NCCER GLAZIER CERTIFICATION EXAM ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
Complete Exam Coverage (Summarized)
The NCCER Glazier certification comprises three progressive levels, each building on the last. The topic
modules below represent the core of the complete curriculum.
NCCER Core Curriculum (Prerequisite)
This is the prerequisite for all NCCER trades and covers fundamental construction skills.
• Basic Safety (Construction Safety Orientation)
• Introduction to Construction Math
• Introduction to Hand Tools
• Introduction to Power Tools
• Introduction to Construction Drawings
• Basic Rigging
• Basic Communication Skills
• Basic Employability Skills
• Introduction to Material Handling
Glazier – Level 1
The foundational level focuses on core skills and safety.
• Basic Safety: Site-specific safety policies, OSHA, PPE, hazard communication, emergency
response, and working with hazardous materials.
• Basic Mathematics: Math fundamentals for accurate measuring, layout, and material
estimation.
• Introduction to the Trade: The role and responsibilities of a glazier, industry career paths, and
shop and job site protocols.
• Types of Glass: Properties and uses of basic glass types, including float (annealed), wired,
patterned, and sheet glass. Introduction to safety glass concepts.
• Handling Glass: Safe methods for lifting, carrying, storing, and securing glass to prevent injury
and breakage.
• Introduction to Blueprint Reading: Basic symbols, lines, abbreviations, and the information
contained in construction drawings.
• Sealants: Introduction to types of sealants (silicone, urethane, etc.) and their proper application.
• Basic Glass Cutting: Techniques for measuring, marking, and accurately cutting flat glass using a
glass cutter.
• Mirror and Glass Fabrication: Basic techniques for fabricating mirrors and glass components.
• Plastics and Panels: Identification and basic handling of plastic glazing materials.
Glazier – Level 2
The intermediate level introduces more complex systems and code requirements.
• Contract Documents: Understanding project specifications, submittals, and the relationship
between different contract documents.
• Introduction to Safety Glazing: Detailed study of safety glazing materials, including tempered
glass (heat-strengthened) and laminated glass (plastic interlayer).
• Trade Math: Advanced calculations for job layout, including angles, area, and volume for
material estimation.
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• Sealants II: Advanced sealant application techniques for different substrates and joint designs.
• Custom Mirrors: Fabrication and installation of custom mirrors, including edgework and
adhesive mounting systems.
• Introduction to Insulating Glass (IG): Understanding the construction of IG units for energy
efficiency, including sealants and gas fills.
• Types of Windows: Familiarity with common window types (e.g., awning, casement, projected,
hopper) and their operational mechanisms.
• Glass Fabrication: Performing basic glass fabrication tasks, such as edge polishing, notching, and
drilling.
• Aluminum Fabrication: Cutting and fabrication of aluminum framing members.
• Shower and Tub Enclosures: Installation of framed and frameless shower and tub enclosures.
Glazier – Level 3
The advanced level covers large-scale commercial systems, estimating, and project management.
• Mechanical Fasteners: Selection and application of fasteners in aluminum and steel framing for
structural integrity.
• Work Platforms: Safe operation of aerial lifts, scaffolding, and other work platforms.
• Job Measurement: Techniques for accurately measuring job sites for layout and field
measurements.
• Sketching and Takeoffs: Creating field sketches and performing material takeoffs from drawings
and specifications.
• Sloped Glazing/Skylights: Design considerations, sealing methods, and installation of sloped
glazing systems and skylights.
• Curtain Wall: Installation of curtain wall systems, including anchorage, framing, and glazing.
• Finishes and Coatings: Understanding glass coatings (e.g., low-E, reflective) and finishes for
metal framing.
• Entrances and Hardware: Installation of commercial entrance systems and associated hardware
components (e.g., closers, pivots, panic hardware).
•
QUESTION 1: A glazier is cutting a piece of 1/4-inch annealed glass. After scoring the glass, how should
the cut be broken?
A) Place the score line over a wood block and apply firm pressure to both sides
B) Tap the opposite side of the glass with the cutter's ball end
C) Use a heat gun to soften the glass along the score line
D) Flip the glass over and score the opposite side
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Answer: B – The ball end of a glass cutter is used to tap the underside of the glass along the score line,
vibrating the glass to propagate the cut.
QUESTION 2: An insulating glass (IG) unit fails and fogs up between the two panes. What is the primary
cause of this failure?
A) A broken glass pane on the exterior
B) A failed seal around the perimeter of the IG unit
C) Using the incorrect type of framing material
D) Improperly set stop angles
Answer: B – IG units rely on a hermetic seal to hold a dry, inert gas between the panes. When this seal
fails, moisture-laden air enters and causes condensation between the panes.
QUESTION 3: When installing a large mirror on a wall using adhesive, what is the purpose of using
mirror mastic?
A) To prevent oxidation of the silver backing
B) To allow for thermal expansion of the mirror
C) To increase the adhesive strength
D) To serve as a spacer for leveling
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Answer: A – Most mirror mastics are formulated to be non-corrosive to prevent the silver backing from
oxidizing, which can cause black spots.
QUESTION 4: A blueprint for a storefront shows a note: "SG - SIL." What does this most likely indicate?
A) The glass is single-glazed
B) The silicone is structural
C) The sealant is silicone
D) The glass is silicone-strengthened
Answer: C – "SG" can be ambiguous, but in sealant context "SIL" is the standard abbreviation for
silicone. The note likely calls for a silicone sealant, likely a structural silicone.
QUESTION 5: A glazier is about to install a large, heavy piece of glass for a curtain wall. What is the
primary safety concern?
A) Breaking the glass with a steel tool
B) The glass falling due to improper lift and handling
C) Scratches on the glass surface
D) Sealant stains on the glass