Master Interior Wall Systems

Year 1 Exam Study Guide — the foundational knowledge every apprentice needs before advancing.

Yr 1Yr 2Yr 3Yr 4Red Seal →
12Topic Sections
60Key Concepts
0Flashcard Terms
Year 1Apprentice Level

Year 1 Topics

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

📖Drywall Types & Sizes
  • Regular (grey): standard walls
  • Type X (fire-rated): 5/8" glass fibre
  • Moisture resistant (green)
  • Common sizes: 4×8, 4×10, 4×12
  • Thicknesses: 1/4" to 5/8"
📖Fasteners & Spacing
  • Drywall screws: Type W/S
  • Field spacing: 300mm (12")
  • Perimeter: 200mm (8")
  • Dimple just below surface
  • Annular ring nails acceptable
🏗️Framing & Substrate
  • Wood stud: 16" o/c standard
  • Steel stud: 20, 25 ga
  • Blocking required at edges
  • Adhesive + mechanical fasteners
  • Wood moisture <19%
📖Taping & Bedding
  • Paper tape in bedding compound
  • Mesh tape: self-adhesive, quicker
  • All-purpose compound: easy sand
  • Setting compound: hardener
  • No bubbles or wrinkles
📖Coat System
  • Coat 1: tape, feather 100mm
  • Coat 2: 150-200mm, fill dimples
  • Coat 3: 250-300mm, smooth
  • Sand between coats when dry
  • Three coats standard
🦺Safety
  • Dust masks N95 minimum
  • CSA-approved stilts only
  • Scaffold over 3m
  • Cut gypsum away from body
  • Use panel carrier or helper

Red Seal Topics

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

📖Fire-Rated Assemblies (ULC)
  • ULC Directory: tested assemblies
  • FRR: Fire Resistance Rating
  • STC: Sound Transmission Class
  • U305: 2×4, 5/8" Type X = 1-hr
  • No substitutions allowed
📖STC & Acoustics
  • STC: sound isolation rating
  • IIC: Impact Insulation Class
  • Resilient channels decouple
  • Acoustic sealant at perimeters
  • Flanking paths reduce STC
📖Shaft Wall Systems
  • J-track/C-H stud assembly
  • No fasteners through shaft side
  • 1" Type X liner panels in track
  • 5/8" Type X face layer
  • Elevator shafts, stairwells
🔥Exterior Sheathing & Stucco
  • Glass mat sheathing (DensGlass)
  • Moisture resistant
  • Air barrier tape at joints
  • Base for EIFS or stucco
  • Impact resistant
📖Control Joints & Expansion
  • Maximum 9m o/c in walls
  • 6m × 6m in ceilings
  • Vinyl or zinc bead installed
  • Allows thermal expansion
  • Prevents cracking
📖Spray Texture Systems
  • Knock-down: spray, flatten when tacky
  • Orange peel: lighter spray
  • Skip trowel: hand applied
  • Popcorn (acoustic): aggregate
  • Check pre-1980 for asbestos

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