oral defense run by a classmate acting as panel member, using the official oral defense question bank (questions drawn from NCCER Roofing task areas: roof system components, safety systems, material identification, installation sequence, quality inspection); the student presenting receives written feedback from the peer on clarity, use of trade terminology, and completeness of answers, then has one additional practice session with the instructor before the formal defense.
  3. The formal oral defense is conducted before a two-person panel (instructor plus one industry evaluator or program advisory committee member); the student presents a 5-minute overview of their build using two to four portfolio photographs as visual aids, then answers panel questions for up to 10 minutes—the student must answer questions about at least one OSHA fall-protection requirement, one material specification decision, and one quality-control finding to satisfy the credential-mapping requirement for NCCER Roofing and OSHA Fall Protection exam areas.
Student project folders and all accumulated artifacts, portfolio assembly checklist and scoring rubric, oral defense question bank (instructor-produced, mapped to NCCER Roofing task areas), printed portfolio divider tabs, access to a printer or digital submission platform, presentation area with whiteboard or display screen, two copies of the oral defense evaluation form (one per panel member), NCCER Roofing task-list reference for panel usePortfolio must score 80% or higher on the rubric (all safety-checklist artifacts present with no missing critical items scored as automatic failures regardless of overall percentage); oral defense must earn a combined panel score of 80% or higher with no individual question area (safety, materials, quality) rated below 'adequate'—a student who scores below 80% on the portfolio may revise and resubmit within five calendar days; a student who does not pass the oral defense on the first attempt may request one retake scheduled within the course window.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Installed Roof Assembly Final InspectionProject60%Zero critical deficiencies on the NCCER Roofing task-list checklist across all installed roof systems (shingle, metal, membrane, and all flashings); all planted defects correctly identified with standard citations; all daily safety checklists present and signed.The instructor conducts a comprehensive inspection of the completed mock-structure roof using the NCCER Roofing task-list checklist, verifying every installation element against recognized industry standards for weathertightness, nail pattern, overlap dimensions, seam integrity, and flashing integration. This project assessment maps directly to NCCER Roofing core task areas covering roof system components, material application, and quality inspection, and constitutes the primary hands-on competency verification for the credential pathway.
Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation
Capstone Project PortfolioPortfolio20%Score of 80% or higher on the portfolio rubric; all safety-checklist artifacts must be present and complete (missing safety documentation is an automatic failure regardless of total score).The portfolio is evaluated on completeness, accuracy, and professional presentation of the material takeoff, fall-protection plan, annotated installation photographs, defect-identification report, and written project narrative. Portfolio documentation maps to NCCER Roofing task areas requiring workers to interpret specifications and maintain quality records, and the fall-protection plan maps to OSHA Fall Protection outreach program learning objectives on hazard identification and control selection.
Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality
Oral Defense of Build DecisionsOral / panel20%Combined two-panel-member score of 80% or higher; no individual question area (safety systems, material specifications, quality control) rated below 'adequate' by either panel member.The student presents a brief overview of their build and responds to panel questions covering OSHA fall-protection system selection and inspection, material specification and manufacturer requirements, installation sequencing rationale, and quality-defect identification—mirroring the applied knowledge domains assessed in both the NCCER Roofing credential and OSHA Fall Protection outreach evaluation. The industry evaluator on the panel brings current employer expectations, reinforcing the credential's portability and employer recognition.
Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication
BLD-ROOF12-08 Externship / clinical

Externship / Worksite Placement

108 hr · $430 COMPLIMENTARY

Students complete 108 supervised hours on active roofing job sites with a participating employer, applying every skill built in prior courses under journeyman or foreman oversight. Competencies span shingle, metal, flat/membrane, and flashing systems alongside daily fall-protection compliance, trade math, and professional conduct. The course closes with an employer evaluation scored against NCCER craft performance standards.

Outcomes
Course text

Students complete 108 supervised hours on active roofing job sites with a participating employer, applying every skill built in prior courses under journeyman or foreman oversight. Competencies span shingle, metal, flat/membrane, and flashing systems alongside daily fall-protection compliance, trade math, and professional conduct. The course closes with an employer evaluation scored against NCCER craft performance standards.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Pre-Placement Orientation and Site Readiness; Supervised Field Rotations — Roof Systems Installation; Safety Compliance Monitoring and Hazard Recognition; Employer Evaluation and Field-Log Submission.

