Heavy Duty Equipment 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 135 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:

Block A - Common occupational skills - 11 questions
Task 1 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
3 questions
Task 2 Performs general maintenance and inspections
4 questions
Task 3 Organizes work
2 questions
Task 4 Performs routine trade activities
2 questions
Block B - Engines and engine support systems - 21 questions
Task 5 Diagnoses engines and engine support systems
12 questions
Task 6 Repairs engines and engine support systems
9 questions
Block C - Hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems - 26 questions
Task 7 Diagnoses hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems
16 questions
Task 8 Repairs hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems
10 questions
Block D - Drivetrain systems - 18 questions
Task 9 Diagnoses drivetrain systems
11 questions
Task 10 Repairs drivetrain systems
7 questions
Block E - Steering, suspension, brake systems, wheel assemblies and undercarriage - 20 questions
Task 11 Diagnoses steering, suspension, brake systems, wheel assemblies and undercarriage
11 questions
Task 12 Repairs steering, suspension, brake systems, wheel assemblies and undercarriage
9 questions
Block F - Electrical and vehicle management systems - 24 questions
Task 13 Diagnoses electrical systems
8 questions
Task 14 Repairs electrical systems
4 questions
Task 15 Diagnoses electronic vehicle management systems
8 questions
Task 16 Repairs electronic vehicle management systems
4 questions
Block G - Environmental control systems - 8 questions
Task 17 Diagnoses environmental control systems
5 questions
Task 18 Repairs environmental control systems
3 questions
Block H - Structural components, accessories and attachments - 7 questions
Task 19 Diagnoses structural components, accessories and attachments
3 questions
Task 20 Repairs structural components, accessories and attachments
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 5 and 15% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

What is meant by the viscosity of an oil?

  1. Point at which oil solidifies.
  2. Temperature at which oil vaporizes.
  3. Fluidity of oil.
  4. Classification of oil quality.

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 35 and 45% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

When a hydraulic system malfunctions, what is checked first?

  1. Cycle time.
  2. Pump flow.
  3. Fluid level.
  4. System pressure.

Answer: C

Critical Thinking

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

For this trade, between 45 and 55% of questions are this type.

Example of a Critical Thinking Question:

What is the result of overfilling a powershift transmission?

  1. Low stall speed.
  2. No forced downshift.
  3. Low shift points at full throttle.
  4. Overheating.

Answer: D

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.