Sheet Metal Worker - 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 - 24 questions
Task A-1 Performs safety-related functions
5 questions
Task A-2 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
9 questions
Task A-3 Organizes work
7 questions
Task A-4 Uses communication and mentoring techniques
3 questions
Major Work Activity B - Performs site preparation - 38 questions
Task B-5 Performs pattern development
13 questions
Task B-6 Fabricates sheet metal components for air and material handling systems
16 questions
Task B-7 Fabricates flashing, roofing, sheeting and cladding
3 questions
Task B-8 Fabricates specialty products
6 questions
Major Work Activity C - Installs air and material handling systems - 41 questions
Task C-9 Prepares installation site
7 questions
Task C-10 Installs and connects chimneys, breeching and venting to exhaust appliances and mechanical equipment
6 questions
Task C-11 Installs air handling system components
16 questions
Task C-12 Installs material handling system components
5 questions
Task C-13 Applies thermal insulation, lagging, cladding and flashing
3 questions
Task C-14 Performs leak testing, air balancing and commissioning
4 questions
Major Work Activity D - Installs roofing and specialty products - 10 questions
Task D-15 Installs metal roofing and cladding/siding systems
3 questions
Task D-16 Installs exterior components
2 questions
Task D-17 Installs specialty products
5 questions
Major Work Activity E - Performs maintenance and repair - 7 questions
Task E-18 Performs scheduled maintenance
3 questions
Task E-19 Repairs faulty systems and components
4 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 20 and 30% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

When changes are made to a duct system from the original drawings, where are the changes documented?

  1. Engineered drawings.
  2. Architectural drawings.
  3. As-built drawings.
  4. Structural drawings.

Answer: C

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:

What is the procedure to attach a sheet metal illuminated cabinet sign to an exterior wall?

  1. Verify location, check for obstructions, attach the back, sides, then face.
  2. Check for obstructions, verify location, attach the face, sides, then back.
  3. Check for obstructions, verify location, attach the sides, back, then face.
  4. Verify location, check for obstructions, attach the sides, face, then back.

Answer: A

Critical Thinking

This type of question tests  your ability to interpret data, solve problems and arrive at valid conclusions.

For this trade, between 5 and 15% of questions are this type.

Example of a Critical Thinking Question:

Given the following information:

  • The supply duct is 24 in. × 16 in.
  • The return air duct is 32 in. × 20 in.
  • The space between ducts before insulation is 6 in.
  • The clearance from building materials is 1 in.
  • Both ducts have 2 in. of thermal insulation.

What are the minimum dimensions for roof penetration required to accommodate both ducts?

  1. 50 in. × 40 in.
  2. 52 in. × 38 in.
  3. 68 in. × 26 in.
  4. 72 in. × 26 in.

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.