What competent looks like. Perform assigned roofing tasks — including shingle, metal panel, membrane, and flashing installation — to employer quality standards under journeyman or foreman supervision. Comply with all OSHA fall-protection requirements on every shift, correctly selecting, inspecting, donning, and anchoring personal fall-arrest equipment before working at height. Apply trade math on the job site to calculate material quantities, cut lists, and slope conversions as directed by the supervising journeyman. Maintain a daily field log that records tasks completed, tools used, safety observations, and self-assessed performance for every externship shift. Receive a passing composite score on the employer's end-of-placement evaluation rubric, demonstrating work readiness in craft skill, safety compliance, professionalism, and communication. Identify and report at least one site-specific hazard or near-miss during the placement, demonstrating hazard-recognition habits consistent with OSHA Outreach training.

Lessons · 4 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1Pre-Placement Orientation and Site Readiness9theoryStudents will demonstrate site-entry readiness by completing all employer onboarding requirements, reviewing the host employer's safety plan, and passing a site-specific hazard quiz with a score of 80% or higher before their first field shift.
  1. Review and sign the externship agreement, emergency contact form, and host-employer safety acknowledgment; instructor walks through each section so students understand their rights and obligations.
  2. Complete the host employer's site-specific safety orientation (or the program's standard substitute orientation if the employer does not provide one), covering fall-protection anchor locations, ladder and hoist protocols, tool sign-out procedures, and emergency assembly points.
  3. Take a 20-question site-readiness quiz drawn from OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M fall-protection requirements, PPE selection for roofing, and the employer's site rules; review all missed items with the program coordinator before the first field day.
Externship agreement packet, host-employer safety plan or program-standard substitute, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M reference card, hard hat, ANSI-rated safety glasses, slip-resistant work boots, hi-vis vest, full-body harness with connecting hardware (student-owned or program-issued), site-readiness quiz (program-developed)Student scores 80% or higher on the site-readiness quiz AND all onboarding paperwork is signed and on file before the student may begin field hours.
2Supervised Field Rotations — Roof Systems Installation72fieldWorking under continuous journeyman or foreman supervision, students will perform hands-on installation tasks across at least two roofing systems (from shingle, metal, flat/membrane, or flashing) and meet the quality and pace benchmarks set by the host employer for each task assigned.
  1. Complete daily assigned installation tasks as directed by the supervising journeyman — which may include measuring and cutting shingles or panels, setting underlayment, fastening membrane, installing valley or step flashing, sealing penetrations, or cleaning and organizing materials — and accept real-time correction from the journeyman at each stage.
  2. At the end of each shift, verbally debrief with the supervising journeyman for five minutes: journeyman states one thing the student did well and one thing to improve; student records both items in the daily field log.
  3. Once per week, the student photographs a completed work section (with employer permission), attaches the photo to that week's field-log entry, and writes two to three sentences explaining which installation standard or specification that section had to meet and whether it was achieved.
All PPE and full-body harness system, employer-provided hand tools and power tools appropriate to the assigned system, roofing nail guns and compressor, utility knives, chalk lines, tape measures, roofing squares, material as supplied by employer, NCCER Roofing Level 1 curriculum reference (student copy), daily field-log notebook or program digital formJourneyman or foreman confirms task completion and acceptable quality at the end of each shift by initialing the student's daily field log; any shift without a supervisor initial does not count toward the 72 hours; a student who receives three consecutive 'needs improvement' ratings on the same task is placed on a corrective action plan before continuing.
3Safety Compliance Monitoring and Hazard Recognition18fieldStudents will maintain documented, zero-deviation compliance with OSHA fall-protection requirements on every shift and submit at least two written hazard observations during the placement period that correctly identify the hazard, applicable OSHA standard category, and recommended corrective action.
  1. Before ascending to roof level each shift, complete the program's pre-shift fall-protection checklist: inspect harness webbing, buckles, D-ring, lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, and anchor point; record findings and supervisor initials in the field log — any defective equipment must be removed from service and the supervisor notified immediately.
  2. During the placement, identify and document at least two separate site conditions or behaviors that represent a safety concern (whether or not they involved the student directly), using the program's hazard-observation form: describe the hazard, the potential injury, the OSHA standard area it falls under (fall protection, struck-by, electrical, etc.), and the corrective action taken or recommended.
  3. In the final week of the externship, prepare a one-page written summary of the safety culture observed on the job site, comparing at least two practices seen in the field to the OSHA Outreach training content from Course 6; submit to the program coordinator for review.
Program pre-shift fall-protection checklist, full-body harness system with connecting hardware, program hazard-observation form, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M and Subpart K reference cards, field-log notebook or digital formAll pre-shift checklists are completed and initialed for every shift with roof-level work; two or more hazard-observation forms are submitted and deemed complete by the program coordinator; the one-page safety-culture summary earns a 'satisfactory' rating (addresses both required comparison points with accurate reference to OSHA training content).
4Employer Evaluation and Field-Log Submission9fieldStudents will submit a complete, legible field log covering all externship hours and receive a passing composite score of 75% or higher on the host employer's end-of-placement evaluation rubric across the domains of craft skill, fall-protection compliance, professionalism, and communication.
  1. In the final three days of the placement, the student compiles and reviews the full field log — all daily entries, supervisor initials, photos, hazard observations, and the safety-culture summary — correcting any missing dates or illegible entries before submission to the program coordinator.
  2. The supervising journeyman or foreman completes the program's employer evaluation rubric, rating the student on craft skill (quality of work and willingness to learn), fall-protection compliance (consistent correct use of PPE and harness), professionalism (punctuality, attitude, following directions), and communication (asking questions appropriately, reporting problems); the rubric uses a four-point scale per domain.
  3. Program coordinator conducts a 20-minute exit interview with the student: student identifies one technical skill they improved most during the placement, one area still needing development, and one safety habit they will carry into their career; coordinator records responses and provides written feedback within five business days.
Completed field-log notebook or digital record, program employer evaluation rubric, exit-interview question guide (program-developed), program coordinator rubric-scoring keyField log is complete (all hours documented with supervisor initials); employer evaluation composite score is 75% or higher (at least 3 out of 4 points on a majority of rubric domains); exit interview is completed and coordinator written feedback is issued — students scoring below 75% on the employer rubric must complete a remediation plan approved by the program director before receiving credit for the course.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Employer Worksite Skills DemonstrationSkills demonstration70%Composite score of 75% or higher on the employer evaluation rubric (four-point scale across craft skill, fall-protection compliance, professionalism, and communication domains), with no domain rated zero.The supervising journeyman or foreman scores the student on the program's standardized employer evaluation rubric at the close of the placement, rating observable, job-site performance in four domains over the full externship period. A student who does not meet the 75% threshold must complete a documented remediation plan — which may include additional supervised hours — before the course grade is awarded.
Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative
Field Log PortfolioLog30%Log is complete (an entry with supervisor initials for every shift, totaling 108 hours), contains the required two hazard-observation forms deemed complete by the coordinator, at least four dated work-section photographs (where employer permission was granted), and the one-page safety-culture summary rated 'satisfactory'; any missing shift entry or unsigned shift fails the submission until corrected.The student submits the full field-log portfolio — daily entries, supervisor initials, hazard-observation forms, work-section photographs, and the safety-culture summary — as a single organized document to the program coordinator no later than three business days after the final externship shift. The coordinator reviews each component against a completeness checklist and returns written feedback; an incomplete submission must be corrected within five business days or the student receives an incomplete grade pending resolution.
Complete · Verified
BLD-ROOF12-09 Exam prep

