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.
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.
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.
OutcomesThis 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety for Roofers | 30 | theory | Students 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. |
| 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; pens | Authorized 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. |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and Jobsite Emergency Response | 16 | lab | Students 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). |
| 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 cards | Certified 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. |
| 3 | Trade Math I: Fractions, Decimals, and Roof Area | 24 | theory | Students 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. |
| 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 reference | 10-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. |
| 4 | Trade Math II: Slope, Pitch, Material Estimation, and Waste Factor | 22 | lab | Students 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. |
| 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); calculators | Students 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. |
| 5 | Blueprint Reading, Specifications, and Manufacturer Data Sheets | 24 | theory | Students 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. |
| 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; pencils | Students 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. |
| 6 | Digital Tools, Jobsite Communication, and Safety Reporting | 16 | demo | Students 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. |
| 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 platform | Instructor 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. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Professional Standards, Career Pathways, and Portfolio | 16 | theory | Students 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. |
| 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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 and Safety Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct (28 of 40 questions) and verified full attendance on the OSHA Outreach sign-in record | A 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 Exam | Written exam | 25% | 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 Project | Project | 25% | 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 days | Students 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 Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | 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 content | The 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 |
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.
OutcomesStudents 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shingle Materials, Codes, and Deck Preparation | 9 | theory | Students 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. |
| 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 instructions | Written 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. |
| 2 | Underlayment and Drip Edge Installation | 10 | lab | Students 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. |
| 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. |
| 3 | Shingle Layout, Field Installation, and Fastening | 14 | practice | Students 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. |
| 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 Guide | Instructor 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. |
| 4 | Valleys, Hips, Ridges, and Penetration Flashing Integration | 10 | demo | Students 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. |
| 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 Guide | Instructor 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. |
| 5 | Inspection, Defect Identification, and Repair | 6 | field | Students 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. |
| 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 above | Student 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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shingle Systems Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 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 Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All mandatory items on the rubric marked Satisfactory; no Unsatisfactory items remaining after one permitted correction attempt | On 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 Portfolio | Log | 15% | Minimum score of 75% on a rubric assessing completeness, accuracy, and professional presentation across all five lesson entries | Students 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 Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical safety violations; all items rated Compliant before student may continue any roof-top work | An 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 |
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.
OutcomesStudents 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metal Roofing Systems: Types, Materials, and Code Context | 8 | theory | Given 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. |
| 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, whiteboard | Scored 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). |
| 2 | Roof Math: Layout, Coverage, and Quantity Takeoff for Metal Panels | 9 | theory | Using a scaled residential roof plan, students calculate panel count, linear trim footage, and waste factor within ±5% of the instructor-verified answer. |
| Scaled roof plan drawings (multiple versions), architectural scale rulers, calculators, graph paper, thermal expansion coefficient reference table from SMACNA, blank materials-list forms | Individual 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. |
| 3 | Metal Panel Cutting, Bending, and Shop Fabrication | 12 | lab | Students 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. |
| 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 gauges | Finished 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. |
| 4 | Standing-Seam Panel Installation: Substrate, Clips, Field Panels, and Seaming | 12 | practice | Working 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. |
| 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 manual | Instructor 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. |
| 5 | Trim Flashings, Sealants, and Fall Protection on Metal Roofs | 8 | demo | Students 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. |
| 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 manual | Instructor 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). |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Roofing Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 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 Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical criteria on the punch-list checklist must be met; no more than one minor non-critical deficiency allowed | Each 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 Log | Log | 15% | Log is complete for all five lessons with no missing entries; accuracy of recorded measurements verified against instructor records; at least 90% of entries correct | Students 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 Check | Safety audit | 15% | 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 activities | The 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 |
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.
OutcomesStudents 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-Slope Systems Overview: Materials, Properties, and Hazard Awareness | 8 | theory | Students will identify each major low-slope membrane type by material composition, performance characteristics, and applicable safety and handling requirements. |
| 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. |
| 2 | Substrate Preparation and Insulation Installation | 10 | lab | Students 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. |
| 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. |
| 3 | Single-Ply Membrane Installation: EPDM, TPO, and PVC | 14 | practice | Students 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. |
| 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. |
| 4 | Modified Bitumen Application and Built-Up Roofing Concepts | 10 | demo | Students 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. |
| 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. |
| 5 | Flashings, Terminations, Drains, and Post-Installation Inspection | 6 | field | Students 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. |
| 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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Membrane Systems Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 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 Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Achieve 80% on the performance rubric with zero critical safety failures | Each 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 Portfolio | Log | 15% | All required entries present and 80% of entries rated Meets Standard or higher on the 3-point rubric | Students 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 Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all critical-item safety behaviors; no unsatisfactory ratings permitted | The 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 |
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.
