27109 Drywall Finishing
Course Syllabus: NCCER Module 27109 – Drywall Finishing
Course Information
- Course Title: Drywall Finishing (NCCER Module ID 27109)
- Module Level: Typically part of Carpentry Level 2 or Drywall Level 1 (depending on curriculum edition)
- Total Hours: 17.5–25 hours (includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice, review, and testing)
- Format: Blended (classroom theory + hands-on lab)
- Instructor: Certified NCCER Craft Instructor
- Prerequisites:
- Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum (Basic Safety, Math, Drawings, etc.)
- Prior modules in Drywall Installation or equivalent experience/knowledge of gypsum board handling and fastening
Course Description
This module introduces trainees to the materials, tools, techniques, and industry standards for finishing and patching gypsum drywall. Trainees learn manual and automatic methods for taping, applying joint compound, sanding, and achieving professional finish levels. The course emphasizes safety, quality control, defect recognition/correction, and preparation for painting or wallcovering.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:
- Describe the GA-214 Recommended Levels of Drywall Finish (Levels 0–5) and select the appropriate level based on lighting, location, and final decoration.
- Identify, safely use, and maintain common hand tools for drywall finishing (e.g., taping knives, trowels, hawks, corner tools, sanding tools).
- Identify components and operation of automatic taping and finishing (ATF) tools (e.g., bazookas, automatic tapers, flat boxes, angle boxes, pumps, corner finishers).
- Identify types of joint compounds (drying-type, setting-type, topping, all-purpose, lightweight) and additives, and explain their purposes and applications.
- Properly tape and apply multiple coats of compound to joints, fasteners, inside/outside corners, and butt joints using hand tools.
- Demonstrate basic use of automatic tools for taping and finishing (where equipment is available).
- Sand finished surfaces to achieve a smooth, paint-ready result without damaging the drywall paper.
- Perform common drywall repairs, including patching holes, cracks, and damaged areas.
- Recognize common finishing defects (e.g., blisters, crowning, photographing, flashing) and apply corrective techniques.
Required Materials
- NCCER Trainee Guide: Drywall Finishing module (provided or purchased)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, dust mask/respirator, gloves, hearing protection (as needed)
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Lab-provided tools and materials (joint compound, tape, drywall scraps, sanding supplies)
- Recommended: Work boots and appropriate clothing for lab work
Course Outline and Schedule
(Approximate schedule for a 20-hour module delivered over 4–5 sessions; adjust based on class pace and lab availability)
| Session | Topics Covered | Hours | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Drywall Finishing • Industry standards and finish levels (GA-214) • Safety practices specific to finishing (dust control, ergonomics) | 2.5 | Lecture, discussion, video demonstration |
| 2 | Tools and Equipment • Hand tools identification and use • Automatic tools overview and components • Tool maintenance and cleaning | 5 | Lecture, tool demonstration, hands-on practice |
| 3 | Finishing Materials • Types of joint compounds and tape • Additives and their effects • Material storage and handling | 2.5 | Lecture, material samples, mixing practice |
| 4 | Manual Finishing Techniques • Taping and embedding • Filling and finishing coats (fasteners, joints, corners) • Butt joints and feathering | 5 | Hands-on lab: Apply coats to sample boards |
| 5 | Advanced Techniques and Automatic Tools • Using ATF tools (if available) • Texturing basics (optional) • Sanding methods and tools | 3 | Demo + supervised practice |
| 6 | Repairs, Defects, and Quality Control • Patching damaged drywall • Identifying and fixing common problems • Final inspection standards | 2 | Lab practice on damaged samples |
| Review & Testing | Module review • Written exam • Performance evaluations | 2–3 | Review Q&A, written test, performance profile sheets |
Assessment and Grading
- Written Exam: 70% of final score (multiple-choice questions covering theory, tools, materials, and standards; passing score 70% minimum per NCCER guidelines)
- Performance Tasks: 30% of final score (hands-on evaluations using NCCER Performance Profile sheets; trainees must demonstrate proficiency in key tasks such as finishing a section to Level 4/5 and performing a repair)
- Attendance/Participation: Required for certification eligibility (minimum 90% attendance recommended)
- Overall Passing Requirement: Minimum 70% combined score + successful completion of all performance tasks
NCCER Certification
- Successful completion (passing exam + verified performance tasks) earns trainees credit toward NCCER Carpentry or Drywall credentials.
- Credentials entered into the NCCER National Registry for portable, industry-recognized certification.
Policies
- Safety: Zero tolerance for unsafe practices; PPE must be worn at all times in lab areas.
- Attendance: Excessive absences may require makeup work or module repeat.
- Academic Integrity: No cheating on exams; performance tasks must be trainee’s own work.
- Accommodations: Available for students with documented needs—contact instructor in advance.
This syllabus aligns with NCCER standards for drywall finishing training. Adjustments may be made based on class needs, equipment availability, or curriculum edition. Contact the instructor for any questions.