27105 Floor Systems
Course Syllabus: NCCER Floor Systems (Module 27105)
Course Information
- Course Title: Floor Systems
- Module ID: 27105 (NCCER Carpentry/General Carpentry)
- Duration: 25–27.5 hours (including classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and assessment)
- Level: Introductory (typically part of Carpentry Level One or General Carpentry)
- Format: Blended (classroom theory, lab demonstrations, and hands-on performance tasks)
- Certification: Successful completion earns NCCER credential for Module 27105 (Floor Systems) and contributes to Carpentry Level One certification.
Course Description
This module introduces trainees to the fundamentals of residential and light commercial floor systems. Trainees learn to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications for floor framing, identify framing components and materials (including common lumber and engineered products), and perform layout and construction procedures for wood floor systems using platform framing methods. Emphasis is placed on safety, accuracy, code compliance, and industry best practices.
Prerequisites
- Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum (Basic Safety, Introduction to Construction Math, Tools, Drawings, etc.) or equivalent.
- Basic familiarity with hand and power tools.
- Recommended: NCCER Orientation to the Trade and Building Materials modules.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:
- Read and interpret specifications and construction drawings to determine floor system requirements.
- Identify different types of floor framing systems (e.g., platform framing).
- Identify floor system components (e.g., sills, girders, beams, joists, headers, bridging/blocking, subfloor) and materials (solid lumber, engineered I-joists, etc.).
- Explain procedures for laying out and constructing floor systems, including installation of joists, bridging, subflooring, and openings.
Performance Objectives
Trainees must demonstrate proficiency in hands-on tasks, including:
- Laying out and framing a floor assembly using common lumber.
- Installing joists, headers, and bridging/blocking.
- Installing subflooring panels.
- (Optional/advanced) Laying out and installing components of an engineered floor system (e.g., I-joists).
A minimum score of 70% on the module exam and 100% completion of performance profiles are required for NCCER certification.
Required Materials
- NCCER Carpentry Trainee Guide (current edition, containing Module 27105).
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): safety glasses, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed boots, hearing protection.
- Tools: framing square, tape measure, chalk line, hammer, circular saw, level, plumb bob.
- Lab supplies (provided): lumber (2x stock), engineered joists (if available), plywood/OSB subfloor panels, nails/fasteners.
- Access to construction drawings and building codes (e.g., IRC).
Course Outline and Schedule
The course is divided into sessions totaling approximately 25–27.5 hours. Schedule may vary based on class size and lab availability.
| Session | Topics Covered | Hours | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Floor Systems; Reading Drawings and Specifications | 4 | Lecture, review blueprints, identify requirements from sample plans |
| 2 | Types of Floor Framing Systems; Components and Materials | 5 | Lecture, flashcards/trade terms quiz, material identification lab |
| 3 | Layout Procedures: Sills, Girders, Beams, and Joists | 6 | Demonstration, hands-on layout practice (sill plates, joist spacing, crowning) |
| 4 | Installation Procedures: Joists, Bridging/Blocking, Openings | 6 | Hands-on lab: frame floor assembly, install headers and bridging |
| 5 | Subfloor Installation; Engineered Systems Overview | 4 | Demonstration, install subfloor panels; discuss I-joists and alternatives |
| 6 | Review, Safety Integration, and Final Performance Tasks | 2–3 | Group review, complete performance profiles |
| 7 | Module Exam and Makeup | 1–2 | Written exam; remediation as needed |
Teaching Methods
- Lectures and discussions using NCCER PowerPoint slides.
- Videos and demonstrations.
- Hands-on lab exercises in a mock construction setting.
- Group activities for layout and framing problems.
Assessment and Grading
- Written Module Exam: 70% minimum (multiple-choice, based on NCCER objectives).
- Performance Tasks: Evaluated using NCCER Performance Profiles (must complete all tasks satisfactorily).
- Participation and Safety: Ongoing observation; unsafe practices result in removal from lab.
- Certification: NCCER registry entry upon passing exam and verified performance tasks.
Policies
- Attendance: 100% attendance recommended; absences may require makeup.
- Safety: Zero tolerance for violations; PPE required at all times in lab.
- Academic Integrity: No cheating on exams; performance tasks must be individual work.
- Accommodations: Available for qualified students per institutional policy.
Instructor Contact
[To be filled by instructor: Name, email, office hours]
This syllabus aligns with NCCER standards and prepares trainees for safe, professional work in carpentry floor framing.