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47-2081.00 · Task explorer

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Apply plasterboard or other wallboard to ceilings or interior walls of buildings. Apply or mount acoustical tiles or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings and walls of buildings to reduce or reflect sound. Materials may be of decorative quality. Includes lathers who fasten wooden, metal, or rockboard lath to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings to provide support base for plaster, fireproofing, or acoustical material.

Read the task inventory

This source lists 24 tasks, including 18 marked Core and 6 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

24 tasks shown

Core · Task 13504 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Read blueprints or other specifications to determine methods of installation, work procedures, or material or tool requirements.

Core · Task 13503 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Measure and mark surfaces to lay out work, according to blueprints or drawings, using tape measures, straightedges or squares, and marking devices.

Core · Task 13512 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Cut and screw together metal channels to make floor or ceiling frames, according to plans for the location of rooms or hallways.

Core · Task 13508 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Hang drywall panels on metal frameworks of walls and ceilings in offices, schools, or other large buildings, using lifts or hoists to adjust panel heights, when necessary.

Core · Task 13505 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Fit and fasten wallboard or drywall into position on wood or metal frameworks, using glue, nails, or screws.

Core · Task 13507 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Measure and cut openings in panels or tiles for electrical outlets, windows, vents, plumbing, or other fixtures, using keyhole saws or other cutting tools.

Core · Task 13515 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Cut metal or wood framing and trim to size, using cutting tools.

Core · Task 13514 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Cut fixture or border tiles to size, using keyhole saws, and insert them into surrounding frameworks.

Core · Task 13510 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Coordinate work with drywall finishers who cover the seams between drywall panels.

Core · Task 13511 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Trim rough edges from wallboard to maintain even joints, using knives.

Core · Task 13516 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Install horizontal and vertical metal or wooden studs to frames so that wallboard can be attached to interior walls.

Core · Task 13518 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Fasten metal or rockboard lath to the structural framework of walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using nails, screws, staples, or wire-ties.

Core · Task 13522 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Install blanket insulation between studs and tack plastic moisture barriers over insulation.

Core · Task 13509 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Assemble or install metal framing or decorative trim for windows, doorways, or vents.

Core · Task 13517 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Scribe and cut edges of tile to fit walls where wall molding is not specified.

Core · Task 13506 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Hang dry lines to wall moldings to guide positioning of main runners.

Core · Task 13527 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Apply or mount acoustical tile or blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing materials to ceilings or walls of buildings to reduce reflection of sound or to decorate rooms.

Core · Task 13528 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Remove existing plaster, drywall, or paneling, using crowbars and hammers.

Supplemental · Task 13519 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Suspend angle iron grids or channel irons from ceilings, using wire.

Supplemental · Task 13520 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Seal joints between ceiling tiles and walls.

Supplemental · Task 13513 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Inspect furrings, mechanical mountings, or masonry surfaces for plumbness and level, using spirit or water levels.

Supplemental · Task 13523 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Install metal lath where plaster applications will be exposed to weather or water, or for curved or irregular surfaces.

Supplemental · Task 13525 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Nail channels or wood furring strips to surfaces to provide mounting for tile.

Supplemental · Task 13521 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Mount tile, using adhesives, or by nailing, screwing, stapling, or wire-tying lath directly to structural frameworks.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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