Lather (Interior Systems 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:

MWA A – Performs common occupational skills - 27 questions
Task A-1 Performs safety-related functions
3 questions
Task A-2 Uses tools and equipment
6 questions
Task A-3 Organizes work
7 questions
Task A-4 Performs routine trade activities
8 questions
Task A-5 Uses communication and mentoring techniques
3 questions
MWA B – Performs framing activities – 37 questions
Task B-6 Erects non-loadbearing steel assemblies
22 questions
Task B-7 Erects loadbearing steel assemblies
15 questions
MWA C – Installs interior systems - 45 questions
Task C-8 Installs wall systems and components
15 questions
Task C-9 Installs ceiling systems
14 questions
Task C-10 Installs access flooring systems
2 questions
Task C-11 Installs sound barriers and lead radiation shielding
5 questions
Task C-12 Installs smoke and fire barriers
9 questions
MWA D – Installs exterior systems - 16 questions
Task D-13 Installs insulation and membranes
8 questions
Task D-14 Prepares surface for exterior finishes
6 questions
Task D-15 Installs exterior finishes
2 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 40% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

Why is drywall stored in piles of no more than 50 sheets?

  1. Larger piles make it difficult to access the sheets.
  2. Larger piles cause excessive weight-loading on the floor.
  3. A pile of 50 sheets is a perfect height to use as a workbench.
  4. A pile of 50 sheets makes it easier to keep track of inventory.

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 55 and 60% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

What is done to ensure that all the window sills in the exterior wall have the same sill height?

  1. Use a common benchmark to establish the same elevation.
  2. Measure from the floor an equal height at all windows.
  3. Contact the architect for grade level information.
  4. Use the grid lines provided for the column layout.

Answer: A

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:

What is the effect of using 12.7-mm (1/2-in.) standard drywall in a high moisture area?

  1. Drywall will create a moisture barrier.
  2. Potential mould and mildew will occur.
  3. Drywall will provide quality tile substrate.
  4. Potential warping and sagging will occur.

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.