Study guide: Comprehensive Construction Skills

Read these alongside the lessons. The reading list is free, official material from the agencies and code bodies that set the rules. The key terms and practice questions come from each lesson.

Reading list

OSHA: Construction industry OSHA's hub for construction hazards, standards and free training materials.
OSHA construction standards (29 CFR 1926) The legal text. Subpart M is fall protection, K is electrical, P is excavations.
OSHA: Fall protection
OSHA: Electrical safety
OSHA: Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
OSHA: Hazard communication and Safety Data Sheets
OSHA: Silica
ICC free code access (IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IECC) Read the model codes free online. Check which edition your state or city adopted.
EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program Rules and the certification path for work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes and child-care facilities.
EPA: Asbestos
ENERGY STAR
Apprenticeship.gov: find a registered apprenticeship
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Carpenters What the work is, pay, training and job outlook.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Roofers What the work is, pay, training and job outlook.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Painters What the work is, pay, training and job outlook.

Codes are adopted by each state and city, sometimes with changes. Check the edition and rules for where you work on the course page ("Rules where you work").

Introduction to Construction

The course, the construction industry, and safety fundamentals.

3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Carpentry

Tools, measuring, cutting and joining; framing, roofing and exterior finish; interior finish; and safety.

5 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Electrical

Electrical concepts and safety, wiring methods, troubleshooting and installing devices.

5 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Plumbing

Plumbing concepts and safety, installing systems, repair, and drainage and waste.

5 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

HVAC

HVAC systems and principles, installation and maintenance, troubleshooting, and efficiency.

5 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Masonry

Tools, brick and block, mortar, walls and chimneys, safety, and restoration.

5 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Painting

Tools and surface preparation, interior and exterior painting, and specialty work and safety.

3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Roofing

Materials and equipment, installing and repairing roofs, and safety, gutters and maintenance.

3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Safety Training

OSHA training and your rights, first aid and CPR, and handling hazardous materials.

3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.

Soft Skills Training

Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving and critical thinking.

3 lessons. Key terms, practice questions and written questions open with a plan. See plans.