ETC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ETC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A soil sample has a liquid limit of 45 and a plastic limit of 20. What is the plasticity index (PI)? → 25
2. Which type of sensor converts physical displacement into an electrical signal? → LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer)
3. In an orthographic projection drawing using third-angle projection (standard in the US), where is the right-side view placed relative to the front view? → To the right of the front view
4. Minor losses in a piping system are caused by: → Fittings, valves, bends, and abrupt geometry changes
5. Pascal's Law states that pressure applied to a confined, incompressible fluid is: → Transmitted equally in all directions
6. Which type of weld discontinuity does a guided bend test most effectively detect? → Lack of fusion and cracks
7. What does R-value measure in building insulation? → Thermal resistance, or how well the material resists heat flow
8. What is the refrigeration cycle's primary purpose in an air conditioning system? → To transfer heat from the indoor space to the outdoor environment using a refrigerant
9. A clamp-on ammeter measures current without breaking the circuit by sensing which physical phenomenon? → Magnetic field around the conductor
10. A technician discovers that a piece of equipment does not have an established lockout/tagout procedure. What is the correct first step? → Notify the supervisor and stop work until a procedure is developed
11. What type of pump is most commonly used for moving water in building plumbing systems? → Centrifugal pump
12. What is the function of a construction testing laboratory during a project? → To perform independent material testing to verify compliance with specifications
13. What does the term 'voltage drop' refer to in an electrical circuit? → Reduction in voltage across a component due to resistance
14. In project documentation, what is the primary purpose of a lessons learned register? → To capture knowledge for improving future projects
15. What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve in a pressure vessel? → To automatically release pressure when it exceeds safe limits, preventing vessel failure
16. What is the purpose of a topographic survey? → To map the natural and man-made features and elevations of a site
17. What is the primary purpose of a datum reference frame in GD&T? → To establish a coordinate system from which measurements are made
18. When working on energized electrical equipment, what NFPA 70E boundary requires rubber insulating gloves? → Restricted Approach Boundary
19. What is a risk register used for? → Track and mitigate project risks
20. What is the minimum concrete cover for reinforcing steel in a slab not exposed to weather per ACI 318? → 0.75 inch (three-quarters inch)
21. What US federal agency is primarily responsible for setting and enforcing environmental regulations? → Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
22. What does the term 'subgrade' refer to in road construction? → The native or prepared soil layer below the pavement structure
23. A material exhibits a 0.2% offset yield strength. What does the 0.2% refer to? → The plastic strain offset used to define yield
24. Which surveying method uses GPS satellites to determine precise coordinates? → GNSS/GPS surveying
25. What does calibration of an instrument ensure? → That readings are traceable to a known standard and within acceptable accuracy
26. What can poor technical design lead to? → Product failures and safety risks
27. Which instrument is used to measure electrical resistance in a circuit? → Ohmmeter
28. What is the purpose of a retention pond in site stormwater management? → To permanently store runoff, allowing settling of pollutants and reducing peak flows
29. A technician must work within the Limited Approach Boundary of energized electrical equipment. According to NFPA 70E, who may enter this boundary? → Qualified persons or unqualified persons escorted by a qualified person
30. What action is essential for maintaining safety compliance? → Conduct regular safety audits