Steamfitter/Pipefitter - 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 130 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:
Major Work Activity A – Performs common occupational skills - 16 questions
Major Work Activity B – Performs layout, fabrication and piping installation - 29 questions
Major Work Activity C – Performs rigging, hoisting, lifting and positioning - 17 questions
Major Work Activity D – Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs low and high pressure steam and condensate systems - 24 questions
Major Work Activity E – Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs heating, cooling and process piping systems - 26 questions
Major Work Activity F – Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs renewable energy systems - 7 questions
Major Work Activity G – Performs commissioning, start-up and turnover - 11 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 35 and 45% of questions that are this type.
Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:
Which type of drawing is used for shop assembly?
- Architectural detail drawing.
- Schematic drawing.
- Flow sheet.
- Spool sheet.
Answer: D
Procedural and Application
This type of question tests your ability to apply your knowledge of procedures to a situation.
For this trade, between 45 and 55% of questions are this type.
Example of a Procedural and Application Question:
When a job is complete, what is done with shackles and pins?
- Replace worn pins with bolts, then keep in accessible rigging box.
- Replace worn pins with bolts, then store together in clean, dry environment.
- Remove pins from shackles, then keep in accessible rigging box.
- Place pins in shackles, then store in clean, dry environment.
Answer: D
Critical Thinking
This type of question tests your ability to interpret data, solve problems and arrive at valid conclusions.
For this trade, less than 10% of questions are this type.
Example of a Critical Thinking Question:
There are fluctuations on a test gauge reading during a 24-hour air test. What is the cause?
- Change in elevation.
- Change in volume of system.
- Change in ambient air temperature.
- Test air absorbed by moisture in system.
Answer: C
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.