Certification Exam Preparation: NCCER Roofing & OSHA Fall Protection

30 hr · $300 COMPLIMENTARY

This course systematically reviews every content domain tested on the NCCER Roofing credential assessment and the OSHA Fall Protection Outreach requirements, using timed practice questions, hands-on skill recall drills, and two full-length mock exams to identify and close individual knowledge gaps. Learners analyze their own performance data to target weak areas and build the test-taking confidence and procedural recall needed to pass both credentials on the first attempt.

Outcomes
Course text

This course systematically reviews every content domain tested on the NCCER Roofing credential assessment and the OSHA Fall Protection Outreach requirements, using timed practice questions, hands-on skill recall drills, and two full-length mock exams to identify and close individual knowledge gaps. Learners analyze their own performance data to target weak areas and build the test-taking confidence and procedural recall needed to pass both credentials on the first attempt.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: NCCER Roofing Content Domain Review: Materials, Tools & Installation Sequences; OSHA Fall Protection Content Review: Regulations, Equipment, and Rescue Planning; Trade Math, Measurement, and Exhibit-Style Scenario Drills; Full-Length Mock Exams: NCCER Roofing & OSHA Fall Protection.

What competent looks like. Accurately answer practice questions across all NCCER Roofing module knowledge areas—including materials, installation sequences, tools, and quality standards—at a rate consistent with the credential passing benchmark. Demonstrate recall of OSHA fall-protection regulations, hierarchy of controls, equipment inspection criteria, and rescue planning as tested in the OSHA Outreach Fall Protection content areas. Apply trade math skills—slope calculation, material estimation, waste factors, and unit conversion—quickly and accurately in timed exam conditions. Diagnose personal knowledge gaps from scored practice sets and execute a focused self-study plan before the credential exams. Complete a full-length timed mock NCCER Roofing written assessment and a full-length OSHA Fall Protection mock exam, each meeting or exceeding the established passing standard. Demonstrate safe tool and PPE identification and describe correct installation or inspection procedures when presented with exhibit-style exam scenarios.

