Construction Electrician - 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 100 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:
Major Work Activity A - Performs common occupational skills - 11 questions
Major Work Activity B - Installs, services and maintains generating, distribution and service systems - 28 questions
Major Work Activity C - Installs, services and maintains wiring systems - 30 questions
Major Work Activity D - Installs, services and maintains motors and control systems - 21 questions
Major Work Activity E - Installs, services and maintains signalling and communication systems - 10 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 5 and 15% of questions that are this type.
Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:
Where are the overload relays placed for a motor that is not thermally protected?
- In the contactor enclosure.
- In the emergency stop station enclosure.
- At the motor.
- At the distribution panel.
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 60 and 70% of questions are this type.
Example of a Procedural and Application Question:
When performing a lockout on an electrical circuit, what must be done to ensure safety?
- Inform supervisor, de-energize circuit, lock the switch, then tag the switch.
- De-energize circuit, tag the switch, inform supervisor, then lock the switch.
- Tag the switch, lock the switch, remove the fuse, then inform supervisor.
- Inform supervisor, lock the switch, tag the switch, then remove the fuse.
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 20 and 30% of questions are this type.
Example of a Critical Thinking Question:
Given the following information:
- 1 1/2-in. × 4-in. standard octagonal box
- Box contains:
- 1 fixture stud
- 5 wire connectors
What is the maximum number of No. 12 AWG copper conductors permitted?
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Answer: A
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.