Mobile Crane Operator - Red Seal Exam Breakdown

A Red Seal exam is based on the standard, called the National Occupational Analysis for the trade. The standard describes the skills and knowledge required to perform the duties of the trade. Each standard is divided into Blocks, which are divided into Tasks, which are divided into sub-tasks.

The Red Seal exam has a certain number of questions assigned to these sections. The number of questions are provided below.

For more information, see the full National Occupational Analysis and Self-Assessment Guide (PDF, 1.2 MB) for this trade. Also, check out this trade’s Sample Questions.

Total number of questions on Red Seal exam - 110 questions

Block A - Common occupational skills - 7 questions
Task 1 Performs safety-related functions
4 questions
Task 2 Organizes work
3 questions

Block B - Hoisting calculations - 24 questions
Task 3 Determines load weights
6 questions
Task 4 Calculates crane capacity
10 questions
Task 5 Performs rigging calculations
8 questions

Block C - Crane inspection and maintenance - 11 questions
Task 6 Performs pre-operational checks and regular inspections
5 questions
Task 7 Performs operational and continual checks
4 questions
Task 8 Performs minor crane maintenance
2 questions

Block D - Rigging - 15 questions
Task 9 Inspects, maintains and stores slings and hardware
6 questions
Task 10 Follows rigging procedures
9 questions

Block E - Lift planning, site preparation and crane setup - 18 questions
Task 11 Performs pre-lift planning
8 questions
Task 12 Sets up crane
10 questions

Block F - Crane assembly, disassembly andtransport - 14 questions
Task 13 Loads and unloads components for transport
2 questions
Task 14 Drives crane on public roadways
2 questions
Task 15 Assembles and disassembles lattice boom cranes
4 questions
Task 16 Assembles and disassembles telescopic boom cranes
4 questions
Task 17 Assembles and disassembles specialty equipment and attachments
2 questions

Block G - Crane operations - 21 questions
Task 18 Performs common craning operations
4 questions
Task 19 Operates friction drive lattice boom cranes
3 questions
Task 20 Operates hydraulic drive lattice boom cranes
4 questions
Task 21 Operates telescopic boom cranes
4 questions
Task 22 Performs specialty craning operations
4 questions
Task 23 Secures crane
2 questions

For more information about exam preparation materials (textbooks, modules, etc.) contact your provincial/territorial apprenticeship office.

*Number of questions assigned are derived from the input from people in this trade from across Canada.