Automotive Service 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 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 - 8 questions
Major Work Activity B – Diagnoses And Repairs Engine And Engine Support Systems - 24 questions
Major Work Activity C – Diagnoses And Repairs Vehicle Module Communications Systems - 12 questions
Major Work Activity D – Diagnoses And Repairs Driveline Systems - 18 questions
Major Work Activity E – Diagnoses And Repairs Electrical And Comfort Control Systems - 21 questions
Major Work Activity F – Diagnoses And Repairs Steering And Suspension, Braking, Control Systems, Tires, Hubs And Wheel Bearings - 26 questions
Major Work Activity G – Diagnoses And Repairs Restraint Systems, Body Components, Accessories And Trim - 10 questions
Major Work Activity H – Diagnoses And Repairs Hybrid And Electric Vehicles (Ev) - 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 5 and 15% of questions that are this type.
Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:
When using an oxy-acetylene torch, what PPE and safety equipment is required?
- Oxy-acetylene goggles, leather gloves and eye wash station.
- Oxy-acetylene goggles, leather gloves and fire extinguisher.
- Oxy-acetylene goggles, cotton gloves and fire extinguisher.
- Oxy-acetylene goggles, cotton gloves and first aid station.
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 40 and 50% of questions are this type.
Example of a Procedural and Application Question:
What is the procedure to measure accessory drive belt tension?
- Lay a straight edge across 2 pulleys, then push and measure belt deflection.
- Place a 5-lb. weight on a vertical belt surface, then measure deflection.
- Turn a pulley using a torque wrench, then measure the force required.
- Use a straight edge, then measure belt deflection using a micrometer.
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 40 and 50% of questions are this type.
Example of a Critical Thinking Question:
Excessive tire squeal occurs when turning at moderate speeds. All alignment adjustments are within specifications. What is the cause?
- Underinflated tires.
- Seized ball joints.
- Overinflated tires.
- Defective strut mounts.
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.