Auto Body and Collision Technician - 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 120 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:

Major Work Activity A – Performs common occupational skills - 15 questions
Task 1 Performs safety-related functions
2 questions
Task 2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
2 questions
Task 3 Uses and maintains welding equipment
2 questions
Task 4 Organizes work and uses documentation
2 questions
Task 5 Uses communication and mentoring techniques
1 question
Task 6 Removes and installs trim and hardware
2 questions
Task 7 Performs final inspections
2 questions
Task 8 Applies corrosion protection and sound deadening materials
2 questions
Major Work Activity B – Repairs frame and structural components - 28 questions
Task 9 Prepares for repair and replacement of structural components
11 questions
Task 10 Repairs, removes and installs structural components
12 questions
Task 11 Removes, installs and repairs structural and laminated glass
5 questions
Major Work Activity C - Repairs non-structural outer body panels and related components - 24 questions
Task 12 Removes, repairs and installs metal panels and components
11 questions
Task 13 Removes, repairs and installs plastic and composite panels and components
9 questions
Task 14 Removes and installs non-structural glass
4 questions
Major Work Activity D - Repairs mechanical, electrical and alternative-fuel system components - 13 questions
Task 15 Deactivates and reactivates alternative-fuel systems
2 questions
Task 16 Removes and installs mechanical components
7 questions
Task 17 Removes, repairs and installs electrical and electronic components
4 questions
Major Work Activity E - Repairs interior components and services restraint systems - 12 questions
Task 18 Repairs and replaces interior components
5 questions
Task 19 Services supplemental restraint systems (SRS)
7 questions
Major Work Activity F - Performs refinishing procedures - 22 questions
Task 20 Prepares surface
5 questions
Task 21 Uses repair materials
3 questions
Task 22 Prepares refinishing equipment
3 questions
Task 23 Prepares refinishing materials
4 questions
Task 24 Applies refinishing materials
5 questions
Task 25 Performs post-refinishing functions
2 questions
Major Work Activity G - Performs detailing and cleaning - 6 questions
Task 26 Details exterior
4 questions
Task 27 Cleans vehicle
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 25 and 35% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

Which type of adhesive is used when installing a heated windshield?

  1. Non-conductive urethane.
  2. Polyurethane.
  3. Non-conductive silicone.
  4. Butyl tape.

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 55 and 65% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

What is the procedure to reinstall a body side moulding after removal and repair?

  1. Remove old adhesive, apply urethane adhesive, clean surface, then reinstall moulding.
  2. Remove old adhesive, apply adhesion promoter to moulding, apply new adhesive, then reinstall moulding.
  3. Remove old adhesive, apply adhesion promoter to panel, apply new adhesive, then reinstall moulding.
  4. Remove old adhesive, clean surface, apply new adhesive, then reinstall moulding.

Answer: B

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:

An electrical fuse blows repeatedly. What is the cause?

  1. An open circuit.
  2. A closed circuit.
  3. Insufficient amperage.
  4. A short to ground.

Answer: D

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.