27401 Site Layout One: Differential Leveling

Course Syllabus: NCCER Module 27401 – Site Layout One: Differential Leveling

Course Information

• Module ID: 27401 (often referenced as 27401-14 in Carpentry Level Four or related curricula)
• Course Title: Site Layout One: Differential Leveling
• Total Hours: 20 hours (includes classroom instruction, lab practice, review, and assessment)
• Delivery Format: Blended (classroom theory, hands-on lab, and performance tasks)
• Credential: Successful completion contributes toward NCCER Carpentry Level Four certification (or equivalent in Construction Craft Laborer or Site Layout curricula) and earns a portable credential via the NCCER Registry System.

Course Description

This module introduces the principles, equipment, and methods used to perform differential leveling for construction site layout. Trainees learn the layout responsibilities of carpenters, surveyors, and field engineers; how to interpret site/plot plan drawings; and how to use leveling instruments (including automatic levels and laser instruments) to establish accurate elevations and building control points. Emphasis is placed on safety, precision, field note recording, and practical application in building layout.

Prerequisites

• Completion of NCCER Basic Safety (Module 00101) and Introduction to Construction Math, Drawings, and Tools (or equivalent experience).
• Basic understanding of construction drawings and measurement tools recommended.

Learning Objectives

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

1. Describe the major responsibilities of carpenters relative to site layout, including coordination with surveyors and field engineers.
2. Identify and interpret key elements of construction drawings and site/plot plans, including benchmarks, contours, and elevations.
3. Explain the principles of differential leveling, including benchmarks, turning points, backsights, foresights, and height of instrument (HI).
4. Identify, set up, and maintain leveling equipment, including builder’s/automatic levels, tripods, and leveling rods.
5. Perform differential leveling procedures, including peg tests, level loops, and elevation calculations.
6. Accurately record site layout data in field notes.
7. Set up and use laser leveling instruments for elevation and alignment tasks.
8. Perform basic building layout tasks, such as establishing control points and laying out building lines.

Required Materials

• NCCER Trainee Guide: Site Layout One: Differential Leveling (Pearson/NCCER publication)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vest, and steel-toed boots
• Notebook/field book for recording leveling data
• Scientific calculator
• Provided in lab: automatic level, tripod, leveling rods (Philadelphia rods), laser level, measuring tapes, and stakes

Course Outline

The course is divided into sessions totaling 20 hours. Sessions include theory, demonstration, guided practice, and independent performance tasks.

Session 1: Introduction and Site Layout Responsibilities (2.5 hours)

• Overview of site layout in construction
• Roles and responsibilities: carpenters, surveyors, and field engineers
• Safety practices related to leveling and site work

Session 2: Construction Drawings and Site/Plot Plans (3 hours)

• Interpreting site plans, benchmarks, and elevations (relative to sea level or established datum)
• Control points and building layout references
• Use of contours and grading plans

Session 3: Principles of Differential Leveling (3 hours)

• Key concepts: benchmarks, turning points (TPs), backsights (BS), foresights (FS), height of instrument (HI), and elevation calculations
• Common errors and adjustments (e.g., peg test)
• Math review: addition/subtraction for level loops and closing errors

Session 4: Leveling Equipment and Setup (4 hours)

• Types of levels: builder’s level, automatic level, digital level
• Leveling rods and reading techniques
• Tripod setup, instrument care, and calibration
• Introduction to laser instruments

Session 5: Performing Differential Leveling Procedures (4 hours)

• Step-by-step differential leveling process
• Open and closed level circuits
• Recording field notes accurately
• Hands-on practice: establishing elevations between points

Session 6: Laser Instruments and Advanced Applications (2 hours)

• Types and uses of construction laser levels
• Setup, calibration, and applications for leveling and layout
• Integration with traditional leveling methods

Session 7: Building Layout and Practical Application (1 hour)

• Transferring elevations to building control
• Establishing batter boards and building lines
• Integration of leveling into overall site layout

Session 8: Review and Assessment (0.5 hours)

• Module review and Q&A
• Final written exam and performance verification

Assessment and Grading

• Written Exam: NCCER standardized multiple-choice exam (70% passing score required for credentialing)
• Performance Tasks: Trainees must demonstrate competency in key tasks under direct supervision. Typical performance tasks include:
  1. Interpret a site/plot plan drawing.
  2. Set up, calibrate, and use an automatic level and rod.
  3. Perform a differential level loop and record notes accurately.
  4. Use a laser level to establish elevations or alignments.
  5. Lay out basic building control points using leveling data.
• Completion Requirements: Pass both written exam and all performance tasks to receive NCCER module completion in the National Registry.
• Grading Policy: Pass/Fail (based on NCCER standards; no letter grades assigned)

Policies

• Attendance: Full attendance required for hands-on tasks and credentialing eligibility.
• Safety: Zero tolerance for safety violations; PPE must be worn at all times in lab areas.
• Make-up Work: Performance tasks must be completed in person; arrangements available for excused absences.

This syllabus aligns with NCCER’s standardized curriculum and prepares trainees for real-world application in carpentry and site layout tasks.