Lessons · 4 blocks
#LessonHrTypeObjectiveActivitiesMaterialsCheck
1NCCER Roofing Content Domain Review: Materials, Tools & Installation Sequences9theoryGiven practice question sets covering NCCER Roofing module content—roofing materials, hand and power tools, shingle/metal/membrane/flashing installation sequences, and manufacturer specification reading—each learner will correctly answer at least 75 percent of domain questions by the end of the session.
  1. Learners take a 50-question diagnostic practice test covering all roofing system types (shingle, metal, flat/membrane, flashing); instructor scores immediately and each learner charts their percentage correct by domain on a personal gap-tracker sheet.
  2. Instructor leads a whole-group walkthrough of the five most-missed question categories, referencing NCCER Roofing module print pages, material data sheets, and sample specification drawings displayed on the projector; learners annotate their gap-tracker with the page references.
  3. Learners rotate through four tabletop stations—one per roofing system type—where they match physical material samples and tool photographs to written descriptions, then answer 10 station-specific practice questions under a 12-minute timer before rotating; scores are self-checked against an answer key.
NCCER Roofing module textbooks (all levels used in the program), printed 50-question diagnostic bank, personal gap-tracker worksheets, physical material samples (shingle, standing-seam panel, TPO/EPDM membrane, flashing stock), laminated tool-identification photo cards, projector, timerLearner gap-tracker shows domain scores; any domain below 70 percent triggers a mandatory instructor-guided re-teach before the next lesson. Overall diagnostic score of 75 percent or higher is the pass target, with learners below that threshold assigned specific NCCER module pages for self-study that evening.
2OSHA Fall Protection Content Review: Regulations, Equipment, and Rescue Planning7theoryGiven scenario-based practice questions and equipment inspection exercises covering OSHA fall-protection requirements—hierarchy of controls, guardrail and personal fall arrest system (PFAS) requirements, leading-edge work, roofing-specific triggers, and rescue procedures—each learner will correctly answer at least 75 percent of OSHA practice items and pass a hands-on equipment-inspection checklist.
  1. Instructor presents a structured slide review of the OSHA fall-protection content areas most frequently assessed in Outreach-style evaluations: triggers for fall protection on low-slope and steep-slope roofs, components and inspection criteria for PFAS (harness, lanyard, anchor, connector), guardrail height and strength requirements, and written rescue plan requirements; learners complete a fill-in-the-blank guided notes sheet as they follow along.
  2. Pairs of learners are each handed a full PFAS kit (harness, shock-absorbing lanyard, snap hook, horizontal lifeline) and must work through a laminated 15-point pre-use inspection checklist, marking items pass, fail, or questionable; the instructor then reveals which items were intentionally defective on two of the kits and facilitates a group debrief on the consequence of missing each defect.
  3. Learners complete a 30-question timed OSHA fall-protection practice exam (25 minutes) formatted like OSHA Outreach knowledge checks; results are scored immediately, and the instructor reviews every item answered incorrectly by more than one-third of the class, referencing the relevant OSHA standard in plain language.
OSHA fall-protection Outreach training reference materials, printed guided notes sheet, PFAS equipment kits with pre-planted defects (frayed stitching, damaged snap-hook gate, worn webbing), laminated 15-point inspection checklist, 30-question OSHA practice exam bank, projector, timerLearners must score 75 percent or higher on the 30-question OSHA practice exam AND correctly identify all intentionally defective PFAS items during the inspection activity. Anyone missing a planted defect or scoring below 75 percent receives instructor one-on-one review before Lesson 3.
3Trade Math, Measurement, and Exhibit-Style Scenario Drills6practiceWorking under timed conditions, learners will solve roofing trade math problems—including slope/pitch calculation, square footage estimation with waste factor, material quantity takeoff from a diagram, and unit conversion—with at least 80 percent accuracy, demonstrating readiness for quantitative exam items on the NCCER assessment.
  1. Instructor distributes a packet of 20 math problems drawn from NCCER Roofing module math content: calculating roof area from a dimensioned plan view drawing, determining squares of material needed including a specified waste percentage, converting measurements between fractions of an inch and decimal equivalents, and reading a rafter table; learners work individually with a calculator and scratch paper for 30 minutes, then partners swap and score each other's work using the answer key.
