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
Major Work Activity B – Repairs frame and structural components - 28 questions
Major Work Activity C - Repairs non-structural outer body panels and related components - 24 questions
Major Work Activity D - Repairs mechanical, electrical and alternative-fuel system components - 13 questions
Major Work Activity E - Repairs interior components and services restraint systems - 12 questions
Major Work Activity F - Performs refinishing procedures - 22 questions
Major Work Activity G - Performs detailing and cleaning - 6 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?
- Non-conductive urethane.
- Polyurethane.
- Non-conductive silicone.
- 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?
- Remove old adhesive, apply urethane adhesive, clean surface, then reinstall moulding.
- Remove old adhesive, apply adhesion promoter to moulding, apply new adhesive, then reinstall moulding.
- Remove old adhesive, apply adhesion promoter to panel, apply new adhesive, then reinstall moulding.
- 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?
- An open circuit.
- A closed circuit.
- Insufficient amperage.
- 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.