Auto Body and Collision Technician - 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 (PDF, 1.2 MB) for this trade and Self-Assessment Guide (PDF, 1.0 MB) for this trade. Also, check out this trade’s Sample Questions.

Total number of questions on Red Seal exam - 120 questions

Block A - Common occupational skills - 11 questions
Task 1 Performs safety-related functions
3 questions
Task 2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
4 questions
Task 3 Uses and maintains welding equipment
4 questions

Block B - Routine trade tasks - 10 questions
Task 4 Organizes work and uses documentation
3 questions
Task 5 Applies corrosion protection and sound deadening materials
3 questions
Task 6 Removes and installs trim and weatherstrips
2 questions
Task 7 Performs inspection
2 questions

Block C - Frame and structural components - 27 questions
Task 8 Prepares for repair and replacement of structural components
10 questions
Task 9 Repairs, removes and installs structural components
12 questions
Task 10 Removes, installs and repairs structural glass
5 questions

Block D - Non-structural outer body panels and related components - 20 questions
Task 11 Removes, repairs and installs metal panels and components
9 questions
Task 12 Removes, repairs and installs plastic and composite panels and components
8 questions
Task 13 Removes and installs non-structural glass
3 questions

Block E - Mechanical, electrical and alternate fuel system components - 14 questions
Task 14 Deactivates and reactivates alternate-fuel systems
4 questions
Task 15 Removes and installs mechanical components
5 questions
Task 16 Removes, repairs and installs electrical components
5 questions

Block F - Restraint system and interior components - 12 questions
Task 17 Repairs and replaces interior components
4 questions
Task 18 Services supplemental restraint systems (SRS)
8 questions

Block G - Refinishing - 19 questions
Task 19 Prepares surfaces
7 questions
Task 20 Uses fillers, primers and surfacers
5 questions
Task 21 Prepares and applies refinishing materials
7 questions

Block H - Detailing and cleaning - 7 questions
Task 22 Details exterior
5 questions
Task 23 Cleans vehicle
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.