Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) - 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 - 14 questions
Task 1 Interprets occupational documentation
4 questions
Task 2 Communicates in the workplace
2 questions
Task 3 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
5 questions
Task 4 Organizes work
3 questions
Block B - Rigging and hoisting - 30 questions
Task 5 Selects rigging equipment
14 questions
Task 6 Uses hoisting and lifting equipment
16 questions
Block C - Cranes - 16 questions
Task 7 Assembles and erects cranes
10 questions
Task 8 Disassembles cranes
6 questions
Block D - Erection, assembly and installation - 48 questions
Task 9 Installs primary and secondary structural members
24 questions
Task 10 Installs ornamental components and systems
14 questions
Task 11 Installs conveyors, machinery and equipment
10 questions
Block E - Maintenance and upgrading - 12 questions
Task 12 Repairs components
6 questions
Task 13 Decommissions, disassembles and removes structural, mechanical and miscellaneous components
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 50 and 60% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

Which type of drawings indicate piece numbers for assembly of structural steel buildings?

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

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 35 and 45% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

What is the procedure for off-loading a trailer of structural steel?

  1. Verify bill of lading, select proper rigging, then place in staging area.
  2. Verify bill of lading, shake out steel, then remove load binders.
  3. Position trailer, place in staging area, then remove load binders.
  4. Position trailer, attach rigging, then calculate weight of steel.

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:

What length of 3/4-in. bolt is required to fasten a double connection through the web of a column when the beam end connections are 5/8 in. each and the web thickness is 1/2 in.?

  1. 3 1/2 in.
  2. 3 in.
  3. 2 1/5 in.
  4. 2 in.

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.