St. Paul Church of God in Christ
Community Development Ministries, Inc
Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training Program
SPCDM Program Entry Requirements
Birth Certificate
Pass a Drug test
+18 Years
Social Security Card
Reliable Transportation
Pass a Math & Reading Test
GED or HS Diploma
Valid Illinois Driver's License
Union entry tests are the first step into a lasting career in Construction. These aptitude tests are heavy on math. With the right preparation, you can turn them into your opportunity.
SPCDM’s training program is here to support you every step of the way, helping you strengthen your math skills, practice for the test, and build the confidence you need to succeed.
By putting in the time now, you’ll set yourself apart and prove you’re ready to take on the opportunities and rewards that come with a Union Construction career.
SPCDM
SPCDM
Practice Math Test
We’ve designed an Entry Test Prep section to help you strengthen your math and reading skills. We want to make sure you’re ready to succeed, so please use this tool to practice, check your answers at the bottom of the page, and take the next step toward joining our program by building your future.
Subtraction
Addition
Division
Percentages
Multiplication
Greater or Lesser
Equal or Not Equal
Decimals
On-the-Job Math Examples
Cement Bag Cost
JayJay, a Union worker with Laborers’ Local 4, is working on a new sidewalk project for a commercial client. To finish the job, he needs 8 bags of concrete. Each bag costs $12.50 at the local supplier.
How much will JayJay spend in total on the cement?
Electrical Outlets
Robbie, a Union Electrician with IBEW Local 134, is working on a new office build-out. The project requires that each of the 5 offices be wired with 6 outlets to meet code and provide enough access for computers and equipment.
How many outlets will Robbie install in total for this commercial project?
Concrete Yards
James, a Union Mason with Cement Masons Local 502, is working with his crew on a commercial foundation project. On Monday, the team pours 10 ¾ cubic yards of concrete. On Tuesday, they pour another 12 ½ cubic yards to finish a section of the slab.
How many total cubic yards of concrete did James and his crew pour across the two days?
Cutting Pipe
Sydnei, a Union Plumber with Plumbers Local 130, is on a commercial job installing water lines for a new office building. She has a 4.5-foot pipe that needs to be cut into three equal sections.
How many long would each section of pipe be in inches?
Project Hours
Jamari, a Carpenter with Carpenters Local 1, is working with his crew on a commercial renovation project downtown. The project requires 100 total hours of labor to complete. In the first week, the crew finishes 2/5 of the total job.
How many hours did the crew work during that first week?
Practice Language Arts Test
Tool Manual
A tool manual states: "Do not operate this saw without a guard in place. Always unplug the tool before changing blades. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury."
What must you do before changing the blade?
Schedule Notice
A posting on the bulletin board says: "The crew will work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday shifts will be scheduled only if weather delays occur during the week."
When will the crew work on Saturday?
Jobsite Safety Meeting
Every Monday morning, the foreman holds a 15-minute safety meeting before work begins. At the meeting, the crew reviews the tasks for the week and discusses any hazards they might face. Workers are reminded that personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves must be worn at all times. The foreman also stresses the importance of reporting unsafe conditions immediately so they can be corrected before someone gets hurt.
How long is the Monday morning safety meeting?
What are three examples of PPE mentioned in the passage?
Why does the foreman want unsafe conditions reported right away?
Apprenticeship Orientation
New Apprentices are required to attend an orientation during their first week on the job. At the orientation, they will learn about company policies, safety rules, and expectations for conduct on the jobsite. Apprentices will also be introduced to their mentors, who will guide them during the training period. Failure to attend orientation will delay the start of their first work assignment.
When must new apprentices attend orientation?
What are two topics covered during orientation?
What happens if an Apprentice misses orientation?
Scaffold Use
The construction crew will be working on scaffolds to install windows on the third floor of a new building. OSHA regulations require that scaffolds be inspected daily before use. Workers must wear fall protection equipment and ensure tools are secured to prevent them from falling. If weather conditions such as high winds or lightning are present, scaffolds cannot be used until conditions improve.
Who requires that scaffolds be inspected daily?
What equipment must workers wear when on scaffolds?
Under what weather conditions can scaffolds not be used?
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Practice Math Test Answers
Subtraction
Addition
Division
Percentages
Multiplication
Greater or Lesser
Equal or Not Equal
Decimals
On-the-Job Math Examples
Concrete Bag Cost = $100
Electrical Outlets = 30 Outlets
Concrete Yards = 23.25 Cubic Yards
Cutting Pipe = 18”
Project Hours = 40 Hours
Practice Language Arts Test Answers
Tool Manual
Always unplug the tool
Schedule Notice
Only if weather delays occur during the week
Apprenticeship Orientation
The first week on the job
Company Policies, Safety Rules or Expectations
It will delay the start of their first work assignment
Scaffold Use
OSHA
Fall Protection Equipment
High winds or lightning
Jobsite Safety Meeting
15 Mins
Hard hats, Safety Glasses & Gloves
To be corrected before someone gets hurt