Insulator (Heat and Frost) - 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 routine occupational skills - 16 questions
Task A-1 Performs safety-related functions
2 questions
Task A-2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
3 questions
Task A-3 Organizes work
3 questions
Task A-4 Uses communication and mentoring techniques
2 questions
Task A-5 Performs routine trade practices
6 questions
Major Work Activity B - Performs industrial applications - 40 questions
Task B-6 Prepares for installation of insulation in industrial applications
8 questions
Task B-7 Insulates piping and fittings
17 questions
Task B-8 Insulates tanks, vessels and equipment
15 questions
Major Work Activity C - Performs commercial applications - 39 questions
Task C-9 Prepares for installation of insulation in commercial applications
5 questions
Task C-10 Insulates plumbing and mechanical piping systems
14 questions
Task C-11 Insulates mechanical ducting
11 questions
Task C-12 Insulates mechanical equipment
9 questions
Major Work Activity D - Performs applications common to industrial and commercial systems - 15 questions
Task D-13 Installs fire stop systems
5 questions
Task D-14 Insulates for soundproofing
2 questions
Task D-15 Installs removable covers
6 questions
Task D-16 Installs underground insulating systems
2 questions
Major Work Activity E - Performs specialized applications - 12 questions
Task E-17 Sprays sealers, coatings and spray-on insulation
3 questions
Task E-18 Installs fireproofing
2 questions
Task E-19 Installs insulation for refractory systems
3 questions
Task E-20 Installs insulation for cryogenic systems
4 questions
Task E-21 Insulates for marine applications (Not Common Core)
0 questions
Major Work Activity F - Performs asbestos , lead and mould abatement - 8 questions
Task F-22 Prepares for asbestos abatement
3 questions
Task F-23 Performs asbestos removal procedures
3 questions
Task F-24 Performs maintenance and repair
1 question
Task F-25 Performs lead abatement and mould remediation
1 question

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 15 and 25% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

When working at heights above 10 ft., where is the lanyard attached?

  1. Below the feet.
  2. Above the head.
  3. Above the waist.
  4. Below the shoulders.

Answer: B

Procedural and Application

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

For this trade, between 65 and 75% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

After poured-in-place powder insulation is cured, what is done before backfilling the trench?

  1. Install plywood over the insulation.
  2. Install a vapour barrier over the insulation.
  3. Install plywood forms on sides of trench.
  4. Install 6-mil polyethylene to prevent soil intrusion.

Answer: D

Critical Thinking

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

For this trade, between 5 and 15% of questions are this type.

Example of a Critical Thinking Question:

Which size of 4-oz. canvas is required to cover a 100-mm × 25-mm iron pipe 90°-elbow?

  1. 400 mm × 400 mm
  2. 450 mm × 450 mm
  3. 500 mm × 500 mm
  4. 550 mm × 550 mm

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.