27309 Horizontal Formwork

NCCER Module 27309: Horizontal Formwork Course Syllabus

Course Information

• Module ID: 27309 (from Carpentry Level Three; also applicable to Concrete Construction and related crafts)
• Course Title: Horizontal Formwork
• Duration: 15 Hours (typically delivered over 2–3 days, including theory and hands-on practice)
• Credit Hours: Equivalent to 1.5 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) upon NCCER certification
• Delivery Format: Blended (classroom instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on performance tasks)
• Prerequisites:
  • Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum
  • Completion of Carpentry Levels 1 and 2 (or equivalent craft levels, including basic concrete forming modules)
  • Familiarity with basic construction safety, tools, and vertical formwork

Course Description

This module introduces trainees to the construction of elevated structural-concrete floor and roof slabs. It covers elevated decks and formwork systems, including methods for their design, erection, and stripping. Topics include joist and pan systems, beam and slab systems, flat slab systems, metal deck forming, shoring/reshoring, edge forms, and safe form removal procedures. Emphasis is placed on safety hazards associated with elevated work and hands-on skills for erecting, plumbing, bracing, and leveling deck forms.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:

1. Identify safety hazards associated with elevated deck formwork and explain mitigation strategies.
2. Identify and describe components of various elevated slab forming systems (e.g., joist/pan, beam and slab, flat slab, metal deck, and composite systems).
3. Describe applications and methods for flying form systems.
4. Identify and explain shoring and reshoring systems, including load considerations to avoid eccentric loading.
5. Describe and demonstrate procedures for installing edge forms and bulkheads.
6. Erect, plumb, brace, and level a hand-set deck form system safely and accurately.

Trainees who pass the written exam and performance evaluations will earn the NCCER Horizontal Formwork credential.

Topical Outline

Session 1: Introduction and Safety (2.5 Hours)

• Overview of horizontal formwork in concrete construction
• Safety hazards on elevated decks (falls, collapses, material handling)
• OSHA requirements, PPE, ladder access (e.g., ladders extending 3 feet above formwork), and fall protection
• Elimination of hazards through proper planning and bracing

Session 2: Elevated Slab Forming Systems (4 Hours)

• Types of systems: Joist and pan, beam and slab, flat slab, metal deck, and composite slabs
• Components: Stringers, joists, plywood sheathing, shores, U-heads, top plates
• Flying form systems: Applications, advantages, and construction methods

Session 3: Shoring, Reshoring, and Edge Forms (4 Hours)

• Shoring systems: Installation, centering stringers to avoid eccentric loads
• Reshoring procedures and load transfer
• Edge forms and bulkheads: Installation methods and embedded items

Session 4: Erection, Bracing, and Stripping (3.5 Hours)

• Step-by-step erection of hand-set deck forms
• Plumbing, bracing, and leveling techniques
• Form removal (stripping) procedures and safety

Session 5: Review and Performance Practice (1 Hour)

• Hands-on reinforcement of key skills

Instructional Methods

• Classroom lectures with NCCER PowerPoint presentations
• Videos and demonstrations of formwork systems
• Group discussions on safety scenarios
• Hands-on lab exercises (e.g., building and bracing mock deck forms)
• Performance profile tasks supervised by certified NCCER instructors

Required Materials

• NCCER Carpentry Level Three Trainee Guide (includes Module 27309)
• NCCER PowerPoint slides and instructor resources
• Safety gear: Hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, fall protection harness
• Tools: Hammers, levels, plumb bobs, tape measures, scaffolding/shoring materials (provided in lab)

Assessment and Evaluation

• Written Exam: Multiple-choice test covering module objectives (70% passing score required for NCCER registry)
• Performance Testing: Trainees must demonstrate proficiency in key tasks (e.g., erecting, plumbing, bracing, and leveling a hand-set deck form) under instructor observation
• Grading: Pass/Fail based on NCCER standards (successful completion enters trainee into the National Registry)
• Attendance: 100% attendance required for certification eligibility

Certification

Successful completion earns the NCCER Horizontal Formwork (Module 27309) digital badge via Credly and entry into the NCCER National Registry.

Instructor Qualifications

Certified NCCER Craft Instructor with experience in commercial carpentry or concrete forming.

References

• NCCER Carpentry Level Three Curriculum
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Q (Concrete and Masonry Construction)
• American Concrete Institute (ACI) guidelines for formwork

This syllabus aligns with the official NCCER curriculum for Module 27309. Adjustments may be made based on facility resources or trainee needs while maintaining NCCER standards.