Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic - Exam Information

Table of Contents

Self-Assessment

This tool can be used to reflect on your own experience and knowledge in the trade compared with what is on the exam.

Exam Breakdown

Each Red Seal exam's questions are developed to assess the activities laid out in the Red Seal Occupational Standard. This trade's Red Seal exam has 125 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:

Major Work Activity A – Performs common occupational skills - 13 questions
Task A-1 Performs safety-related functions
3 questions
Task A-2 Uses tools and equipment
5 questions
Task A-3 Organizes work
3 questions
Task A-4 Uses communication and mentoring techniques
2 questions
Major Work Activity B – Performs routine trade activities - 19 questions
Task B-5 Performs work site preparation
5 questions
Task B-6 Performs trade activities
14 questions
Major Work Activity C – Plans installation - 18 questions
Task C-7 Plans installation of HVAC/R systems
11 questions
Task C-8 Plans installation of control systems
7 questions
Major Work Activity D – Performs installation - 26 questions
Task D-9 Installs HVAC/R systems
16 questions
Task D-10 Installs control systems
10 questions
Major Work Activity E – Performs commissioning - 21 questions
Task E-11 Commissions HVAC/R systems
13 questions
Task E-12 Commissions control systems
8 questions
Major Work Activity F – Performs maintenance and service - 28 questions
Task F-13 Maintains HVAC/R systems
8 questions
Task F-14 Services HVAC/R systems
11 questions
Task F-15 Maintains and services control systems
9 questions

Types of Exam Questions

All Red Seal exam questions are written in multiple-choice format. A multiple-choice question consists of question followed by four possible responses (A, B, C, D). Every question has exactly one correct answer and three incorrect options. They are not misleading or trick questions, but the incorrect options are not always obvious.

There are three types of questions that you will see on Red Seal Exams:

  • Knowledge and Recall
  • Procedural and Application
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge and Recall

This type of question tests your ability to recall and understand definitions, facts and principles.

For this trade, between 20 and 30% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

Which cooling coil is selected for maximum dehumidification?

  1. 4 row high velocity.
  2. 4 row low velocity.
  3. 8 row low velocity.
  4. 8 row high velocity.

Answer: C

Procedural and Application

This type of question tests your ability to apply your knowledge of procedures to a situation.

For this trade, between 50 and 60% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

A manual pump down is required. How is the king valve adjusted? 

  1. By turning the stem clockwise to front seat.
  2. By turning the stem clockwise to back seat.
  3. By turning the stem counter-clockwise to front seat.
  4. By turning the stem counter-clockwise to back seat.

Answer: A

Critical Thinking

This type of question tests  your ability to interpret data, solve problems and arrive at valid conclusions.

For this trade, between 10 and 20% of questions are this type.

Example of a Critical Thinking Question:

There is high suction pressure on a heat pump. What is the cause?

  1. Low refrigerant charge.
  2. Leaking reversing valve.
  3. Leaking liquid line solenoid.
  4. Restricted liquid line filter-drier.

Answer: B

Try more sample questions for this trade and check out the Exam Preparation Guide. It will give you practical insights on what goes into Red Seal exams, and how you can best prepare yourself to do well.

For more information about exam preparation materials contact your provincial/territorial apprenticeship office.