Drywall
The two-level curriculum for Drywall is designed to cover a range of drywall skills for drywall installation and finishing, including wall and ceiling installation and placing insulation, soundproofing, and firestopping materials. The curriculum also covers applying internal and exterior textures and trims.
The two-level Drywall curriculum also complies with the U.S. Department of Labor’s standards for Drywall Applicator apprenticeship programs.
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has published the second edition of its Drywall Level 1 curriculum. First developed in 2007, the new updates to the Drywall program feature the craft’s most current tools and best practices through a modernized presentation. Contact your Pearson Executive Director to learn more.
Craft Snapshot
Curriculum Details
2nd Edition
Total Recommended Hours |
Competencies & Objectives Lists |
| Levels 1-2: 294.5, includes Core hours | 1st Edition: Click here |
Module ID 45101: Reviews the history of the craft and provides modern examples of drywall work, including descriptions of the training process and career opportunities in the wall and ceiling industry. Also identifies the responsibilities and characteristics a drywall technician should possess, as well as safety precautions associated with the industry.
Module ID 45102: Provides an overview of the materials and techniques used in building and finishing walls and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings, including wood- and steel-framed structures, masonry construction, and concrete-formed structures. Also explains fire- and sound-rated construction.
Module ID 45103: Covers the selection and installation of insulating materials in walls, floors, and attics. Also covers the uses and installation practices for ventilation and vapor retarders, water-resistive barriers, and air infiltration control.
Module ID 45104: Discusses the uses for different types of gypsum board and the fastening devices, adhesives, and methods used to install them. Describes single- and multi-ply installations along with drywall trim. Also covers guidelines for moisture control and fire- and sound-rated walls.
Module ID 45105: Covers the materials, tools, and methods used to achieve the various drywall finishing levels. Also describes the process for repairing finished joints, problems with compound, fastener-related damage, and common problems with gypsum drywall sheets.
Module ID 45101-07: Reviews the history of the trade, shows examples of the work involved, describes the apprentice program, identifies career opportunities for construction workers, and lists the responsibilities and characteristics a worker should possess.
Module ID 45102-07: Provides an overview of the materials and techniques used in building and finishing residential and commercial buildings, including wood- and steel-framed structures, masonry construction, and concrete-formed structures.
Module ID 45103-07: Covers the selection and installation of insulating materials in walls, floors, and attics. Also covers the uses and installation practices for vapor barriers and waterproofing materials.
Module ID 45104-07: Discusses types of gypsum drywall, their uses, and the fastening devices and methods used to install them. Describes installing drywall on walls and ceilings using nails, drywall screws, and adhesives. Also covers fire- and sound-rated walls.
Module ID 45105-07: Covers the materials, tools, and methods used to finish and patch gypsum drywall, including automatic and manual taping tools.
Module ID 45201-09: Focuses on techniques for reading and using architectural and structural drawings and specifications.
Module ID 45202-09: Describes the types and grades of steel framing and provides instructions for selecting and installing steel framing for interior walls, exterior nonbearing walls, and partitions. Also covers engineered framing systems.
Module ID 45203-09: Describes the materials, layout, and installation procedures for suspended ceilings used in commercial construction. Also covers ceiling tiles, drywall suspension systems, and pan-type ceilings.
Module ID 45204-09: Covers the composition and use of specialty interior finishing products, such as vinyl- and fabric-covered panels, wood wall and ceiling panels, and glass fiber-reinforced gypsum (GFRG) panels.
Module ID 45205-09: Covers a variety of specialized exterior finish products, including EIFS, stucco, synthetic veneer stone, panelized cladding, and glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels.
Module ID 45206-09: Covers the materials, tools, and application methods used for specialized interior finishes, such as sand, marble, clay, and Venetian plaster.
Instructor Resources
Instructor Toolbox
NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.
Assessments
NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Click the assessment title below to open its specifications.