Plumber - 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 125 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:
Major Work Activity A – Performs common occupational skills - 16 questions
Major Work Activity B – Prepares and assembles tube, tubing and pipe - 13 questions
Major Work Activity C – Installs, tests and services sewers, sewage treatment systems and drainage, waste and vent (DWV) systems - 31 questions
Major Work Activity D – Installs, tests and services water service and distribution - 23 questions
Major Work Activity E – Installs, tests and services fixtures, appliances and water treatment systems - 16 questions
Major Work Activity F – Installs, tests and services low-pressure steam and hydronic systems - 16 questions
Major Work Activity G – Installs, tests and services specialized 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 15 and 25% of questions that are this type.
Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:
A medical gas system has an in-line high pressure sensor. Where is the sensor located?
- Downstream of the terminal unit.
- Upstream of the pressure regulator.
- Upstream of the main shut-off valve.
- Downstream of the pressure regulator.
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 60 and 70% of questions are this type.
Example of a Procedural and Application Question:
Ground conditions prevent the installation of thrust blocks for an underground water service. What is done to restrain the connections?
- Compact soil within 1 ft. of fitting.
- Install companion flange.
- Install continuous rodding.
- Connect using flared coupling.
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 10 and 20% of questions are this type.
Example of a Critical Thinking Question:
The relief valve on an RP is discharging intermittently. What is the cause?
- Test valve 4 is leaking.
- Shut-off valve is open.
- Pressure fluctuations upstream.
- Expansion of water downstream.
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.