Metal Fabricator (Fitter) - 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:

A - Performs common occupational skills - 34 questions
Task 1 Performs safety-related functions
6 questions
Task 2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
6 questions
Task 3 Organizes work
6 questions
Task 4 Performs quality assurance throughout fabrication and assembly process
7 questions
Task 5 Handles materials
6 questions
Task 6 Uses communication and mentoring techniques
3 questions
B - Fabricates components - 56 questions
Task 7 Performs layout
24 questions
Task 8 Cuts materials
17 questions
Task 9 Forms materials
15 questions
C - Assembles components - 40 questions
Task 10 Fits and fastens sub‑components and components
19 questions
Task 11 Performs welding activities
13 questions
Task 12 Completes project
8 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:

Where are notes located on a weld symbol?

  1. In the tail.
  2. On the arrow. 
  3. Below the reference line.
  4. Above the reference line.

Answer: A

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:

What is done when tacking grating stair treads to a stringer?

  1. Line up the bearing bars.
  2. Pre-paint the stair treads.
  3. Line up the nosing points on to the nosing line.
  4. Place the nosing line to 90° of the banding bar.

Answer: C

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 result of excessive blade gap clearance on a power shear?

  1. Out-of-square cutting.
  2. Material roll-over.
  3. Improper rake.
  4. Dull blades.

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.