Construction Skills Competency Checklist

Almost Needs
Job Unsatis- Instructor Student
job improve- Date
ready factory initials Initials
Skill or competency ready ment

Safety skills
Identify safety rules
Identify safety equipment
Use safety equipment
Lift objects safely
Use basic first aid procedures
Use hand tools safely
Use power tools safely
Use building materials safely

General construction skills

Identify and use measurement tools
Identify and use layout tools
Identify and use hand tools
Select correct tool for job
Identify nails and fasteners
Use nails and fasteners
Identify grades of lumber
Identify grades of plywood
Identify actual and nominal
dimensions of surfaced lumbers
Identify common lumber defects
Use correct nailing techniques
Estimate square feet
Estimate linear feet
Estimate cubic feet
Construct scaffolding
Identify purposes of bulding codes,
zoning laws, permits

continued
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Almost Needs
Job Unsatis- Instructor Student
job improve- Date
ready factory initials Initials
Skill or competency ready ment

Portable power tools

Identify power tools
Determine use of power tools
Select correct tool for job
Operate circular saw
Operate electric drill
Identify drill bits
Operate portable routier
Operate miter saw
Operate power sander
Operate screw shooter

Stationary machine skills

Operate planer
Operate joiner
Operate bench saw
Operate radial saw
Operate scrall saw
Operate drill press
Operate rip saw

Construction planning skills

read architect’s scale
read and interpret drawings
interpret blueprint symbols
interpret specifications
identify steps of the building process
estimate labor costs
identify materials costs
organize building materials

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Almost Needs
Job Unsatis- Instructor Student
job improve- Date
ready factory initials Initials
Skill or competency ready ment

Preparing the building site

Use builder’s level
Establish elevation
Reference points
Layout building
Square building using 6-8-1
method and diagonal

Demolition skills
Use hand demolition skills
Use correct demo procedures
Use safe demo procedures
Construct ramps
Construct chutes
Correctly place dumpsters
Pack dumpsters
Shoring
Use shoring post
Use screw jacks
Make and use A-frames

Building and installing forms

Construct footing forms
Place and make keys for
footing and foundation
Make plywood forms
Make concrete forms
Assemble premade forms
Brace concrete forms
Set grades
Pour concrete
Strip forms
Place anchor bolts

continued
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Almost Needs
Job Unsatis- Instructor Student
job improve- Date
ready factory initials Initials
Skill or competency ready ment

Floor framing skills

Snap lines
Square foundations
Frame sills
Frame girders
Install steel columns
Layout, cut, and install joint
Frame stair openings
Frame chimney openings
Install subfloor
Install firestop
Install joist hangers
Install steel bridging
Install cross bridging
Install solid bridging
Cut stair ringers

Exterior wall framing skills

Layout shoes and plates
Layout partitions
Frame window openings
Frame door openings
Frame fireplace wall openings
Precut studs
Layout dimensions for studs
Sheath exterior walls
Install double plates
Hang exterior doors
Install windows

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Almost Needs
Job Unsatis- Instructor Student
job improve- Date
ready factory initials Initials
Skill or competency ready ment

Interior wall framing skills

Identify parts of framed wall
Install strapping
Layout interior walls
Construct partition backers
Construct comers and headers
Layout shoes and plates
Frame bearing partitions
Frame nonbearing partitions
Install blocking
Install bracing

Framing ceilings and roofs

Layout ceiling joist and rafters
Install ceiling joints
Frame fireplace openings
Layout common rafter patterns
Figure rafter lengths
Cut rafters
Crow foot
Layout ridge
Install common rafters
Install gable studs
Install sheathing on roof
Install facia
Install rakes
Install soffits
Install drip edge
Apply roofing paper
Install shingles

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Almost Needs
Job Unsatis- Instructor Student
job improve- Date
ready factory initials Initials
Skill or competency ready ment
Exterior finishing skills
Erect corner boards
Install wood shingles
Install clapboards
Install tongue and groove siding
Install plywood siding
Install composition siding
Install aluminum siding
Install vinyl siding
Install shake shingles
Install cornice trim
Install aluminum gutters
Install wood gutters
Interior finishing skills
Install installation
Identify different R-values
Install vapor batteries
Install drywall
Install duro-rock
Install blue board
Tape drywall
Apply joint compound
Plaster
Install underlayment
Install bifold doors
Install finish trim
Install baseboards
Install closet shelves and poles
Install hardwood floors
Install and build stairs
Install banisters and railing
Install vinyl flooring
Flash patch wooden floors
Install stock cabinets
Install conter tops

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Almost Needs
Job Unsatis- Instructor Student
job improve- Date
ready factory initials Initials
Skill or competency ready ment

Erecting staging
Use extension ladder
Use step ladder
Use ladder brackets
Use pump jacks
Use wall brackets
Use roof brackets
Use pipe staging

Work habits and career readiness

Identify career opportunities
Punctuality
Attendance
Positive attitude
Effectively manage difference & conflict
Supports team effort

Other skills
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Attach comments if needed.

This construction skills competency list was adapted from a list from YouthBuild Boston

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