Mobile Crane Operator - 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 110 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:
Block A - Performs common occupational skills - 7 questions
Block B - Performs hoisting calculations - 20 questions
Block C - Inspects and maintains crane - 14 questions
Block D - Performs rigging - 13 questions
Block E - Plans lift, prepares site and sets up crane - 16 questions
Block F - Assembles, disassembles and transports crane - 15 questions
Block G - Operates crane - 25 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 15 and 25% of questions that are this type.
Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:
What is an indication of worn wear pads on telescopic booms?
- Excessive boom deflection.
- Faster than normal telescoping.
- A trail of grease.
- Slower than normal telescoping.
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 60 and 70% of questions are this type.
Example of a Procedural and Application Question:
After making several lifts from one spot, what is done to ensure subsequent lifts are safe?
- Check hydraulic oil.
- Check crane for level.
- Check wind conditions.
- Check radius.
Answer: B
Critical Thinking
This type of question tests your ability to interpret data, solve problems and arrive at valid conclusions.
For this trade, between 10 and 20% of questions are this type.
Example of a Critical Thinking Question:
Given the following information:
- Load weighs 18 700 lb.
- 40 ton, 4 sheave block
- Block weighs 1 200 lb.
- Spreader bar weighs 650 lb. including slings
- Line pull is 6 300 lb.
What is the minimum number of parts of line required to perform the following lift?
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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.