Page 1 of 114
New Mexico JSM Journeyman Sheet Metal EXAM ACTUAL
EXAM COMPLETE 250 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
New Mexico JSM Journeyman Sheet Metal Exam is a state-required certification for individuals
performing specialized sheet metal work, including HVAC ductwork and fabrication.
Administered by PSI Services, the process consists of both a Written (Theory) and
a Practical (Hands-on) examination.
Exam Overview & Content Areas
The exam evaluates competency in designing, fabricating, and installing sheet metal systems for
residential and commercial projects.
Written Exam (JSM Theory): 70 Multiple-choice questions | 185-minute time limit | 75%
passing score.
Duct Fabrication: Layout calculations, seam types (e.g., Pittsburgh lock), and shop tool
operations.
Duct Installation: Standards for support, sealing, and material thickness (gauges).
HVAC Systems: Heating/cooling appliances, ventilation, and combustion air.
General Trade Knowledge: Mechanical drawings, safety codes (OSHA), and material properties
(Galvanized, Aluminum, Stainless).
Practical Exam: A 120-minute hands-on assessment of trade skills.
Batch 1: Fabrication & Materials
Focus: Shop tools, metal properties, and fabrication standards.
Which tool is specifically designed to create a "Pittsburgh lock" seam in a fabrication shop?
A) Beading machine
B) Lockformer/Pittsburgh machine
C) Bar folder
D) Box and pan brake
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Answer: B
Rationale: A lockformer is the standard equipment used to roll-form the complex Pittsburgh
lock seam for rectangular ductwork.
What is the primary purpose of "beading" or "cross-breaking" a large flat duct panel?
A) To increase airflow velocity
B) To reduce noise from "oil-canning" or vibration
C) To provide a surface for insulation adhesive
D) To decrease the weight of the metal
Answer: B
Rationale: Beading stiffens the metal to prevent it from flexing or vibrating (oil-canning) during
system operation.
In New Mexico, metal ducts installed in or under a concrete slab must be encased in at least
how many inches of concrete?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 4 inches
D) 6 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: The Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) requires a minimum 2-inch concrete
encasement for burial protection.
,Page 3 of 114
Which material is most commonly used for flexible duct vapor barriers in unconditioned
spaces?
A) Uncoated aluminum
B) Reinforced polyester or metalized Mylar
C) Heavy-gauge copper
D) Galvanized sheet metal
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulated flexible ducts use a vapor barrier (jacket) to prevent condensation from
forming on the internal insulation.
What is the standard galvanized steel gauge often used for residential ductwork?
A) 16 ga
B) 20 ga
C) 26-30 ga
D) 10 ga
Answer: C
Rationale: Residential applications typically use lighter gauges (26 or 28) for ease of installation,
while commercial systems may require heavier gauges.
A "Slip and Drive" connection is primarily used for joining:
A) Round pipe
B) Sections of rectangular ductwork
C) Copper refrigerant lines
D) Gas vent piping
, Page 4 of 114
Answer: B
Rationale: S-slips and Drive cleats are the fundamental transverse joints used for connecting
rectangular duct sections.
Which machine is used to make a 90-degree bend in a piece of sheet metal along its entire
length?
A) Hand shears
B) Leaf brake (or Cornice brake)
C) Easy edger
D) Rotary punch
Answer: B
Rationale: A leaf brake is used for long, straight bends in sheet metal panels.
What is the technical term for the allowance added to a pattern to account for the thickness
of the metal during bending?
A) Stretch out
B) Bend allowance
C) Hem margin
D) Notch clearance
Answer: B
Rationale: Bend allowance calculations ensure the final fabricated part matches the blueprint
dimensions exactly.
New Mexico JSM Journeyman Sheet Metal EXAM ACTUAL
EXAM COMPLETE 250 QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
New Mexico JSM Journeyman Sheet Metal Exam is a state-required certification for individuals
performing specialized sheet metal work, including HVAC ductwork and fabrication.
Administered by PSI Services, the process consists of both a Written (Theory) and
a Practical (Hands-on) examination.
Exam Overview & Content Areas
The exam evaluates competency in designing, fabricating, and installing sheet metal systems for
residential and commercial projects.
Written Exam (JSM Theory): 70 Multiple-choice questions | 185-minute time limit | 75%
passing score.
Duct Fabrication: Layout calculations, seam types (e.g., Pittsburgh lock), and shop tool
operations.
Duct Installation: Standards for support, sealing, and material thickness (gauges).
HVAC Systems: Heating/cooling appliances, ventilation, and combustion air.
General Trade Knowledge: Mechanical drawings, safety codes (OSHA), and material properties
(Galvanized, Aluminum, Stainless).
Practical Exam: A 120-minute hands-on assessment of trade skills.
Batch 1: Fabrication & Materials
Focus: Shop tools, metal properties, and fabrication standards.
Which tool is specifically designed to create a "Pittsburgh lock" seam in a fabrication shop?
A) Beading machine
B) Lockformer/Pittsburgh machine
C) Bar folder
D) Box and pan brake
,Page 2 of 114
Answer: B
Rationale: A lockformer is the standard equipment used to roll-form the complex Pittsburgh
lock seam for rectangular ductwork.
What is the primary purpose of "beading" or "cross-breaking" a large flat duct panel?
A) To increase airflow velocity
B) To reduce noise from "oil-canning" or vibration
C) To provide a surface for insulation adhesive
D) To decrease the weight of the metal
Answer: B
Rationale: Beading stiffens the metal to prevent it from flexing or vibrating (oil-canning) during
system operation.
In New Mexico, metal ducts installed in or under a concrete slab must be encased in at least
how many inches of concrete?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 4 inches
D) 6 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: The Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) requires a minimum 2-inch concrete
encasement for burial protection.
,Page 3 of 114
Which material is most commonly used for flexible duct vapor barriers in unconditioned
spaces?
A) Uncoated aluminum
B) Reinforced polyester or metalized Mylar
C) Heavy-gauge copper
D) Galvanized sheet metal
Answer: B
Rationale: Insulated flexible ducts use a vapor barrier (jacket) to prevent condensation from
forming on the internal insulation.
What is the standard galvanized steel gauge often used for residential ductwork?
A) 16 ga
B) 20 ga
C) 26-30 ga
D) 10 ga
Answer: C
Rationale: Residential applications typically use lighter gauges (26 or 28) for ease of installation,
while commercial systems may require heavier gauges.
A "Slip and Drive" connection is primarily used for joining:
A) Round pipe
B) Sections of rectangular ductwork
C) Copper refrigerant lines
D) Gas vent piping
, Page 4 of 114
Answer: B
Rationale: S-slips and Drive cleats are the fundamental transverse joints used for connecting
rectangular duct sections.
Which machine is used to make a 90-degree bend in a piece of sheet metal along its entire
length?
A) Hand shears
B) Leaf brake (or Cornice brake)
C) Easy edger
D) Rotary punch
Answer: B
Rationale: A leaf brake is used for long, straight bends in sheet metal panels.
What is the technical term for the allowance added to a pattern to account for the thickness
of the metal during bending?
A) Stretch out
B) Bend allowance
C) Hem margin
D) Notch clearance
Answer: B
Rationale: Bend allowance calculations ensure the final fabricated part matches the blueprint
dimensions exactly.