  2. Exhibit drill: Instructor projects a series of 12 labeled diagrams—cross-sections of shingle installation over an ice-and-water barrier, a metal panel standing-seam lap, a TPO field-seam weld zone, a base flashing stepped up a masonry wall—and calls on learners to identify components, explain the correct sequence, or state a code-based minimum dimension; learners use personal whiteboards to write answers simultaneously so all responses are visible at once.
  3. Speed round: learners receive 10 additional math problems and must complete them in 15 minutes without a calculator to build mental estimation skills; instructor reviews common arithmetic errors (e.g., forgetting to add waste, confusing rise-over-run with pitch fraction) and demonstrates the two or three calculation shortcuts that appear most often on trade exams.
Printed 20-problem math packet, dimensioned roof plan drawings, rafter tables, calculators, scratch paper, personal whiteboards and dry-erase markers, projector with exhibit diagram slide deck, answer keysLearners must score 80 percent or higher (16 of 20) on the timed math packet. Exhibit drill is scored as a whole-class participation check; any question answered incorrectly by more than half the group is re-taught on the spot. Speed round is formative only, used to guide individual self-study assignments.
4Full-Length Mock Exams: NCCER Roofing & OSHA Fall Protection8practiceUnder conditions that replicate actual credentialing exam administration—timed, individual, closed-book—each learner will complete a full-length NCCER Roofing mock written exam and a full-length OSHA Fall Protection mock exam, score their results, identify remaining weak areas, and receive a personalized remediation plan before sitting the live credential exams.
  1. Proctored NCCER mock exam: learners sit individually at spaced desks and complete a full-length NCCER Roofing written practice assessment under standard testing conditions (timed per NCCER guidelines, no notes or textbooks, no cell phones); instructor collects papers, scores them immediately using the answer key, and returns results with each item coded by content domain so learners can see exactly where errors occurred.
  2. Proctored OSHA mock exam: following a 10-minute break, learners complete a full-length OSHA Fall Protection mock written assessment under the same proctored, timed conditions; papers are scored and returned with domain-coded feedback; learners who pass both mocks at or above the passing standard sign their gap-tracker as complete.
  3. Personalized remediation conference: each learner meets one-on-one with the instructor for a structured 5-minute review of their scored mock exams; together they identify the top two or three content areas still below standard, and the instructor prescribes specific NCCER module pages, practice question sets, or OSHA reference sections for targeted independent study before the scheduled live credential exams; learners leave with a written action plan.
Full-length NCCER Roofing mock written exam (printed, one per learner), full-length OSHA Fall Protection mock written exam (printed, one per learner), answer keys, domain-coded scoring rubrics, gap-tracker worksheets, blank action-plan forms, pens, timer, proctored testing environment (spaced desks, posted 'exam in progress' signage)Pass standard for mock NCCER exam matches the NCCER established benchmark (learners must meet or exceed the published passing score for the credential). Pass standard for OSHA mock exam is 70 percent correct. Learners who do not reach either standard receive a written remediation plan and are encouraged to schedule additional instructor office hours before the live exam date; no learner is barred from sitting the live exam, but results are recorded and used to counsel learners on readiness.
Assessments
AssessmentTypeWeightPass standardMethod & rubric
Full-Length Mock Certification Exams (NCCER Roofing & OSHA Fall Protection)Mock certification exam100%NCCER Roofing mock: meet or exceed the NCCER-published passing benchmark for the written assessment. OSHA Fall Protection mock: 70 percent or higher. Both exams must be completed individually under timed, proctored, closed-book conditions.Learners complete two full-length, proctored mock exams—one replicating the NCCER Roofing written credential assessment and one replicating OSHA Fall Protection Outreach written content—administered back-to-back in a single session under exam conditions. Scored results, domain-level feedback, and a written personalized remediation plan are returned to each learner the same day to guide any remaining self-study before the live credential exams.
Score · Time management
Program completion

External credential: NCCER Roofing; OSHA Fall Protection

Students sit the NCCER Roofing written and performance assessments administered through an NCCER-accredited training sponsor, and the OSHA Fall Protection training course delivered by an OSHA-authorized outreach trainer who issues the completion card upon passing. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.

Back to Roofing · How the school gets authority to award these credentials