Year 2 Exam Study Guide — master what the exam actually tests, concept by concept.
Construction sites are one of the most hazardous work environments in Canada. Fall protection, scaffold safety, struck-by and caught-in hazards are among the leading causes of fatalities. This section ensures you can identify hazards, apply controls, and know the regulations that protect workers.
Laminate: glass-PVB-glass; if broken, pieces adhere to interlayer; safe, acoustic control. Safety regulations exist because the consequences of ignoring them are severe — injury, death, or legal liability. Know these requirements the way you know your own name.
Building codes, fire codes, and workplace regulations define the minimum standards that protect occupants and workers. These aren't guidelines — they're legal requirements. Knowing your applicable codes means fewer failed inspections, less rework, and a professional reputation that lasts.
Stick: vertical frames, horizontal members attached, glass/spandrel panels inserted (modular). On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Unitized: 14-16 foot tall modules assembled in factory, hung on building. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
IGU: 3/8-5/8" air/gas gap significantly improves U-value (insulation). On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Testing: ASTM standards verify curtain wall integrity; water, air infiltration, structural capacity. Understanding and applying code requirements correctly ensures your installations pass inspection and meet legal obligations in your jurisdiction.
Construction materials have specific strengths, limitations, and proper applications. Choosing the wrong adhesive, fastener, or structural member isn't just a quality issue — it can be a structural failure waiting to happen. Know your materials.
Silicone structural: adhesive joint carries glass edge loads; no mechanical fasteners. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Point supports: bolted stainless fittings through drilled corners; architectural expression. Safety regulations exist because the consequences of ignoring them are severe — injury, death, or legal liability. Know these requirements the way you know your own name.
Temper: rapid cool creates compression on surface, tension inside; 5× stronger, safe fracture. When solving calculation questions, always identify your known variables first, select the correct formula, and double-check your units before calculating.
Compatibility: test sealant on substrate materials (glazing, aluminum); verify no chemical reaction. Material selection directly affects performance, code compliance, and longevity. Using the wrong type can fail an inspection or create a hazard down the line.
Tooling: concave profile improves performance; done within 3-5 minutes of application. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
All 10 exam concepts from this guide — test your recall before you sit the exam.