Construction Masonry – Brick

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:

Safety

• Identify and use PPEs (personal protective equipment) 
• Demonstrate knowledge of workplace/jobsite safety procedures, including lock-out/tag-out 
• Exhibit understanding of OSHA safety standards and MSDS
• Erect and use scaffolds safely
• Display understanding of ladder safety 

 

Craft Knowledge

• Explain the history of the craft
• Identify job opportunities in the masonry industry 
• Identify craft terminology 

 

Hand and Power Tools

• Identify, use, and properly care for hand tools 
• Identify, use, and properly care for power tools 

 

Materials

• Identify and select materials, including synthetic stone and brick products 
• Identify various mortars (M, S, N, O) and cements (Type I, II, III) and their uses 
• Identify material sizes 

 

Blueprints and Specifications

• Read and interpret written specifications
• Identify and interpret lines and symbols 
• Read and interpret drawings and plans  

 

Project Layout

• Square a building, use of 3-4-5/Pythagorean theory 
• Install a corner/story pole and determine heights
• Identify masonry bond types 
• Install a metal door/window frame 
• Layout and construct control joints
• Identify land install anchor bolts and masonry fasteners 

 

Brick

• Set up job site 
• Lay brick to the line 
• Tool off/joint units  
• Build brick leads and corners 
• Identify and construct steps and components 
• Install masonry pavers 
• Identify and install wall ties and accessories 
• Identify and position various types of lintels 
• Identify types of arches 
• Exhibit understanding of arch applications 

 

Fireplaces and Chimneys 

• Identify parts of fireplace/chimney 
• Install fireplace/chimney components 
• Display familiarity with building codes 

 

Flashing, Weeps, Insulation

• Install flashing correctly 
• Install weep holes correctly  
• Install insulation correctly 

 

Math and Measurements

• Exhibit comprehension of construction masonry-related mathematics 
• Exhibit understanding of measurements and conversions 
• Estimate/calculate materials needed 

 

Masonry Structure Maintenance

• Restore and repoint masonry units 
• Select and use masonry cleaning agents 

 

Professionalism

• Exhibit understanding of communication/leadership skills 
• Display understanding of professional ethics and behavior 

Written Assessment:

Administration Time: 3 hours   

Number of Questions: 172

 

Areas Covered:

Safety: 11%

Craft Knowledge: 7%

Hand and Power Tools: 5%

Materials: 6%

Blueprints and Specifications: 5%

Project Layout: 13%

Brick: 22%

Fireplace and Chimneys: 9%

Flashing, Weeps, and Insulation: 6%

Math and Measurements: 9%

Masonry Structure Maintenance: 4%

Professionalism: 3%

 

Sample Questions:

To avoid accidents, ladders must be kept away from 

1. walkways and traffic lanes 
2. a level floor 
3. the boiler room 
4. carpeting 

 

A piece of metal used for securing line at both ends of course height is a 

1. brick tie 
2. line block 
3. line pin 
4. brick set 

 

Expansion and control joints are used to 

1. provide strength 
2. improve appearance 
3. allow for movement 
4. eliminate movement 

 

Place a strip of wood in the cavity during construction to 

1. prevent mortar from falling in the cavity 
2. use as a guide to keep the units from moving 
3. prevent wall ties from moving 
4. prevent water from entering the cavity in case of rain 

 

Flashing around a brick chimney requires a 

1. base and counter 
2. base and silicone 
3. membrane and tar 
4. coat of epoxy 

 

Performance Assessment:

Administration Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes 

Number of Jobs: 3

 

Areas Covered:

18% Job Layout

Selection and safe use of tools, project length measured according to drawing specifications, squared the project, and time to complete Job 1.  

 

67% Construct a Brick Wall/Pier in Stretcher/Running Bond 

Level top course; plumb points A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H; pier and wall are square and in range; stayed on coursing dimensions; fullness of joints; maintained proper half-bond; and time to complete Job 2.  

 

15% Project Jointing

Jointing, overall project appearance, and time to complete Job 3.  

Sample Job:

Job Layout 

Maximum Time:   15 minutes

Participant Activity:   The participant, using appropriate tools, will measure project size according to drawing specifications.  Snap a chalk line, dry bond the first course using 3/8 inch mortar joints. Mark off dimensions for the project, and square the project.