OutcomesStudents 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flashing Fundamentals: Materials, Anatomy, and Reading Architectural Details | 8 | theory | Students will identify all major flashing types, explain the water-shedding principle that governs installation sequencing, and correctly interpret a standard architectural flashing detail drawing. |
| 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, markers | Exit quiz of 20 multiple-choice and matching questions covering flashing types, material compatibility, sequencing principle, and reading details; pass = 75% or higher. |
| 2 | Fabrication: Layout, Cutting, and Bending Sheet-Metal Flashing | 10 | lab | Students 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. |
| 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 forms | Instructor 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. |
| 3 | Steep-Slope Flashing Installation: Drip-Edge, Valley, Step, and Counter | 14 | practice | Students 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. |
| 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 module | Instructor 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. |
| 4 | Penetration and Transition Flashing: Pipes, Skylights, Parapets, and Expansion Joints | 10 | demo | Students 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. |
| 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 cards | Water 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. |
| 5 | Flashing Inspection, Troubleshooting, and Documentation | 6 | field | Students 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. |
| 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, pens | Instructor 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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 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 Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical items met; no more than two minor items deficient on the instructor's standardized rubric | Each 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 Portfolio | Log | 15% | 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 rubric | Students 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 Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical safety violations; all PPE donned correctly before stepping onto roof surface | During 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 |
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.
OutcomesThis 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall Hazard Recognition and the Hierarchy of Controls | 8 | theory | Given 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. |
| 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 markers | Scored 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. |
| 2 | Personal Fall Arrest Systems: Selection, Inspection, and Fit | 10 | demo | Students 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. |
| 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 torso | 12-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. |
| 3 | Anchor Systems, Guardrails, and Covers | 12 | lab | On 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. |
| 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 cards | Instructor 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. |
| 4 | Rescue Planning and Suspended-Worker Response | 10 | practice | Students 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. |
| 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 structure | Written 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). |
| 5 | Integrated Fall Protection Scenario: Planning, Implementation, and Documentation | 8 | field | Given 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. |
| 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 cards | Instructor-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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Protection Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 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 Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical steps performed correctly; no critical errors; minimum 80% on scored checklist | Each 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 Portfolio | Log | 15% | All five required log entries submitted; each entry complete and accurate; average score of 80% across rubric dimensions | Students 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 Check | Safety audit | 15% | 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 |
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.
OutcomesStudents 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Planning, Takeoff, and Safety Baseline | 16 | theory | Given 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. |
| 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 folders | Instructor 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. |
| 2 | Integrated Roof System Installation—Phase 1: Deck, Underlayment, and Flashing | 20 | lab | Working 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. |
| 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 checklist | Instructor 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. |
| 3 | Integrated Roof System Installation—Phase 2: Shingles, Metal Panels, and Membrane, Including Planted-Defect Identification | 22 | lab | Students 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. |
| 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 checklist | Final 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. |
| 4 | Portfolio Completion and Oral Defense Preparation | 14 | practice | Each 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. |
| 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 use | Portfolio 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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed Roof Assembly Final Inspection | Project | 60% | 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 Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | 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 Decisions | Oral / panel | 20% | 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 |
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.
OutcomesStudents 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-Placement Orientation and Site Readiness | 9 | theory | Students 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. |
| 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. |
| 2 | Supervised Field Rotations — Roof Systems Installation | 72 | field | Working 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. |
| 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 form | Journeyman 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. |
| 3 | Safety Compliance Monitoring and Hazard Recognition | 18 | field | Students 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. |
| 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 form | All 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). |
| 4 | Employer Evaluation and Field-Log Submission | 9 | field | Students 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. |
| Completed field-log notebook or digital record, program employer evaluation rubric, exit-interview question guide (program-developed), program coordinator rubric-scoring key | Field 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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Worksite Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 70% | 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 Portfolio | Log | 30% | 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 |
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.
OutcomesThis 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.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NCCER Roofing Content Domain Review: Materials, Tools & Installation Sequences | 9 | theory | Given 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. |
| 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, timer | Learner 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. |
| 2 | OSHA Fall Protection Content Review: Regulations, Equipment, and Rescue Planning | 7 | theory | Given 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. |
| 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, timer | Learners 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. |
| 3 | Trade Math, Measurement, and Exhibit-Style Scenario Drills | 6 | practice | Working 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. |
| 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 keys | Learners 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. |
| 4 | Full-Length Mock Exams: NCCER Roofing & OSHA Fall Protection | 8 | practice | Under 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. |
| 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. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Length Mock Certification Exams (NCCER Roofing & OSHA Fall Protection) | Mock certification exam | 100% | 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 |
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
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