Oil Heat System 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 National Occupational Analysis. This trade's Red Seal exam has 110 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:

Block A – Common occupational skills – 7 questions
Task 1 Uses tools and equipment
4 questions
Task 2 Organizes work
3 questions
Block B – Fuel supply and storage systems – 18 questions
Task 3 Installs fuel storage tanks
8 questions
Task 4 Installs fuel supply system
10 questions
Block C – Oil-fired heating systems – 27 questions
Task 5 Installs and retrofits oil-fired and wood/oil appliances and components
5 questions
Task 6 Installs forced-air heating systems
9 questions
Task 7 Installs hydronic heating systems
13 questions
Block D – Venting, combustion and make-up air – 17 questions
Task 8 Selects venting system
9 questions
Task 9 Installs equipment and components for combustion air and make-up air
8 questions
Block E – Electrical/electronic systems – 21 questions
Task 10 Installs electrical and electronic systems
10 questions
Task 11 Tests electrical and electronic systems
11 questions
Block F – Maintenance, diagnosis, repair and removal – 20 questions
Task 12 Maintains oil-fired heating systems and components
4 questions
Task 13 Diagnoses oil-fired heating systems and components
8 questions
Task 14 Repairs oil-fired heating systems and components
6 questions
Task 15 Removes appliances and components
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 antifreeze solution is recommended for hydronic heating because of its good heat conductivity and non-toxic properties?

  1. Ethylene glycol.
  2. Brine.
  3. Methyl hydrate.
  4. Propylene glycol.

Answer: D

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 first step when replacing a heating system?

  1. Remove the burner.
  2. Remove the vent pipe.
  3. Disconnect the fuel lines.
  4. Shut off the electrical power.

Answer: D

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:

When replacing a pressure control, the set point of the control is 7 psi. The control is subtractive and has a differential of 3 psi. When will the control open and close its contacts?

  1. Open at 10 and close at 4.
  2. Close at 4 and open at 7.
  3. Close at 7 and open at 4.
  4. Close at 3 and open at 7.

Answer: B

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.