MOS 21W Carpentry and Masonry Specialist

Civilian Equivalents The following civilian occupations are similar to MOS 21W. For more information about these occupations from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, click on the civilian equivalent below. Brickmasons and Blockmasons Carpenters Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers

Credential Summary     Certification   Federal License   State License   Apprenticeship

National Certification

The following sections provide information on national certifications related to MOS 21W.

Common Certifications

The following certifications are directly applicable to MOS 21W. For information about how well military training and experience qualify you for these certifications, use the links below.

American Concrete Institute International
	Concrete Flatwork Finisher & Technician (CFFT)

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Advanced/Specialized and Other Certifications

Soldiers in MOS 21W may also be interested in the following certifications. These certifications may require additional education, training or experience. For information about the general requirements for these certifications from the certifying boards, use the links below.

American Concrete Institute International

• ACI - Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I  
• ACI Concrete Construction Special Inspector  
• ACI Shotcrete Nozzleman (Dry-Mix Process)  
• ACI Shotcrete Nozzleman (Wet-Mix Process)  
• CSA Based Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I
• Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Grade I  
• Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Grade II  
• Concrete Strength Testing Technician (CSTT)  
• Concrete Transportation Construction Inspector (CTCI)  
• Field Aggregate Testing Technician (FATT)  
• Laboratory Aggregate Testing Technician (LATT)  
• TIlt-Up Supervisor and Technician

International Code Council (ICC)

• Certified Prestressed Concrete Special Inspector  
• Certified Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector  
• Certified Structural Masonry Special Inspector  

Prometric (formerly Experior Assessments)

• Construction Code Inspector

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State Licensure

A number of states require licensure for individuals practicing in this field in the civilian workforce. You can search for state licensure requirements on the
U.S. Department of Labor’s Licensed Occupations web site.

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Apprenticeship

There is no centralized source of information regarding opportunities for apprenticeships. In addition to the direct links above, contact your State Apprenticeship Council Information or the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training) for details about apprenticeship or other work opportunities in the construction equipment operator trade. Another potential source of information is the America’s Job Bank Web site.

Carpentry

Most employers prefer individuals who have completed a formal carpentry apprenticeship. These apprenticeships, which typically last three to four years, are administered by local joint union-management committees of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc.

On the job, apprentices learn elementary structural design and become familiar with common carpentry jobs, such as layout, form building, rough framing, and outside and inside finishing. They also learn to use the tools, machines, equipment, and materials of the trade. Apprentices receive classroom instruction in safety, first aid, blueprint reading, freehand sketching, basic mathematics, and different carpentry techniques. Both in the classroom and on the job, they learn the relationship between carpentry and the other building trades.

Masonry

Most cement masons, concrete finishers, segmental pavers, and terrazzo workers learn their trades either through on-the-job training as helpers, or through three-year apprenticeship programs. These apprenticeship programs, which are administered by local unions and contractors such as those affiliated with the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., provide on-the-job training in addition to a recommended minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction each year. In the classroom, apprentices learn applied mathematics, blueprint reading, and safety. Apprentices generally receive special instruction in layout work and cost estimation.

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