Ironworker (Reinforcing) - 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 120 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:

Block A - Occupational skills - 19 questions
Task 1 Interprets occupational documentation
6 questions
Task 2 Communicates in the workplace
3 questions
Task 3 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
6 questions
Task 4 Organizes work
4 questions
Block B - Rigging and hoisting - 28 questions
Task 5 Selects rigging equipment
14 questions
Task 6 Uses hoisting and lifting equipment
14 questions
Block C - Cranes - 5 questions
Task 7 Selects, assembles and erects cranes and components
3 questions
Task 8 Disassembles cranes
2 questions
Block D - Reinforcing - 57 questions
Task 9 Fabricates on-site
13 questions
Task 10 Installs reinforcing material
44 questions
Block E - Pre-stresses/post-tensions - 11 questions
Task 11 Places pre-stressed/post-tensioning systems
4 questions
Task 12 Stresses tendons
5 questions
Task 13 Grouts tendons
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 65 and 75% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

Which type of drawing supercedes the rebar placing drawing?

  1. Electrical.
  2. Structural.
  3. Mechanical.
  4. Architectural.

Answer: B

Procedural and Application

This type of question tests your ability to apply your knowledge of procedures to a situation.

For this trade, between 25 and 35% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

How is a 6-m bundle of epoxy coated rebar rigged for lifting?

  1. Nylon slings with a two-leg choker hitch.
  2. Nylon slings with a two-leg bridle hitch.
  3. Wire rope slings with a two-leg choker hitch.
  4. Wire rope slings with a two-leg bridle hitch.

Answer: A

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:

If the building height is 62.5 m, and the under hook height is 84.37 m,how many 6-m tower sections weighing 1 750 kg (3 850 lb) each can be hoisted and placed inside an elevator shaft using a crane with a capacity of 5 tons?

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

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.